EP1279795B1 - Soupape de gas lift à orifice variable pour débits élevés munie d'une source d'énergie amovible et procédé d'utilisation - Google Patents

Soupape de gas lift à orifice variable pour débits élevés munie d'une source d'énergie amovible et procédé d'utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1279795B1
EP1279795B1 EP02079411A EP02079411A EP1279795B1 EP 1279795 B1 EP1279795 B1 EP 1279795B1 EP 02079411 A EP02079411 A EP 02079411A EP 02079411 A EP02079411 A EP 02079411A EP 1279795 B1 EP1279795 B1 EP 1279795B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
gas lift
variable orifice
lift valve
hydraulic
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.)
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EP02079411A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP1279795A1 (fr
Inventor
Ronald E. Pringle
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Schlumberger Technology Corp
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Schlumberger Technology Corp
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Publication date
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Priority claimed from EP97936508A external-priority patent/EP0918918B1/fr
Publication of EP1279795A1 publication Critical patent/EP1279795A1/fr
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    • 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
    • E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
    • E21B34/06—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
    • E21B34/066—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells electrically actuated
    • 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
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/12—Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
    • E21B43/121—Lifting well fluids
    • E21B43/122—Gas lift
    • E21B43/123—Gas lift valves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to subsurface well completion equipment and, more particularly, to an apparatus for lifting hydrocarbons from subterranean formations with gas at high production rates. Additionally, embodiments of independent and detachable actuators are disclosed.
  • the size of a gas injection orifice in the gas lift valve is of crucial importance to the stable operation of the well.
  • Prior art gas lift valves employ fixed diameter orifices in a range up to 19,05 mm (3/4 inch), which may be inadequate for optimal production in large diameter tubing.
  • This size limitation is geometrically limited by the gas lift valve's requisite small size, and the position of its operating mechanism, which prevents a full bore through the valve for maximum flow.
  • the present invention is a gas lift valve for use in a subterranean well, comprising: a valve body with a longitudinal bore therethrough for sealable insertion in a mandrel; a variable orifice valve in the body for controlling fluid flow into the body; and, an actuating means connected to the variable orifice valve.
  • the actuating means may be electro-hydraulically operated, and may further include: a hydraulic pump located in a downhole housing; an electric motor connected to and driving the hydraulic pump upon receipt of a signal from a control panel; hydraulic circuitry connected to and responding to the action of the pump; and, a moveable hydraulic piston responding to the hydraulic circuitry and operatively connected to the variable orifice valve, controlling movement thereof.
  • the actuating means may further include a position sensor to report relative location of the moveable hydraulic piston to the control panel.
  • the actuating means may be selectively installed and retrievably detached from the gas lift valve.
  • the actuating means may further include at least one pressure transducer communicating with the hydraulic circuitry, and transmitting collected data to the control panel.
  • the actuating means may further include a mechanical position holder.
  • the actuating means may be selectively installed and retrievably detached from the gas lift valve.
  • the actuating means may be hydraulically operated, and may further include: a hydraulic actuating piston located in a downhole housing and operatively connected to the variable orifice valve; a spring, biasing the variable orifice valve in a full closed position; and, at least one control line connected to the hydraulic actuating piston and extending to a hydraulic pressure source.
  • the actuating means may further include a position sensor to report relative location of the moveable hydraulic piston to a control panel.
  • the actuating means may further include at least one pressure transducer communicating with the hydraulic actuating piston, and transmitting collected data to a control panel.
  • the actuating means may be selectively installed and retrievably detached from the gas lift valve.
  • the actuating means may be electro-hydraulic, and may further include: at least one electrically piloted hydraulic solenoid valve located in a downhole housing; at least one hydraulic control line connected to the solenoid valve and extending to a hydraulic pressure source; hydraulic circuity connected to and responding to the action of the solenoid valve; and, a moveable hydraulic piston responding to the hydraulic circuitry and operatively connected to the variable orifice valve, controlling movement thereof.
  • the actuating means may further include a position sensor to report relative location of the moveable hydraulic piston to a control panel.
  • the actuating means may further include at least one pressure transducer communicating with the hydraulic circuitry, and transmitting collected data to a control panel.
  • the actuating means may be selectively installed and retrievably detached from the gas lift valve.
  • the actuating means may be pneumo-hydraulically actuated, and may further include: a moveable hydraulic piston having a first and second end, operatively connected to the variable orifice valve, controlling movement thereof; at least one hydraulic control line connected to a hydraulic pressure source and communicating with the first end of the hydraulic piston; and, a gas chamber connected to and communicating with the second end of the hydraulic piston.
  • the gas lift valve may be retrievably locatable within a side pocket mandrel by wireline and coiled tubing intervention tools.
