EP3102775B1 - Expandable device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an expandable device, in particular used as an isolator of zones of the annulus of a well.

In several French patent applications on behalf of the present applicant are described expandable devices such as that reproduced in the figure 1 attached.

This figure is a simplified sectional view of a pipe that extends into a previously prepared well. In this case, this is a horizontal portion of the well. It is understood that this portion could have another orientation, for example vertical or oblique.

In the soil S has therefore been previously dug a well A whose wall is referenced A1.

Inside this well has been put in place a metal pipe 1 which is partially shown here.

Along its wall, this pipe has one or more isolation devices 2. Here, only a device 2 is shown for the sake of simplification.

In practice, there may be a large number of such devices along the pipe, for example 30 or 40.

In known manner, each device consists of a tubular metal jacket 20 whose opposite ends are made integral, directly or indirectly from the outer face of the pipe 1 by annular rings or tight reinforcement skirts 21.

P0 pressure prevails in the well.

Originally, the metal sleeves 20, not deformed, extend substantially in the extension of the rings 21.

A first pressurized fluid P1 greater than P0 is then sent inside the pipe and this pipe is introduced through openings 10 which the whole of the pipe 1, disposed opposite the jackets 20, present in order to deform the metal folders and adopt the position of the figure 2 in which their central intermediate portion is applied against the wall A1 of the well.

The pressurized fluid can be injected by pressurizing the interior of the entire pipe 1, or locally at each opening 10 to using cup packers as described in the French patent application 12 59384 not published at the date of filing of this application.

Of course, the material of the jacket and the pressure are chosen so that the metal deforms beyond its elastic limit.

If the connection between the expandable sleeve 20 and the pipe 1 is defective (in particular if the rings 21 are not sealed), or if the diameter of the well A is at least locally greater than the maximum expansion diameter of the sleeve 20 (situation of the figure 3 ), it is then possible that at least one of the annular spaces B disposed on either side of the jacket 20 is in communication with the inside of the pipe 1.

In the first case, this communication is done through at least one of the rings 21, while in the second case, the wall of the liner 20 is not retained, that is to say in support against the well wall A, then it breaks, even explodes.

However, in the context of an installation of this type, this is precisely what we try to avoid.

Moreover, piercing openings 10 in line 1 weakens the latter. Indeed, the mechanical resistance to traction and torsion is reduced. In addition, this represents an additional manufacturing operation that has an impact on their cost price and adversely affects the time spent manufacturing the installation.

Moreover, we know from the document EP 2599956 a device which discloses all the features of the preamble of claim 1.

It is described in the document US 2013/014941 a sealed pipe which is provided with a deformable sealing element pressed against a stop, the assembly being secured to a movable piston. By activating a trigger, the piston is moved so that the deformable sealing element is compressed between the stop and a fixed element of the pipe body (pinch effect), and expands radically.

The present invention aims to solve the problem described above while also mitigating the aforementioned risk of collapse of the shirt when it has reached its expanded state.

• une conduite tubulaire ;
• et, contre sa face externe, une chemise cylindrique expansible coaxiale, dont les extrémités opposées sont reliées de manière étanche à cette face externe ;
  ladite conduite tubulaire délimitant ainsi, avec ladite chemise, un espace étanche, la portion de conduite située en regard dudit espace étant dépourvue de moyens de communication de fluide avec ledit espace,
  caractérisé par le fait que :
• ledit espace est en communication de fluide avec une charge pyrotechnique qui, lorsqu'elle est activée, génère dans ledit espace une pression P1 suffisante pour déformer ladite chemise au-delà de sa déformation élastique,
• ladite charge pyrotechnique est une charge génératrice de gaz et cette charge est placée au sein d'un générateur de gaz,
• ledit générateur de gaz est relié au dit espace par une ouverture traversante formée dans une pièce de liaison liant ladite chemise expansible à ladite conduite, et
• la paroi dudit générateur de gaz est pourvue d'une première valve à clapet anti-retour autorisant un passage de fluide seulement dans le sens - extérieur de ladite chemise expansible vers l'intérieur du générateur de gaz (4),
• et d'une seconde valve à clapet anti-retour autorisant un passage de fluide seulement dans le sens - intérieur du générateur de gaz vers l'extérieur de ladite chemise expansible.

