CA2339715C - Side entry sub - Google Patents
Side entry sub Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2339715C CA2339715C CA 2339715 CA2339715A CA2339715C CA 2339715 C CA2339715 C CA 2339715C CA 2339715 CA2339715 CA 2339715 CA 2339715 A CA2339715 A CA 2339715A CA 2339715 C CA2339715 C CA 2339715C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- well
- side entry
- casing
- entry sub
- tubing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 16
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 abstract description 10
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003245 coal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000839 emulsion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000004677 hydrates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000002445 nipple Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 shale Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
- E21B17/023—Arrangements for connecting cables or wirelines to downhole devices
- E21B17/025—Side entry subs
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
Abstract
The invention provides for an improved method of removing debris from a producing oil, gas, or commercial water well without the necessity of using a service rig or retraction of the tubing string. In accordance with this method there is provided a side entry sub that is situated in the well casing string. The side entry sub has an access port with a hollow feed passageway permitting the introduction of coiled tubing into the main flow passage. The coiled tubing is passed down the main flow passage adjacent to the tubing string to the desired depth. Fluids are then introduced into the well through the coiled tubing. The fluids mix with the debris and the mixture is forced to flow out of the well using the tubing string or the main flow passage of the production casing. This flow of liquefied debris facilitates effective extraction of the debris from the well without the need of a servicing rig for production tubing retraction and intervention with specialized cleanout tools.
Description
CANADIAN PATENT
FILE NO. 46490.1 SIDE ENTRY SUB
Inventor: David Cadrin Assignee: David Cadrin and Kirby Hayes FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a side entry sub for the servicing of producing oil, gas &
commercial water wells.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An inherent problem with producing oil, gas & commercial water wells is the presence and/or build up in the well bore of materials that interfere with the production of the desired fluids from the well. These materials consist of sand, shale, coal, gravel, drilling mud, asphaltenes, wax, hydrates, emulsions, scale etc. The general term used throughout this application to describe these materials will be "debris". The presence of debris can cause excessive wear on equipment, blockages, production problems and downhole production equipment failure. Current techniques for the removal of debris involve the use of a servicing rig, the retraction of the production tubing string and the use of specialized auxiliary equipment and tools to remove the debris. These techniques are involved, expensive and time consuming.
Revenue is lost through lost production due to extended downtime while servicing the well.
It is known to inject coiled tubing into the annular space between the tubing string and the well casing and to then pump fluids through the coiled tubing in an effort to remove debris that are interfering with well fluid production. The term "fluids" as used throughout this application refers to liquids and gases and combinations of liquids and gases as are commonly found in oil field operations. Canadian Patent No. 2,268,223 discloses a modified casing spool having a side access port. The side access port allows access to the annular space for injection of coiled tubing into the well bore. However, the manufacture of a casing spool with side access ports is unduly complicated and expensive as it requires the engineering and fabrication of a means of supporting the weight of the production tubing and providing a means of sealing off the casing annulus from the production tubing.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for an alternative means for servicing a producing well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a novel side access port and a method of servicing a well.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a side entry sub for the servicing of a well, where said well includes a well casing and a casing bowl for hanging a tubing string, said sub comprising:
(a) a body having a first end and a second end, an interior and exterior surface, said body defining a main flow passage extending from said first end to said second end;
(b) an access port forming part of the body or attached to the body between the first and second end, said access port defining a side passage extending from the main flow passage outwardly from the body along the length of the access point; and (c) means for attaching a control valve to the exterior end of the access port for regulating fluid flow;
wherein the body is adapted to be rigidly attached to the well casing below the casing bowl.