  • the gas lift valve may be selectively installed and retrievably detached from the actuating means.
  • the actuating means may be selectively installed and retrievably detached from the gas lift valve.
  • the present invention may be a method of using a gas lift valve in a subterranean well, comprising: installing a first mandrel and a second mandrel in a well production string that are in operational communication; retrievably installing a variable orifice gas lift valve in a first mandrel; installing a controllable actuating means in a second mandrel; and, controlling the variable orifice gas lift valve by surface manipulation of a control panel that communicates with the actuating means.
  • the method of installing the variable orifice gas lift valve and the actuating means may be by wireline intervention.
  • the method of installing the variable orifice gas lift valve and the actuating means may be by coiled tubing intervention.
  • the present invention may be a gas lift valve for variably introducing injection gas into a subterranean well, comprising: a valve body with a longitudinal bore therethrough for sealable insertion in a mandrel; a variable orifice valve in the body for controlling flow of injection gas into the body; and, a moveable hydraulic piston connected to the variable orifice valve and in communication with a source of pressurized fluid; whereby the amount of injection gas introduced into the well through the variable orifice valve is controlled by varying the amount of pressurized fluid being applied to the moveable hydraulic piston.
  • the source of pressurized fluid may be external to the gas lift valve and may be transmitted to the gas lift valve through a control line connected between the gas lift valve and the external source of pressurized fluid.
  • the external source of pressurized fluid may be located at the earth's surface.
  • the source of pressurized fluid may be an on-board hydraulic system including: a hydraulic pump located in a downhole housing and in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir; an electric motor connected to and driving the hydraulic pump upon receipt of a signal from a control panel; and, hydraulic circuitry in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic piston.
  • the gas lift valve may further include an electrical conduit connecting the control panel to the gas lift valve for providing a signal to the electric motor.
  • the hydraulic system may further include a solenoid valve located in the downhole housing and connected to the electrical conduit, the solenoid valve directing the pressurized fluid from the hydraulic system through the hydraulic circuitry to the hydraulic piston.
  • the gas lift valve may further include at least one pressure transducer in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuitry and connected to the electrical conduit for providing a pressure reading to the control panel.
  • the gas lift valve may further include an upstream pressure transducer connected to the electrical conduit and a downstream pressure transducer connected to the electrical conduit, the upstream and downstream pressure transducers being located within the gas lift valve to measure a pressure drop across the variable orifice valve, the pressure drop measurement being reported to the control panel through the electrical conduit.
  • the gas lift valve may further include a position sensor to report relative location of the moveable hydraulic piston to the control panel.
  • the gas lift valve may further include a mechanical position holder to mechanically assure that the variable orifice valve remains in its desired position if conditions in the hydraulic system change during use.
  • variable orifice valve may be stopped at intermediate positions between a full open and a full closed position to adjust the flow of injection gas therethrough, the variable orifice valve being held in the intermediate positions by the position holder.
  • the hydraulic system may further include a movable volume compensator piston for displacing a volume of fluid that is utilized as the hydraulic system operates.
  • the variable orifice valve may further include a carbide stem and seat.
  • the mandrel may be provided with at least one injection gas port through which injection gas flows when the variable orifice valve is open.
  • the gas lift valve may further include an upper and lower one-way check valve located on opposite sides of the variable orifice valve to prevent any fluid flow from the well into the gas lift valve.
  • the gas lift valve may further include latch means for adapting the variable orifice valve to be remotely deployed and retrieved.
  • the variable orifice valve may be remotely deployed and retrieved by utilization of coiled tubing.
  • the variable orifice valve may be remotely deployed and retrieved by utilization of wireline.
  • the gas lift valve may further include a valve connection collet.
  • the present invention may be a gas lift valve for variably introducing injection gas into a subterranean well, comprising: a valve body with a longitudinal bore therethrough for sealable insertion in a mandrel; a hydraulic control line connected to the gas lift valve for providing a supply of pressurized fluid thereto; a variable orifice valve in the body for controlling flow of injection gas into the body; a spring biasing the variable orifice valve in a full closed position; a moveable hydraulic piston connected to the variable orifice valve; and, an actuating piston located in a downhole housing, connected to the moveable hydraulic piston and in communication with the control line; whereby the amount of injection gas introduced into the well through the variable orifice valve is controlled by varying the amount of pressurized fluid being applied to the actuating piston.
  • control line may be connected to a source of pressurized fluid located at the earth's surface.
  • gas lift valve may further include a mechanical position holder to mechanically assure that the variable orifice valve remains in its desired position if conditions in the gas lift valve change during use.
  • variable orifice valve may be stopped at intermediate positions between a full open and a full closed position to adjust the flow of injection gas therethrough, the variable orifice valve being held in the intermediate positions by the position holder.