Thus, the present invention relates to an expandable device, which comprises:

• a tubular pipe;
• and, against its outer face, a coaxial expandable cylindrical jacket, the opposite ends of which are sealingly connected to this outer face;
  said tubular duct thus delimiting, with said liner, a sealed space, the duct portion facing said space being devoid of fluid communication means with said space,
  characterized by the fact that:
• said space is in fluid communication with a pyrotechnic charge which, when activated, generates in said space a pressure P1 sufficient to deform said jacket beyond its elastic deformation,
• said pyrotechnic charge is a charge generating gas and this charge is placed in a gas generator,
• said gas generator is connected to said space by a through opening formed in a connecting piece connecting said expandable sleeve to said pipe, and
• the wall of said gas generator is provided with a first non-return valve valve allowing a passage of fluid only in the outward direction of said expanding sleeve towards the inside of the gas generator (4),
• and a second non-return valve valve allowing fluid passage only in the inner direction of the gas generator to the outside of said expandable jacket.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to deform the liner without having to convey any liquid under pressure.

Throughout the present application, including the claims, the expression "in fluid communication with a pyrotechnic charge" means that the pyrotechnic charge is located outside the space, but that the latter communicates directly with the load, via for example at least one tubulure or the like.

• le dispositif comporte au moins une région capable de s'ouvrir pour constituer un passage entre l'extérieur de la conduite et l'intérieur de l'espace étanche, dès qu'une pression P2 supérieure à P1, règne dans ledit espace ;
• l'activation de ladite charge pyrotechnique est commandée à distance, c'est à dire en dehors dudit espace ;
• ladite activation est réalisée en utilisant un moyen de commande disposé à l'intérieur de la conduite tubulaire, sensiblement en regard de ladite chemise ;
• ladite activation est réalisée en utilisant un moyen de commande convoyé à l'intérieur de la conduite tubulaire par un flux de fluide, l'activation étant réalisée lorsque le moyen d'activation est sensiblement en regard de ladite chemise ;
• ladite région capable de s'ouvrir pour constituer un passage entre l'extérieur de la conduite et l'intérieur de l'espace étanche est située dans la paroi de la chemise expansible elle-même ;
• ladite région capable de s'ouvrir pour constituer un passage entre l'extérieur de la conduite et l'intérieur de l'espace étanche est située dans la pièce de liaison liant la chemise expansible à la conduite ;
• ladite région capable de s'ouvrir pour constituer un passage entre l'extérieur de la conduite et l'intérieur de l'espace étanche est située dans un dispositif externe, en communication de fluide avec l'intérieur de l'espace étanche ;
• ladite région capable de s'ouvrir pour constituer un passage entre l'extérieur et l'intérieur de l'espace est une région présentant une faiblesse mécanique ;
• dans ladite région, une paroi ayant une épaisseur réduite constitue la zone de faiblesse mécanique ;
• ladite région capable de s'ouvrir pour constituer un passage entre l'extérieur et l'intérieur de l'espace est une région dans laquelle est présente au moins un disque de rupture ou une soupape qui est habituellement fermé, mais qui s'ouvre dès que la pression P1 est atteinte ;
• ladite charge pyrotechnique est solide, liquide, ou gazeuse ;
• ladite charge affecte la forme d'un bloc monolithique ou d'un cordon ;
• ladite charge est multiple, c'est à dire qu'elle est constituée d'un ensemble de charges individuelles activées séquentiellement ;
• la chemise expansible présente un dispositif d'étanchéité sur sa face externe ;
• ladite première valve s'ouvre quand une surpression apparait dans l'espace annulaire en regard dudit générateur, tandis que la seconde valve s'ouvre quand une surpression règne dans ledit espace.

