EP3341558B1 - Adaptateur de protection et de centralisation destiné à une torche de fond de trou et procédé d'utilisation - Google Patents

Adaptateur de protection et de centralisation destiné à une torche de fond de trou et procédé d'utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3341558B1
EP3341558B1 EP16840262.6A EP16840262A EP3341558B1 EP 3341558 B1 EP3341558 B1 EP 3341558B1 EP 16840262 A EP16840262 A EP 16840262A EP 3341558 B1 EP3341558 B1 EP 3341558B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
obstruction
adapter
downhole tool
wellbore
nozzle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16840262.6A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3341558A4 (fr
EP3341558A1 (fr
Inventor
Michael C. Robertson
Antony F. Grattan
Douglas J. Streibich
Amy Stephens
William F. Boelte
Cory Huggins
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Robertson Intellectual Properties LLC
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Robertson Intellectual Properties LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/930,369 external-priority patent/US10246961B2/en
Priority claimed from US15/147,755 external-priority patent/US10337271B2/en
Priority claimed from US15/237,438 external-priority patent/US9945197B2/en
Application filed by Robertson Intellectual Properties LLC filed Critical Robertson Intellectual Properties LLC
Priority claimed from PCT/US2016/049321 external-priority patent/WO2017035537A1/fr
Publication of EP3341558A1 publication Critical patent/EP3341558A1/fr
Publication of EP3341558A4 publication Critical patent/EP3341558A4/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3341558B1 publication Critical patent/EP3341558B1/fr
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B31/00—Fishing for or freeing objects in boreholes or wells
    • E21B31/002—Destroying the objects to be fished, e.g. by explosive means
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B29/00—Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windows; Deforming of pipes in boreholes or wells; Reconditioning of well casings while in the ground
    • E21B29/02—Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windows; Deforming of pipes in boreholes or wells; Reconditioning of well casings while in the ground by explosives or by thermal or chemical means

Definitions

  • Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure relate, generally, to adapters and alignment devices usable as part of downhole torches and cutting devices, including axial pyro torches, circulating pyro torches, and radial cutting and perforating torches, within a wellbore.
  • Embodiments of the present invention further include methods of using the adapters and alignment devices attached to the downhole torches for aligning the downhole torches or cutting devices with downhole obstructions.
  • Further embodiments include the adapters and alignment devices comprising protective shields for eliminating or diminishing damage to the area surrounding the obstruction, including the inner walls of the wellbore and/or casing.
  • the claimed invention is directed to an apparatus to modify or remove an obstruction or a downhole tool within a wellbore and a method of modifying or removing an obstruction from a wellbore.
  • a common problem associated with downhole operations in a wellbore is presented with the presence and ultimate removal of obstructions, inoperable equipment, or temporary downhole tools that have complete the intended usefulness within the wellbore.
  • Existing methods for removal of the obstruction and/or inoperable equipment has led, in many cases, to the further obstruction of the wellbore caused from the breaking up of the obstruction and/or the equipment, which then drops further down into the wellbore.
  • Existing methods have included drilling, cutting away, or consuming (e.g., heat, chemicals) the obstruction and/or the equipment from the wellbore, which can cause damage to the inner wall of the wellbore.
  • the cutting away as set forth above, can lead to further obstruction in a different or lower position within the wellbore.
  • Another problem associated with the removal of the obstruction or equipment within a wellbore regards the movement of the obstruction or the inoperable equipment while being cut away or removed.
  • the drilling, cutting, or consuming methods used previously do not match the shape of the removal method to the obstruction or the downhole tool, which allows the consuming methods to move around during operation. This movement can diminish the successful removal of the obstruction and/or inoperable equipment, causing expensive delays in the operation of the well.
  • Still another problem associated with the removal of obstructions within a wellbore regards the swing or movement of a cutting device.
  • This swing or movement can lead to a misalignment of the cutting device, which then causes a diminished or unsuccessful removal of the obstruction and/or downhole tool.
  • the cutting device is a downhole torch
  • the swing or movement resulting in the misalignment may cause incomplete removal, or may require the downhole torch to be retrieved and relocated downhole for accurate removal of the obstruction and/or inoperable equipment. Accordingly, a significant amount of time and/or change of equipment may be required, which ultimately prevents the progress of the downhole operations and leads to considerable expense.