  • variable orifice valve may further include a carbide stem and seat.
  • the mandrel may be provided with at least one injection gas port through which injection gas flows when the variable orifice valve is open.
  • the gas lift valve may further include an upper and lower one-way check valve located on opposite sides of the variable orifice valve to prevent any fluid flow from the well into the gas lift valve.
  • the gas lift valve may further include latch means for adapting the variable orifice valve to be remotely deployed and retrieved.
  • the variable orifice valve may be remotely deployed and retrieved by utilization of coiled tubing.
  • the variable orifice valve may be remotely deployed and retrieved by utilization of wireline.
  • the gas lift valve may further include a valve connection collet.
  • the present invention may be a gas lift valve for variably introducing injection gas into a subterranean well, comprising: a valve body with a longitudinal bore therethrough for sealable insertion in a mandrel; a valve-open and a valve-closed hydraulic control line connected to the gas lift valve for providing dual supplies of pressurized fluid thereto; a variable orifice valve in the body for controlling flow of injection gas into the body; and, a moveable hydraulic piston connected to the variable orifice valve and in fluid communication with the valve-open and valve-closed hydraulic control lines; whereby the variable orifice valve is opened by applying pressure to the hydraulic piston through the valve-open control line and bleeding off pressure from the valve-closed control line; the variable orifice valve is closed by applying pressure to the hydraulic piston through the valve-closed control line and bleeding off pressure from the valve-open control line; and, the amount of injection gas introduced into the well through the variable orifice valve is controlled by varying the amount of pressurized fluid being applied to and bled off
  • control lines may be connected to a source of pressurized fluid located at the earth's surface.
  • gas lift valve may further include a mechanical position holder to mechanically assure that the variable orifice valve remains in its desired position if conditions in the gas lift valve change during use.
  • variable orifice valve may be stopped at intermediate positions between a full open and a full closed position to adjust the flow of injection gas therethrough, the variable orifice valve being held in the intermediate positions by the position holder.
  • the variable orifice valve may further include a carbide stem and seat.
  • the mandrel may be provided with at least one injection gas port through which injection gas flows when the variable orifice valve is open.
  • the gas lift valve may further include an upper and lower one-way check valve located on opposite sides of the variable orifice valve to prevent any fluid flow from the well into the gas lift valve.
  • the gas lift valve may further include latch means for adapting the variable orifice valve to be remotely deployed and retrieved.
  • the variable orifice valve may be remotely deployed and retrieved by utilization of coiled tubing.
  • variable orifice valve may be remotely deployed and retrieved by utilization of wireline.
  • the gas lift valve may further including a valve connection collet.
  • the gas lift valve may further include a fluid displacement port for use during the bleeding off of pressurized fluid from the hydraulic piston.
  • the gas lift valve may further include a valve-open and a valve-closed conduit for routing pressurized fluid from the valve-open and valve-closed control lines to the hydraulic piston.
  • the gas lift valve may further include an electrical conduit connecting a control panel at the earth's surface to the gas lift valve for communicating collected data to the control panel.
  • the gas lift valve may further include a valve-open pressure transducer and to a valve-closed pressure transducer, the valve-open pressure transducer being connected to the electrical conduit and in fluid communication wit the valve-open conduit, the valve-closed pressure transducer being connected to the electrical conduit and in fluid communication with the valve-closed conduit, the pressure transducers providing pressure readings to the control panel via the electrical conduit.
  • the gas lift valve may further include an upstream pressure transducer connected to the electrical conduit and a downstream pressure transducer connected to the electrical conduit, the upstream and downstream pressure transducers being located within the gas lift valve to measure a pressure drop across the variable orifice valve, the pressure drop measurement being reported to the control panel through the electrical conduit.
  • the present invention may be a gas lift valve for variably introducing injection gas into a subterranean well, comprising: a valve body with a longitudinal bore therethrough for sealable insertion in a mandrel; a hydraulic control line connected to the gas lift valve for providing a supply of pressurized fluid thereto; a variable orifice valve in the body for controlling flow of injection gas into the body; a nitrogen coil chamber providing a pressurized nitrogen charge through a pneumatic conduit for biasing the variable orifice valve in a full closed position; and, a moveable hydraulic piston connected to the variable orifice valve and in fluid communication with the hydraulic control line and the pneumatic conduit; whereby the variable orifice valve is opened by applying hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic piston through the hydraulic control line to overcome the pneumatic pressure in the pneumatic conduit; the variable orifice valve is closed by bleeding off pressure from the hydraulic control line to enable the pneumatic pressure in the nitrogen coil chamber to closed the variable orifice valve; and, the amount of injection gas introduced into the well through the variable or
  • the hydraulic control line may be connected to a source of pressurized fluid located at the earth's surface.
