EP3092368B1 - Insulation device for a well - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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.

Expressed differently, it relates to 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.

It should be noted that the integrity of the annular space and the integrity of the casing must be distinguished, both being essential to the integrity of the well.

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.

The cementing quality of this annular space is of great importance for the integrity of the wells.

In fact, this waterproofing protects the casing from saltwater areas that contain the basement, which can corrode and damage them, leading to the possible loss of the well.

Moreover, 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.

In practice, there are many reasons that can lead to an imperfect cementing process, such as large wells, horizontal areas of the well, difficult traffic or areas at a loss. This results in poor sealing.

It should also be noted that the wells are deeper and deeper, that a good part of them are drilled "offshore" at vertical heights of up to 2000 m, and that the latest hydraulic fracturing technologies in which the pressures can reach more than 15,000 psi (1000 bar), subject these sealed annular zones to very high stresses.

From the foregoing, it is clear that the cementation of the (or) annular space (s) is particularly important and any weakness in their realization, while the pressures involved are very important (several hundred bars), can cause damage that can lead to well loss and / or severe ecological damage.

• de l'intérieur du cuvelage vers l'extérieur, c'est-à-dire de l'intérieur du puits vers l'espace annulaire ;
• de l'espace annulaire vers l'intérieur du cuvelage.

The pressures involved may come from:

• from the inside of the casing to the outside, that is to say from the interior of the well to the annular space;
• from the annular space towards the inside of the casing.

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 nature and the thickness of the material constituting the casing is calculated to withstand internal burst pressures ("burst" in English) or collapse pressures ("collapse" in English) very important.

In addition, 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.
Technical solutions are currently available to achieve sealing said annular space.

STATE OF THE ART

Many insulation devices have already been proposed and are currently used for this purpose.

The document US 7,571,765 discloses a device comprising a rubber ring compressed 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.

Mechanical insulating devices based on an inflatable elastomer have been proposed composed of a polymer of the rubber type which is activated on inflation in contact with a fluid (oil, water, or other according to the formulations). To avoid blockage of the tube during descent into the well, the swelling must be relatively slow and may sometimes require several weeks for the zone insulation to be effective.

Other types of insulating devices are composed of an expandable metal jacket deformed by application of pressurized liquid (see article SPE 22,858 "DS Dreesen et al., Analytical and Experimental Evaluation of Expanded Metal Packers For Well Completion Services". - 1991), US 6,640,893 , US 7,306,033 , US 7591 321 , EP 2 206 879 , EP 2 435 656 ).

The document US 2005/023003 discloses 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 pressurized fluid from the casing , through a passage passing through the wall of the casing, to expand the liner radially outwards, the device also comprising a non-return valve placed in a passage which connects the internal volume of the casing to the internal volume of the liner, the device comprising also a valve which establishes a connection between the internal volume of the liner and an annular volume of the well outside the liner and the casing, said valve and said non-return valve forming two valves connected in series. The general structure of a known system of this type has been schematized Figures 1 and 2 attached.

As we see on the figure 1 , to create an annular isolation device for sealingly isolating two adjacent annular spaces, referenced EA1 and EA2, from a well or formation whose wall is referenced P, a known technique consists in 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. Thus, 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. figure 2 , by increasing the pressure P1 in the casing 20. The 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.

Although having already given rise to a great deal of research, the devices of the type illustrated on the Figures 1 and 2 annexed have several disadvantages.

If 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.

If 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.

To avoid this, in the case of a metal or elastomeric membrane, 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.

To avoid this risk, it has been proposed, for example in the documents WO 2010/136806 and US20120125619 , in addition to the first orifice 22 provided with an anti-return valve, a second orifice provided between the membrane 10 and the high pressure zone EA1 which integrates a rupture disk. 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. However, if the pressure increases subsequently in the casing 20, 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 that allows to evacuate the overpressure of the metal membrane 10. This solution is suitable when the volume and pressure increase to However, if the volume trapped in the membrane 10 decreases, the risk of collapsing the membrane 10 or losing contact between the membrane 10 and the wall P of the well persists.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a device that solves the aforementioned problems.

This object is achieved according to the invention by 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 said check valve forming, after switching, two valves mounted in series and in opposite directions on the passage connecting the internal volumes of the casing and the shirt.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the present invention, 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.

According to a first variant embodiment, 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.