  • a cutting device e.g., downhole torch
  • a surrounding area e.g., inner walls of a wellbore or casing
  • the claimed invention provides an apparatus to modify or remove an obstruction or a downhole tool within a wellbore, as defined in claim 1.
  • the claimed invention further provides a method of modifying or removing an obstruction from a wellbore, as defined in claim 18.
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to apparatus and methods usable for aligning a downhole apparatus usable for penetrating a downhole target (e.g., a packer, setting tool, or similar sealing/isolating device, a safety valve, a ball valve, a restriction, an obstruction, debris, etc.) within a wellbore.
  • a downhole target e.g., a packer, setting tool, or similar sealing/isolating device, a safety valve, a ball valve, a restriction, an obstruction, debris, etc.
  • the adapter can provide a protective shield to prevent or diminish any damage to the surrounding area (e.g., inner wall of the wellbore or casing).
  • the apparatus for penetrating the downhole target, can include a torch comprising a torch body having a nozzle formed at an end thereof, the nozzle being adapted to project a medium in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the wellbore (e.g., in a downhole or uphole direction).
  • a torch comprising a torch body having a nozzle formed at an end thereof, the nozzle being adapted to project a medium in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the wellbore (e.g., in a downhole or uphole direction).
  • the torch apparatus can be used to project molten fuel (e.g., molten thermite, projected fuel load (i.e., molten thermite, molten thermite and gas-producing polymer)), a perforating jet or object, a blade, a corrosive medium, or other similar means for eroding, penetrating, perforating, or otherwise overcoming a blockage or restriction.
  • molten fuel e.g., molten thermite, projected fuel load (i.e., molten thermite, molten thermite and gas-producing polymer)
  • a perforating jet or object e.g., molten thermite, projected fuel load (i.e., molten thermite, molten thermite and gas-producing polymer)
  • a perforating jet or object e.g., molten thermite, projected fuel load (i.e., molten thermit
  • the apparatus can be positioned below the obstruction or blockage for projecting in an uphole direction or in a downhole (e.g., axial) direction after placement of the apparatus above a blockage, or in an uphole direction (e.g., when positioned beneath a safety valve or sealing device that must later be overcome or removed).
  • a downhole e.g., axial
  • the apparatus can be positioned below the obstruction or blockage for projecting in an uphole direction or in a downhole (e.g., axial) direction after placement of the apparatus above a blockage, or in an uphole direction (e.g., when positioned beneath a safety valve or sealing device that must later be overcome or removed).
  • a fuel load can be associated with the torch body, e.g., by placement therein, or placement in an adjacent body or receptacle that can be threaded or otherwise attached and/or associated with the torch body.
  • An initiation source e.g., a thermal generator or similar device
  • the torch apparatus can be a downhole torch or cutter having a nozzle formed in, attached to, or otherwise associated with the uphole and/or downhole end thereof, and the apparatus can be provided with a power source, such as thermite. Actuation of the initiation source thereby causes molten thermite to be projected through the nozzle in an uphole or downhole direction, to erode, degrade, penetrate, or otherwise affect a downhole obstruction.
  • a power source such as thermite.
  • one or more additional nozzles may also be provided, oriented to project a medium at an angle (e.g., perpendicular) relative to the axis of the apparatus, e.g., to allow selective and/or simultaneous use of the apparatus to cut, perforate, penetrate, and/or otherwise affect a wellbore conduit and/or a formation.
  • a medium e.g., perpendicular
  • the apparatus to modify or remove an obstruction or a downhole tool within a wellbore includes a tubular body having a first end and a second end and configured to contain a fuel load and an initiator. The fuel load is initiated to produce a molten thermite.
  • the apparatus also includes a nozzle positioned at the second end of the tubular body and configured to project the molten thermite onto the obstruction or the downhole tool, and a first adapter configured to attach to the tubular body.
  • the first adapter includes a sealing member between the first adapter and the tubular body, for connecting and sealing the first adapter to the tubular body, and one or more protruding elements configured to align the nozzle over the obstruction or the downhole tool.
  • the first adapter in use, surrounds the obstruction or the downhole tool such that the aligned nozzle projects the molten thermite directly onto the obstruction or the downhole tool, and the first adapter forms a circumferential barrier between a surrounding area of the wellbore and the projected molten thermite.