  • the gas lift valve may further include a mechanical position holder to mechanically assure that the variable orifice valve remains in its desired position if conditions in the gas lift valve change during use.
  • the variable orifice valve may be stopped at intermediate positions between a full open and a full closed position to adjust the flow of injection gas therethrough, the variable orifice valve being held in the intermediate positions by the position holder.
  • the variable orifice valve may further include a carbide stem and seat.
  • the mandrel may be provided with at least one injection gas port through which injection gas flows when the variable orifice valve is open.
  • the gas lift valve may further include an upper and lower one-way check valve located on opposite sides of the variable orifice valve to prevent any fluid flow from the well into the gas lift valve.
  • the gas lift valve may further include latch means for adapting the variable orifice valve to be remotely deployed and retrieved.
  • the variable orifice valve may be remotely deployed and retrieved by utilization of coiled tubing.
  • the variable orifice valve may be remotely deployed and retrieved by utilization of wireline.
  • the gas lift valve may further include a valve connection collet.
  • the present invention may be a gas lift valve for variably introducing injection gas into a subterranean well, comprising: a first mandrel connected to a second mandrel, the first and second mandrel being installed in a well production string; a valve means having a variable orifice for controlling flow of injection gas into the well, the valve means being installed in the first mandrel; an actuating means for controlling the valve means, the actuating means being installed in the second mandrel, in communication with and controllable from a control panel, and connected to the valve means by a first and second hydraulic control line.
  • valve means and the actuating means may be remotely deployed within and retrieved from their respective mandrels.
  • valve means and actuating means may be remotely deployed and retrieved by utilization of coiled tubing.
  • valve means and actuating means may be remotely deployed and retrieved by utilization of wireline.
  • the terms “upper” and “lower,” “up hole” and “downhole,” and “upwardly” and “downwardly” are relative terms to indicate position and direction of movement in easily recognized terms. Usually, these terms are relative to a line drawn from an upmost position at the surface to a point at the center of the earth, and would be appropriate for use in relatively straight, vertical wellbores. However, when the wellbore is highly deviated, such as from about 60 degrees from vertical, or horizontal, these terms do not make sense and therefore should not be taken as limitations. These terms are only used for ease of understanding as an indication of what the position or movement would be if taken within a vertical wellbore.
  • FIGS 1A-1C together show a semidiagrammatic cross section of a gas lift valve 8 shown in the closed position, used in a subterranean well (not shown), illustrating: a valve body 10 with a longitudinal bore 12 for sealable insertion in a side pocket mandrel 14, a variable orifice valve 16 in the body 10 which alternately permits, prohibits, or throttles fluid flow (represented by item 18 ⁇ see Figure 7 ) into said body through injection gas ports 13 in the mandrel 14, and an actuating means, shown generally by numeral 20 which is electro-hydraulically operated using a hydraulic pump 22 located in a downhole housing 24, an electric motor 26 connected to and driving the hydraulic pump 22 upon receipt of a signal through an electrical conduit 23 connected to a control panel (not shown) located at the earth's surface.
  • actuating means shown generally by numeral 20 which is electro-hydraulically operated using a hydraulic pump 22 located in a downhole housing 24, an electric motor 26 connected to and driving the hydraulic pump 22 upon receipt of a signal
  • a moveable temperature/volume compensator piston 15 for displacing a volume of fluid that is utilized as the actuating means 20 operates and for compensating for pressure changes caused by temperature fluctuations.
  • a solenoid valve 28 controls the movement of pressurized fluid pumped from a control fluid reservoir 25 through a pump suction port 21 and in a hydraulic circuitry 30, and the direction of the fluid flowing therethrough, which is connected to and responding to the action of the pump 22.
  • a moveable hydraulic piston 32 responding to the pressure signal from the hydraulic circuitry 30 opens and controls the movement of the variable orifice valve 16.
  • the actuator has a position sensor 34 which reports the relative location of the moveable hydraulic piston 32 to the control panel (not shown), and a position holder 33 which is configured to mechanically assure that the actuating means 20 remains in the desired position by the operator if conditions in the hydraulic system change slightly in use. Also shown is a pressure transducer 35 communicating with the hydraulic circuitry 30, and transmitting collected data to the control panel (not shown) via the electrical conduit 23. As shown in Figure 1C , a downstream pressure transducer 19 may be provided to cooperate with the pressure transducer 35 for measuring and reporting to the control panel any pressure drop across the variable orifice valve 16. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the electric motor 26 and downhole pump 22 have been used to eliminate the cost of running a control line from a surface pressure source.