According to a second variant embodiment, 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.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the present invention, the valves are check valves in which a metal shutter rests on a metal seat preferably conical.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the present invention, 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.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the present invention, 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.

According to an advantageous embodiment, 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.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the present invention, 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 the casing and the liner.

PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

• les figures 1 et 2 précédemment décrites représentent un dispositif d'isolation annulaire conforme à l'état de la technique, respectivement avant et après expansion de la chemise expansible,
• les figures 3, 4 et 5 représentent un dispositif conforme à la présente invention respectivement à l'état initial, en phase d'expansion de la chemise expansible par communication entre le volume interne du cuvelage et le volume interne de la chemise, puis dans l'état final d'étanchéité après commutation de la vanne trois voies assurant la liaison entre le volume interne de la chemise et le volume annulaire du puits extérieur à la chemise et au cuvelage,
• les figures 6 et 7 représentent schématiquement un ensemble conforme à une première variante de réalisation de la présente invention comprenant en combinaison une vanne trois voies et un clapet anti-retour en entrée, respectivement en position initiale et en position commutée finale,
• la figure 8 représente le schéma équivalent de l'ensemble commuté illustré sur la figure 7,
• les figures 9 et 10 représentent schématiquement un ensemble conforme à une deuxième variante de réalisation de la présente invention comprenant en combinaison une vanne trois voies et un clapet anti-retour en entrée, respectivement en position initiale et en position commutée finale,
• la figure 11 représente le schéma équivalent de l'ensemble commuté illustré sur la figure 10,
• les figures 12 à 16 représentent un premier exemple de réalisation d'un ensemble conforme à la présente invention comprenant une vanne maintenue initialement par un pion dégradable et comprenant à l'état commuté deux clapets opposés dos à dos, la figure 12 représentant une vue en coupe axiale passant par un canal qui loge un clapet d'entrée, la figure 13 représentant une vanne trois voies à l'état initial de liaison du cuvelage et de la chemise, selon une vue en coupe axiale passant par un deuxième plan radial et un canal qui loge la vanne trois voies, la figure 14 illustrant une vue agrandie de la figure 13 et un piston partiellement arraché pour montrer la localisation des conduits venant du volume interne du cuvelage et respectivement allant vers le volume interne de la chemise, la figure 15 représentant la vanne trois voies dans son état intermédiaire selon lequel les trois voies de la vanne sont isolées et la figure 16 illustrant la vanne trois voies dans son état final commuté dans lequel le volume interne de la chemise est relié au volume annulaire du puits,
• les figures 17 et 18 représentent des vues correspondant respectivement aux figures 13 et 16 d'un deuxième exemple de réalisation d'un ensemble conforme à la présente invention comprenant une vanne maintenue initialement par un pion de rupture et comprenant à l'état commuté deux clapets opposés dos à dos,
• les figures 19, 20 et 21 représentent un troisième exemple de réalisation d'un ensemble conforme à la présente invention comprenant une vanne maintenue initialement par la combinaison d'un pion dégradable et d'un pion de rupture et comprenant à l'état commuté deux clapets opposés dos à dos, plus précisément la figure 19 représente la vanne à l'état initial, la figure 20 représente la vanne après rupture du pion de rupture et la figure 21 représente la vanne après dégradation du pion dégradable en cas de déficience du pion de rupture,
• les figures 22 à 30 représentent un quatrième exemple de réalisation d'un ensemble conforme à la présente invention comprenant un clapet d'entrée sollicité à la fermeture mais maintenu initialement en position ouverte par un pion dégradable et/ou de rupture et une vanne maintenue initialement par un pion dégradable et/ou de rupture et formant à l'état commuté deux clapets opposés face à face, la figure 22 représentant une vue en coupe axiale passant par un premier canal longitudinal d'entrée, la figure 23 représentant une vue en coupe axiale dans un deuxième plan radial qui passe par un deuxième canal longitudinal qui loge un clapet d'entrée dans son état initial ouvert, la figure 24 représentant une vanne trois voies à l'état initial de liaison du cuvelage et de la chemise, selon une vue en coupe axiale passant par un troisième plan radial et un canal qui loge la vanne trois voies, la figure 25 illustrant une vue agrandie de la figure 24, la figure 26 représentant une vue en coupe axiale d'un canal de sortie dans un quatrième plan radial, la figure 27 représentant la vanne trois voies dans son état intermédiaire de transition selon lequel les trois voies de la vanne sont isolées, selon un plan de coupe identique à la figure 25, la figure 28 représentant la vanne trois voies dans son état commuté final, la figure 29 représentant le clapet d'entrée en position fermée selon un plan de coupe identique à la figure 23 et la figure 30 illustrant la fonction d'étanchéité assurée par un joint additionnel en cas de fuite accidentelle du clapet d'entrée,
• la figure 31 illustre un montage tête-bêche de deux dispositifs d'isolation conformes à l'invention, sur un cuvelage, pour garantir l'isolation entre deux zones annulaires adjacentes d'un puits, quelles que soient les évolutions relatives de pression dans ces deux zones annulaires,
• les figures 32 à 34 représentent une variante de clapet intégrant des moyens d'étanchéité additionnels, formés d'un joint, en complément d'un obturateur coopérant avec un siège conique complémentaire, la figure 32 illustrant ce clapet en position de repos ouverte, la figure 33 illustrant ce clapet en position fermée et la figure 34 illustrant le clapet en position légèrement décollée de l'obturateur par rapport à son siège complémentaire, l'étanchéité étant alors assurée par le joint précité, et
• les figures 35, 36 et 37 représentent trois variantes de réalisation d'un tel clapet équipé d'un joint additionnel d'étanchéité.