According to other advantageous and nonlimiting features of the invention:

• the device comprises at least one region capable of opening to form a passage between the outside of the pipe and the inside of the sealed space, as soon as a pressure P2 greater than P1 prevails in said space;
• the activation of said pyrotechnic charge is controlled remotely, that is to say outside said space;
• said activation is carried out using a control means disposed inside the tubular conduit, substantially facing said jacket;
• said activation is carried out by using a control means conveyed inside the tubular conduit by a fluid flow, the activation being performed when the activation means is substantially opposite said jacket;
• said region capable of opening to form a passage between the outside of the pipe and the inside of the sealed space is located in the wall of the expandable liner itself;
• said region capable of opening to form a passage between the outside of the pipe and the inside of the sealed space is located in the connecting piece connecting the expandable sleeve to the pipe;
• said region capable of opening to form a passage between the outside of the pipe and the inside of the sealed space is located in an external device, in fluid communication with the interior of the sealed space;
• said region capable of opening to form a passage between the outside and the inside of the space is a region with mechanical weakness;
• in said region, a wall having a reduced thickness constitutes the zone of mechanical weakness;
• said region capable of opening to form a passage between the outside and the inside of the space is a region in which there is present at least one rupture disk or a valve which is usually closed, but which opens as soon as possible. that the pressure P1 is reached;
• said pyrotechnic charge is solid, liquid, or gaseous;
• said charge is in the form of a monolithic block or a bead;
• said charge is multiple, ie it consists of a set of sequentially activated individual charges;
• the expandable sleeve has a sealing device on its outer face;
• said first valve opens when an overpressure appears in the annular space opposite said generator, while the second valve opens when an overpressure prevails in said space.

• les figures 1 à 3 sont, comme déjà dit, des vues simplifiées en coupe d'une conduite qui s'étend dans un puits préalablement préparé, illustrant les problèmes découlant de l'état de la technique le plus proche ;
• les figures 4 à 6 sont également des vues en coupe longitudinale d'un dispositif expansible dans plusieurs "états" différents ;
• les figures 7 et 8 sont également des vues analogues de modes de réalisation différents du dispositif expansible;
• la figure 9 est encore une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un dispositif expansible;
• la figure 10 est une vue analogue aux précédentes, mais montrant ici deux dispositifs placés tête-bêche sur la même conduite ;
• les figures 11 et 12 sont des vues analogues aux précédentes d'un exemple;
• les figures 13A à 18A, ainsi que les figures 13B à 18B associées sont des schémas destinés à illustrer la structure et le fonctionnement conforme à l'invention.

En se référant à la figure 4, on a affaire ici à un dispositif du même type général que celui qui a été décrit plus haut, en référence aux figures 1 à 3.Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. This description is made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the Figures 1 to 3 are, as already stated, simplified sectional views of a pipe that extends into a previously prepared well, illustrating the problems arising from the closest state of the art;
• the Figures 4 to 6 are also views in longitudinal section of an expansible device in several different "states";
• the Figures 7 and 8 are also analogous views of different embodiments of the expandable device;
• the figure 9 is still a longitudinal sectional view of an expandable device;
• the figure 10 is a view similar to the previous ones, but showing here two devices placed head to tail on the same pipe;
• the figures 11 and 12 are views similar to the previous ones of an example;
• the Figures 13A to 18A , as well as Figures 13B to 18B Associated are diagrams for illustrating the structure and operation according to the invention.

Referring to the figure 4 we are dealing here with a device of the same general type as that described above, with reference to Figures 1 to 3 .

However, it differs in that the pipe 1, is completely devoid of passage, hole or orifice capable of putting it directly or indirectly in communication with the outside.

This inevitably results in a gain in the structure of driving, but also time and financial in regards to the manufacture of the device.