  • the apparatus of the claimed invention further comprises one or more tabs configured to secure the first adapter to the obstruction or the downhole tool.
  • the apparatus may include a downhole perforating torch, a downhole cutting torch, an axial pyro torch, or combinations thereof.
  • Modifying or removing the obstruction or the downhole tool may include eroding the obstruction or the downhole tool, degrading the obstruction or the downhole tool, cutting through the obstruction or the downhole tool, penetrating through the obstruction or the downhole tool, perforating the obstruction or the downhole tool, or removing the obstruction or the downhole tool.
  • the fuel load may include thermite or thermite and one or more gas-producing polymers.
  • the nozzle may include a selected geometry that corresponds to a shape of the obstruction or the downhole tool, allows positioning of the nozzle proximate to the obstruction or the downhole tool, enhances the effectiveness of the apparatus for removing the obstruction or the downhole tool, or combinations thereof.
  • the nozzle may be adapted to project the molten thermite in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the wellbore and in a downhole or uphole direction.
  • the first adapter may include one or more locating centralizers to guide and centralize the apparatus for acting on the obstruction or the downhole tool, and the one or more locating centralizers may include angled faces that slide over the obstruction or the downhole tool as the apparatus is positioned to align the nozzle with the obstruction or the downhole tool.
  • the apparatus may include an anchoring device to position the apparatus and minimize movement of the apparatus during projection of the molten thermite.
  • the downhole tool in certain embodiments may include a consumable plug, and the connection between the first adapter and the tubular body further may include an internal threadable connection, an external threadable connection, fasteners, set screws, or combinations thereof.
  • the one or more protruding elements may extend beyond the second end of the apparatus to form the barrier for protecting the apparatus and the surrounding area of the wellbore during the projection of the molten thermite.
  • the first adapter may include a plug that is sealed over or onto the nozzle to prevent contamination of the nozzle prior to projection of the molten thermite, and the projection of the molten thermite may erode or remove the plug.
  • Certain embodiments of the apparatus may include a second adapter configured to attach to the tubular body in replacement of the first external adapter, and the second adapter may include one or more protruding elements including geometry different from the first adapter.
  • the surrounding area may include areas above and below the obstruction or the downhole tool.
  • the invention also includes a method of modifying or removing an obstruction from a wellbore.
  • This method includes lowering an apparatus into a wellbore.
  • the apparatus includes a tubular body configured to contain a fuel load and an initiator, a nozzle positioned at the second end of the tubular body and configured to project the molten thermite onto the obstruction, and a first adapter configured to attach to the tubular body.
  • the first adapter includes a sealing member for connecting and sealing the first adapter to the tubular body and one or more protruding elements configured to align the nozzle over the obstruction, and the first adapter forms a barrier between a surrounding area of the wellbore and the projected molten thermite.
  • the method further includes aligning the nozzle over the obstruction with a first protruding element of the one or more protruding elements, s wherein the first adapter is configured to surround the obstruction.
  • the method also includes securing the first adapter to the obstruction of the downhole tool with one or more tabs.
  • the method also includes initiating the fuel load to produce the molten thermite, projecting the molten thermite through the aligned nozzle to modify or remove at least a portion of the obstruction with the projected molten thermite, and preventing damage to a first area of the wellbore surrounding the obstruction with the one or more protruding elements.
  • the method may include retrieving the apparatus from the wellbore, replacing the first external adapter with a second external adapter, lowering the apparatus into the wellbore with the second external adapter, and initiating an additional fuel load onto the obstruction.
  • the disclosed embodiments are directed to adapters and alignment devices for use with torches, for example pyro torches, within a wellbore.
  • the adapters described below are used to align and capture obstructions and downhole tools (e.g., inoperable, corroded, broken, semi-permanent, or temporary downhole tools that have completed usefulness) within the wellbore that are otherwise irretrievable and, therefore, must be cut or annihilated to open up flow through the wellbore.
  • a torch apparatus such as an axial pyro torch, employing an incendiary fuel (e.g., thermite or thermite and a polymer) is used to cut or burn through the obstruction.
  • FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an apparatus (10) (e.g., a torch) adapted for projecting a medium in an axial (e.g., downhole or uphole) direction within a wellbore.
