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
  • E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
  • E21B34/06—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
  • E21B34/10—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by control fluid supplied from outside the borehole
• • 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
  • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
  • E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
  • E21B33/12—Packers; Plugs
  • E21B33/127—Packers; Plugs with inflatable sleeve
• • 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
  • E21B34/063—Valve or closure with destructible element, e.g. frangible disc
• • 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
  • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
  • E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
  • E21B33/13—Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices or the like
  • E21B33/14—Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices or the like for cementing casings into boreholes

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device for controlling and isolating an expandable jack-shaped tool for the treatment of a well or a pipe, this tool being connected to a casing for supplying a fluid under pressure. and is interposed between said casing and the wall of said well or pipe.
• a downhole device for isolating the upstream space of the downstream space of an annular region between a casing (translated as "casing" in English) and the formation (c '). that is to say the rock of the basement) or between this same casing and the inside diameter of another casing already present in the well.
• This insulation must be carried out while preserving the integrity of the entire casing string, that is to say the steel column between the formation and the wellhead.
• the aforementioned annular space is generally sealed by using a cement which is pumped in liquid form into the casing from the surface and then injected into the annular space. After injection, the cement hardens and the annular space is sealed.
• this seal protects the casing from the saline zones that the basement contains, which can corrode and damage them, leading to the possible loss of the well.
• this cementation protects aquifers from pollution that could be caused by nearby formations containing hydrocarbons.
• This cementation is a barrier that protects against the risk of blowout caused by high-pressure gases that can migrate into the annular space between the formation and the casing.
• the pressures involved may come from:
• the casing (or “casing string”), whose length can reach several thousand meters, consists of casing tubes, with a unit length of between 10 and 12 m, and assembled to each other by tight threads.
• the casing must be sealed throughout the life of the well, that is to say for several decades. Any leak detection systematically leads to a repair or abandonment of the well.
• US 7,571,765 discloses a device comprising a compressed rubber ring and expanded radially by hydraulic pressure via a piston, to come into contact with the wall of the well. In use, however, these devices do not allow to seal correctly a well having a non-cylindrical section of revolution and are very sensitive to temperature variations.
• insulation devices are comprised of an expandable metal jacket deformed by pressurized liquid application (see article SPE 22,858 "Analytical and Experimental Evaluation of Expanded Metal Packers For Well Completion Services” (DS Dreesen et al. 1991), US 6,640,893, US 7,306,033, US Pat. No. 7,591,321, EP 2,206,879 and EP 2 435 656).
• FIGS. 1 and 2 The general structure of a known system of this type is schematised in appended FIGS. 1 and 2.
• a known technique consists of positioning a deformable ductile membrane 10 of cylindrical geometry around a casing 20 at the desired location.
• the membrane 10 is attached and sealed at its ends to the surface of the casing 20.
• a ring-shaped liner is defined between the outer surface of the casing 20 and the inner surface of the membrane 20.
• the inside of the casing 20 and the internal volume of the jacket formed by the membrane 20 communicate with each other by a passage 22 which passes through the wall of the casing 20.
• the membrane 10 is then expanded radially outwards until it is in contact with the wall P of the well, as seen in FIG. 2, by increasing the pressure P1 in the casing 20.
• membrane 10 seals on this wall P and the two annular spaces EA1 and EA2 defined between the wall P of the formation and the wall of the casing 20 are then isolated.
• the membrane 10 may be metal or elastomer, reinforced or not with fibers.
• the membrane 10 is made of elastomer and the circulation of the inflation fluid is without valve in the passage 22, the membrane resumes a shape close to its initial state, if the pressure is released inside the casing, after the have swollen. The membrane 10 then no longer serves as isolation of the annular space.
• the membrane 10 is metallic and the circulation of the inflation fluid between the inside of the membrane 10 and the inside of the casing 20 takes place directly, once permanently deformed, the membrane 10 retains in principle its shape and its shape. Barrier function in the annular space is also maintained when the pressure in the casing 20 is relaxed. However, if the pressure increases in the annular space, for example, on the EA1 side, the pressure differential between EA1 and the inside of the membrane 10 may be sufficient to collapse the metal membrane 10. It then no longer holds role of isolation of the annular space.
• the orifice 22 allowing the circulation of the inflation fluid between the inside of the casing 20 and the inside of the membrane 10 may be provided with a valve check.
• This valve traps the volume of inflation under pressure inside the membrane 10 at the end of inflation. Nevertheless, if the temperature and / or the pressure in the annular space change, the volume inside the membrane can also change. If the pressure decreases, the membrane 10 can collapse or lose its tight contact with the wall P of the well. The insulation function of the annular space is then no longer ensured. If on the contrary the pressure increases, the membrane 10 can deform to breaking. If the membrane 10 does not break, there is a risk that the pressure increases sufficiently inside the membrane 10 to collapse the wall of the casing 20.