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples and in which:

• the Figures 1 and 2 previously described represent an annular isolation device according to the state of the art, respectively before and after expansion of the expandable sleeve,
• the Figures 3, 4 and 5 represent a device according to the present invention respectively in the initial state, in expansion phase of the expandable sleeve by communication between the internal volume of the casing and the internal volume of the jacket, and 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 external well to the jacket and the casing,
• the Figures 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 check valve, respectively in the initial position and in the final switched position,
• the figure 8 represents the equivalent diagram of the switched set shown on the figure 7 ,
• the Figures 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,
• the figure 11 represents the equivalent diagram of the switched set shown on the figure 10 ,
• the Figures 12 to 16 represent a first embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention comprising a valve initially maintained by a degradable pin and comprising in the switched state two opposite valves back to back, the figure 12 representing an axial sectional view passing through a channel which houses an inlet valve, the figure 13 representing a three-way valve in the initial state of connection of the casing and the liner, in a view in axial section passing through a second radial plane and a channel which houses the three-way valve, the figure 14 illustrating an enlarged view of the figure 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, the figure 15 representing the three-way valve in its intermediate state in which the three channels of the valve are isolated and the figure 16 illustrating the three-way valve in its switched final state in which the internal volume of the jacket is connected to the annular volume of the well,
• the Figures 17 and 18 represent views corresponding respectively to figures 13 and 16 a second embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention comprising a valve initially held by a breaker pin and comprising in the switched state two opposite valves back to back,
• the Figures 19, 20 and 21 represent a third 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 opposing back-to-back valves, plus Exactly there figure 19 represents the valve in the initial state, the figure 20 represents the valve after rupture of the breaker pin and the figure 21 represents the valve after degradation of the degradable pion in case of failure of the breaker pion,
• the Figures 22 to 30 represent a fourth embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention comprising an inlet valve urged to close but initially held in the open position by a degradable and / or fracture pion and a valve initially held by a degradable pion and / or rupture and forming in the switched state two opposing valves opposite, the figure 22 showing an axial sectional view passing through a first longitudinal inlet channel, the figure 23 showing an axial sectional view in a second radial plane which passes through a second longitudinal channel which houses an inlet valve in its initial open state, the figure 24 representing a three-way valve in the initial state of connection of the casing and the liner, in a view in axial section passing through a third radial plane and a channel which houses the three-way valve, the figure 25 illustrating an enlarged view of the figure 24 , the figure 26 showing an axial sectional view of an outlet channel in a fourth radial plane, the figure 27 representing the three-way valve in its intermediate transition state in which the three channels of the valve are isolated, according to a cutting plane identical to the figure 25 , the figure 28 representing the three-way valve in its final switched state, the figure 29 representing the inlet valve in the closed position according to a cutting plane identical to the figure 23 and the figure 30 illustrating the sealing function provided by an additional seal in case of accidental leakage of the inlet valve,
• the figure 31 illustrates a head-to-tail assembly of two insulating 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. ,
• the Figures 32 to 34 represent a valve variant integrating additional sealing means, formed of a seal, in addition to a shutter cooperating with a complementary conical seat, the figure 32 illustrating this valve in the open rest position, the figure 33 illustrating this valve in the closed position and the figure 34 illustrating the valve in slightly detached position of the shutter relative to its complementary seat, the seal being then provided by the aforementioned joint, and
• the figures 35 , 36 and 37 represent three variants of such a valve equipped with an additional sealing gasket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