FILE NO. 46490.1 SIDE ENTRY SUB
Inventor: David Cadrin Assignee: David Cadrin and Kirby Hayes FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a side entry sub for the servicing of producing oil, gas &
commercial water wells.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An inherent problem with producing oil, gas & commercial water wells is the presence and/or build up in the well bore of materials that interfere with the production of the desired fluids from the well. These materials consist of sand, shale, coal, gravel, drilling mud, asphaltenes, wax, hydrates, emulsions, scale etc. The general term used throughout this application to describe these materials will be "debris". The presence of debris can cause excessive wear on equipment, blockages, production problems and downhole production equipment failure. Current techniques for the removal of debris involve the use of a servicing rig, the retraction of the production tubing string and the use of specialized auxiliary equipment and tools to remove the debris. These techniques are involved, expensive and time consuming.
Revenue is lost through lost production due to extended downtime while servicing the well.
It is known to inject coiled tubing into the annular space between the tubing string and the well casing and to then pump fluids through the coiled tubing in an effort to remove debris that are interfering with well fluid production. The term "fluids" as used throughout this application refers to liquids and gases and combinations of liquids and gases as are commonly found in oil field operations. Canadian Patent No. 2,268,223 discloses a modified casing spool having a side access port. The side access port allows access to the annular space for injection of coiled tubing into the well bore. However, the manufacture of a casing spool with side access ports is unduly complicated and expensive as it requires the engineering and fabrication of a means of supporting the weight of the production tubing and providing a means of sealing off the casing annulus from the production tubing.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for an alternative means for servicing a producing well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a novel side access port and a method of servicing a well.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a side entry sub for the servicing of a well, where said well includes a well casing and a casing bowl for hanging a tubing string, said sub comprising:
(a) a body having a first end and a second end, an interior and exterior surface, said body defining a main flow passage extending from said first end to said second end;
(b) an access port forming part of the body or attached to the body between the first and second end, said access port defining a side passage extending from the main flow passage outwardly from the body along the length of the access point; and (c) means for attaching a control valve to the exterior end of the access port for regulating fluid flow;
wherein the body is adapted to be rigidly attached to the well casing below the casing bowl.
The main flow passage is large enough to accommodate the tubing string but makes no provision for the situation of a tubing hanger within an internal bowl as found in a casing spool.
When debris builds up in the well, coiled tubing can be introduced into the well through the hollow passageway in the access port. The coiled tubing is extended through the length of the access port and into the main flow passage adjacent to the tubing string to the desired depth in the well. Fluids can be introduced through the coiled tubing for the purpose of flushing, washing, circulating or otherwise dislodge or aid in the removal of the debris from the well.
The apparatus and method of the present invention provides for the use of a side entry sub which forms an integral part of the well casing and which is not part of the casing spool.
The invention does not require the provision of an integral bowl or tubing hanger greatly reducing production costs of the side entry sub units making the method yet more financially economic. The invention may be used in conjunction with existing casing spool/tubing hanger configurations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawing in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevation view, in section, of one embodiment of a side entry sub.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The side entry sub (10) shown in Figure 1 comprises a body (54) with a first end (24) and a second end (16) with an interior surface (20) and an exterior surface (22) defining a main flow passage (18). Side entry sub (10) has an access port (48) forming part of the body (54) or attached to the exterior surface (22). The access port (48) has hollow feed passageway (42) which extends outwardly along the length of the access port (48) from the main flow passage (18). A flow control valve (44) is attached to the access port to control fluid flow. The valve (44) may be attached by conventional means such as by welding or an NPT
threaded box or by means of a flanged connection having an appropriate pressure rating. The access port (48) is formed by welding or casting a nipple onto the side of the body (54) at an upward angle which is preferably between about 3 to about 45 from the vertical and niore preferably about 3 to about 15 . The smaller the angle, the easier it is to insert coiled tubing through the access port.
The appropriate length, diameter and weight of the sub (10) may be chosen by one skilled in the art having regard to the weight, grade, service, size and pressure rating of the production casing of the well it is installed in. Such dimensions are not to be limiting of the invention claimed herein. As well, the length and diameter of the access port (48) may be similarly varied.