• a second orifice provided between the membrane 10 and the zone EA1 at high pressure. which integrates a rupture disc.
• the latter makes it possible to create an opening between the inside of the membrane 10 and the zone EA1 at high pressure at the end of the inflation. In this way, evolutions of the well temperature or of the pressure on the EA1 side have no more effect on the pressure inside the membrane 10 since the membrane 10 is in communication with the annular space.
• the anti-return valve provided in the passage 22 passes the casing fluid 20 to the membrane 10 and the membrane 10 directly into the annular space.
• the document WO 2010/136806 also provides, in replacement of the aforementioned rupture disc, a second orifice between the membrane 10 and the casing 20 with a valve-type valve which makes it possible to evacuate the overpressure of the metal membrane 10.
• This solution is suitable when the However, if the volume trapped in the membrane decreases, the risk of collapsing the membrane 10 or losing contact between the membrane 10 and the wall P of the well persists.
• the object of the invention is to provide a device that solves the aforementioned problems.
• an isolation device for the treatment of a well comprising an expandable sleeve placed on a casing and an assembly adapted to control the supply of the internal volume of the jacket using a fluid under pressure from the casing, through a passage passing through the wall of the casing, to expand the liner radially outwards, characterized in that said assembly comprises a non-return valve placed in a passage which connects the volume internal casing to the internal volume of the jacket and means forming a three-way valve adapted to be switched once between an initial state in which a connection is established between the internal volume of the casing and the internal volume of the jacket to expand said liner and an end state in which the connection between the internal volume of the casing and the internal volume of the liner is interrupted and a connection is established between the volu internal of the liner and an annular volume of the outer well to the liner and casing, the said three-way valve and the
• the means forming a three-way valve define a temporary intermediate state which intervenes between the initial state and the final state and in which the connection between the internal volume of the casing and the internal volume of the jacket is interrupted, but the connection between the internal volume of the jacket and the annular volume of the well outside the jacket and the casing is not yet established.
• the non-return valve placed in the passage which connects the internal volume of the casing to the internal volume of the liner is a valve biased resiliently to the closure, which opens under a pressure of fluid which exerts in the direction from the internal volume of the casing to the internal volume of the jacket.
• the non-return valve placed in the passage which connects the internal volume of the casing to the internal volume of the liner is a valve biased elastically to the closure, which opens under a fluid pressure which exerts in the direction from the internal volume of the liner to the internal volume of the casing, said valve being initially held in the open position by a temporary means, for example a retaining element capable of rupture and / or degradation.
• the valves are check valves in which a metal shutter rests on a metal seat preferably conical.
• the nonreturn valve placed in the passage which connects the internal volume of the casing to the internal volume of the jacket and the three-way valve are formed of two distinct subassemblies, for example placed in separate parallel longitudinal channels formed in the body of the assembly.
• the means which control the closing of the communication between the internal volume of the casing and the internal volume of the liner comprise a retaining element capable of breaking or a damaging retaining element or a combination of a first retaining element which must break with a second retaining element which must degrade.
• the three-way valve comprises a body which defines a chamber in which communication ducts open respectively with the inside of the casing, the inside of the expandable casing and the annular space situated outside the casing.
• casing a piston mounted in translation in said chamber and releasable means of immobilization, frangible and / or degradable, which initially immobilize the piston in an initial position such that the piston only allows communication between the associated pipes inside the casing and inside the expandable sleeve, then release the piston so that the piston occupies a end position in which it allows a communication between the associated conduits inside the expandable sleeve and the annular space outside the casing while prohibiting any further switching to the initial position when the piston has reached the position final.
• the piston and the releasable immobilization means define a temporary intermediate position between the initial position and the final position, in which the three communication ducts associated respectively with the inside of the casing, the The interior of the expandable sleeve and the annular space outside the casing are insulated from each other.
• the invention also relates as such to the aforementioned assemblies comprising in combination a non-return valve and a three-way valve forming, after switching, two valves mounted in series and in opposite directions.
• the invention furthermore relates to a method of isolating two annular zones of a well, implementing a step of feeding an expandable sleeve placed on a casing using a fluid under pressure coming from the casing.