  • an apparatus e.g., a torch
  • FIG. 1A depicts a generally tubular, torch-like apparatus as an exemplary embodiment, any type of cutter, perforator (e.g., a perforating gun), or any other type of device, configured to project a medium in a manner to affect an obstruction in a wellbore, can be used with the adapter, as described above and below, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the tubular body can be, for example, any elongated body with a round (e.g., cylindrical), rectangular, oval, square, or other polygonal shaped cross-sectional body comprising a bore, passageway or opening therein.
  • the bore or passageway can store a fuel load.
  • the depicted embodiment can be used as an apparatus for projecting a medium in an axial direction within a wellbore, the depicted embodiment could alternatively be attached (e.g., threaded) to one or more other apparatus usable to project a medium in an axial direction, such that the depicted apparatus (10) is usable as an associated container for retaining a fuel load therein.
  • the depicted apparatus (10) is shown having an elongate, tubular body (12) having a box end (14) and a pin end (16).
  • the pin end (16) is depicted having sealing elements (18) (e.g., O-rings or similar elastomeric and/or sealing members) associated therewith.
  • a fuel load (20) is shown disposed within and substantially filling the central bore of the body (12).
  • the fuel load (20) can include thermite and/or a mixture of thermite and one or more polymers adapted to produce a gas and/or force as the thermite combusts, such as the power source described in United States Patent 8,196,515 .
  • FIG. 1A depicts the body (12) containing a single piece of thermite (e.g., an elongate pellet or a densely packed concentration), though it should be understood that the fuel load (20) can include any type of usable power source having any form and/or quantity.
  • FIG. 1B depicts an alternate embodiment of an apparatus (10), in which the fuel load includes multiple, discrete pellets of thermite (22), each having a central passage therethrough (e.g., for increasing surface area), to define a continuous central passage (24).
  • either the box end (14) or pin end (16) of the depicted apparatus (10) can be configured to function as a nozzle, such that when the fuel load (20, 22) is consumed (e.g., through actuation of a thermal generator or other type of ignition source), a medium (e.g., molten thermite, molten thermite and a gas-producing polymer) is projected through the box end (14), the pin end (16), or combinations thereof, generally parallel to the axis of the body (12) and the axis of a wellbore within which the body (12) is positioned.
  • a medium e.g., molten thermite, molten thermite and a gas-producing polymer
  • the medium can subsequently affect an obstruction within a wellbore (e.g., debris, a valve, a setting tool, a restriction, or other similar types of obstacles) located in an axial direction (uphole or downhole) relative to the apparatus (10), e.g., by at least partially degrading, perforating, penetrating, and/or eroding the obstruction.
  • the medium may also be projected at a downhole tool (e.g., a consumable plug, permanent plug, fishing tool, hanger, jar, packer, shock tool, etc.) for removal of the downhole tool from the wellbore.
  • the depicted apparatus (10) can be used in conjunction with additional containers and/or apparatus containing additional fuel, or the depicted apparatus (10) can function as a carrier for a fuel load (20, 22) for use by an associated apparatus.
  • an initiation apparatus, an adapter, and/or other attachments and/or components can be threaded to, and/or otherwise engaged with, either end (14, 16) of the apparatus (10).
  • the adapter as described in detail below, may align the apparatus (10) and/or nozzle of the apparatus (10) with the obstruction, for penetrating, perforating, and/or eroding the obstruction.
  • the configuration of the torch apparatus, with the adapter can protect the wellbore, nipples, etc.
  • the depicted apparatus (10) can comprise a stand-off member, an anchor and/or attachment/latching mechanism, or other similar components, as described above and below for positioning and orienting the apparatus (10).
  • FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an apparatus (10) (e.g., a torch), having an embodiment of an internal adapter (36) usable within the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the apparatus (10) is depicted having a generally tubular apparatus body (28) with a first end (30) having threads and/or a box connection, and a second end (32).
  • the internal adapter (36) may be attached to the body (28) or may be integrally formed without separation between the body (28) and the internal adapter (36).
  • the second end (32) is depicted as attached to the body (28) with interior threads (34), usable for engagement, removal, or replacement of the internal adapter (36).
  • the adapter (36) may be replaced by a different adapter (36), or the same adapter (36) may be refurbished and reused.
