EP0457879A1 - Device and method for cleaning an underground well. - Google Patents

Device and method for cleaning an underground well.

Info

Publication number
EP0457879A1
EP0457879A1 EP91900837A EP91900837A EP0457879A1 EP 0457879 A1 EP0457879 A1 EP 0457879A1 EP 91900837 A EP91900837 A EP 91900837A EP 91900837 A EP91900837 A EP 91900837A EP 0457879 A1 EP0457879 A1 EP 0457879A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coiled tubing
well
cleaning
cleaning head
cable gland
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP91900837A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0457879B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Claude Ferry
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine Production SA
Original Assignee
Societe National Elf Aquitaine
Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine Production SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Societe National Elf Aquitaine, Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine Production SA filed Critical Societe National Elf Aquitaine
Publication of EP0457879A1 publication Critical patent/EP0457879A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0457879B1 publication Critical patent/EP0457879B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • E21B37/00—Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for cleaning an underground well and to a device for implementing such a method.
  • a first method consists in reconditioning by means of a drilling device the production conduit at the level of the layer.
  • the application of this method is very expensive because it is necessary to dismantle the equipment in place and after cleaning carry out a new completion.
  • a first drawback resides in the fact that the circulation of the cleaning fluid exerts a back pressure on the often brittle and very sensitive layer (loss, emulsion, precipitate, etc.)
  • a second drawback resides in the fact that the process requires an operation beforehand. to the cable whose length, load and deflection limitations are known.
  • a third drawback relates to training in a sub-hydrostatic or depleted regime: the system by the back pressure that it develops requires the use of fluids produced with low specific weight and compatible with the training; this can become prohibitive.
  • the significant development of deflected, highly deflected wells and horizontal drains poses many new cleaning problems by the very fact that the direction and speed of the flow of fluid for discharging solid matter by known and conventional methods and devices does not can oppose the forces which tend to disintegrate the layer.
  • the tube train is injected into the well after dismantling the existing completion.
  • the device cannot operate continuously over a large range of sediment accumulation without heavy intervention, such as the addition of additional concentric tubes. The implementation of this process disrupts the completion, which is a major drawback.
  • the present invention provides a cleaning method according to which a small diameter maintenance tube called "coiled tubing" is lowered inside the production column, comprising at its end a cleaning head for the suction of the sediments to be extracted, a hydraulic separation of the annular space between the maintenance tube and the production column is carried out, at a certain level above the part of the well to be cleaned, the maintenance tube being able to slide axially in said hydraulic separation over a length at least equal to the total length of the well part to be cleaned, and a driving fluid is injected into said annular for the operation of a hydro-ejector, which hydro-ejector causes the suction by the tube maintenance of the sediments to be extracted, the hydraulic separation isolating the annular in overpressure from the bottom of the well in depression.
  • said hydraulic separation is carried out by means of a cable gland mounted, with the possibility of sliding in the cleaning position of the device, on the maintenance tube, which cable gland cooperates with a polished connection (in English: "landing nipple") of the production column to achieve a watertight and sliding separation.
  • a polished connection in English: "landing nipple"
  • the maintenance tube is a so-called “coiled tubing” tube with a diameter less than or equal to 38 mm.
  • the "coiled tubing” is flexible and by this means the process applies equally to vertical wells, deviated wells, strongly deviated wells, or horizontal drains.
  • the “coiled tubing” is remarkable in that it comes into perfect contact with the low generatrix of the highly deviated or horizontal drain.
  • the cable gland includes a set of seals on its internal diameter to allow leaktight sliding of the maintenance tube on said cable gland.
  • the cable gland is shaped to be immobilized in abutment against a shoulder of the polished fitting, and also includes external seals applying to the internal surface of said polished fitting. It is the overpressure in operation that keeps it in this position.
  • the cleaning is then done, in one or more progressive passes, by moving the cleaning head in the part of the well to be cleaned by sliding the maintenance tube through the hydraulic separation, that is to say by sliding the tube to through the cable gland.
  • the cleaning device comprises a cleaning head mounted at the end of an extension of the maintenance tube, a cable gland mounted sliding on said extension above said cleaning head, a hydro-ejector mounted at the other end of said extension, the outlet of the hydro-ejector being connected to the surface by the maintenance tube.
  • the cleaning head has an outer diameter less than the internal passage diameter of the polished fitting while the cable gland has an outside diameter greater than the internal passage diameter of the polished fitting, so as to come to a stop in translation on said polished fitting .
  • the cable gland is temporarily immobilized in translation on the cleaning head by means of a pin or any other equivalent means, the rupture of which can be caused by hydraulic overpressure or mechanical support to the 'arrival in the polished fitting.
  • the cleaning head has an ejectable plug for closing the external fluid inlet to the maintenance tube, the ejection of the plug being caused by an overpressure in the maintenance tube.
  • a well-known and widely used intervention technique such as the so-called "coiled tubing” technique is an important advantage.
  • the present invention does not relate to this technique per se, which is known to require surface devices, known per se, such as a well shutter block (BOP), an airlock, a coiled tubing storage reel “, an injector and pumping means, all not described in detail and not shown in the context of the present patent application. It is also another object of the present invention to propose a cleaning method comprising the complete lowering of the maintenance tube according to which:
  • - Figure 1 shows the device for cleaning a well bottom when descending into the well
  • - Figure 2 shows the same device in the cleaning position in the well
  • FIG. 3 represents the cable gland of the device in FIGS. 1 and 2
  • FIG. 4 represents an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning head, with its ejectable plug
  • FIG. 4a represents an exemplary embodiment of the external face of this cleaning head which can be rotated by the suctioned fluid
  • FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the plug connector used for the removal of the hydro-ejector after cleaning operation.
  • the reference 1 represents a continuous tube of relatively small diameter, less than or equal to 38 mm (l "l / 2).
  • This tube is that of a tool used for intervention operations under pressure in production wells, known as the "coiled tubing” technique, a technique in which a flexible and continuous tube stored on a drum is injected into a pressure well.
  • This technique adapts to any head configuration well and offers a rapid maneuver.
  • the injection system with the well shutter block and the airlock in particular, as well as the "coiled tubing" storage system, the means fluid injection and surface pumping are not shown.
  • a Venturi effect pump or hydro-ejector 3 operating in reverse pumping mode.
  • valve 3a integrated in the Venturi prevents any return of liquid to the space surrounding the pump, as will be explained below.
  • the pump 3 Via a sealing connection, referenced 4, with a diameter of 38 mm (l "l / 2), the pump 3 is connected to a tubular extension 5 whose diameter is equal to that of tube 1 and whose length is adjustable according to the dimensional characteristics of the well to be cleaned This length is at least equal to the distance between the level of hydraulic separation chosen (L in the drawing of FIG. 2) and the most distant part of the well to be cleaned.
  • a cable gland 6 is mounted with the possibility of sliding along the tubular extension 5. It is shown in more detail in the drawing of Figure 3. it has on its inner bore 6a a set of O-rings and lip 6b and on its outer bore 6c a set of compressible resilient lip seals 6d, the seals 6b sealing the tubular extension 5 while the outer seals 6d cooperate with an element of the production column (the polished connector or "landing nipple ”) to perform the hydraulic separation as will be seen later.
  • the cable gland 6 is immobilized in translation on the upper part of a cleaning head 7 by a pin 8 (see Figure 3), which can be sheared under the conditions explained below to allow the maintenance tube to slide into the internal bore of the cable gland 6.
  • the end of the extension 5 is temporarily closed by an ejectable plug 7a (see FIG. 4) which has the function in the closed position of allowing the mounting of the pump 3 on the surface.
  • the cleaning head 7, which extends the tubular extension 5, is designed to facilitate cleaning by turbulence and induced rotation.
  • the cleaning head 7 and its mounting at the end of the tubular extension 5 are shown in the drawing in FIG. 4.
  • the ejectable plug 7a is immobilized in the closed position by means of the pin 13.
  • the head is rotatably mounted on a ball bearing bearing 14.
  • a conventional gripping connector 18 comprising the parts 15, 16, 17 allows the attachment of the head 7 to the extension 5.
  • the head is pierced with oblong grooves 19 pierced in non-radial directions, but oriented helically or almost helically, so as to impart, under the effect of the through fluids, a rotational movement to the cleaning head 7 (FIG. 4a) . It can also be provided on the outer surface of the turbulence fins 20 (FIG. 4a).
  • the reference 9 schematically represents the casing of the well, which can be a vertical well, deviated, or even strongly deviated and even a horizontal drain.
  • the production column is referenced 10.
  • the annular space between the production column 10 and the casing 9 is closed by a seal or packer 11.
  • the cleaning assembly or maintenance tube of FIG. 1 is introduced in the production column 10, which comprises a polished downhole connection 12 forming, by its shoulder 12a, seat for the cable gland 6.
  • the production column 10 is of any diameter.
  • the cleaning system works as follows:
  • the "coiled tubing" wound on the surface on a reel is inserted without disturbing the pressure prevailing at the top of the well in a seal and maneuvering (stripper), not shown, with the addition of a lubricating grease, with the cleaning head 7 at its free end. Above the cleaning head is inserted the cable gland 6, immobilized in translation with the cleaning head 7 by the pin 8 ( Figure 3).
  • the length of "coiled tubing" inserted in this way in the "stripper” depends on the distance between the most distant part of the well to be cleaned and the location (L) of the polished fitting 12 forming a sliding bearing for the maintenance and separation tube hydraulic.
  • the length of the tubular extension 5 is equal to or greater than the distance indicated above.
  • the "coiled tubing” is suspended in the jaws of a well shutter block (BOP) and the airlock is opened.
  • BOP well shutter block
  • These conventional materials of the "coiled tubing” technique are not shown in the drawing, and are not described in detail.
  • the "coiled tubing" tube is cut at the surface, security being obtained by the position of the ejectable plug 7a in the cleaning head 7 which prevents any rise of fluid by the "coiled tubing" tube constituting the maintenance tube.
  • the hydro-ejector 3 is inserted by means of a plugging connector 4 shown in the drawing in FIG. 5.
  • This connector 4 comprises a quarter-turn valve 4a, housed in a bore 4b and can be oriented by an axis 4c.
  • This type of connector also includes a plurality of seals 4d and an outer surface of curvilinear profile in the recesses from which the tubular parts of the elements to be connected are forcibly crushed (FIG. 5).
  • the hydraulic separation is carried out, the part of the production column located below the hydraulic separation (referenced LB) and, therefore, also the bottom of the wells are isolated from the volume of annular pressure (LH) located at - above the hydraulic separation.
  • This hydraulic separation constitutes an important characteristic of the present invention. Indeed, this separation makes it possible to set in motion and evacuate the sediments without overpressure on the layer, without contact of working fluid with the wall of the well.
  • the cleaning operations take place with isolation of the part of the well to be cleaned thanks to the hydraulic separation carried out by the immobilization of the cable gland
  • the ejectable plug 7a is ejected (shearing of the pin 13 or any other means known per se) and falls to the bottom of the cleaning head 7, the bottom of the well is then connected to the surface (see figure 4).
  • the working fluid pumped from the surface starts the suction of the hydro-ejector 3 through the cleaning head 7 and the tubular extension 5.
  • the sediments are sucked in through the orifices 19 of the cleaning head, rise up through the extension tube 5, the connector 4, the hydro-ejector 3 and the tube 1 towards the surface.
  • the cleaning head 7 can be a rotary head with a cyclone effect by the conformation of the orifices along helical lines, as already mentioned.
  • the working fluid is replaced by a fluid which does not pollute the tank and which stabilizes the well or not. If this fluid is gas, the well generates overhead pressure.
  • the maintenance tube is closed internally, arriving at the surface by a shutter 4a housed in the connector 4 placed under the hydro-ejector 3, which allows the removal of
  • any leak in the packing gland does not condemn the cleaning method, it simply results in a reduction in energy efficiency compensated by an increase in the flow of engine liquid .