• for expanding the liner radially outwards characterized in that it comprises the steps of supplying the internal volume of the expansible liner via a non-return valve placed in a passage which connects the volume internal casing to the internal volume of the jacket and then operate the switching of a three-way valve between an initial state in which a connection is established between the internal volume of the casing and the internal volume of the jacket to expand said jacket and an end state in wherein the connection between the internal volume of the casing and the internal volume of the liner is interrupted and a connection is established between the internal volume of the liner and an annular volume of the well outside the jacket and the casing, the said three-way valve and said non-return valve forming, after switching, two valves mounted in series and in opposite directions on the passage connecting the internal volumes of
• FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show a device according to the present invention respectively in the initial state, in the expansion phase of the expandable sleeve by communication between the internal volume of the casing and the internal volume of the jacket, then in the final state of sealing after switching of the three-way valve ensuring the connection between the internal volume of the jacket and the annular volume of the well outside the jacket and the casing,
• FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically represent an assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprising in combination a three-way valve and an inlet non-return valve, respectively in initial position and in final switched position,
• FIG. 8 represents the equivalent diagram of the switched assembly illustrated in FIG. 7,
• FIGS. 9 and 10 schematically represent an assembly according to a second variant embodiment of the present invention; comprising in combination a three-way valve and an inlet nonreturn valve, respectively in initial position and in final switched position,
• FIG. 11 represents the equivalent diagram of the switched assembly illustrated in FIG. 10,
• FIGS. 12 to 16 show a first exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention comprising a valve initially held by a degradable pin and comprising in the switched state two opposing back-to-back valves, FIG. in axial section passing through a channel which houses an inlet valve, FIG. 13 showing a three-way valve in the initial state of connection of the casing and the liner, in an axial sectional view passing through a second radial plane and a channel which houses the three-way valve, FIG. 14 illustrating an enlarged view of FIG. 13 and a piston partially torn off to show the location of the ducts coming from the internal volume of the casing and respectively going towards the internal volume of the jacket, FIG. 15 showing the three-way valve in its intermediate state in which the three channels of the valve are isolated and Figure 16 illustrating the three-way valve in s a final switched state in which the internal volume of the jacket is connected to the annular volume of the well,
• FIGS. 17 and 18 show views respectively corresponding to FIGS. 13 and 16 of a second exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention comprising a valve initially maintained by a breaking pin and comprising in the switched state two opposite flaps back to back,
• FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 represent a third exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention comprising a valve initially maintained by the combination of a degradable pin and a breaking pin and comprising in the switched state two opposite back-to-back valves, more precisely FIG. 19 represents the valve in the initial state, the FIG. 20 represents the valve after rupture of the rupture pin and FIG. 21 represents the valve after degradation of the degradable pin in case of failure of the breaking pin,
• FIG. 22 shows a fourth embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention comprising an inlet valve biased to the closure but initially held in the open position by a degradable and / or breaking pawn and a maintained valve initially by a degradable and / or breaking pawn and forming in the switched state two opposed opposed valves face to face, FIG. 22 showing an axial sectional view passing through a first longitudinal inlet channel, FIG. axial section in a second radial plane passing through a second longitudinal channel which houses an inlet valve in its initial open state, FIG.
• FIG. 24 showing a three-way valve in the initial state of connection of the casing and the jacket, according to an axial sectional view passing through a third radial plane and a channel which houses the three-way valve
• FIG. 25 illustrating an enlarged view of FIG. 24, FIG. showing an axial sectional view of an outlet channel in a fourth radial plane
• FIG. 27 representing the three-way valve in its intermediate transition state in which the three channels of the valve are isolated, according to a section plane identical to FIG. 25,
• FIG. 28 showing the three-way valve in its final switched state
• FIG. 29 showing the inlet valve in the closed position according to a section plane identical to FIG. 23, and
• FIG. 30 illustrating the sealing function. ensured by an additional seal in case of accidental leakage of the inlet valve
• FIG. 31 illustrates a head-to-tail assembly of two isolation devices according to the invention, on a casing, to guarantee the insulation between two adjacent annular zones of a well, whatever the relative evolutions of pressure in these two annular zones,
• FIGS. 32 to 34 represent a valve variant incorporating additional sealing means, formed of a seal, in addition to a obturator cooperating with a complementary conical seat, FIG. 32 illustrating this valve in the open rest position, FIG. 33 illustrating this valve in the closed position and FIG. 34 illustrating the valve in the slightly detached position of the shutter with respect to its complementary seat.
• the seal being then provided by the aforementioned seal
• - Figures 35, 36 and 37 show three embodiments of such a valve equipped with an additional sealing gasket.
• FIG. 3 shows an isolation device according to the present invention comprising an expandable jacket 100 placed on a casing 200, facing a passageway 222 passing through the wall of the casing 200 and a unit 300 adapted to control the casing. Expansion of the liner 100.
• the assembly 300 comprises an inlet nonreturn valve 400 and a three-way valve 500 adapted to be switched once and formed, after switching, in combination with the inlet valve 400, two non-return valves mounted in series and in opposite directions on a passage connecting the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 and the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100.
• the jacket 100 is advantageously formed of a cylindrical metal casing of revolution engaged on the outside of the casing 200 and whose two axial ends 1 10, 1 12 are sealingly connected to the outer surface of the casing 200 at these two ends. axial ends 1 10 and 1 12.