The side entry sub 10 is attached to the well by preferably welding the first end (24) and the second end (16) to the well casing (26). The side entry sub (10) may also be attached to the well casing (26) by conventional flanges (not shown) however it is preferable not to thread the sub (10) into the casing string to prevent rotation of the casing string when coiled tubing is working in the well. The well casing (26) above the side entry sub (10) is attached to a casing spool (32) by means of a casing attachment flange (28) and the second casing spool attachment flange (30). Casing spool (32) includes an internal bowl (34), a tubing hanger (38), a valve (52) and horizontal ports (51). The tubing string (12) is suspended from the tubing hanger (38) located in the casing spool (32) as is well known in the art.
The internal surfaces of the sub (10) are preferably boronized or otherwise treated to minimize abrasive wear, as is well known in the art.
The use and operation of the side entry sub (10) will now be described with reference to Figure 1. When debris must be removed from the well, coiled tubing (50) is passed through the access port (48), through the feed passageway (42) and into the main flow passage (18). The coiled tubing (50) then descends into the well down the main flow passage (18) adjacent to the tubing string (12) to the desired depth. Fluid is then pumped into the well through the coiled tubing (50) or the tubing string (12) to the desired depth where it mixes with the debris. The debris / fluid mixture is then pumped to the surface through the main flow passage (18) and out the horizontal side ports (51) or up the production tubing string (12) effectively removing the debris from the well.
This method replaces the current time consuming and expensive techniques of debris removal which involve the use of a servicing rig, the retraction of the tubing string and the use of specialized auxiliary equipment and tools. It also provides for the use of a side entry sub which forms an integral part of the well casing and which is not part of the casing spool. The proposed invention does not require the provision of an internal bowl or tubing hangers greatly reducing production costs of the side entry sub units making the method yet more financially economic.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the invention claimed herein.
When debris builds up in the well, coiled tubing can be introduced into the well through the hollow passageway in the access port. The coiled tubing is extended through the length of the access port and into the main flow passage adjacent to the tubing string to the desired depth in the well. Fluids can be introduced through the coiled tubing for the purpose of flushing, washing, circulating or otherwise dislodge or aid in the removal of the debris from the well.
The apparatus and method of the present invention provides for the use of a side entry sub which forms an integral part of the well casing and which is not part of the casing spool.
The invention does not require the provision of an integral bowl or tubing hanger greatly reducing production costs of the side entry sub units making the method yet more financially economic. The invention may be used in conjunction with existing casing spool/tubing hanger configurations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawing in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevation view, in section, of one embodiment of a side entry sub.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The side entry sub (10) shown in Figure 1 comprises a body (54) with a first end (24) and a second end (16) with an interior surface (20) and an exterior surface (22) defining a main flow passage (18). Side entry sub (10) has an access port (48) forming part of the body (54) or attached to the exterior surface (22). The access port (48) has hollow feed passageway (42) which extends outwardly along the length of the access port (48) from the main flow passage (18). A flow control valve (44) is attached to the access port to control fluid flow. The valve (44) may be attached by conventional means such as by welding or an NPT
threaded box or by means of a flanged connection having an appropriate pressure rating. The access port (48) is formed by welding or casting a nipple onto the side of the body (54) at an upward angle which is preferably between about 3 to about 45 from the vertical and niore preferably about 3 to about 15 . The smaller the angle, the easier it is to insert coiled tubing through the access port.
The appropriate length, diameter and weight of the sub (10) may be chosen by one skilled in the art having regard to the weight, grade, service, size and pressure rating of the production casing of the well it is installed in. Such dimensions are not to be limiting of the invention claimed herein. As well, the length and diameter of the access port (48) may be similarly varied.