Landscapes

  • Geology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Sewage (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Excavating Of Shafts Or Tunnels (AREA)
  • Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Magnetic Means (AREA)
  • Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
  • Refuse Collection And Transfer (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/FR90/00895 Sec. 371 Date Sep. 26, 1991 Sec. 102(e) Date Sep. 26, 1991 PCT Filed Dec. 10, 1990 PCT Pub. No. WO91/09205 PCT Pub. Date Jun. 27, 1991.Method has been provided for cleaning a vertical, deviated or horizontal underground well. In which a maintenance tubing having a cleaning head at its end is lowered into a production pipe for suction of sediments. At a certain level above the region of the well to be cleaned, a hydraulic isolation device is installed in the annulus between the maintenance tubing and the production pipe. Fluid is injected into the annulus to activate the hydroejector which is located above the hydraulic isolation device to cause the suction of the sediments. The sediments downhole therefore can be cleaned out without introducing foreign fluid downhole.

Description

DISPOSITIF ET PROCEDE DE NETTOYAGE D'UN PUITS SOUTERRAIN. DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CLEANING AN UNDERGROUND WELL.
La présente invention se rapporte à un procédé de nettoyage d'un puits souterrain et à un dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre d'un tel procédé.The present invention relates to a method for cleaning an underground well and to a device for implementing such a method.
En présence de dépôts de fond de puits, en particulier de sédiments sablonneux de formations inconsolidées, une première méthode consiste à reconditionner au moyen d'un appareil de forage le conduit de production au niveau de la couche. L'application de cette méthode est très onéreuse parce qu'il faut démonter les équipements en place et après nettoyage réaliser une nouvelle completion. Pour éviter le recours à de telles opérations lourdes "de réparation", il existe divers moyens de maintenance concentrique des fonds de puits.In the presence of downhole deposits, in particular sandy sediments of unconsolidated formations, a first method consists in reconditioning by means of a drilling device the production conduit at the level of the layer. The application of this method is very expensive because it is necessary to dismantle the equipment in place and after cleaning carry out a new completion. To avoid recourse to such heavy "repair" operations, there are various means of concentric maintenance of the well bottoms.
On connaît notamment, selon le brevet des Etats- Unis d'Amérique n° 4 671 359, un système de nettoyage pour extraire des sédiments dans une colonne perdue (à gravillonnage incorporé ou non) , lequel système nécessite une extension tubulaire rigide descendue au câble et ancrée dans un réceptacle approprié à la partie inférieure de la colonne de production. A travers cette extension est descendu un tube flexible et continu dit "coiled tubing" équipé à son extrémité de tuyères de distribution d'un fluide de nettoyage provenant de la surface et dont l'écoulement est dirigé vers la paroi du fond de puits. Les sédiments sont entraînés dans le courant fluidique pompé à la surface à travers le tube flexible, plus précisément les sédiments remontent en surface par l'annulaire compris entre le "coiled tubing" et la colonne de production.Known in particular, according to United States patent No. 4,671,359, a cleaning system for extracting sediment in a lost column (with gravel or not), which system requires a rigid tubular extension lowered to the cable and anchored in a suitable receptacle at the bottom of the production column. Through this extension is lowered a flexible and continuous tube called "coiled tubing" equipped at its end with nozzles for distributing a cleaning fluid coming from the surface and the flow of which is directed towards the wall of the bottom of the well. The sediments are entrained in the fluid current pumped to the surface through the flexible tube, more precisely the sediments rise to the surface by the annular between the "coiled tubing" and the production column.
Selon un tel système, en rajoutant cette extension tubulaire à la colonne de production et en utilisant la technique du tube flexible et continu dit "coiled tubing", on accroît la vitesse du fluide et on améliore ainsi l'évacuation des sédiments par l'annulaire compris entre le "coiled tubing" et la dite extension.According to such a system, by adding this tubular extension to the production column and by using the technique of the flexible and continuous tube known as "coiled tubing", the speed of the fluid is increased and the evacuation of the sediments by the annular is thus improved. between the "coiled tubing" and the said extension.
Toutefois ce système présente des inconvénients. Un premier inconvénient réside dans le fait que la circulation du fluide de nettoyage exerce une contrepression sur la couche souvent friable et très sensible (perte, émulsion, précipité...) Un second inconvénient réside dans le fait que le procédé nécessite au préalable une opération au câble dont on connaît les limitations en longueur, charge et déviation.However, this system has drawbacks. A first drawback resides in the fact that the circulation of the cleaning fluid exerts a back pressure on the often brittle and very sensitive layer (loss, emulsion, precipitate, etc.) A second drawback resides in the fact that the process requires an operation beforehand. to the cable whose length, load and deflection limitations are known.
Un troisième inconvénient est relatif aux formations en régime sous-hydrostatique ou déplétées : le système par la contrepression qu'il développe oblige à utiliser des fluides élaborés à faible poids spécifique et compatibles avec la formation ; cela peut devenir alors rédhibitoire. Le développement important des puits déviés, fortement déviés et des drains horizontaux pose de nombreux et nouveaux problèmes de nettoyage par le fait même que la direction et la vitesse du flux de fluide d'évacuation des matières solides par les méthodes et dispositifs connus et conventionnels ne peuvent s'opposer aux forces qui tendent à désagréger la couche.A third drawback relates to training in a sub-hydrostatic or depleted regime: the system by the back pressure that it develops requires the use of fluids produced with low specific weight and compatible with the training; this can become prohibitive. The significant development of deflected, highly deflected wells and horizontal drains poses many new cleaning problems by the very fact that the direction and speed of the flow of fluid for discharging solid matter by known and conventional methods and devices does not can oppose the forces which tend to disintegrate the layer.
Ainsi, on connaît également par le brevet des Etats-Unis d'Amérique n° US 4 744 420 un dispositif pour l'enlèvement d'accumulations solides, tels que des agrégats sablonneux ou autres, dans des puits souterrains fortement déviés ou horizontaux. Ce dispositif comprend un train de tubes concentriques destiné à être introduit dans le puits : l'un pour l'amenée du fluide moteur vers le fond de puits et l'autre pour le retour du fluide chargé des sédiments. Le dispositif comporte également en bout du train un hydroéjecteur qui projette une partie du fluide moteur sur les sédiments avant de les aspirer.Thus, there is also known from US Pat. No. 4,744,420 a device for removing solid accumulations, such as sandy aggregates or the like, in strongly deviated or horizontal underground wells. This device comprises a train of concentric tubes intended to be introduced into the well: one for the supply of the working fluid to the bottom of the well and the other for the return of the fluid charged with the sediments. The device also includes at the end of the train a hydro-ejector which projects part of the working fluid onto the sediment before aspirating it.