We can see on the figure 3 attached an isolation device according to the present invention comprising an expandable sleeve 100 placed on a casing 200, facing a passage 222 passing through the wall of the casing 200 and a set 300 adapted to control the expansion of the jacket 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 opposite directions on a passage connecting the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 and the internal volume 102 of the liner 100.

The jacket 100 is advantageously formed of a cylindrical metal shell of revolution engaged on the outside of the casing 200 and whose two axial ends 110, 112 are sealingly connected to the outer surface of the casing 200 at these two axial ends. 110 and 112.

Once the insulation device thus formed has been introduced into a well P so that the jacket 100 is placed between two zones EA1 and EA2 to be isolated, the assembly 300 is adapted to initially supply the internal volume 102 of the jacket. 100 using a fluid under pressure from the casing 200, through the passage 222 through the wall of the casing 200, to expand the jacket 100 radially outwardly as seen on the 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 be switched once between an initial state corresponding to the figure 4 , in which a connection is established between the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 and the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 to expand said jacket 100 and a final state corresponding to the figure 5 in which the connection between the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 and the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 is interrupted, while a connection is established between the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and an annular volume EA1 of the outer well P to the liner 100 and the casing 200, to prevent the membrane component of the liner 100 from collapsing, in particular under the pressure of the annular volume EA1. Indeed, the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 is thus subjected to the same pressure as the annular volume EA1, the jacket 100 is not dependent on any pressure changes in the annular volume EA1.

Preferably, as indicated above, 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.

We can see on the figure 6 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.

At rest the valve 400 is closed under the bias of the spring 430. When 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. On the other hand 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.

In the initial state represented on the figure 6 , the valve 500 provides a link between the channels 502 and 504 and therefore between the outlet of the valve 400, the internal volume 202 of the casing 200, when the valve 400 is open, and the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100.

At the final switched state represented on the figure 7 , 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 connection is established between the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and the volume ring EA1 of the well.

As will be described in more detail later, the final state represented on the figure 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 nonreturn valve 400 remains in the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 until rupture or degradation of the pawn 590.

As indicated previously, 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 scheme of the assembly 300 thus obtained in the final switched state is represented on the figure 8 . On this figure 8 schematically the valve 510 comprising a body which defines a tapered seat 512 flared near the inlet 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 ranging 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 in sealing engagement against the seat 512 and thereby causing the valve 510 to close.

The seat 512 and the shutter 514 are advantageously made of metal defining a valve 500 metal / metal.

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.

We will now describe the structure and operation of the assembly 300 according to a second variant embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIGS. Figures 9 to 11 and also comprising in combination a three-way two-way valve 500 and a non-return valve 400 at the inlet.

The set illustrated on Figures 9 to 11 annexed is essentially distinguished from the first embodiment illustrated on the Figures 6 to 8 in that the directions of the flaps 400 and 510 are reversed and the flap 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.

Again the seat 410 and the shutter 420 are preferably metal defining a valve 400 metal / metal.

In the initial state the shutter 420 is, however, kept away from the seat 410 by a pin 490 capable of breaking or degradation as shown in FIG. 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.

As for the first embodiment, 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 represented on the figure 9 the valve 500 provides a link 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. At the final switched state represented on the figure 10 , 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 connection is established between the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and the volume ring EA1 of the well. The final state represented on the figure 10 is also obtained after rupture or degradation of a pin 590 associated with the piston of the drawer 500.

The equivalent diagram of the assembly 300 thus obtained in the final switched state of the second embodiment is shown in FIG. figure 11 . On this figure 11 schematically 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 downstream of the seat 512 by relative to a direction of supply of fluid from the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 to the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and a spring 516 which urges the shutter 514 in sealing engagement against the seat 512 and in doing so which solicits the valve 510 at closing.

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.

In the remainder of the description, the concept of "body 310" must be understood without any limitation, the 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.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the present invention, 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.