• the assembly 300 is adapted to initially provide power from the internal volume 102 of the liner 100 using a pressurized fluid from the casing 200 by the passage 222 through the wall of casing 200, for expanding the sleeve 100 radially outwardly as seen in Figure 4. More specifically according to the invention, said assembly 300 comprises a non-return valve 400 placed in the passage 222 which connects the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 to the internal volume 102 of the liner 100 and means 500 forming a three-way valve adapted to being switched once between an initial state corresponding to FIG.
• the valve 500 defines a temporary intermediate state between the initial state and the final state, in which no connection is established between the internal volume 202 of the casing 200, the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and the annular volume EA1.
• FIG. 6 shows a set 300 according to a first variant embodiment of the present invention comprising in combination a three-way two-way valve 500 and a non-return valve 400 at the inlet.
• the non-return valve 400 is placed in a duct coming from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 and leading to a first channel 502 of the valve 500. It comprises a body which defines a tapered seat 410 flared away from the inlet coming from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200, a shutter 420 placed downstream of the seat 410 relative to a fluid supply direction ranging from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 to the internal volume 102 of the liner 100 and a spring 430 which urges the shutter 420 to bear tightly against the seat 410 and thereby urging the valve 400 to the closure.
• the seat 410 and the shutter 420 are advantageously made of metal defining a valve 400 metal / metal.
• valve 400 At rest the valve 400 is closed under the bias of the spring 430.
• the pressure exerted downstream by a fluid applied from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 exceeds the setting force exerted by the spring 430 this pressure pushes the shutter 420 and opens the valve 400.
• any pressure exerted from the downstream upstream that is to say from the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100, tends to reinforce the solicitation of the shutter 420 against its seat and therefore the valve 300 closing.
• the two other channels 504 and 506 of the valve 500 are respectively connected with the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and with the annular volume EA1 of the P-well.
• valve 500 ensures a connection between the channels 502 and 504 and consequently between the outlet of the valve 400, ie the internal volume 202 of the casing 200, when the valve 400 is open, and the internal volume 102 of the shirt 100.
• valve 500 provides a link between the channels 504 and 506.
• the link between the output of the valve 400 and the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 is interrupted and a connection is established between the internal volume 102 of the liner 100 and the annular volume EA1 of the well.
• the final state shown in FIG. 7 is obtained after rupture or degradation of a pin 590 associated with the piston of the slide 500. It will be observed that the pressure applied from the valve anti return 400 remains in the internal volume 102 of the liner 100 until rupture or degradation of the peg 590.
• the valve 500 comprises a piston adapted to define in the final switched state a second valve 510 in the opposite direction to the valve 400, on the passage leading from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 to the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100.
• Equivalent diagram of the assembly 300 thus obtained in the final switched state is shown in FIG. 8. In this FIG.
• valve 510 comprising a body which defines a tapered seat 512 flared towards the inlet coming from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200, a shutter 514 placed upstream of the seat 512 with respect to a fluid supply direction from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 to the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and a spring 516 which solicits the shutter 514 sealingly bears against the seat 512 and doing so that the valve 510 solicits closure.
• the seat 512 and the shutter 514 are advantageously made of metal defining a valve 500 metal / metal.
• valve 510 In the initial state of the valve 500, the valve 510 is open. When switching the valve 500 after rupture or degradation of the pin 590, the valve 510 closes under the bias of the spring 516.
• the assembly then comprises two valves 400 and 510 of opposite direction, back to back, which prohibit any circulation fluid in any direction between the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 and the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100.
• the assembly illustrated in Figures 9 to 1 1 annexed essentially differs from the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 to 8, in that the directions of the valves 400 and 510 are reversed and the valve input 400 initially held open, is closed after breaking or degradation of a pin 490.
• the non-return valve 400 is placed in the duct coming from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 and leading to the first channel 502 of the valve 500. It comprises a body which defines a flared conical seat 410 in proximity to the inlet coming from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200, a shutter 420 placed upstream of the seat 410 with respect to a fluid supply direction from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 to the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and a spring 430 which solicits the shutter 420 sealingly bears against the seat 410 and doing so which solicits the valve 400 closing.
• the seat 410 and the shutter 420 are preferably metal defining a valve 400 metal / metal.
• the shutter 420 In the initial state the shutter 420 is however kept away from the seat 410 by a pin 490 may rupture or degradation as shown in Figure 9.
• the valve 400 is then open. The valve 400 switches to the closed state during the rupture or degradation of the pin 490 under the bias of the spring 430.
• the two other channels 504 and 506 of the valve 500 are respectively connected with the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and with the annular volume EA1 of the well P and in the initial state shown in FIG. 9, the valve 500 provides a connection between the channels 502 and 504 and therefore between the outlet of the valve 400, the internal volume 202 of the casing 200, as the valve 400 is open, and the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100
• the valve 500 provides a link between the channels 504 and 506.
