DE202010012866U1 - Emergency closure for a new oil / gas well without additional drilling - Google Patents

Abstract

(The following in parenthesis () identifications refer to the sheets B0 to B7)

1. emergency closure (1) of a new oil / gas delivery line without drilling,
characterized in that
a stainless steel slider (1), a motor (8), a high-temperature battery (9) and a corresponding starter battery (10) is already provided during the production of a delivery line.

Description

• (The following in parenthesis () identifications refer to the sheets B0 to B7)

1.) The state of the art and the problem underlying the development:

It turned out during the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that the technology with safety valves (BOP) on the surface - be it on the earth's surface or on the seabed - is not sufficient, as even a BOP - for whatever reason - can fail. Furthermore, it is not certain to what extent supporting lines (casing) are damaged and weakened by the flushing flows which are used to cool the drill bit during drilling and also convey cuttings (the flushing flow acts like a sandblasting fan). The latter also applies to the drill pipes, which are used in the end as a delivery line. If the remaining wall thicknesses are no longer sufficient to absorb the pressures, pipes can burst uncontrollably, thus paving the way for oil and gas to escape.

Therefore, it would certainly be useful to schedule a just above the oil / gas reservoir Zusatznotverschluss equal to a new hole. A slider that can be addressed via sound waves is one such option. Of course, such a slide must not interfere with the flow of oil or gas, so it must be installed and provided in a niche. Such a niche can be created today using various techniques.

Robots that illuminate the work area within a hole and can monitor the operation are present. For the creation of such niches can be used on the one hand drill or other high-pressure dishwashers that wash out the plutonic rock. A process still under development in France could also be used in the future. Here, deep rock is melted and transported away. This "drilling method" has already been introduced on television and reduces the time required enormously.

Another consideration to the gas deposit in the depth. Gas (mostly methane gas) superimposed on oil. Due to the increasing temperature with the depth gas wants to expand more and more. This is prevented by the plutonic rock or the oil deposit, because liquids can only be compressed to a very small extent. Conversely, oil also wants to expand because of the high temperature. Both facts are superimposed and thus generate a very high pressure, which wants to be controlled and this just at the beginning of the oil and gas flow. A fountain with a height of 70 m at the first escape of the oil / gas mixture in the Gulf of Mexico gives an idea of the pressure at which the entire tube system is at the beginning. With the spread of methane gas, this mixes with the air and eventually becomes a highly explosive methane gas / air mixture. If this fire catches, then the ignition temperature of the natural gas is reached and very soon everything that gushes out of the depth burns. (Natural gas consists mainly of highly flammable methane - according to Wikipedia). This under high pressure flowing oil / gas mixture must be shut off quickly and safely in the event of an uncontrollable exit. For this, it is not enough to rely on a BOP alone, as many a platform fire (Red Adair) has shown.

In order to avoid taking months to stop an oil / gas stream from below, it is strongly recommended that the safety measures described below on sheets B0 to B7 be made mandatory for all new wells.

2.) Description of the emergency stopper:

• a) components of the emergency seal ( 1 ) - (sheets B2 to B4):> = 100 mm thick stainless steel disc with 2 holes ( 2 ) + ( 3 ), the middle hole ( 2 ) must be large enough so that the last drill bit fits through and 1 tapped hole ( 5 ) and 4 small holes (o) for expanding lugs for attaching the drainboard and possibly further holes (s) for the gas flow, if provided. 1 electric motor ( 8th ) with threaded rod ( 6 ) as a rotary element possibly with rectifier and battery ( 9 ). (Battery pack ( 9 ) as a high-temperature battery z. B. Zebra battery with built-in heating. This heater should be divided into two parts and generally by the battery ( 9 ). TLH batteries ( 10 ), which are operated at a maximum of 150 ° C, can via a switch, which is addressed by sound waves, the heating of the battery ( 9 ) to its operating temperature (270 ° C-350 ° C). An additional eyelet is required on the motor housing for attaching the drain harness (the motor housing must be fixed in the end position by setting in concrete). 1 dynamo with generator (turbine) ( 4 ) as drive in the oil / gas stream (c) (see page B0) 1 piece of riser (a) above the emergency slide ( 1 ) with Teflon ring (k) 1 piece upper casing tube (h + i) with teflon ring (k) and 1 pc. lower casing (l)
• b) Additional emergency closure ( 1' ) - (sheets B5 to B7): To increase safety, a second slider ( 1' ) are provided under the main slide. Its components are:> = 100 mm thick stainless steel disc with 1 hole ( 3 ) as large as the small bore of the main slide ( 1 ) with 1 threaded hole ( 5 ) and 4 small holes (only if this slide is to be sunk separately) for expanding lugs for lengthening the Ablassgeschirres and possibly further holes for the gas flow, if provided. 1 electric motor ( 8th ) for turning a threaded rod ( 6 ). An additional eyelet is required on the motor housing for attaching the drain harness (the motor housing must be fixed in the end position by setting in concrete). (The above-mentioned under a) - battery ( 9 ) feeds both motors ( 8th )) Should the additional safety slider ( 1' ) are also provided, the recess is to be designed accordingly. The motor ( 8th ), which is lower than that of the main pusher ( 1 ) comes to rest, turns here only in the closing direction.
• c) precautions in emergency closure ( 1 ) for drilling into the oil reservoir (f) The medium large bore ( 2 ) in the slider part ( 1 ) is used to make the hole in the oil reservoir and thus remains free of any installations and must be so large in diameter that the drill head can be passed.
• d) charging device high temperature battery ( 9 ) in bore ( 3 ) with slider ( 1 ) In the smaller hole ( 3 ) of the slider ( 1 ) is the "turbine" with a seated in an oil / gas-tight housing generator. Here also a rectifier and an accumulator ( 9 ), whereby the battery ( 9 ) make sure that it can withstand the low temperature (but the rectifier and battery can also be housed in or next to the motor housing). At the 'bore-free' end of the slide sits the engine ( 8th ), which has only the task, the slide ( 1 ) by means of a threaded rod ( 6 ) or to establish the final closure of the oil / gas line (a) after a change of direction. Larger forces such as tensile / compressive forces or shear forces act on the threaded rod ( 6 ) Not. The power cables (j), which are the first time the slider is tightened ( 1 ) In the direction of the motor, lie in a lateral groove of the slide ( 1 ). The direction of rotation of the motor ( 8th ) for tightening the slider ( 1 ) is set in front of installation. Likewise, the battery is to be charged before installation. Possibly. it is necessary to change the operating temperature of the battery ( 9 ) via a heater (eg Zebra 270-350 ° C). The heater is powered by a sound pulse switch located in a separate circuit. (see above) This switch with the TLH battery cells ( 10 ) is additionally housed in the motor housing. Once the minimum temperature for z. B. the NaNiCl battery ( 9 ), the slider ( 1 ) in the direction of the engine ( 8th ) until the latter is turned off and the direction of rotation is changed. Both are done mechanically via a pressure switch ( 7 ). Now the slider ( 1 ) in working position. Should also the additional slide ( 1' ), he sits before taking the working position on the motor side next to the lower casing tube (l) to allow further drilling.

3.) Preparations for installing the emergency seal ( 1 ) (Sheet B1):

The hole (y) above the planned place of installation of the emergency seal must have a minimum diameter which allows the installation of the slide construction ( 1 ) together with the protective coating to be removed from a smooth fulgurit board (r). Before positioning the slider unit ( 1 ), install a piece of casing pipe (l) below the installation point and inject with oil / gas-proof Torkret concrete (b).

It is shown how the niche must be formed laterally of the actual production well to the slide ( 1 ). The curve (g) turns out to be elliptical and has to be constructed as such (sheet B1) (step by step transfer of the pre-assembled slide unit ( 1 )). Before now the slider unit ( 1 ) is lowered, the support surface for the emergency lock is very smooth and flat.

4.) Installation of the emergency stopper

By sheathing the slide unit with a smooth fulgurit plate (r), which is recessed in the area of the neoprene rings (k) and up to the steel veneer (q) of the motor housing ( 8th ), soiling of the slide unit ( 1 ) when setting in the engine ( 8th ) avoided. If the Torkretbeton (g1) above the engine ( 8th ) and above the engine ( 8th hardened opposite required cavity, the discharge harness can be removed by train. After installing the casing (h + i) over the Slider unit is the no longer required space (g2) injected with oil / gas-tight Torkretbeton, without causing the casing tube (h + i) is closed again.