We will now describe the exemplary embodiment illustrated on the Figures 12 to 16 which corresponds to a first embodiment of an assembly 300 according to the present invention comprising a three-way valve 500 initially maintained by a degradable pin 590 and comprising in the switched state two opposing back-to-back valves 400 and 510.

In the remainder of the description, the terms "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.

According to this first example, the assembly 300 comprises in the body 310, two longitudinal channels 330 and 340 parallel to each other and parallel to the axis O-O 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.

Near its second axial end which receives the non-return valve 400, 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.

We can see on the figure 12 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 biased at the opening by a spring bearing on the plug 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.

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.

As we see on the figure 22 such an inlet parachute valve 360 can equip all the embodiments according to 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.

As we see on the figure 12 the channel 330 houses, facing this seat 410, a shutter 420 having a complementary conical end biased against the seat 410 by a spring 430.

As described above with regard to Figures 6 to 8 , such a valve 400 is closed at rest and opens when the valve 500 being 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.

As we see on the Figures 13 to 16 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.

However at rest in initial position, 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.

We will look at the examination of Figures 13 to 16 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. The seal 370 is placed axially between the conduit 318 and the orifice 350, which leads 318 and port 350 are both located downstream of the seat 512. As seen on the figure 15 the seal 370 seals 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 initial position illustrated on the figures 13 and 14 in which communication is allowed between the internal volume 202 of the casing 200 and the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 via the conduits 316 and 318 and in the intermediate position illustrated on the figure 15 in which the communication between the volume internal 202 of the casing 200 and the internal volume 102 of the liner 100 is interrupted by the contact of the shutter 514 against the seat 512.

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.

It will be observed that 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.

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 on the figure 16 , the valve 500 has reached its final irreversible switched position, the shutter 514 remaining in abutment against its seat 512 to isolate the conduit 316 of the conduit 318.

We have illustrated on Figures 17 and 18 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 opposing back-to-back valves, which is essentially different from the first embodiment illustrated on the Figures 12 to 16 in that the degradable pin 590 mentioned above 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 him on the 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.

After breaking under the combined effect of the pressure differential between the pressure inside the jacket 100 and the pressure of the annulus EA1 and the spring 560, the pin 592 releases the piston 550 so that in an intermediate state the shutter 514 abuts against the seat 512, the conduits 316 and 318 and the orifice 350 are then isolated, then in the final switched state illustrated on the figure 18 , the piston 550 completes its stroke under the effect of the spring 560 so that a connection is established between the conduit 318 and the orifice 350.

We have illustrated on Figures 19, 20 and 21 a third 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 valves, which is essentially different from the first exemplary embodiment illustrated on the Figures 12 to 16 and the second embodiment illustrated on the Figures 17 and 18 in that the piston 550 is initially maintained by the combination of a degradable pin 590 and a breaker pin 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 rupture 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 shown in FIG. figure 19 .

After breaking under the combined effect of the pressure differential between the pressure inside the jacket 100 and the pressure of the annulus EA1 and the spring 560, the pin 592 releases the piston 550 so that in an intermediate state the shutter 514 abuts against the seat 512, the conduits 316 and 318 and the orifice 350 are then isolated, then in the final switched state illustrated on the figure 20 , the 550 piston completes its course 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.

In case of deficiency of the peg 592, if it does not break, the degradable peion 590 eventually degrades after a certain time, after inflation of the liner 100, as shown in FIG. figure 21 , to also allow 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.

We will now describe the fourth embodiment of a set 300 according to the present invention illustrated on the Figures 22 to 30 appended, comprising an inlet valve 400 biased to closure but initially maintained in the open position by a degradable and / or fracture pin 490 and a valve 500 initially held by a degradable and / or fracture pin 590 and forming switched state two opposite valves 400 and 510 face to face.

According to this fourth example, 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 OO of the casing 200, respectively visible on the Figures 22, 23 , 24 and 26 . Channels 332, 330, 340 and 442 are located in different radial planes.

The longitudinal channel 332 visible on the figure 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 valve 360.

Near its second axial end closed by a plug 315, the channel 332 communicates via a transverse channel 317 with the longitudinal channel 330.

The longitudinal channel 330 visible on the figure 23 receives the non-return valve 400. This longitudinal channel 330 communicates with the third longitudinal channel 340 visible on the Figures 24 and 25 by a passage transversal 316. On the figure 23 the place where the transverse channel 317 of entry opens in the longitudinal channel 330, behind a piston 450 of valve illustrated on the figure 23 .