  • variable orifice valve 16 When it is operationally desirable to open the variable orifice valve 16, an electric signal from the surface activates the electric motor 26 and the hydraulic pump 22, which routes pressure to the solenoid valve 28.
  • the solenoid valve 28 also responding to stimulus from the control panel, shifts to a position to route hydraulic pressure to the moveable hydraulic piston 32 that opens the variable orifice valve 16.
  • the variable orifice valve 16 may be stopped at intermediate positions between open and closed to adjust the flow of lift or injection gas 31 therethrough, and is held in place by the position holder 33.
  • the solenoid valve 28 merely has to be moved to the opposite position rerouting hydraulic fluid to the opposite side of the moveable hydraulic piston 32, which then translates back to the closed position.
  • variable orifice valve 16 may include a carbide stem and seat 17.
  • the gas lift valve 8 may also be provided with one-way check valves 29 to prevent any fluid flow from the well conduit into the gas lift valve 8.
  • the gas lift valve 8 may also be provided with a latch 27 so the valve may be remotely installed and/or retrieved by well known wireline or coiled tubing intervention methods.
  • this embodiment of the present invention may also be provided with a valve connection collet 11, the structure and operation of which are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • FIGS 2A-2C together depict a semidiagrammatic cross section of a gas lift valve 8 shown in the closed position, used in a subterranean well (not shown), illustrating: a valve body 10 with a longitudinal bore 12 for sealable insertion in a side pocket mandrel 14, a variable orifice valve 16 in the body 10 which alternately permits, prohibits, or throttles fluid flow (represented by item 18 ⁇ see Figure 9 ) into said body through injection gas ports 13 in the mandrel 14, and an actuating means shown generally by numeral 36 that is hydraulically operated. Further illustrated is: a hydraulic actuating piston 38 located in a downhole housing 40 and operatively connected to a moveable piston 42, which is operatively connected to the variable orifice valve 16.
  • a spring 44 biases said variable orifice valve 16 in either the full open or full closed position, and a control line 46 communicates with the hydraulic actuating piston 38 and extends to a hydraulic pressure source (not shown).
  • hydraulic pressure is applied from the hydraulic pressure source (not shown), which communicates down the hydraulic control line 46 to the hydraulic actuating piston 38, which moves the moveable piston 42, which opens the variable orifice valve 16.
  • variable orifice valve 16 may be stopped at intermediate positions between open and closed to adjust the flow of lift or injection gas 31 therethrough, and is held in place by a position holder 33 which is configured to mechanically assure that the actuating means 36 remains in the position where set by the operator if conditions in the hydraulic system change slightly in use.
  • the valve is closed by releasing the pressure on the control line 46, allowing the spring 44 to translate the moveable piston 42, and the variable orifice valve 16 back to the closed position.
  • variable orifice valve 16 may include a carbide stem and seat 17.
  • the gas lift valve 8 may also be provided with one-way check valves 29 to prevent any fluid flow from the well conduit into the gas lift valve 8.
  • the gas lift valve 8 may also be provided with a latch 27 so the valve may be remotely installed and/or retrieved by well known wireline or coiled tubing intervention methods.
  • this embodiment of the present invention may also be provided with a valve connection collet 11, the structure and operation of which are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • FIGS 3A-3C together disclose another embodiment of a semidiagrammatic cross section of a gas lift valve 8 shown in the closed position, used in a subterranean well (not shown), illustrating: a valve body 10 with a longitudinal bore 12 for sealable insertion in a side pocket mandrel 14, a variable orifice valve 16 in the body 10 which alternately permits, prohibits, or throttles fluid flow (represented by item 18 ⁇ see Figure 11 ) into said body through injection gas ports 13 in the mandrel 14, and an actuating means shown generally by numeral 48 that is hydraulically operated. Further illustrated: hydraulic conduits 50 and 51 that route pressurized hydraulic fluid directly to a moveable piston 32, which is operatively connected to the variable orifice valve 16.
  • Two control lines 46 extend to a hydraulic pressure source (not shown).
  • the moveable hydraulic piston 32 responding to the pressure signal from the "valve open” hydraulic conduit 50 which opens and controls the movement of the variable orifice valve 16 while the “valve closed” hydraulic conduit 51 is bled off.
  • the variable orifice valve 16 may be stopped at intermediate positions between open and closed to adjust the flow of lift or injection gas 31 therethrough, and is held in place by a position holder 33 which is configured to mechanically assure that the actuating means 48 remains in the position where set by the operator if conditions in the hydraulic system change slightly in use. Closure of the variable orifice valve 16 is accomplished by sending a pressure signal down the "valve closed” hydraulic conduit 51, and simultaneously bleeding pressure from the "valve open” hydraulic conduit 50.