  • the internal adapter (36) is shown engaged with the apparatus body (28) via the threads (34), and a sealing member (38) (e.g., an O-ring or similar element) is shown secured between the internal adapter (36) and the interior surface of the apparatus body (28).
  • a sealing member (38) e.g., an O-ring or similar element
  • the internal adapter (36) can be usable to align the apparatus (10) and/or nozzle of the apparatus (10) with the obstruction, protect the wellbore, nipples, etc. from the medium, and otherwise deflect damage away from components within the wellbore.
  • the internal adapter (36) having a plurality of protruding elements (40) extending beyond the second end (32) of the apparatus body (28), which can protect the apparatus body (28) and the inside walls of the wellbore, such that the projection of the medium (e.g., molten thermite, projected fuel load), from the apparatus (10) and toward an obstruction (42), will be less likely to damage and/or otherwise affect the apparatus body (28) or the wellbore.
  • the internal adapter (36), or specifically the protruding elements (40) surrounds (e.g., encapsulates or encircles) the obstruction (42) for proper alignment with the targeted obstruction (42) and for providing the protection to the surrounding area of the wellbore.
  • the protruding elements (40) may be specifically designed to form to the shape of the obstruction and/or downhole tool as described in detail below.
  • the protruding elements (40) may differ in length, width, or distance between the protruding elements (40) based on the specific obstruction (42).
  • the adapter and/or torch may surround the obstruction (42) or the downhole tool from above such that the adapter forms the female connection to the obstruction's male counterpart.
  • the depicted embodiment of the apparatus (10) is shown having an insert (44) disposed within the apparatus body (28), proximate to the second end (32), which in an embodiment, can be formed from graphite or a similar material that will remain generally unaffected by the consumption of a fuel load and the projection of a medium.
  • the insert (44) is shown having an internal bore, which can be continuous with a bore through the internal adapter (36), defining a nozzle (46) at the second end (32) of the apparatus body (28).
  • the internal adapter (36) is depicted having a seal and/or plug (48) engaged therewith, over the nozzle (46), with an associated O-ring or similar sealing member (38), such that the seal and/or plug (48) blocks the opening of the nozzle (46) while the apparatus (10) is lowered and/or otherwise positioned within the wellbore.
  • the seal and/or plug (48) thereby prevent(s) the entry of contaminants into the nozzle (46) and apparatus body (28), until the apparatus (10) is actuated.
  • Consumption of the fuel load (20) causes projection of a medium (e.g., molten thermite, molten fuel, plasma, and/or gas) through the nozzle (46), which removes, severs, annihilates, penetrates, and/or otherwise degrades the seal and/or plug (48), and further affects an obstruction located in an axial direction relative to the apparatus (10) (e.g., proximate to the second end (32) thereof).
  • a medium e.g., molten thermite, molten fuel, plasma, and/or gas
  • the nozzle (46), the fuel load (20), the internal adapter (36), and other components of the apparatus (10) can be readily varied and/or provided having other dimensions, shapes, and/or forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the adapter (36) may be attached to the apparatus body (28) as outlined below.
  • the apparatus (10) shown in FIG. 2 may include an external adapter (50) that protrudes from the apparatus body (28), rather than threading into the internal threads (34).
  • the external adapter (50) may be constructed integral to the apparatus body (28), with the nozzle (46) encased inside the external adapter (50).
  • the external adapter (50) may be attached to the apparatus body (28) retroactively.
  • the external adapter (50) may be configured to fit any apparatus (10).
  • the external adapter (50) may be attached to the apparatus body (28) by sliding a top portion (51) of the external adapter (50) over the apparatus body (28) and tightening set screws (52) to maintain a secure connection.
  • the apparatus body (28) may include a groove (53) into which the set screws (52) can be secured, which can ensure that the external adapter (50) does not independently rotate around the apparatus body (28).
  • Other suitable attachment forms can be used to attach the external adapter (50) to the apparatus body (28).
  • the external adapter (50) can include protruding elements (54) that can align the external adapter (50) and the apparatus (10) over the obstruction (42), with the obstruction (42) being captured between the protruding elements (54).
  • the obstruction (42) may include, for example, debris, components, tools, stuck valves, or other material that is blocking a wellbore (56).
  • the obstruction (42) may include a blade or blade section that has lodged between a first pipe section (58) and a second pipe section (60) with a pipe joint (62) between the pipe sections (58, 60).