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 on the figure 26 , which opens into the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100, and an orifice 350 which opens radially outwardly 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.

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.

As we see on the figure 23 the channel 330 houses, facing this seat 410, a shutter 420 formed on the piston 450 and having a complementary conical end biased against the seat 410 by a spring 430.

As described above with regard to Figures 9 to 11 such a valve 400 is kept open initially by a degradable or breakable pin 490 and closes when the pin 490 is broken or degraded.

According to the particular and nonlimiting embodiment illustrated on the figure 23 , 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.

As we see on the Figures 24, 25 , 27, 28 and 30 the channel 340 houses a piston 550 capable of translation.

The piston 550 has, facing the seat 512, a conical zone 514 complementary to the seat 512, forming a shutter. The piston 550, more particularly the shutter 514, is biased against the seat 512 by a spring 516.

However at rest in initial position as illustrated on Figures 24 and 25 , the conical shutter 514 is kept away from the seat 512 by a degradable pin, a breaking pin or the combination of a degradable pin and a breaking pin.

Such degradable or breaking pions have not been represented on the Figures 24 to 30 to simplify the illustration. They may comply with the provisions previously described with regard to Figures 13 to 21 .

We will look at the examination of Figures 24, 25 , 27, 28 and 30 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. Figures 24 and 25 , the seal 370 seals 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 orifice downstream 350, in initial position illustrated on the Figures 24 and 25 in which communication is allowed 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 transient intermediate position illustrated on the figure 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 shown in FIG. figure 27 .

This final switched position in which the shutter 514 formed on the piston 550 rests against the seat 512 is illustrated on the figure 28 . In this final switched position, the piston 550 has a portion 555 of reduced section facing the seal 370 so that the seal 370 no longer provides sealing on the piston 550. Communication is then authorized between the conduit 318 and the exit 350. On the other hand, as we can see on Figures 27, 28 and 30 once the piston 550 has reached the seal 372, it remains in sealing contact with the outer surface of the piston to isolate the inlet channel 316.

The figure 29 represents the inlet valve 400 in the closed switched position, the shutter 420 resting against the seat 410 after degradation of the pin 490.

It will be observed that according to the fourth embodiment illustrated on the Figures 22 to 30 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. Such a mechanism 580 can be the subject of many embodiments. According to the particular and nonlimiting embodiment illustrated on the Figures 24, 25 , 28 and 30 this mechanism 580 is formed of a piece 582 interposed between the piston 550 and the spring 516, which has two bearing faces 584 and 586 respectively directed towards the piston 550 and 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. During the switching, 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 illustrated on the figure 30 prohibits the return of 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. And 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.

• Lors d'une phase de mise en place du dispositif d'isolation annulaire dans un puits, le dispositif est en communication avec l'intérieur du cuvelage 200 de telle façon que les pressions entre l'intérieur de la chemise 100 et l'intérieur du cuvelage 200 sont équilibrées. D'autre part, il n'y a pas de communication possible entre le volume interne 102 de la chemise 100 et l'espace annulaire EA1 ou EA2 ou entre le cuvelage 200 et l'espace annulaire EA1 ou EA2.
• Lors d'une phase de gonflage, le volume interne 102 de la chemise 100 est en communication avec l'intérieur du cuvelage 200. Ainsi lorsque la pression augmente dans le cuvelage 200, la pression augmente de la même façon dans la chemise 100. D'autre part, il n'y a pas de communication possible entre le volume interne 102 de la chemise 100 et l'espace annulaire EA1 ou entre le cuvelage 200 et l'espace annulaire EA1 .
• A la fin du gonflage, le mouvement du piston 550 est libéré par la rupture d'un pion 590 constitué d'un matériau qui se dégrade avec le temps et/ou par la rupture d'un pion 592 sous l'augmentation du différentiel de pression qui permet de gonfler le dispositif. Qu'il soit dégradable ou non, la rupture du pion 590 ou 592 libère, de façon définitive, le mouvement du piston 550 qui ferme la communication entre le cuvelage 200 et le volume interne 102 de la chemise 100 et qui ouvre dans le même temps la communication entre le volume interne 102 de la chemise 100 et le volume annulaire EA1. Après rupture du pion 590 ou 592, il n'est plus possible de gonfler le dispositif d'isolation annulaire à partir du cuvelage.