Outre les inconvénients déjà mentionnés, le train de tubes est injecté dans le puits après avoir démonté la completion existante. De plus, le dispositif ne peut pas fonctionner de manière continue sur une grande plage d'accumulation de sédiments sans intervention lourde, comme l'adjonction de tubes concentriques supplémentaires. La mise en oeuvre de ce procédé perturbe la completion, ce qui est un inconvénient majeur.In addition to the drawbacks already mentioned, the tube train is injected into the well after dismantling the existing completion. In addition, the device cannot operate continuously over a large range of sediment accumulation without heavy intervention, such as the addition of additional concentric tubes. The implementation of this process disrupts the completion, which is a major drawback.
Pour obvier à ces inconvénients, la présente invention propose un procédé de nettoyage selon lequel on descend à l'intérieur de la colonne de production un tube de maintenance de petit diamètre dit "coiled tubing" comportant à son extrémité une tête de nettoyage pour l'aspiration des sédiments à extraire, on réalise, à un certain niveau au-dessus de la partie du puits à nettoyer' une séparation hydraulique de l'espace annulaire compris entre le tube de maintenance et la colonne de production, le tube de maintenance pouvant coulisser axialement dans ladite séparation hydraulique sur une longueur au moins égale à la longueur totale de la partie de puits à nettoyer, et on injecte dans ledit annulaire un fluide moteur pour le fonctionnement d'un hydroéjecteur, lequel hydroéjecteur provoque l'aspiration par le tube de maintenance des sédiments à extraire, la séparation hydraulique isolant l'annulaire en surpression du fond du puits en dépression.To overcome these drawbacks, the present invention provides a cleaning method according to which a small diameter maintenance tube called "coiled tubing" is lowered inside the production column, comprising at its end a cleaning head for the suction of the sediments to be extracted, a hydraulic separation of the annular space between the maintenance tube and the production column is carried out, at a certain level above the part of the well to be cleaned, the maintenance tube being able to slide axially in said hydraulic separation over a length at least equal to the total length of the well part to be cleaned, and a driving fluid is injected into said annular for the operation of a hydro-ejector, which hydro-ejector causes the suction by the tube maintenance of the sediments to be extracted, the hydraulic separation isolating the annular in overpressure from the bottom of the well in depression.
Selon ce procédé, il y a donc aspiration des sédiments, cette aspiration évitant ainsi tous les inconvénients dus à la pression exercée sur la couche par le fluide de retour chargé en sédiments. De plus, la séparation hydraulique isolant le fond de puits, le fluide moteur n'a pas à être compatible.According to this method, there is therefore a suction of the sediments, this suction thus avoiding all the drawbacks due to the pressure exerted on the layer by the return fluid loaded with sediments. In addition, the hydraulic separation isolating the bottom of the well, the working fluid does not have to be compatible.
Selon un mode préférentiel d'exécution de l'invention, ladite séparation hydraulique est réalisée au moyen d'un presse-étoupe monté, avec possibilité de coulissement en position de nettoyage du dispositif, sur le tube de maintenance, lequel presse-étoupe coopère avec un raccord poli (en langue anglaise : "landing nipple") de la colonne de production pour réaliser une séparation étanche et coulissante. Une telle disposition constitue un avantage considérable par rapport à l'art antérieur puisque la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention ne perturbe pas la completion existante. Il faut et il suffit, en effet, que la completion existante comporte un raccord poli vers la base de la colonne de production pour la localisation de la séparation hydraulique.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said hydraulic separation is carried out by means of a cable gland mounted, with the possibility of sliding in the cleaning position of the device, on the maintenance tube, which cable gland cooperates with a polished connection (in English: "landing nipple") of the production column to achieve a watertight and sliding separation. Such an arrangement constitutes a considerable advantage over the prior art since the implementation of the method according to the invention does not disturb the existing completion. Indeed, it is necessary and sufficient that the existing completion includes a polished connection to the base of the production column for the location of the hydraulic separation.
Selon un mode également préférentiel d'exécution de l'invention, le tube de maintenance est un tube dit de "coiled tubing" de diamètre inférieur ou égal à 38 mm. Le "coiled tubing" est flexible et par ce moyen le procédé s'applique indifféremment aux puits verticaux, aux puits déviés, fortement déviés, ou aux drains horizontaux. Le "coiled tubing" est remarquable en ce qu'il entre parfaitement en contact avec la génératrice basse du drain fortement dévié ou horizontal.According to an also preferred embodiment of the invention, the maintenance tube is a so-called "coiled tubing" tube with a diameter less than or equal to 38 mm. The "coiled tubing" is flexible and by this means the process applies equally to vertical wells, deviated wells, strongly deviated wells, or horizontal drains. The "coiled tubing" is remarkable in that it comes into perfect contact with the low generatrix of the highly deviated or horizontal drain.
De façon préférentielle, le presse-étoupe comporte un ensemble de joints d'étanchéité sur son diamètre intérieur pour permettre un coulissement étanche du tube de maintenance sur ledit presse-étoupe.Preferably, the cable gland includes a set of seals on its internal diameter to allow leaktight sliding of the maintenance tube on said cable gland.
Le presse étoupe est conformé pour être immobilisé en butée contre un épaulement du raccord poli, et comprend également des joints d'étanchéité extérieurs s'appliquant sur la surface interne dudit raccord poli. C'est la surpression en fonctionnement qui le maintient dans cette position.The cable gland is shaped to be immobilized in abutment against a shoulder of the polished fitting, and also includes external seals applying to the internal surface of said polished fitting. It is the overpressure in operation that keeps it in this position.
Le nettoyage se fait alors, en une ou plusieurs passes progressives, en déplaçant la tête de nettoyage dans la partie du puits à nettoyer par coulissement du tube de maintenance à travers la séparation hydraulique, c'est-à- dire par coulissement du tube à travers le presse-étoupe.The cleaning is then done, in one or more progressive passes, by moving the cleaning head in the part of the well to be cleaned by sliding the maintenance tube through the hydraulic separation, that is to say by sliding the tube to through the cable gland.
Le dispositif de nettoyage comprend Une tête de nettoyage montée à l'extrémité d'une extension du tube de maintenance, un presse-étoupe monté coulissant sur ladite extension au-dessus de ladite tête de nettoyage, un hydroéjecteur monté à l'autre extrémité de ladite extension, la sortie de l'hydroéjecteur étant reliée à la surface par le tube de maintenance.The cleaning device comprises a cleaning head mounted at the end of an extension of the maintenance tube, a cable gland mounted sliding on said extension above said cleaning head, a hydro-ejector mounted at the other end of said extension, the outlet of the hydro-ejector being connected to the surface by the maintenance tube.
La tête de nettoyage a un diamètre extérieur inférieur au diamètre de passage interne du raccord poli tandis que le presse-étoupe à un diamètre extérieur supérieur au diamètre de passage interne du raccord poli, de manière à venir s'immobiliser en translation sur ledit raccord poli. Lors de l'introduction dans le puits le presse- étoupe est immobilisé provisoirement en translation sur la tête de nettoyage au moyen d'une goupille ou tout autre moyen équivalent, dont la rupture peut être provoquée par une surpression hydraulique ou un appui mécanique à l'arrivée dans le raccord poli.The cleaning head has an outer diameter less than the internal passage diameter of the polished fitting while the cable gland has an outside diameter greater than the internal passage diameter of the polished fitting, so as to come to a stop in translation on said polished fitting . During the introduction into the well the cable gland is temporarily immobilized in translation on the cleaning head by means of a pin or any other equivalent means, the rupture of which can be caused by hydraulic overpressure or mechanical support to the 'arrival in the polished fitting.