Another point of differentiation with respect to the state of the art mentioned above is that a pyrotechnic charge 3 is placed in the space E delimited by the expandable jacket 20 and the pipe 1.

The expanding sleeve 20 is, as already mentioned, sealingly connected to the outer face of the pipe 1 by rings 21.

The jacket 20 may be manufactured, without limitation, of austenitic stainless steel, super-austenitic or nickel-based materials. The thickness of the liner 20 is for example between 2 mm and 15 mm or more.

As a pyrotechnic charge that may be used in the context of the invention, it is possible to envisage an explosive of the exploding or breaking type, for example of the propellant or TNT type.

Following the triggering of the load 3, the pressure increases inside the expandable sleeve 20 to force the wall thereof in the direction of its expansion.

The load 3 is advantageously provided with a not shown receiver which, when it is loaded, initiates the triggering of the combustion of the load.

• par un outil à liaison filaire (appelé en anglais "Wireline"), qui est descendu dans le puits jusqu'à venir dans la région de la chemise 20, pour communiquer avec le récepteur ;
• par un objet convoyé dans la conduite 1 par le flux du fluide qui y circule ;
• par une information transmise au travers de la boue ou de la conduite pour communiquer avec le récepteur.

Also, it is necessary to provide triggering means. As an indication, this can be implemented, for example:

• by a wire link tool (called "Wireline"), which is lowered into the well until it comes into the region of the jacket 20, to communicate with the receiver;
• by an object conveyed in line 1 by the flow of the fluid circulating therein;
• by information transmitted through the mud or pipe to communicate with the receiver.

The energy released by the pyrotechnic charge 3 continues to be released and the expandable sleeve 20 can no longer expand because it comes into contact with the inner wall A1 of the well A.

Under these conditions, the pressure continues to increase in the enclosure delimited by the jacket 20. When a pressure P2 greater than P1 is reached, at least one region of the liner opens to form at least one passage 200 between the l inside the jacket 20 and one or the other of the annular spaces B disposed on either side of the jacket.

Said region may advantageously be materialized by a reduced thickness of the wall 2 of the liner 20, which region is of course less mechanically resistant.

In another embodiment not shown, it can be envisaged the presence of at least one rupture disc which breaks under the effect of the predetermined pressure P2.

In yet another embodiment not shown, it can be envisaged the presence of at least one valve which is normally closed, but opens under the effect of the predetermined pressure P2. The pressure is thus released and the load 3 can finish releasing its energy without continuing to increase the pressure in the expansible sleeve 20.

The pyrotechnic charge can take various forms. As a simple example, it can be considered that it can be solid. In this case, we will preferentially deal with a monolithic block or a cordon.

In another embodiment, this charge may be liquid or gaseous.

In the variant embodiment illustrated in figure 7 , the wall of the jacket 20 is devoid of opening or passage 200. In contrast, one of the rings 21 of the jacket, that is to say one of the connecting pieces of the jacket 20 to the pipe 1 , is provided with an opening 210 which communicates the internal space of the liner 20 with the annular space B associated.

In the example of the figure 8 this opening is made in a part 22 which cooperates with one of the rings 21.

The openings 210 function identically to the openings 200. They are initially plugged, when a pressure P2 greater than P1 is reached, the openings 210 open to form at least one passage between the inside of the jacket 20 and the one or other of the annular spaces B disposed on either side of the shirt.

When a differential pressure is applied to the annular spaces B lying on either side of the jacket 20, for example a pressure P3 greater than P2, the fluid present (and therefore the pressure) communicates with the interior space E of the expansible jacket 20 through the apertures, in this case the openings 200 if one considers the embodiment of the figure 6 .

The pressure within the expandable jacket 20 is therefore identical to the differential pressure, which gives the jacket excellent zone insulation properties.

To improve the sealing properties, the expandable sleeve may be coated with a sealing layer composed of bonded elastomer or joints as described in the French application no. 1358224 on behalf of this applicant, not published as of the date of filing of this application.