Those skilled in the art will understand that according to all the aforementioned embodiments in accordance with the invention, the isolation device integrates a three-way valve 500 comprising a single switching piston 550 such as:

• During a phase of setting up the annular isolation device in a well, 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 of the casing casing 200 are balanced. On the other hand, there is no communication possible between the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and the annular space EA1 or EA2 or between the casing 200 and the annular space EA1 or EA2.
• During an inflation phase, the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 is in communication with the inside of the casing 200. Thus, as the pressure increases in the casing 200, the pressure increases in the same way in the jacket 100. D on the other hand, there is no communication possible between the internal volume 102 of the jacket 100 and the annular space EA1 or between the casing 200 and the annular space EA1.
• At the end of the inflation, 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 increase of the differential of 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.

When a differential pressure is applied from EA1 to EA2 such that P _EA1 > P _EA2 , the fluid, and therefore the pressure, communicates inside the expandable liner 100 through the conduits 318 and 350 of the valve 500. The pressure internal to 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.

If the 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 on the figure 31 .

Of course, 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.

If necessary, to mitigate any risk of leakage between such a metal shutter and its associated metal seat, there may be additional sealing means formed of an O-ring (or any equivalent means, for example a O-ring associated with a ring) adapted to bear on a complementary bearing when the valve is in its closed position or close to its closed position. Thus the 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.

It has thus been represented by way of non-limiting example on Figures 32 to 34 , which illustrate an alternative of the embodiment shown on the 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 bear against a complementary bearing 511 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 seal 370 in the initial position as illustrated on the figure 32 is preferably greater than the diameter of the seal 370. The diameter of the recess which forms the bearing surface 511 is however at least slightly less than the outer diameter at rest of the seal 570 to ensure the aforementioned seal.

It will be noted that, preferably, the travel of the shutter 514 is such that in the initial position as illustrated on FIG. figure 32 , the seal 570 is placed beyond the inlet duct 316 so as not to disturb the flow of fluid ensuring the inflation of the liner 100. In other words, the duct 316 is located, in the initial position, between the gasket 570 and the scope 511.

The figure 33 shows the valve 510 in the closed position similar to the figure 16 , the shutter 514 resting against the seat 512.

The figure 34 shows the seal provided by the seal 570 resting against the bearing 511 in the case where the shutter 514 is slightly detached from the complementary conical seat 512.

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.

It has thus been represented on the figure 35 , 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 surface 515 formed on the shutter 514.

We have shown on the figure 36 , 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.

We have shown on the figure 37 , in the closed position, another alternative embodiment of a valve 400 according to which a seal 470 is placed in a groove 313 formed in the body 310 incorporating the seat 410 to cooperate with a complementary surface 424 formed on the shutter 420.

Claims (16)