The bore ( 2 ) in the slide ( 1 ) must have a minimum diameter which allows further drilling into the oil / gas reservoir. Under the proposed slide construction ( 1 ) a casing pipe (l) through which the drill bit fits is required. During drilling, lateral depth rock is loosened, so that when introducing the high-pressure injection (b) at least along this lower support piping ( 1 ) a concrete seal takes place, which in the final state prevents the rise of oil and / or gas outside the casing (h + i + l), a requirement that must always be met. Since the injection takes place from there, where later the emergency seal sits, also the lower tube piece ( 1 ) and must be re-drilled inside after a two-sided niche has been excluded so that the slide construction ( 1 ) is to be placed in the beginning as well as in the end position.

The main slider ( 1 ) has on the engine-side hole twice additional upper-side holes (o) for inserting two eyelets, which can spread over and thus friction carry the overall construction. On the motor housing, an eyelet is mounted on the side, which is in the end position below. At these eyelets the discharge harness is fixed by means of snap hooks or on the motor housing with a simple hook. After the drill head has been removed, the drain harness is attached to the currently used drill string. The slider construction ( 1 ) is aligned so that it is immediately in the correct position when it hits the drill hole end. Now the lowering of the attached slide construction ( 1 ) without allowing the drill pipe to twist. After reaching the smoothed sole (x) solves the simple hook and the entire device tilts motor side against the recess (g) and can be gradually brought into the end position. Then the motor housing ( 8th ) in order to stabilize it. By covering with Fulguritplatten (r) must slide ( 1 ) and threaded rod ( 6 ) are protected against contamination. The recesses (g1 + g2) above the engine and the "Dynamo ( 4 ) "Are initially torked. After the sprayed concrete has hardened, the dishes, together with the eyelets by tightening the slide ( 1 ) and - after the upper Casingrohrstück (h + i) was sunk with the Teflon ring (k) - the remaining recess (g2) - if no longer required - torked and injected. It should be noted that the Teflon ring (k) must not be contaminated.

This is the slider ( 1 ) Installed.

5.) Installation of an additional emergency closure (sheets B5 to B7) - further protection:

Should for safety reasons an additional engine ( 8th ) with slider ( 1' ), this is best done together with the main valve ( 1 ). On a corresponding electrical connection of the two motors ( 8th ) as a stable plug-in device (w) on the back of the engine should only be pointed out.

6.) Further drilling below the emergency seal ( 1 ) to the oil / gas reservoir

Now it is possible to continue drilling normally below the closure and to create the riser (a) as usual. The riser (a) above and below the intended emergency seal ( 1 ) supported against the Casingrohre. The support rings (i and m) welded to the riser (a) must have holes (s) if vertical flow in the space between the casing and the riser is to be possible. Above the slider construction ( 1 ) the riser (a) receives a teflon ring (k). Both teflon rings (k) must fit well on the slider ( 1 ) sit up. Before the oil flow begins, the 1 ) existing connecting screw (t) are removed. This connection screw (t) has external threads (v) and a hexagonal opening (u) for a socket wrench to remove the mounting screw (t).

The design is for all new holes - whether on land or in the deep sea - thought and applicable, as long as a pump rod is needed - here only a closure with an additional Beibohrung possible. With careful installation, everything works as long as no component fails its service without protection. It is strongly recommended to safeguard the engine function. Of course it is also possible to change the construction so that it can be opened again.

7.) Operation of the emergency stopper:

As soon as the oil / gas source bubbles, the TLH battery ( 10 ) started. This now supplies the heating coil of the high-temperature battery ( 9 ) with electricity and brings them to operating temperature of about 270 ° C. When this temperature is reached, the main spool ( 1 ) by the engine ( 8th ) via the threaded rod ( 6 ) to the switch ( 7 ) dressed. This mechanical switch ( 7 ) changes the direction of rotation of the motor and at the same time cuts off the power supply. This is the main slider ( 1 ) positioned so that the "Dynamo ( 4 ) In the oil / gas stream (c) and the high-temperature battery ( 9 ) loads. This now supplies their heating coil constantly with electricity and thus is always ready for use. A new sound pulse sets the slider ( 1 ) in the direction of the engine ( 8th ) away until the threaded rod ( 6 ) no longer in the thread ( 5 ) to be led. Thus, the oil / gas flow is finally interrupted, because the slide ( 1 ) is pressed firmly against the Teflon rings as sealing rings by the existing oil / gas pressure. Possibly. laterally escaping oil or gas is retained locally by the oil- and gas-resistant concrete injection and can thus not be harmful to the environment along cracks in the rock. The triggering of a sound pulse is therefore sufficient to interrupt the oil / gas flow finally. The operation of the sound source can be done via a portable device, similar to a remote control of the TV. Such remote controls should be at least 2 × in different locations.