• the connection between the output of the valve 400 and the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 is interrupted and a link is established. between the internal volume 102 of the liner 100 and the annular volume EA1 of the well.
• FIG. 10 diagrammatically the valve 510 formed by the piston of the valve 500, comprising a body which defines a conical seat 512 flared away from the inlet from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200, a shutter 514 placed in downstream of the seat 512 with respect to a fluid supply direction from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 to the internal volume 102 of the liner 100 and a spring 516 which urges the shutter 514 to bear against the seat 512 and this doing that solicits the valve 510 at closing.
• valve 510 In the initial state of the valve 500, the valve 510 is open. When switching the valve 500 after rupture or degradation of the pin 590, the valve 510 closes under the bias of the spring 516.
• the assembly then comprises two valves 400 and 510 opposite direction, facing each other, which prohibit any circulation fluid in any direction between the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 and the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100.
• the three-way valve 500 can be the subject of many embodiments. It preferably comprises a piston 550 equipped with one and / or associated with a metal shutter 514 mounted in translation in a metal body 310 of the assembly. More precisely, the piston 550 is mounted in translation in a chamber 320 of this body 310 in which ducts corresponding to the channels 502, 504 and 506 open and are respectively connected to the internal volume 202 of the casing 200, to the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and internal volume EA1 of the well P.
• body 310 comprising the assembly of the housing housing the functional elements of the three-way valve 500 and, if applicable, of the inlet valve 400 , and can be composed of several pieces.
• the chamber 320 and the piston 550 are staggered and the conduits 502, 504 and 506 open at locations distributed longitudinally in the internal chamber 320, so that depending on the axial position of the piston 550 in the chamber 320, two of the conduits 502 and 504 or 504 and 506 are successively connected.
• the inlet valve 400 and the valve 500 are preferably formed in longitudinal parallel distinct channels formed in the body 310 of the assembly 300 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the casing 200. the aforementioned longitudinal channels being connected by transverse passages.
• FIGS. 12 to 16 which corresponds to a first exemplary embodiment of an assembly 300 in accordance with the present invention, comprising a three-way valve 500 initially maintained by a degradable counter 590 and comprising the state switched two opposite back-to-back flaps 400 and 510.
• upstream and downstream will be used with reference to the direction of movement of a fluid from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 to the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100.
• the assembly 300 comprises in the body 310, two longitudinal channels 330 and 340 parallel to each other and parallel to the axis 0-0 of the casing 200.
• the channels 330 and 340 are located in different radial planes.
• the channel 330 houses the inlet valve 400.
• the channel 340 houses the three-way valve 500.
• the longitudinal channel 330 communicates with the internal volume 202 of the casing 200, on a first axial end, by a radial channel 312 closed at its radially outer end by a plug 314.
• the longitudinal channel 330 communicates with the second longitudinal channel 340 via a transverse passage 316.
• the longitudinal channel 340 has a second transverse passage 318 which communicates with the internal volume 102 of the liner and an orifice 350 which opens radially outwards in the annular volume EA1 of the well.
• the passage 316, the passage 318 and the orifice 350 form the three channels 502, 504 and 506 of the valve 500.
• FIG. 12 shows a parachute valve 360 mounted on the radially inner inlet end of the radial channel 312.
• the valve 360 comprises a mushroom-shaped shutter 362 whose flared head is directed towards the internal volume 202 of the casing 200.
• the shutter 362 is urged to open by a spring bearing on the cap 314 to maintain the valve 360 at the opening, at rest, and thus allow the supply of the internal volume 102 of the expandable sleeve 100.
• valve 360 The role of the valve 360 is to close the channel 312 if the fluid flow exceeds a threshold, for example in case of rupture of the expandable sleeve 100. This closure of the valve 360 occurs when the pressure drop at the inlet of the latter creates on the flared head of the shutter 362 a force greater than the setting of the associated spring.
• such an inlet parachute valve 360 can equip all the embodiments in accordance with the invention.
• the first longitudinal channel 330 has a conical zone 410 diverging away from the first end connected to the radial inlet channel 312 and which forms the aforementioned seat of the valve 400.
• This conical zone 410 is located upstream of the channel 316.
• the channel 330 houses, facing this seat 410, a shutter 420 having a complementary conical end urged against the seat 410 by a spring 430.
• such a valve 400 is closed at rest and opens when the valve 500 is passing between the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 and the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100, the pressure exerted on the shutter 420 by the fluid present in the casing 200 exceeds the force of the spring 430.
• the second longitudinal channel 340 has a conical zone 512 located axially between the two ducts 316 and 318.
• the zone 512 is divergent towards the first duct 316 and forms the aforementioned seat of the valve 510.
• the channel 340 houses a piston 550 and a shutter 514 capable of translation.