1. Isolation device for treating a well, comprising an expandable liner (100) positioned on a casing (200) and an assembly (300) for controlling the supply of the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) using a pressurised fluid originating from the casing (200), via a passage (222) passing through the wall of the casing (200), in order to expand the liner (100) radially outwards, said assembly (300) comprising a check valve (400) positioned in a passage that connects the inner volume (202) of the casing (200) to the inner volume (102) of the liner (100), and means (500) forming a three-way valve capable of switching only once between an initial state, in which a connection is made between the inner volume (202) of the casing (200) and the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) in order to expand said liner (100), and a final state, in which the connection between the inner volume (202) of the casing (200) and the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) is broken and a connection is made between the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) and an annular volume (EA1) of the well external to the liner (100) and to the casing (200), said three-way valve (500) and said check valve (400) forming, after switching, two check valves (400, 510) mounted in series and in opposite directions on the passage connecting the inner volumes of the casing (200) and of the liner (100).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the means (500) forming a three-way valve define a temporary intermediate state that occurs between the initial state and the final state and in which the connection between the inner volume (202) of the casing (200) and the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) is broken, however the connection between the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) and the annular volume (EA1) of the well external to the liner (100) and to the casing (200) has not yet been made.
3. Device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the check valve (400) positioned in the passage that connects the inner volume (202) of the casing (200) to the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) is a valve that is elastically loaded towards its closing position, that opens when subjected to a fluid pressure that is applied in the direction travelling from the inner volume (202) of the casing (200) towards the inner volume (102) of the liner (100).
4. Device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the check valve (400) positioned in the passage that connects the inner volume (202) of the casing (200) to the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) is a valve that is elastically loaded towards its closing position, that opens when subjected to a fluid pressure that is applied in the direction travelling from the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) towards the inner volume (202) of the casing (200), said valve (400) being initially held in the open position by a temporary means (490), for example a retaining element capable of breaking and/or deteriorating.
5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the valves (400, 510) are check valves in which a metal shutter (420, 514) is at rest on a metal seat (410, 512).
6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the valves (400, 510) are check valves with a conical seat (410, 512).
7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the valves (400, 510) comprise a seal (470, 570) suitable for resting against an additional face (412, 424, 511, 515) when the valve (400, 510) is in the closed position or near to the closed position thereof.
8. Device according to claim 7, characterised in that the seal (470, 570) is provided on the shutter (420, 514) and is suitable for bearing against an additional face (412, 511) formed on the body housing the valve and forming the seat (410, 512), or is provided on the body (310) housing the valve and forming the seat (410, 512), and is suitable for bearing against an additional face (424, 515) formed on the shutter (420, 514).
9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the check valve (400) positioned in the passage that connects the inner volume (202) of the casing (200) to the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) and the three-way valve (500) are formed from two separate sub-assemblies.
10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the check valve (400) positioned in the passage that connects the inner volume (202) of the casing (200) to the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) and the three-way valve (500) are positioned in separate parallel longitudinal channels (330, 340) formed in the body (310) of the assembly.
11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the means (590, 592) that control the closing of the communication between the inner volume (202) of the casing (200) and the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) comprise a retaining element (592) capable of breaking or a retaining element (590) capable of deteriorating or a combination of a first retaining element (592) that must break and a second retaining element (590) that must deteriorate.
12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the three-way valve (500) comprises a body (310) that defines a chamber (320) into which open out communication ducts (316, 318, 350) respectively in communication with the inside (202) of the casing (200), the inside (102) of the expandable liner (100) and the annular space (EA1) situated externally to the casing, a piston (550) mounted in translation inside said chamber (320) and immobilising means (590, 592) that can be released, and that are fragile and/or degradable, which initially immobilise the piston (550) in an initial position such that the piston (550) only allows communication between the ducts (316, 318) associated with the inside (202) of the casing (200) and the inside (102) of the expandable liner (100), then release the piston (550) such that the piston takes on a final position in which it allows communication between the ducts (318, 350) associated with the inside (102) of the expandable liner (100) and the annular space (EA1) situated externally to the casing (200), while preventing any new switching to the initial position once the piston (550) has reached the final position.
13. Device according to claim 12, characterised in that the piston (550) and the releasable immobilisation means (590, 592) define an intermediate position between the initial position and the final position, in which the three communication ducts (316, 318, 350) respectively associated with the inside (202) of the casing (200), the inside (102) of the expandable liner (100) and the annular space (EA1) situated externally to the casing (200) are isolated from each other.
14. Assembly comprising a combination of a check valve (400) and a three-way valve (500) according to one of claims 1 to 13, forming, after switching, two valves (400, 510) mounted in series and in opposite directions, back-to-back or face-to-face, on the passage connecting the inner volumes of a casing (200) and of a liner (100) of a well isolation device.
15. Assembly according to claim 14, characterised in that the valves (400, 510) are check valves in which a metal shutter (420, 514) is at rest on a conical metal seat (410, 512).
16. Method for isolating two annular zones (EA1, E12) of a well, implementing a step of supplying an expandable liner (100) positioned on a casing (200) using a pressurised fluid originating from the casing (200), in order to expand the liner (100) radially outwards, the method comprising the steps of supplying the inner volume (102) of the expandable liner (100) via a check valve (400) positioned in a passage that connects the inner volume (202) of the casing (200) to the inner volume (102) of the liner (100), then switching a three-way valve (500) between an initial state, in which a connection is made between the inner volume (202) of the casing (200) and the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) in order to expand said liner (100), and a final state, in which the connection between the inner volume (202) of the casing (200) and the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) is broken and a connection is made between the inner volume (102) of the liner (100) and an annular volume (EA1) of the well external to the liner (100) and to the casing (200), said three-way valve (500) and said check valve (400) forming, after switching, two check valves (400, 510) mounted in series and in opposite directions on the passage connecting the inner volumes of the casing (200) and of the liner (100).

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