La tête de nettoyage comporte un bouchon éjectable de fermeture de l'entrée de fluide extérieur vers le tube de maintenance, l'éjection du bouchon étant causée par une surpression dans le tube de maintenance.The cleaning head has an ejectable plug for closing the external fluid inlet to the maintenance tube, the ejection of the plug being caused by an overpressure in the maintenance tube.
L'utilisation d'une technique d'intervention très connue et largement utilisée comme la technique dite du "coiled tubing" est un avantage important. La présente invention ne concerne pas cette technique en soi, dont on sait qu'elle nécessite des appareils en surface, connus en soi, tels qu'un bloc obturateur de puits (B.O.P.), un sas, un touret de stockage du "coiled tubing", un injecteur et des moyens de pompage, tous non décrits en détails et non représentés dans le cadre de la présente demande de brevet. C'est également un autre but de la présente invention de proposer une méthode de nettoyage comprenant la réalisation complète de la descente du tube de maintenance selon laquelle :The use of a well-known and widely used intervention technique such as the so-called "coiled tubing" technique is an important advantage. The present invention does not relate to this technique per se, which is known to require surface devices, known per se, such as a well shutter block (BOP), an airlock, a coiled tubing storage reel ", an injector and pumping means, all not described in detail and not shown in the context of the present patent application. It is also another object of the present invention to propose a cleaning method comprising the complete lowering of the maintenance tube according to which:
- on insère l'extension - avec la tête de nettoyage montée à l'extrémité - sous la garniture d'étanchéité ou- insert the extension - with the cleaning head mounted at the end - under the seal or
"stripper" du "coiled tubing", le presse-étoupe étant solidaire de la tête de nettoyage,"stripper" of the "coiled tubing", the cable gland being integral with the cleaning head,
- on suspend l'extension dans le bloc obturateur de puits, et on ferme les mâchoires autour du tube, - on ouvre le sas,- the extension is suspended in the well shutter block, and the jaws are closed around the tube, - the airlock is opened,
- on coupe ledit "coiled tubing",- said "coiled tubing" is cut,
- on insère l'hydroéjecteur au moyen de raccords rapides,- the hydro ejector is inserted by means of quick couplings,
- on ferme le sas,- we close the airlock,
- on ouvre les mâchoires du bloc obturateur de puits, - on poursuit la descente du "coiled tubing" jusqu'à l'engagement du presse-étoupe dans le raccord poli solidaire de la colonne de production, avec cisaillement de la goupille de maintien, - on éjecte le bouchon dans la tête par une surpression dans le tube de maintenance,- the jaws of the well shutter block are opened, - the "coiled tubing" is lowered until the stuffing box engages in the polished connection integral with the production column, with shearing of the retaining pin, - the plug is ejected in the head by an overpressure in the maintenance tube,
- on injecte le fluide moteur dans l'espace annulaire entre la colonne de production et le "coiled tubing" (au-dessus donc de la séparation hydraulique) pour la mise en marche de l'hydroéjecteur,- the working fluid is injected into the annular space between the production column and the "coiled tubing" (above therefore the hydraulic separation) to start the hydro-ejector,
- on poursuit la descente progressive de la tête de nettoyage en observant le retour de sédiments en surface,- the progressive descent of the cleaning head is continued while observing the return of sediments to the surface,
D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de la présente invention apparaîtront dans la description qui va suivre d'un exemple de réalisation non limitatif de l'objet de l'invention, accompagné du dessin dans lequel :Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention will appear in the following description of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the subject of the invention, accompanied by the drawing in which:
- la figure 1 représente le dispositif de nettoyage d'un fond de puits à la descente dans le puits, - la figure 2 représente le même dispositif en position de nettoyage dans le puits,- Figure 1 shows the device for cleaning a well bottom when descending into the well, - Figure 2 shows the same device in the cleaning position in the well,
- la figure 3 représente le presse-étoupe du dispositif des figures 1 et 2,FIG. 3 represents the cable gland of the device in FIGS. 1 and 2,
- la figure 4 représente un exemple de réalisation de la tête de nettoyage, avec son bouchon éjectable,FIG. 4 represents an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning head, with its ejectable plug,
- la figure 4a représente un exemple de réalisation de la face extérieure de cette tête de nettoyage pouvant être mise en rotation par le fluide aspiré,FIG. 4a represents an exemplary embodiment of the external face of this cleaning head which can be rotated by the suctioned fluid,
- la figure 5 représente un exemple de réalisation du connecteur à obturation utilisé pour le retrait de l'hydroéjecteur après opération de nettoyage.- Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the plug connector used for the removal of the hydro-ejector after cleaning operation.
Sur le dessin de la figure 1, la référence 1 représente un tube continu de relativement petit diamètre, inférieur ou égal à 38 mm (l"l/2) . Ce tube est celui d'un outil utilisé pour les opérations d'intervention sous pression dans les puits de production, connu sous le nom de technique de "coiled tubing", technique selon laquelle un tube flexible et continu stocké sur un touret est injecté dans un puits sous pression. Cette technique s'adapte à toute configuration de tête de puits et offre une rapidité de manoeuvre. Le système d'injection avec le bloc obturateur de puits et le sas notamment, ainsi que le système de stockage du "coiled tubing", les moyens d'injection de fluide et de pompage en surface ne sont pas représentés.In the drawing in FIG. 1, the reference 1 represents a continuous tube of relatively small diameter, less than or equal to 38 mm (l "l / 2). This tube is that of a tool used for intervention operations under pressure in production wells, known as the "coiled tubing" technique, a technique in which a flexible and continuous tube stored on a drum is injected into a pressure well. This technique adapts to any head configuration well and offers a rapid maneuver. The injection system with the well shutter block and the airlock in particular, as well as the "coiled tubing" storage system, the means fluid injection and surface pumping are not shown.
A l'extrémité du tube 1 de "coiled tubing", est monté, par l'intermédiaire d'un raccord 2 de 38 mm (l"l/2), une pompe à effet Venturi ou hydroéjecteur 3 fonctionnant en pompage inversé. Un clapet 3a intégré dans le Venturi interdit tout retour de liquide vers l'espace entourant la pompe, comme il sera expliqué plus loin.At the end of the coiled tubing tube 1 is mounted, via a 38 mm (l "l / 2) connection 2, a Venturi effect pump or hydro-ejector 3 operating in reverse pumping mode. valve 3a integrated in the Venturi prevents any return of liquid to the space surrounding the pump, as will be explained below.