• the shutter 514 is placed upstream of the piston 550 and rests on the upstream end 556 of the piston 550. It has opposite the seat 512, a conical area complementary to the seat 512. The shutter 514 is biased against the seat 512 by a spring 516.
• the conical shutter 514 is kept away from the seat 512 by the piston 550 and a degradable pin 590 placed in the bottom of the channel 340 opposite a piston tail 552 axially extending the piston 550 downstream shutter 514.
• the channel 340 also houses an O-ring 370 or any other equivalent means (O-ring associated with a ring for example) in contact with an intermediate portion 554 of the piston 550.
• seal 370 is placed axially between the conduit 318 and the orifice 350, which leads 318 and orifice 350 are both located downstream of the seat 512. As seen in FIG 15 the seal 370 seals with the surface external piston 550 in the initial position of the three-way valve 500 and up to the displacement of the shutter 514 against the seat 512. The seal 370 thus makes it possible to isolate the downstream orifice 350, in the initial position illustrated in FIGS.
• This spring 560 is interposed between a recess formed in the channel 340 and a flared head 553 formed on the downstream end of the piston rod 552.
• the body 310 preferably has a radial orifice 352 opening at the chamber which houses the degradable pin 590 and receives the flared head 553 to allow the evacuation of the material constituting the pin 590 and a free movement of the head 553.
• the piston 550 After degradation of the pin 590, the piston 550 is moved in translation in the channel 340 under the effect of the spring 560. The portion 554 of the piston 550 then escapes the seal 370 and a communication is allowed between the conduit 318 linked to the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and the orifice 350 which opens into the annular volume EA1 of the well. In the position thus illustrated in FIG. 16, the valve 500 has reached its irreversible final switched position, the shutter 514 remaining in abutment against its seat 512 to isolate the conduit 316 from the conduit 318.
• FIGS. 17 and 18 show a second embodiment of a valve 500 according to the present invention intended to form, in the switched state, in combination with the inlet valve 400, two opposite back-to-back valves, which differs essentially from the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 to 16 in that the degradable pin 590 supra is replaced by a breaking pin 592.
• This breaking pin 592 is carried by the body 310. It is oriented radially relative to the direction of translation of the piston 550 in the longitudinal channel 340 and initially interferes with the piston 550 or a stop 593 on which the piston 550 rests as one see in Figure 17 to prohibit a displacement of the piston 550 and therefore a bringing the shutter 514 against the seat 512.
• the conduits 316 and 318 are then in communication.
• the pin 592 releases the piston 550 so that in an intermediate state the shutter 514 is pressed against the seat 512, the conduits 316 and 318 and the orifice 350 are then isolated, then in the final switched state illustrated in Figure 18, the piston 550 completes its stroke under the effect of the spring 560 so a link is established between the conduit 318 and the orifice 350.
• FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 show a third exemplary embodiment of a valve according to the present invention intended to form, in the switched state, in combination with the inlet valve 400, two opposing back-to-back flaps. , which differs essentially from the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 to 16 and the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, in that piston 550 is initially maintained by the combination of a degradable pin 590 and a breaker pawn 592.
• the degradable peion 590 is interposed between the tail 552 of the piston 550 and a stop 593 associated with the breaking pin 592.
• the breaking pin 592 initially prohibits a displacement of the piston 550 and consequently a bringing of the shutter 514 against the seat 512.
• the conduits 316 and 318 are then in communication as illustrated in FIG. 19.
• the pin 592 releases the piston 550 so that in an intermediate state the shutter 514 abuts against the seat 512, the ducts 316 and 318 and the orifice 350 are then isolated, then in the final switched state illustrated in Figure 20, the piston 550 completes its race under the effect of the spring 560 so that a connection is established between the conduit 318 and the orifice 350, the portion 554 of the piston 550 escaping the seal 370.
• the degradable peion 590 eventually degrades after a certain time, after inflation of the liner 100, as illustrated in FIG. switching in the final state of the valve 500 in which the conduit 318 and the port 350 communicate with each other, but the inlet conduit 316 remains closed by the valve 510.
• the assembly 300 comprises in the body 310, four longitudinal channels 332, 330, 340 and 442 parallel to each other and parallel to the axis 0-0 of the casing 200, respectively visible in FIGS. 22, 23, 24 and 26.
• the channels 332, 330, 340 and 442 are located in different radial planes.
• the longitudinal channel 332 visible in FIG. 22 is an inlet channel which communicates with the internal volume 202 of the casing 200, on a first axial end, by a radial channel 312 closed at its radially outer end by a plug 314 and equipped with a parachute flap 360.
• the channel 332 communicates via a transverse channel 317 with the longitudinal channel 330.
• the longitudinal channel 330 visible in FIG. 23 receives the nonreturn valve 400.
• This longitudinal channel 330 communicates with the third longitudinal channel 340 visible in FIGS. 24 and 25 through a passage 316.