8.) Additional protection of the emergency stopper:

In the presence of the additional slider ( 1' ) this is simultaneously with the slider ( 1 ) emotional. However, this is done by his engine ( 8th ) via its threaded rod ( 6 ) away until the two openings ( 3 ) the slider ( 1 ) and ( 1' ) lie exactly on top of each other. The power supply for the movement of the slider ( 1' ) is also connected to the switch ( 7 ) of the slider ( 1 ) interrupted. The slides ( 1 ) and ( 1' ) stay in working position at the same time. Now, if a switch is actuated by a generated sound pulse, so also moves the slider ( 1' ) - as described in 7.) - to.

9.) Description of the battery charging process for the operation of the emergency valve:

About the "Dynamo ( 4 ) "Is in the working position of the battery ( 9 ) continuously charged whenever it has its operating temperature (see 1.)). Should the battery ( 9 ) should be sensitive to overcharging, so a breaker should be scheduled, the continuous charging of the battery ( 9 ) interrupts. With the mechanical switch ( 7 ), the auxiliary circuit is interrupted. Upon receipt of a new sound wave, the emergency closure ( 1 + possibly. 1' ) and the oil or gas production can thus be irrevocably interrupted. When the battery ( 9 ) is exhausted, also stops the engine movement. Then only the below-mentioned concrete seal must be introduced. Should the emergency closure ( 1 + possibly. 1' ) are designed so that later again an opening of the riser can be done, of course, eliminates the concrete seal.

10.) Conclusion:

Since oil, gas and Bohrschlammströme itself and possibly entrained depth rock have the function of a sandblast blower, the shutter must be as close as possible above the oil / gas reservoir, because a sandblast can reduce the thickness of the wall of the riser so far that the danger of oil / gas leaks into the deep rock is given and cracks and fissures, the oil and / or gas can search a way to the outside. A shutter that can be operated in depth via sound waves can do this. After closing such a device, everything has to be filled with concrete from the top to make sure that neither oil nor gas finds its way out. The variant with the possibility of re-opening (longer threaded rods) requires no concrete filling and the system must be in addition to switch, in which case the problem of low temperature would have to be solved.

A grid below the "turbine" should be planned to keep larger parts away from it. Of course, the design has to be adapted to different piping systems in order to work safely. This design does not replace a "BOP", but should only increase the safety of drilling for oil and / or gas if necessary and reduce the time required for oil / gas field closure.

Since the closure has to be started at least twice, a high-pressure gate closure was not tracked. In addition, the closing should be done without pressure surge.

Claims (5)

(The following in parenthesis () identifiers refer to the leaves B0 to B7) 1. Emergency stopper ( 1 ) a new oil / gas delivery line without Beibohrung, characterized in that a stainless steel slide ( 1 ), an engine ( 8th ), a high-temperature battery ( 9 ) and a corresponding starter battery ( 10 ) is already provided during the production of a delivery line. Emergency closure ( 1 ) of a new oil / gas delivery line without Beibohrung, characterized in that the mentioned under 1. Stainless steel slide ( 1 ) is so thick that bending stresses do not occur. The slider ( 1 ) gets a smaller hole ( 3 ) and a larger hole ( 2 ). Furthermore, a threaded hole ( 5 ) intended. On the side grooves for cable guides (j) are milled, as are 2 holes from the grooves in the smaller hole ( 3 ) required. 2 winder coils (p) for the cables (j) are in the slide ( 1 ) on the engine side. 4 holes (o) for expansion eyes are also required. In addition, holes (s) may be required. Emergency closure ( 1 ) a new oil / gas delivery line without Beibohrung, characterized in that in the described under 2. smaller Drilling ( 3 ) a wing-operated "alternator" ( 4 ), which is firmly placed in the bore. Emergency closure ( 1 ) of a new oil / gas delivery line without Beibohrung, characterized in that the described under 3. "alternator" via a cable (j) with the already mentioned under 1. high-temperature battery ( 9 ) connected is. A starter battery ( 10 ) is also provided. Emergency closure ( 1 ) of a new oil / gas delivery line without Beibohrung, characterized in that the high-temperature battery described under 4. ( 9 ) with an engine already mentioned under 1. ( 8th ), which has a threaded rod ( 6 ) includes. Likewise, a Aus u. Switch ( 7 ) and sound wave receiver as a starter required.

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