Par l'intermédiaire d'un raccord à obturation, référencé 4, de diamètre 38 mm (l"l/2) , la pompe 3 est reliée à une extension tubulaire 5 dont le diamètre est égal à celui du tube 1 et dont la longueur est ajustable en fonction des caractéristiques dimensionnelles du puits à nettoyer. Cette longueur est au moins égale à la distance entre le niveau de séparation hydraulique choisi (L sur le dessin de la figure 2) et la partie du puits à nettoyer la plus éloignée.Via a sealing connection, referenced 4, with a diameter of 38 mm (l "l / 2), the pump 3 is connected to a tubular extension 5 whose diameter is equal to that of tube 1 and whose length is adjustable according to the dimensional characteristics of the well to be cleaned This length is at least equal to the distance between the level of hydraulic separation chosen (L in the drawing of FIG. 2) and the most distant part of the well to be cleaned.
Un presse-étoupe 6 est monté avec possibilité de coulissement le long de l'extension tubulaire 5. Il est représenté plus en détails sur le dessin de la figure 3. il comporte sur son alésage intérieur 6a un ensemble de joints toriques et à lèvres 6b et sur son alésage extérieur 6c un ensemble de joints à lèvres résilients 6d compressibles, les joints 6b réalisant une étanchéité sur l'extension tubulaire 5 tandis que les joints extérieurs 6d coopèrent avec un élément de la colonne de production (le raccord poli ou "landing nipple") pour réaliser la séparation hydraulique comme il sera vu plus loin.A cable gland 6 is mounted with the possibility of sliding along the tubular extension 5. It is shown in more detail in the drawing of Figure 3. it has on its inner bore 6a a set of O-rings and lip 6b and on its outer bore 6c a set of compressible resilient lip seals 6d, the seals 6b sealing the tubular extension 5 while the outer seals 6d cooperate with an element of the production column (the polished connector or "landing nipple ") to perform the hydraulic separation as will be seen later.
En position de descente représentée sur le dessin de la figure 1, le presse-étoupe 6 est immobilisé en translation sur la partie supérieure d'une tête de nettoyage 7 par une goupille 8 (voir figure 3) , qui peut être cisaillée dans les conditions expliquées plus loin pour permettre le coulissement du tube de maintenance dans l'alésage interne du presse-étoupe 6.In the lowering position shown in the drawing of Figure 1, the cable gland 6 is immobilized in translation on the upper part of a cleaning head 7 by a pin 8 (see Figure 3), which can be sheared under the conditions explained below to allow the maintenance tube to slide into the internal bore of the cable gland 6.
L'extrémité de l'extension 5 est obturée provisoirement par un bouchon éjectable 7a (voir figure 4) qui a pour fonction en position de fermeture de permettre le montage de la pompe 3 en surface. La tête de nettoyage 7, qui prolonge l'extension tubulaire 5, est conçue pour faciliter le nettoyage par turbulence et rotation induite.The end of the extension 5 is temporarily closed by an ejectable plug 7a (see FIG. 4) which has the function in the closed position of allowing the mounting of the pump 3 on the surface. The cleaning head 7, which extends the tubular extension 5, is designed to facilitate cleaning by turbulence and induced rotation.
On représente sur le dessin de la figure 4 la tête de nettoyage 7 et son montage en extrémité de l'extension tubulaire 5. Le bouchon éjectable 7a est immobilisé en position de fermeture au moyen de la goupille 13. La tête est montée rotative sur un palier à roulements à billes 14. Un connecteur agrippant classique 18 comportant les pièces 15,16,17 permet la solidarisation de la tête 7 sur l'extension 5.The cleaning head 7 and its mounting at the end of the tubular extension 5 are shown in the drawing in FIG. 4. The ejectable plug 7a is immobilized in the closed position by means of the pin 13. The head is rotatably mounted on a ball bearing bearing 14. A conventional gripping connector 18 comprising the parts 15, 16, 17 allows the attachment of the head 7 to the extension 5.
La tête est percée de rainures oblongues 19 percées selon des directions non radiales, mais orientées hélicoïdalement ou quasi-hélicoïdalement, de manière à communiquer, sous l'effet des fluides traversants, un mouvement de rotation à la tête de nettoyage 7 (figure 4a) . Il peut également être prévu sur la surface extérieure des ailettes de turbulence 20 (figure 4a) .The head is pierced with oblong grooves 19 pierced in non-radial directions, but oriented helically or almost helically, so as to impart, under the effect of the through fluids, a rotational movement to the cleaning head 7 (FIG. 4a) . It can also be provided on the outer surface of the turbulence fins 20 (FIG. 4a).
Sur le dessin de la figure 2, la référence 9 représente schematiquement le cuvelage du puits, qui peut être un puits vertical, dévié, voire fortement dévié et même un drain horizontal. La colonne de production est référencée 10. L'espace annulaire compris entre la colonne de production 10 et le cuvelage 9 est fermé par une garniture d'étanchéité ou packer 11. L'ensemble de nettoyage ou tube de maintenance de la figure 1 est introduit dans la colonne de production 10, laquelle comporte un raccord poli de fond de puits 12 formant, par son épaulement 12a, siège pour le presse-étoupe 6. Dans l'exemple présentement décrit la colonne de production 10 est de diamètre indifférent.In the drawing of FIG. 2, the reference 9 schematically represents the casing of the well, which can be a vertical well, deviated, or even strongly deviated and even a horizontal drain. The production column is referenced 10. The annular space between the production column 10 and the casing 9 is closed by a seal or packer 11. The cleaning assembly or maintenance tube of FIG. 1 is introduced in the production column 10, which comprises a polished downhole connection 12 forming, by its shoulder 12a, seat for the cable gland 6. In the example presently described, the production column 10 is of any diameter.
Le fonctionnement du système de nettoyage est le suivant :The cleaning system works as follows:
Le "coiled tubing" enroulé en surface sur un touret, est inséré sans perturber la pression régnant en tête du puits dans une garniture d'étanchéité et de manoeuvre (stripper) , non représentée, avec adjonction d'une graisse de lubrification, avec la tête de nettoyage 7 à son extrémité libre. Au dessus de la tête de nettoyage est inséré le presse-étoupe 6, immobilisé en translation avec la tête de nettoyage 7 par la goupille 8 (figure 3) . La longueur de "coiled tubing" insérée de cette manière dans le "stripper" dépend de la distance entre la partie du puits à nettoyer la plus éloignée et la localisation (L) du raccord poli 12 formant palier de coulissement du tube de maintenance et séparation hydraulique. La longueur de l'extension tubulaire 5 est égale ou supérieure à la distance indiquée ci-dessus. Le "coiled tubing" est suspendu dans les mâchoires d'un bloc obturateur de puits (B.O.P) et l'on ouvre le sas. Ces matériels classiques de la technique de "coiled tubing" ne sont pas représentés sur le dessin, et ne sont pas décrits en détails. On coupe en surface le tube de "coiled tubing", la sécurité étant obtenue par la position du bouchon éjectable 7a dans la tête de nettoyage 7 qui empêche toute remontée de fluide par le tube de "coiled tubing" constitutif du tube de maintenance. De manière connue en soi, on insère l'hydroéjecteur 3 par l'intermédiaire d'un connecteur 4 à obturation représenté sur le dessin de la figure 5. Ce connecteur 4 comprend une vanne à quart de tour 4a, logée dans un alésage 4b et pouvant être orientée par un axe 4c. Ce type de connecteur comprend également une pluralité de joints d'étanchéité 4d et une surface extérieure de profil curviligne dans les retraits duquel sont écrasées à force les parties tubulaires des éléments à connecter (figure 5) .The "coiled tubing" wound on the surface on a reel, is inserted without disturbing the pressure prevailing at the top of the well in a seal and maneuvering (stripper), not shown, with the addition of a lubricating grease, with the cleaning head 7 at its free end. Above the cleaning head is inserted the cable gland 6, immobilized in translation with the cleaning head 7 by the pin 8 (Figure 3). The length of "coiled tubing" inserted in this way in the "stripper" depends on the distance between the most distant part of the well to be cleaned and the location (L) of the polished fitting 12 forming a sliding bearing for the maintenance and separation tube hydraulic. The length of the tubular extension 5 is equal to or greater than the distance indicated above. The "coiled tubing" is suspended in the jaws of a well shutter block (BOP) and the airlock is opened. These conventional materials of the "coiled tubing" technique are not shown in the drawing, and are not described in detail. The "coiled tubing" tube is cut at the surface, security being obtained by the position of the ejectable plug 7a in the cleaning head 7 which prevents any rise of fluid by the "coiled tubing" tube constituting the maintenance tube. In a manner known per se, the hydro-ejector 3 is inserted by means of a plugging connector 4 shown in the drawing in FIG. 5. This connector 4 comprises a quarter-turn valve 4a, housed in a bore 4b and can be oriented by an axis 4c. This type of connector also includes a plurality of seals 4d and an outer surface of curvilinear profile in the recesses from which the tubular parts of the elements to be connected are forcibly crushed (FIG. 5).