Finally, if the pressure in the annular spaces B varies over time and reverses alternately, it is conceivable to mount two insulating devices 2 in opposition. This situation is illustrated in figure 10 .

In the embodiment of figures 11 and 12 we are dealing with a structure similar to the other cases described above.

However, in this example, the pyrotechnic charge is not located inside said space E, but outside thereof, near the jacket 20 and the pipe 1.

Thus, in the aforementioned figures, the load 3 bears on the outer face of the pipe 1.

It is in place in a waterproof case and is connected, that is to say is in fluid communication with the space E, via a pipe 30 and a through opening 210 of one of the rings 21.

During the initiation of the load, the increase in pressure is reflected inside the space E, by deforming the jacket 20.

The rest of the operation of the device is identical to that described above. The embodiment according to the invention is illustrated in the remaining figures.

Each figure bearing the index "A" is associated with a figure bearing the index "B". In this figure is visible an enlarged part of the associated figure, as shown by the double arrows visible on the corresponding boards.

Referring to Figures 13A and 13B it is found that we are dealing with a device which has certain analogies with the embodiment described with reference to the figures 11 and 12 .

Indeed, the pyrotechnic charge 3 is not here inside the space E, but outside of it, near the jacket 20 and the pipe 1.

More specifically, the pyrotechnic charge 3, which is here a gas generating charge, is disposed inside a gas generator 4 consisting of a sealed metal capsule. This pyrotechnic charge may be of the propellant or powder type, or any exothermic system making it possible to generate a large quantity of gaseous molecules.

In the example illustrated here, the generator consists of two chambers 40 and 41 which communicate with each other, namely a combustion chamber 40 and a transfer chamber 41 of the gases generated by said combustion.

However, other "architectures" than this one can be considered. One is particularly thinking of a variant in which the two aforementioned chambers would be one.

According to a possible embodiment, the combustion chamber 40 accommodates a known type of combustion initiator, the triggering is carried out remotely, for example via an electric pulse transmitted by wire bond or non-wire (not shown in the figures).

The generator 4 is connected, on the side of the chamber 41 to the space E of the jacket 20 through a through opening 210 formed in one of the rings 21 for sealing connection between the jacket 20 and the pipe.

Moreover and as this is more particularly visible in the Figure 13B , the generator 4, and more particularly its wall, at the chamber 41, is provided with two nonreturn valves 5 and 6.

Each is provided with a ball 50, respectively 60 and a spring 51, respectively 61 which urges the ball against its seat so as to close each valve.

They are mounted head to tail, that is to say the opposite of each other.

Thus, with regard to the valve 5, when the ball 50 is not in abutment against its seat, a fluid communication is only possible in the outward direction of said expandable sleeve 20 towards the inside of the generator 4. With regard to the valve 6, when the ball 60 is not in abutment against its seat, a fluid communication is only possible in the inner direction of the gas generator 4 to the outside of said expandable sleeve 20.

It will be understood the interest of these provisions in the remainder of this description.

Indeed, we will now explain the operation of such a device while specifying the preferred technical characteristics of these valves.

The situation of Figures 13A and B corresponds to a state of "rest" prior to triggering the combustion of the charge 3.

Once the combustion of the charge 3 initiated, a large amount of gas and, consequently, an increase in pressure appear in the generator 4 (see FIG. Figures 14A and B ), the gases entering the space E of the jacket 20, as shown by the arrow f Figures 15A and B ).

The nature, the weight and the dimensioning of the pyrotechnic charge are chosen by those skilled in the art, so that a pressure P1 is generated in the space E sufficient to deform the jacket 20 beyond its elastic deformation.

We then arrive at the situation of Figures 16A and B where the deformation of the liner 20 is no longer possible because its wall abuts against the inner wall A1 of the well A.