  • a fluid displacement control port 49 may also be provided for use during the bleeding off of the conduits 50 and 51, in a manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the variable orifice valve 16 may include a carbide stem and seat 17.
  • the gas lift valve 8 may also be provided with one-way check valves 29 to prevent any fluid flow from the well conduit into the gas lift valve 8.
  • the gas lift valve 8 may also be provided with a latch 27 so the valve may be remotely installed and/or retrieved by well known wireline or coiled tubing intervention methods.
  • this embodiment of the present invention may also be provided with a valve connection collet 11, the structure and operation of which are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • FIGS 4A-4C together depict a semidiagrammatic cross section of a gas lift valve 8 shown in the closed position, used in a subterranean well (not shown), illustrating: a valve body 10 with a longitudinal bore 12 for sealable insertion in a side pocket mandrel 14, a variable orifice valve 16 in the body 10 which alternately permits, prohibits, or throttles fluid flow (represented by item 18 ⁇ see Figure 13 ) into said body through injection gas ports 13 in the mandrel 14, and an actuating means shown generally by numeral 48 that is hydraulically operated.
  • hydraulic conduits 50 and 51 that route pressurized hydraulic fluid directly to a moveable piston 32, which is operatively connected to the variable orifice valve 16, and two control lines 46 extending to a hydraulic pressure source (not shown).
  • the movable hydraulic piston 32 responding to the pressure signal from the "valve open” hydraulic conduit 50 which opens and controls the movement of the variable orifice valve 16 while the "valve closed” hydraulic conduit 51 is bled off.
  • the variable orifice valve 16 may be stopped at intermediate positions between open and closed to adjust the flow of lift or injection gas 31 therethrough, and is held in place by a position holder 33 which is configured to mechanically assure that the actuating means 20 remains in the position where set by the operator if conditions in the hydraulic system change slightly in use.
  • Closure of the variable orifice valve 16 is accomplished by sending a pressure signal down the "valve closed” hydraulic conduit 51, and simultaneously bleeding pressure from the "valve open” hydraulic conduit 50.
  • the actuator has a position sensor 34 which reports the relative location of the moveable hydraulic piston 32 to the control panel (not shown) via an electrical conduit 23.
  • pressure transducers 35 communicating with the hydraulic conduits 50 and 51 through hydraulic pressure sensor chambers (e.g., conduit 51 communicates with chamber 9), and transmitting collected data to the control panel (not shown) via the electrical conduit 23.
  • a downstream pressure transducer 19 may be provided to cooperate with the pressure transducer 35 for measuring and reporting to the control panel any pressure drop across the variable orifice valve 16.
  • a fluid displacement control port 49 may also be provided for use during the bleeding off of the conduits 50 and 51, in a manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the variable orifice valve 16 may include a carbide stem and seat 17.
  • the gas lift valve 8 may also be provided with one-way check valves 29 to prevent any fluid flow from the well conduit into the gas lift valve 8.
  • the gas lift valve 8 may also be provided with a latch 27 so the valve may be remotely installed and/or retrieved by well known wireline or coiled tubing intervention methods.
  • this embodiment of the present invention may also be provided with a valve connection collet 11, the structure and operation of which are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • FIGS 5A-5C together depict a semidiagrammatic cross section of a gas lift valve 8 shown in the closed position, used in a subterranean well (not shown), illustrating: a valve body 10 with a longitudinal bore 12 for sealable insertion in a side pocket mandrel 14, a variable orifice valve 16 in the body 10 which alternately permits, prohibits, or throttles fluid flow (represented by item 18 ⁇ see Figure 15 ) into said body through injection gas ports 13 in the mandrel 14, and an actuating means shown generally by numeral 52 that is hydraulically operated. Further illustrated: a hydraulic conduit 54 that routes pressurized hydraulic fluid directly to a moveable piston 32, which is operatively connected to the variable orifice valve 16.
  • Hydraulic pressure is opposed by a pressurized nitrogen charge inside of a nitrogen coil chamber 56, the pressure of which is routed through a pneumatic conduit 58, which acts on an opposite end of the moveable hydraulic piston 32, biasing the variable orifice valve 16 in the closed position.
  • the nitrogen coil chamber 56 is charged with nitrogen through a nitrogen charging port 57.
  • hydraulic pressure is added to the control line 54, which overcomes pneumatic pressure in the pneumatic conduit 58 and nitrogen coil chamber 56, and translates the moveable piston 32 upward to open the variable orifice valve 16.
  • variable orifice valve 16 may be stopped at intermediate positions between open and closed to adjust the flow of lift or injection gas 31 therethrough, and is held in place by a position holder 33 which is configured to mechanically assure that the actuating means 52 remains in the position where set by the operator if conditions in the hydraulic system change slightly in use.