The side entry sub 10 is attached to the well by preferably welding the first end (24) and the second end (16) to the well casing (26). The side entry sub (10) may also be attached to the well casing (26) by conventional flanges (not shown) however it is preferable not to thread the sub (10) into the casing string to prevent rotation of the casing string when coiled tubing is working in the well. The well casing (26) above the side entry sub (10) is attached to a casing spool (32) by means of a casing attachment flange (28) and the second casing spool attachment flange (30). Casing spool (32) includes an internal bowl (34), a tubing hanger (38), a valve (52) and horizontal ports (51). The tubing string (12) is suspended from the tubing hanger (38) located in the casing spool (32) as is well known in the art.
The internal surfaces of the sub (10) are preferably boronized or otherwise treated to minimize abrasive wear, as is well known in the art.
The use and operation of the side entry sub (10) will now be described with reference to Figure 1. When debris must be removed from the well, coiled tubing (50) is passed through the access port (48), through the feed passageway (42) and into the main flow passage (18). The coiled tubing (50) then descends into the well down the main flow passage (18) adjacent to the tubing string (12) to the desired depth. Fluid is then pumped into the well through the coiled tubing (50) or the tubing string (12) to the desired depth where it mixes with the debris. The debris / fluid mixture is then pumped to the surface through the main flow passage (18) and out the horizontal side ports (51) or up the production tubing string (12) effectively removing the debris from the well.
This method replaces the current time consuming and expensive techniques of debris removal which involve the use of a servicing rig, the retraction of the tubing string and the use of specialized auxiliary equipment and tools. It also provides for the use of a side entry sub which forms an integral part of the well casing and which is not part of the casing spool. The proposed invention does not require the provision of an internal bowl or tubing hangers greatly reducing production costs of the side entry sub units making the method yet more financially economic.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the invention claimed herein.
Claims (7)
1. A side entry sub for the servicing of a well, where said well includes a well casing and a casing bowl for hanging a tubing string, said sub comprising:
(a) a body having a first end and a second end, an interior and exterior surface, said body defining a main flow passage extending from said first end to said second end;
(b) an access port forming part of the body or attached to the body between the first and second end, said access port defining a side passage extending from the main flow passage outwardly from the body along the length of the access point; and (c) means for attaching a control valve to the exterior end of the access port for regulating fluid flow;
wherein the body is adapted to be rigidly attached to the well casing below the casing bowl.
(a) a body having a first end and a second end, an interior and exterior surface, said body defining a main flow passage extending from said first end to said second end;
(b) an access port forming part of the body or attached to the body between the first and second end, said access port defining a side passage extending from the main flow passage outwardly from the body along the length of the access point; and (c) means for attaching a control valve to the exterior end of the access port for regulating fluid flow;
wherein the body is adapted to be rigidly attached to the well casing below the casing bowl.
2. The side entry sub recited in claim 1 wherein the means for attaching a control valve includes an NPT threaded box or pin.
3. The side entry sub recited in claim 1 wherein the means for attaching a control valve includes a flanged connection.
4. The side entry sub recited in claim 1 wherein the means for attaching a control valve includes a slip-on welding collar.
5. The side entry sub recited in claim 1 wherein one or both of the first and second ends of said body are adapted to be welded to the well casing.
6. The side entry sub recited in claim 1 wherein one or both of the first and second ends of said body are adapted with an attachment flange, the body being attached to the well by affixing the attachment flange(s) to companion flanges on the casing.
7
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2339715 CA2339715C (en) | 2001-03-02 | 2001-03-02 | Side entry sub |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2339715 CA2339715C (en) | 2001-03-02 | 2001-03-02 | Side entry sub |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2339715A1 CA2339715A1 (en) | 2002-09-02 |
| CA2339715C true CA2339715C (en) | 2008-04-29 |
Family
ID=4168522
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2339715 Expired - Fee Related CA2339715C (en) | 2001-03-02 | 2001-03-02 | Side entry sub |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2339715C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NO320765B1 (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2006-01-23 | Henning Hansen | Conveyor for use in installing or printing a source tool in a producing well and methods for using the same |
-
2001
- 2001-03-02 CA CA 2339715 patent/CA2339715C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2339715A1 (en) | 2002-09-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20130304 |