The spring 62 of the valve 6 is calibrated so that in these circumstances of pressure increase and impossibility of expansion of the jacket 20, the excess pressure escapes to the outside, as shown in FIG. arrow g Figures 17A and B .

Nevertheless, if an overpressure occurred in the annular zone B facing the generator 4, then a pressure equalization occurs by opening the valve 5, the spring 51 is tared accordingly.

This is illustrated by arrows h and j Figures 18A and B .

This prevents the wall of the jacket 20 from collapsing on itself.

Throughout the present description, there has been talk of a load forming a single block. But it can be expected that said load is multiple, that is to say it consists of a set of individual charges activated sequentially.

Claims (17)

1. An expandable device, particularly for hydraulic fracturing, which includes:

   - a tubular pipe (1);

   - and, against its outer face, an expandable coaxial cylindrical jacket (20), the opposite ends whereof are sealingly connected with this outer face;
   said tubular pipe (1) thus delimiting, with said jacket (20), a sealed space (E), the portion of pipe (1) situated facing said (E) being without means of fluid communication with said space (E),
   characterized by the fact that:

   - said space (E) is in fluid communication with a pyrotechnic charge (3) which, when it is activated, generates in said space (E) a pressure P1 sufficient to deform said jacket (20) beyond its elastic deformation,

   - said pyrotechnic charge (3) is a gas generator charge and that this charge is placed inside a gas generator (4),

   - said gas generator (4) is connected with said space (E) by a through opening (210) formed in a connecting piece (21) connecting said expandable jacket (20) with said pipe (1),

   - the wall of said gas generator is provided with a first non-return valve (5) which allows passage of fluid in only the direction from outside said expandable jacket (20) to the inside of the gas generator (4),

   - and with a second non-return valve (6) allowing passage of fluid in only the direction from inside the gas generator (4) to outside said expandable jacket (20).
2. The device according to Claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one region capable of opening to constitute a passage (200) between the outside of the pipe (1) and the inside of the sealed space (E), as soon as a pressure P2 greater than P1 occurs in said space (E).
3. The device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that activation of said pyrotechnic charge (3) is controlled remotely, that is outside said space (E).
4. The device according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that said activation is accomplished using a control means placed inside the tubular pipe (1), substantially facing said jacket (20).
5. The device according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that said activation is accomplished using a control means conveyed inside the tubular pipe (1) by a fluid flow, activation being accomplished when the activation means is substantially facing said jacket (20).
6. The device according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said region capable of opening to constitute a passage (200) between the outside of the pipe (1) and the inside of the sealed space (E) is situated in the wall (2) of the expandable jacket (20) itself.
7. The device according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said region capable of opening to constitute a passage between the outside of the pipe (1) and the inside of the sealed space (E) is situated in the connecting piece (21) connecting the expandable jacket (20) to the pipe (1).
8. The device according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said region capable of opening to constitute a passage between the outside of the pipe (1) and the inside of the sealed space (E) is situated in an external device (22), in fluid communication with the inside of the sealed space (E).
9. The device according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that said region capable of opening to constitute a passage (200) between the outside of the pipe and the inside of the sealed space (E) is a region exhibiting mechanical weakening.
10. The device according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that, in said region, a wall having reduced thickness constitutes the mechanically weakened zone.
11. The device according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said region capable of opening to constitute a passage between the outside and the inside of the space (E) is a region wherein is present at least one burst diaphragm or a valve which is usually closed, but which opens as soon as pressure P1 is reached.
12. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said pyrotechnic charge (3) is solid.
13. The device according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that said charge (3) takes the form of a monolithic block or a cord.
14. The device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that said pyrotechnic charge (3) is liquid or gaseous.
15. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the expandable jacket (20) has a sealing device on its outer face.
16. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said charge (3) is multiple, that is consisting of a set of individual charges, sequentially activated.
17. The device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said first valve (5) opens when an overpressure appears in the annular space (B) facing said generator (4), while the second valve (6) opens when an overpressure exists in said space (E).

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