Le sas est reconnecté, les mâchoires du bloc obturateur de puits sont ouvertes et la descente du "coiled tubing", assemblé à l'hydroéjecteur 3 au moyen du connecteur 2 de 38mm également (l"l/2) , est poursuivie de manière à former la partie tubulaire référencée 1 sur le dessin des figures 1 et 2. Lorsque le presse-étoupe 6 atteint le niveau de localisation L de séparation hydraulique, donc s'engage dans le raccord poli 12 de fond de puits, le pompage du liquide moteur dans l'espace annulaire compris entre la colonne de production 10 et le tube de maintenance 1,2,3,4,5,6 et 7 peut commencer ; la pression du liquide moteur permet d'immobiliser en translation et en parfaite butée le presse-étoupe 6 sur le siège 12a du raccord poliThe airlock is reconnected, the jaws of the well shutter block are open and the descent of the "coiled tubing", assembled to the hydro-ejector 3 by means of the connector 2 also 38mm (l "l / 2), is continued so as to form the tubular part referenced 1 in the drawing of FIGS. 1 and 2. When the cable gland 6 reaches the localization level L of hydraulic separation, therefore engages in the polished fitting 12 at the bottom of the well, pumping of the driving liquid in the annular space between the production column 10 and the maintenance tube 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7 can start; the pressure of the engine liquid makes it possible to immobilize in translation and in perfect abutment the cable gland 6 on the seat 12a of the polished fitting
12. La séparation hydraulique est réalisée, la partie de la colonne de production située en dessous de la séparation hydraulique (référencée LB) et, par conséquent, également le fond de puits sont isolés du volume d'annulaire en surpression (LH) situé au-dessus de la séparation hydraulique. Cette séparation hydraulique constitue une caractéristique importante de la présente invention. En effet, cette séparation rend possible la mise en mouvement et l'évacuation des sédiments sans surpression sur la couche, sans contact de fluide moteur avec la paroi du puits. Les opérations de nettoyage ont lieu avec isolement de la partie du puits à nettoyer grâce à la séparation hydraulique réalisée par l'immobilisation du presse-étoupe12. The hydraulic separation is carried out, the part of the production column located below the hydraulic separation (referenced LB) and, therefore, also the bottom of the wells are isolated from the volume of annular pressure (LH) located at - above the hydraulic separation. This hydraulic separation constitutes an important characteristic of the present invention. Indeed, this separation makes it possible to set in motion and evacuate the sediments without overpressure on the layer, without contact of working fluid with the wall of the well. The cleaning operations take place with isolation of the part of the well to be cleaned thanks to the hydraulic separation carried out by the immobilization of the cable gland
6 sur la raccord poli 12 au niveau de localisation L.6 on the polished fitting 12 at location level L.
On notera également que, comme la mise en oeuvre du procédé lui-même, la réalisation de cette séparation ne nécessite pas l'adjonction de nouveaux matériels ou la modification de matériels existants dans la completion.It will also be noted that, like the implementation of the process itself, the achievement of this separation does not require the addition of new equipment or the modification of existing equipment in the completion.
Par une surpression dans le tube de maintenance, le bouchon éjectable 7a est éjecté (cisaillement de la goupille 13 ou tout autre moyen connu en soi) et tombe au fond de la tête de nettoyage 7, le fond de puits est alors relié à la surface (voir figure 4) .By an overpressure in the maintenance tube, the ejectable plug 7a is ejected (shearing of the pin 13 or any other means known per se) and falls to the bottom of the cleaning head 7, the bottom of the well is then connected to the surface (see figure 4).
Le fluide moteur pompé depuis la surface met en marche l'aspiration de l'hydroéjecteur 3 à travers la tête de nettoyage 7 et l'extension tubulaire 5.The working fluid pumped from the surface starts the suction of the hydro-ejector 3 through the cleaning head 7 and the tubular extension 5.
Une descente supplémentaire du "coiled tubing" cisaille alors la goupille 8 de maintien du presse-étoupe 6 sur la tête de nettoyage 7. Le "coiled tubing" peut être alors progressivement poussé de manière à ce que la tête de nettoyage 7 soit amenée à' proximité des parties du puits à nettoyer, et ce par coulissement du tube d'extension 5 dans l'alésage interne 6a du presse-étoupe 6.An additional descent of the "coiled tubing" then shears the pin 8 for holding the cable gland 6 on the cleaning head 7. The "coiled tubing" can then be gradually pushed so that the cleaning head 7 is brought to proximity of parts of the shaft to be cleaned, and this sliding of the extension tube 5 in the internal bore 6a of the stuffing box 6.
Les sédiments sont aspirés par les orifices 19 de la tête de nettoyage, remontent par le tube d'extension 5, le connecteur 4, l'hydroéjecteur 3 et le tube 1 vers la surface.The sediments are sucked in through the orifices 19 of the cleaning head, rise up through the extension tube 5, the connector 4, the hydro-ejector 3 and the tube 1 towards the surface.
La tête de nettoyage 7 peut être une tête rotative à effet cyclone par la conformation des orifices selon des lignes hélicoïdales, tel que déjà mentionné.The cleaning head 7 can be a rotary head with a cyclone effect by the conformation of the orifices along helical lines, as already mentioned.
Plusieurs passes sont possibles en maintenant la surpression sur le presse-étoupe 6 sur le siège 12a du raccord poli 12.Several passes are possible while maintaining the overpressure on the cable gland 6 on the seat 12a of the polished fitting 12.
En fin de nettoyage, le fluide moteur est remplacé par un fluide non polluant pour le réservoir et stabilisant ou non le puits. Si ce fluide est du gaz, le puits génère une pression de tête. Dans ce cas le tube de maintenance est fermé intérieurement en arrivant en surface par un obturateur 4a logé dans le connecteur 4 placé sous l'hydroéjecteur 3,ce qui permet le retrait deAt the end of cleaning, the working fluid is replaced by a fluid which does not pollute the tank and which stabilizes the well or not. If this fluid is gas, the well generates overhead pressure. In this case, the maintenance tube is closed internally, arriving at the surface by a shutter 4a housed in the connector 4 placed under the hydro-ejector 3, which allows the removal of
1'hydroéjecteur et le raboutage du "coiled tubing" pour poursuivre l'extraction de celui-ci sous pression contenue.1 the hydro-ejector and the splicing of the "coiled tubing" to continue the extraction of the latter under contained pressure.
On notera enfin un avantage supplémentaire du procédé selon l'invention : tout défaut d'étanchéité au niveau du presse-étoupe ne condamne pas la méthode de nettoyage, il en résulte simplement une baisse de rendement énergétique compensable par un accroissement du débit du liquide moteur. Finally, there is an additional advantage of the method according to the invention: any leak in the packing gland does not condemn the cleaning method, it simply results in a reduction in energy efficiency compensated by an increase in the flow of engine liquid .