• the place where the transverse channel 317 of entry opens into the longitudinal channel 330, behind a valve piston 450 illustrated in FIG. 23, has been sketched out.
• the longitudinal channel 340 houses the three-way valve 500.
• the transverse input channel 316 opens onto a blind axial end of the longitudinal channel 340.
• the longitudinal channel 340 has a second transverse passage 318 which communicates with the fourth longitudinal channel 342 visible in FIG. 26, which opens into the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100, and an orifice 350 which opens radially outwards in the volume ring EA1 of the well.
• the passage 316, the passage 318 and the orifice 350 form the three channels 502, 504 and 506 of the valve 500.
• the longitudinal channel 330 has a divergent conical zone 410 approaching the inlet channel 332 and which forms the aforementioned seat of the valve 400.
• This conical zone 410 is located downstream of the channel 317 and upstream of the channel 316.
• the channel 330 houses, facing this seat 410, a shutter 420 formed on the piston 450 and having a complementary conical end urged against the seat 410 by a spring 430.
• such a valve 400 is kept open initially by a degradable or breakable pin 490 and closes when pin 490 is broken or degraded.
• the pin 490 is a degradable pin placed opposite the downstream end of the piston 450, beyond the conduit 316, in the bottom of the longitudinal channel 330.
• the longitudinal channel 340 has a conical zone 512 located axially between the two ducts 316 and 318.
• the zone 512 is divergent away from the first conduit 316 and form the aforementioned seat of the valve 510.
• channel 340 houses a piston 550 capable of translation.
• the piston 550 has, opposite the seat 512, a conical zone
• the piston 550 is biased against the seat 512 by a spring 516.
• the conical shutter 514 is kept away from the seat 512 by a degradable peg, a rupture peg or the combination of a degradable peg and a breaking peg .
• Such degradable or breakable pegs have not been shown in Figures 24 to 30 to simplify the illustration. They may be in accordance with the arrangements previously described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 21.
• FIG. 24, 25, 27, 28 and 30 will show that the channel 340 also houses two O-rings 370 and 372 or any other equivalent means (O-ring associated with a ring for example) in contact with a portion 554 of the piston 550 adjacent to the conical shutter 514.
• the gasket 370 is placed axially between the duct 318 and the orifice 350, which ducts 318 and orifice 350 are both located downstream of the seat 512. As can be seen in FIGS. 24 and 25, the gasket 370 assures the sealing with the outer surface of the piston 550 in the initial position of the three-way valve 500 and up to the displacement of the shutter 514 against the seat 512.
• the seal 370 thus makes it possible to isolate the downstream orifice 350, in the initial position illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25 in which communication is authorized between the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 and the internal volume 102 of the liner 100 via the ducts 316 and 318 and in the intermediate transient position illustrated in FIG. 27 in which the communication between the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 and the internal volume 102 of the liner 100 is interrupted by the piston 550.
• the seal 372 is placed axially between the duct 316 and the duct 318, downstream of the seat 512, the ducts 316 and 318 being located respectively on either side of the seat 512.
• the seal 372 makes it possible to seal on the piston 550 and thus to isolate the two conduits 316 and 318 in the event of leakage of the valve 510, in particular in the transient phase of displacement of the piston towards its final switched position as illustrated in FIG. 27.
• Figure 29 shows the inlet valve 400 in the closed switched position, the shutter 420 resting against the seat 410 after degradation of the pin 490.
• the piston 550 of the valve 500 is associated with a non-return mechanism 580 which prevents a rearward displacement of the piston such that the piston 550 would escape the seal 372. , once the switching initiated.
• a mechanism 580 can be the subject of many embodiments. According to the particular and nonlimiting embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24, 25, 28 and 30, this mechanism 580 is formed of a part 582 interposed between the piston 550 and the spring 516, which has two support faces 584 and 586. directed respectively to the piston 550 and to the spring 516, not parallel to each other.
• the cross section of the piece 582 is smaller than the cross section of the local zone of the channel 340 to allow the engagement and the sliding of this part 582.
• the part 582 is however obliquely displaced in the channel 340 and is then along a diagonal of greater length opposite a recess 348 formed in the channel 340.
• the cooperation of the part 582 and the recess 348 shown in Figure 30 prohibits the return of the piston 550 to its original position .
• Such a mechanism 580 is however optional and not mandatory.
• the use of two check valves 400 and 510 in series and in opposite directions between the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 and the internal volume 102 of the expandable liner 100 ensures a good seal.
• the use of metal / metal flaps with metal shutters 420 and 514 based on metal cone seats 410 and 512 ensures reliable sealing under severe environmental conditions of wellbore.
• the isolation device integrates a three-way valve 500 comprising a single switching piston 550 such as:
• the device is in communication with the inside of the casing 200 so that the pressures between the inside of the jacket 100 and the inside 200 casing are balanced.