  • Closing the variable orifice valve 16 is accomplished by bleeding off the pressure from the control line 54, which causes the pneumatic pressure in the nitrogen coil chamber 56 to close the valve because it is higher than the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic conduit 54.
  • An annulus port 53 may also be provided through the wall of the mandrel 14 through which pressure may be discharged to the annulus during operation.
  • variable orifice valve 16 may include a carbide stem and seat 17.
  • the gas lift valve 8 may also be provided with one-way check valves 29 to prevent any fluid flow from the well conduit into the gas lift valve 8.
  • the gas lift valve 8 may also be provided with a latch 27 so the valve may be remotely installed and/or retrieved by well known wireline or coiled tubing intervention methods.
  • this embodiment of the present invention may also be provided with a valve connection collet 11, the structure and operation of which are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • Figure 16 is a schematic representation of one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Disclosed are uppermost and lowermost side pocket mandrels 60 and 61 sealably connected by a well coupling 62. A coiled tubing or wireline retrievable actuator 64 is positioned in the uppermost mandrel 60, and a variable orifice gas lift valve 66 is positioned in the lowermost mandrel 61, and are operatively connected by hydraulic control lines 68. In previous figures, the variable orifice valve 16 and the actuating mechanisms described in Figures 1-5 are shown located in the same mandrel, making retrieval of both mechanisms difficult, if not impossible.
  • variable orifice gas lift valve 66, and the electro-hydraulic wireline or coiled tubing retrievable actuator 64 of the present invention are located, installed and retrieved separately, but are operatively connected one to another by hydraulic control lines 68.
  • This allows retrieval of each mechanism separately, using either wireline or coiled tubing intervention methods which are well known in the art.
  • Figure 18 which is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Figure 16 , an operating piston 72 is disposed adjacent the variable orifice valve 66 in the lowermost mandrel 61. In every other aspect, however, the mechanisms operate as heretofore described.
  • valve mechanism generically known as a poppet valve to those skilled in the art of valve mechanics. It can, however, be appreciated that several well known valve mechanisms may obviously be employed and still be within the scope of the present invention. Rotating balls or plugs, butterfly valves, rising stem gates, and flappers are several other generic valve mechanisms which may obviously be employed to accomplish the same function in the same manner.

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  • Fluid-Driven Valves (AREA)

Claims (19)

  1. Soupape de gas-lift (extraction par éjection de gaz) destinée à l'introduction variable d'un gaz d'injection dans un puits souterrain, comprenant:
    un corps de soupape (10) pourvu d'un alésage longitudinal le traversant et destiné à être inséré de manière hermétique dans un mandrin;
    une soupape à orifice variable (16) dans le corps pour commander l'écoulement d'un gaz d'injection dans le corps; a
    un piston hydraulique mobile (32, 42) relié a la soupape à orifice variable et décalé par rapport à celle-ci et en communication avec une source (25) de fluide sous pression;
    la quantité de gaz d'injection introduite dans le puits à travers la soupape à orifice variable étant commandée en faisant varier la quantité de fluide sous pression appliquée au piston hydraulique mobile.
  2. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la source de fluide sous pression est extérieure à la soupape de gas-lift et est transmise à la soupape de gas-lift par le biais d'une ligne de commande (46) branchée entre la soupape de gas-lift et la source extérieure de fluide sous pression.
  3. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle la source extérieure de fluide sous pression est située à la surface de la terre.
  4. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la source de fluide sous pression est un système hydraulique embarqué incluant:
    une pompe hydraulique (22) située dans un logement de fond de trou et en communication fluide avec un réservoir de fluide (25);
    un moteur électrique (26) relié à la pompe hydraulique et entraînant celle-ci à la réception d'un signal provenant d'un panneau de commande ; et
    un réseau de circuits hydrauliques (30) en communication fluide avec la pompe hydraulique et le piston hydraulique.
  5. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 4, incluant, en outre, un conduit électrique (26) pour connecter le panneau de commande à la soupape de gas-lift pour fournir un signal au moteur électrique.
  6. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 5, le système hydraulique incluant, en outre, une électrovanne (28) située dans le logement de fond de trou et reliée au conduit électrique (26), l'électrovanne dirigeant le fluide sous pression du système hydraulique vers le piston hydraulique à travers le réseau de circuits hydrauliques.
  7. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 5, incluant, en outre, au moins un transducteur de pression (35) en communication fluide avec le réseau de circuits hydrauliques et relié au conduit électrique pour fournir une lecture de pression au panneau de commande.