Claims

REVENDICATIONS — Procédé de nettoyage d'un puits souterrain vertical, dévié ou horizontal, équipé d'une colonne de production, procédé lors duquel on descend à l'intérieur de ladite colonne (10) un tube de maintenance (1 à 7) comportant à son extrémité une tête de nettoyage (7) pour l'aspiration des sédiments à extraire, on réalise à un certain niveau (L) au dessus de la partie du puits à nettoyer une séparation hydraulique de l'annulaire compris entre le tube de maintenance (1 à 7) et la colonne de production (10) , et on injecte dans ledit annulaire un fluide moteur pour le fonctionnement d'un hydroéjecteur, lequel hydroéjecteur (3) provoque l'aspiration par le tube de maintenance (1 à 7) des sédiments à extraire, la séparation hydraulique isolant l'annulaire en surpression (LH) du fond du puits en dépression, caractérisé en ce que l'on déplace la tête de nettoyage (7) dans la partie du puits à nettoyer par coulissement du tube de maintenance (1 à 7) à travers la séparation hydraulique. - Procédé de nettoyage d'un puits souterrain selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'on réalise ladite séparation hydraulique au moyen d'un presse- êtoupe (6) monté avec possibilité de coulissement sur une partie tubulaire ou extension (5) du tube de maintenance (1 à 7) qui, au niveau de séparation hydraulique, coopère, par concordance de formes et de manière étanche, avec un raccord poli (12) de la colonne de production (10) . - Procédé de nettoyage d'un puits souterrain selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en que le tube de maintenance est constitué à partir d'un tube dit de "coiled tubing" de diamètre inférieur ou égal à 38 mm. - Procédé de nettoyage d'un puits souterrain selon la revendication 3 caractérisé en ce que ledit presse- étoupe (6) est conformé pour être immobilisé en translation en butée contre le raccord poli (12) , et comprend des joints d'étanchéité (6d) extérieurs s'appliquant sur la surface interne dudit raccord poli (12) , de manière à réaliser une séparation hydraulique étanche.CLAIMS - Method for cleaning a vertical, deflected or horizontal underground well, equipped with a production column, method during which one descends inside said column (10) a maintenance tube (1 to 7) comprising at its end a cleaning head (7) for the suction of the sediments to be extracted, there is produced at a certain level (L) above the part of the well to be cleaned a hydraulic separation of the ring finger between the maintenance tube ( 1 to 7) and the production column (10), and a driving fluid is injected into said annular for the operation of a hydro-ejector, which hydro-ejector (3) causes the suction by the maintenance tube (1 to 7) of the sediment to be extracted, the hydraulic separation isolating the annular overpressure (LH) from the bottom of the depression well, characterized in that the cleaning head (7) is moved into the part of the well to be cleaned by sliding the maintenance (1 to 7) through the hydraulic separation. - Method for cleaning an underground well according to claim 1, characterized in that said hydraulic separation is carried out by means of a cable gland (6) mounted with the possibility of sliding on a tubular part or extension (5) maintenance tube (1 to 7) which, at the level of hydraulic separation, cooperates, by concordance of shapes and in a leaktight manner, with a polished connection (12) of the production column (10). - Method of cleaning an underground well according to claim 1, characterized in that the maintenance tube is formed from a tube called "coiled tubing" of diameter less than or equal to 38 mm. - Method for cleaning an underground well according to claim 3 characterized in that said cable gland (6) is shaped to be immobilized in translation in abutment against the polished fitting (12), and comprises seals (6d ) outdoor applying to the internal surface of said polished connector (12), so as to produce a sealed hydraulic separation.
5 - Dispositif de nettoyage pour la mise en oeuvre de l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4 caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une tête de nettoyage (7) montée à l'extrémité d'une extension tubulaire (5) , un presse- étoupe (6) monté avec possibilité de coulissement sur ladite extension tubulaire (5) au dessus de ladite tête de nettoyage (7) , un hydroéjecteur (3) monté à l'autre extrémité de ladite extension (5) , la sortie de l'hydroéjecteur étant reliée à la surface par un tube (1) dit de "coiled tubing".5 - Cleaning device for the implementation of any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that it comprises a cleaning head (7) mounted at the end of a tubular extension (5), a press - tow (6) mounted with the possibility of sliding on said tubular extension (5) above said cleaning head (7), a hydro-ejector (3) mounted at the other end of said extension (5), the outlet of the hydroejector being connected to the surface by a tube (1) called "coiled tubing".
6 - Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que la tête de nettoyage (7) à un diamètre extérieur inférieur au diamètre de passage interne du raccord poli (12) .6 - Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the cleaning head (7) has an outer diameter less than the internal passage diameter of the polished connector (12).
7 - Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le presse-étoupe (6) à un diamètre extérieur supérieur au diamètre de passage interne du raccord poli (12) , de manière à buter sur le raccord poli (12).7 - Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the cable gland (6) has an outer diameter greater than the internal passage diameter of the polished fitting (12), so as to abut on the polished fitting (12).
8 - Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le presse-étoupe (6) est immobilisé provisoirement en translation sur ladite extension tubulaire (5) au moyen d'une goupille (18) , dont la rupture peut être provoquée par une surpression hydraulique sur la face supérieure dudit presse-étoupe.8 - Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the cable gland (6) is temporarily immobilized in translation on said tubular extension (5) by means of a pin (18), the rupture of which may be caused by overpressure hydraulic on the upper face of said cable gland.
9 - Dispositif selon la revendication 5 caractérisé en ce que l'hydroéjecteur (3) est de dimension extérieure réduite entre 50 et 63 mm, et comporte un clapet intégré (3a) pour interdire tout retour de liquide vers l'espace annulaire entre la colonne de production (10) et le tube de maintenance (1 à 7) . 10- Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que ladite tête de nettoyage (7) comporte un bouchon éjectable (7a) de fermeture de l'entrée de fluide vers le tube de maintenance (1 à 7) , l'éjection du bouchon (7a) étant causée par une surpression dans ledit tube de maintenance. - Dispositif selon la revendication 5 caractérisé en ce que ladite tête de nettoyage (7) est une tête rotative à effet cyclone. - Procédé de mise en oeuvre du dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 11 dans un puits souterrain, vertical, dévié ou horizontal équipé d'une colonne de production (10) au moyen d'une installation dite de "coiled tubing" comprenant le tube enroulé de "coiled tubing" sur un touret, un sas et un bloc obturateur de puits, caractérisé en ce qu'on insère le "coiled tubing" avec une tête de nettoyage (7) en extrémité et un presse-étoupe dans la garniture d'étanchéité ou stripper du "coiled tubing", ledit presse-étoupe étant solidarisé en translation avec la tête de nettoyage (6) ,9 - Device according to claim 5 characterized in that the hydro-ejector (3) is of reduced external dimension between 50 and 63 mm, and has an integrated valve (3a) to prevent any return of liquid to the annular space between the column (10) and the maintenance tube (1 to 7). 10- Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said cleaning head (7) comprises an ejectable plug (7a) for closing the fluid inlet to the maintenance tube (1 to 7), ejecting the plug (7a) being caused by an overpressure in said maintenance tube. - Device according to claim 5 characterized in that said cleaning head (7) is a rotary head with cyclone effect. - Method of implementing the device according to any one of claims 5 to 11 in an underground, vertical, deviated or horizontal well equipped with a production column (10) by means of a so-called "coiled tubing" installation comprising the coiled tubing coiled tubing on a reel, an airlock and a well shutter block, characterized in that the "coiled tubing" is inserted with a cleaning head (7) at the end and a cable gland in the seal or stripper of the "coiled tubing", said cable gland being secured in translation with the cleaning head (6),
- on descend le "coiled tubing" ainsi équipé dans la colonne de production (10) , - on suspend le "coiled tubing" dans le bloc obturateur de puits,- the “coiled tubing” thus equipped is lowered into the production column (10), - the “coiled tubing” is suspended in the well shutter block,
- on ouvre le sas,- we open the airlock,
- on coupe ledit "coiled tubing" à une distance au moins égale à la distance comprise entre la séparation hydraulique (L) et la partie la plus extrême du puits à nettoyer,- said "coiled tubing" is cut at a distance at least equal to the distance between the hydraulic separation (L) and the most extreme part of the well to be cleaned,
- on insère l'hydroéjecteur (3) au moyen de raccords- the hydro ejector (3) is inserted by means of fittings
(2,4),(2.4),
- on ferme le sas, - on ouvre les mâchoires du bloc obturateur de puits,- the airlock is closed, - the jaws of the well shutter block are opened,
- on poursuit la descente du "coiled tubing" jusqu'à l'engagement du presse-étoupe (6) dans le raccord poli (12) solidaire de la colonne de production(10) ,the descent of the "coiled tubing" is continued until the gland is engaged (6) in the polished fitting (12) secured to the production column (10),
- on ouvre la communication de la tête de nettoyage avec la tubulure de "coiled tubing" pour aspirer les sédiments vers la surface.- the communication of the cleaning head is opened with the "coiled tubing" tubing to suck the sediment towards the surface.
- on injecte le fluide moteur dans l'espace annulaire- the driving fluid is injected into the annular space
(LH) entre la colonne de production (10) et le "coiled tubing" pour la mise en marche de l'hydroéjecteur (3) , n poursuit la descente de la tête de nettoyage (7) après desolidarisation de celle-ci du presse-étoupe (6), (LH) between the production column (10) and the "coiled tubing" for starting the hydro-ejector (3), n continues the descent of the cleaning head (7) after detachment of the latter from the cable gland (6),
EP91900837A 1989-12-11 1990-12-10 Device and method for cleaning an underground well Expired - Lifetime EP0457879B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8916346A FR2655684B1 (en) 1989-12-11 1989-12-11 PROCESS FOR CLEANING A SUBTERRANEAN WELL AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SUCH A PROCESS.
FR8916346 1989-12-11
PCT/FR1990/000895 WO1991009205A1 (en) 1989-12-11 1990-12-10 Device and method for cleaning an underground well

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0457879A1 true EP0457879A1 (en) 1991-11-27
EP0457879B1 EP0457879B1 (en) 1994-08-24

Family

ID=9388362

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91900837A Expired - Lifetime EP0457879B1 (en) 1989-12-11 1990-12-10 Device and method for cleaning an underground well

Country Status (9)

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US (1) US5158140A (en)
EP (1) EP0457879B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE110438T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69011850D1 (en)
DK (1) DK0457879T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2655684B1 (en)
NO (1) NO301728B1 (en)
OA (1) OA09390A (en)
WO (1) WO1991009205A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1991009205A1 (en) 1991-06-27
US5158140A (en) 1992-10-27
DE69011850D1 (en) 1994-09-29
FR2655684A1 (en) 1991-06-14
EP0457879B1 (en) 1994-08-24
NO301728B1 (en) 1997-12-01
DK0457879T3 (en) 1994-12-19
OA09390A (en) 1992-09-15
ATE110438T1 (en) 1994-09-15
FR2655684B1 (en) 1995-09-22
NO913111D0 (en) 1991-08-09
NO913111L (en) 1991-10-10

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