• the internal volume 102 of the sleeve 100 is in communication with the inside of the casing 200.
• the pressure increases in the same way in the jacket 100.
• the movement of the piston 550 is released by the breaking of a pin 590 made of a material which degrades with time and / or by the breaking of a pin 592 under the differential increase pressure that inflates the device. Whether degradable or not, the breaking of the pin 590 or 592 releases, permanently, the movement of the piston 550 which closes the communication between the casing 200 and the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and which opens at the same time the communication between the internal volume 102 of the liner 100 and the annular volume EA1. After rupture of the pin 590 or 592, it is no longer possible to inflate the annular isolation device from the casing.
• the valve 500 is constituted such that the reverse movement of the piston 550 is impossible even if a differential pressure, positive or negative, exists between the annular space EA1 and the inside of the casing 200.
• the fluid When a differential pressure is applied from EA1 to EA2 such as PEAI> PEA2, the fluid, and therefore the pressure, communicates inside the expandable jacket 100 through the conduits 318 and 350 of the valve 500.
• the expandable membrane 100 is identical to the pressure of the annular zone EA1 which gives it excellent zone insulation properties.
• the invention solves the problems posed according to the state of the art.
• annular pressure varies over time and can alternatively be: pressure of EA1> pressure of EA2 or pressure of EA2> pressure of EA1, it is conceivable to mount two zone isolation devices according to the invention head to tail as illustrated in Figure 31.
• the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments that have just been written, but extends to any variant that conforms to its spirit.
• Valves 400 and 510 have previously been described whose seat 410, 512 and the shutter 420, 514 are advantageously made of metal thus defining valves 400, 510 metal / metal.
• valve 400 and / or 510 is and remains sealed even if the shutter 420 or 514 would not rest perfectly against its associated seat 410 or 512, for example in the case where the fluid carried is not properly filtered.
• Such an additional seal may be provided on the shutter and be adapted to bear against a complementary bearing formed on the body housing the valve and forming the seat, when the valve is in its closed position or close to its closed position.
• the seal may alternatively be provided on the body housing the valve and forming the seat, and then be adapted to bear against a complementary bearing formed on the shutter, when the valve is in its closed position or close to its position closure.
• FIG. 32 to 34 which illustrate an alternative of the embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 16, an embodiment in which an additional seal 570 is mounted in a groove formed on the shutter 514.
• This seal 570 is adapted to come into operation. bearing against a complementary bearing 51 1 formed at a recess on the body 310 housing the valve 510, in the extension and upstream of the seat 512.
• the diameter of the section of the chamber 320 which receives the shutter 514 and which houses the gasket 370 in the initial position as illustrated in FIG. 32, is preferably greater than the diameter of the gasket 370.
• the diameter of the recess which forms the airfoil 511 is however at least slightly less than the outer diameter at rest of the seal 570 to ensure the aforementioned seal.
• the travel of the shutter 514 is such that in the initial position as illustrated in FIG. 32, the seal 570 is placed beyond the inlet duct 316 so as not to disturb the flow of fluid ensuring inflation of the liner 100.
• the conduit 316 is located in the initial position between the seal 570 and the scope 511.
• Figure 33 shows the valve 510 in the closed position similar to Figure 16, the shutter 514 resting against the seat 512.
• FIG. 34 shows the seal provided by the seal 570 resting against the bearing surface 511 in the case where the shutter 514 is slightly detached from the complementary conical seat 512.
• valve 510 As indicated above the provision of an additional seal ensuring the tightness of the valve in the event of separation of the shutter, can be applied to all embodiments of the valve 510 as well as to all the embodiments. of the valve 400, and this is in seal-mounted version mounted on the shutter cooperating with a complementary seat-side seat-mounted seat-mounted seal and cooperating with a complementary bearing surface formed on the shutter.
• FIG. 35 shows, in the open position, an alternative embodiment of the valve 510 in which the seal 570 is placed in a groove 311 formed in the body 310 incorporating the seat 512 to cooperate with a complementary bearing surface 515 formed on the shutter 514.
• FIG. 36 shows, in the closed position, an alternative embodiment of a valve 400 according to which a seal 470 is placed in a groove 422 formed in the body of the shutter 420 to cooperate with a complementary surface 412 formed on the body 310 incorporating the seat 410.
• FIG. 37 shows, in the closed position, another alternative embodiment of a valve 400 in which a seal 470 is placed in a groove 313 formed in the body 310 incorporating the seat 410 to cooperate with a complementary bearing 424 formed on the shutter 420.

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• 2014
  • 2014-01-10 FR FR1450214A patent/FR3016389B1/fr active Active
• 2015
  • 2015-01-09 US US15/110,536 patent/US10060222B2/en active Active
  • 2015-01-09 NO NO15700542A patent/NO3092368T3/no unknown
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