  8. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 5, incluant, en outre, un transducteur de pression en amont relié au conduit électrique et un transducteur de pression en aval (19) relié au conduit électrique, les transducteurs de pression en amont et en aval étant situés à l'intérieur de la soupape d'extraction de gaz pour mesurer une chute de pression à travers la soupape à levée variable, la mesure de chute de pression étant rapportée au panneau de commande par le biais du conduit électrique.
  9. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 4, incluant, en outre, un capteur de position (34) pour informer le panneau de commande d'une position relative du piston hydraulique mobile.
  10. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 4, incluant, en outre, un organe de maintien de position mécanique (33) pour s'assurer de façon mécanique que la soupape à orifice variable demeure dans sa position souhaitée si les conditions dans le système hydraulique changent pendant l'utilisation.
  11. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 10, dans laquelle la soupape à orifice variable peut être Stoppée en des positions intermédiaires entre une position d'ouverture totale et de fermeture totale pour régler l'écoulement de gaz d'injection à travers la soupape, la soupape à orifice variable étant maintenue dans les positions intermédiaires par l'organe de maintien de position (33).
  12. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle le système hydraulique inclut, en outre, un piston de compensation de volume mobile (15) pour déplacer un volume de fluide utilisé lorsque le système hydraulique fonctionne.
  13. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la soupape orifice variable inclut, en outre, une tige et un siège (17) on carbure.
  14. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le mandrin est pourvu d'au moins un orifice de gaz d'injection (13) à travers lequel un gaz d'injection s'écoute lorsque la soupape à orifice variable est ouverte.
  15. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 1, incluant, en outre, un clapet anti-retour unidirectionnel supérieur et inférieur (29) situé sur les côtés opposés de la soupape à orifice variable pour empêcher tout écoulement de fluide du puits dans la soupape de gas-lift.
  16. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 1, incluant, en outre, un moyen de verrouillage (27) pour adapter la soupape à orifice variable de manière à ce qu'elle soit déployée et récupérée à distance.
  17. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 16, dans laquelle la soupape à orifice variable est déployée et récupérée à distance au moyen d'un tubage en spirale.
  18. Soupape de gas-lift selon la revendication 16, dans laquelle la soupape à orifice variable est déployée et récupérée à distance au moyen d'un câble métallique.
  19. Soupape de gas-lin selon la revendication 1, incluant, en outre, une douille de raccord de soupape (11).
EP02079411A 1996-08-15 1997-08-15 Soupape de gas lift à orifice variable pour débits élevés munie d'une source d'énergie amovible et procédé d'utilisation Expired - Lifetime EP1279795B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US2396596P 1996-08-15 1996-08-15
US23965P 1996-08-15
EP97936508A EP0918918B1 (fr) 1996-08-15 1997-08-15 Soupape de gas-lift a orifice variable pour debits eleves munie d'une source d'energie amovible et procede d'utilisation

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97936508A Division EP0918918B1 (fr) 1996-08-15 1997-08-15 Soupape de gas-lift a orifice variable pour debits eleves munie d'une source d'energie amovible et procede d'utilisation
EP97936508.7 Division 1998-02-19

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EP1279795A1 EP1279795A1 (fr) 2003-01-29
EP1279795B1 true EP1279795B1 (fr) 2008-05-14

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7814976B2 (en) 2007-08-30 2010-10-19 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Flow control device and method for a downhole oil-water separator
US8006757B2 (en) 2007-08-30 2011-08-30 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Flow control system and method for downhole oil-water processing
US8291979B2 (en) 2007-03-27 2012-10-23 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Controlling flows in a well
WO2022155413A1 (fr) * 2021-01-14 2022-07-21 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Surveillance de pression/température de fond de trou d'une pression d'admission esp et d'une température de décharge

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4239082A (en) * 1979-03-23 1980-12-16 Camco, Incorporated Multiple flow valves and sidepocket mandrel
US5176164A (en) * 1989-12-27 1993-01-05 Otis Engineering Corporation Flow control valve system
US5483988A (en) * 1994-05-11 1996-01-16 Camco International Inc. Spoolable coiled tubing mandrel and gas lift valves
US5535767A (en) * 1995-03-14 1996-07-16 Halliburton Company Remotely actuated adjustable choke valve and method for using same

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8291979B2 (en) 2007-03-27 2012-10-23 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Controlling flows in a well
US7814976B2 (en) 2007-08-30 2010-10-19 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Flow control device and method for a downhole oil-water separator
US8006757B2 (en) 2007-08-30 2011-08-30 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Flow control system and method for downhole oil-water processing
WO2022155413A1 (fr) * 2021-01-14 2022-07-21 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Surveillance de pression/température de fond de trou d'une pression d'admission esp et d'une température de décharge
US11885215B2 (en) 2021-01-14 2024-01-30 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Downhole pressure/temperature monitoring of ESP intake pressure and discharge temperature

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