  • the protrusion elements (54) can prevent damage to an area (58, 60, 62) surrounding the obstruction (42).
  • the external adapter (50) can include structural protections that align and shield the surrounding area (58, 60, 62) during operation. As shown in FIG. 4 , the external adapter (50) has protruding elements (54) that can include a first locating centralizer (64) and a second locating centralizer (66) that can contact the obstruction (42) to capture the obstruction (42) and orient the external adapter (50) relative to the obstruction (42).
  • protruding elements (54) can include a first locating centralizer (64) and a second locating centralizer (66) that can contact the obstruction (42) to capture the obstruction (42) and orient the external adapter (50) relative to the obstruction (42).
  • This centralizing of the external adapter (50) enables the external adapter (50) and the apparatus (10) to be centralized within the wellbore and properly aligned with, or over, the targeted obstruction (42).
  • Such an alignment can ensure that the projected fuel load (e.g., molten thermite or molten thermite and a gas-producing polymer) is directed onto the obstruction, for a more efficient cutting, eroding, penetrating perforating or removal of the obstruction, thus minimizing or eliminating the amount of projected fuel load that contacts the surrounding area, including the surrounding wellbore or casing.
  • the first locating centralizer (64) may be longer than the second locating centralizer (66). This can ensure that when the apparatus (10) is lowered onto or over the obstruction (42), the external adapter (50) only contacts the obstruction (42) at the end of the first locating centralizer (64).
  • the external adapter (50) can include an aligning slot (68) (e.g., a recessed area) that is usable to capture and surround the obstruction (42) during operation (e.g., initiation of the medium fuel).
  • the locating centralizers (64, 66) may include angled faces (70) that slide over the obstruction (42) as the apparatus (10) is lowered into position.
  • the locating centralizers (64, 66) of the external adapter (50) further serve to align the connected apparatus (10) with the targeted obstruction (42) for ensuring a successful cutting, penetrating, perforating, or eroding of the targeted obstruction (42). Further, as set forth above, the protruding elements (54), including the locating centralizers (64, 66), serve to shield and protect the area (58, 60, 62) surrounding the targeted obstruction (42).
  • a permanent or removable anchor can be included for positioning and preventing movement of the apparatus (10) relative to the wellbore (56), in addition to the use of the external adapter (50).
  • U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0345232 discusses the use of a torch apparatus that uses a permanent or removable anchor.
  • a section of the interior of the permanent or removable anchor can be provided with a plurality of grooves and/or a slotting or other means of selective clocking, orienting, or angling in a particular azimuthal direction.
  • the grooves can define a selected profile, which can engage a complementary profile that can be disposed in association with the apparatus (10), which is to be positioned within the wellbore (56), and at a desired or selected position.
  • the selected profile can be defined by the spacing between the grooves, the depth of the grooves, the interior shape of the grooves, or other similar features usable to differentiate the selected profile from other features or profiles within the tubular string.
  • the selected profile can be shaped to permit downward movement of a complementary profile into engagement, while preventing upward movement, such as through use of an upwardly facing no-go shoulder, or a similar element within the selected profile and/or the complementary profile.
  • the positioning of the apparatus (10) with an anchoring device can minimize any movement of the apparatus (10) caused from any force, including forces associated with jarring, hammering, stroking, dissolving, cutting, and other similar forces.
  • the apparatus (10) can be re-lowered or repositioned into the wellbore (56), or lowered past a prior set positioning of the apparatus (10) within the wellbore (56).
  • An example of locating a desired position, and positioning an apparatus at that desired position, is discussed in U.S Patent Publication No. 2015/0184476 .
  • Such methods, as clocking provide the ability for an apparatus to re-enter a wellbore (56) and to be positioned in an exact prior position for performing an operation, which can be duplication or a partial duplication of a prior operation.
  • a clocking method can be used to allow a future operation to be performed at an offset, which can include an angular offset of the apparatus or a positional offset of the location of the apparatus (e.g., a lower or higher depth within the wellbore, from the previous location within the wellbore, at which the prior operations were conducted). Examples regarding clocking, orienting, and/or rotating of an apparatus within a wellbore are described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2013/0025883 and 2014/0262270 .
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of an adapter (80) for use with the apparatus (10).
  • the adapter (80) may be used as an integral form of the body (28) of the apparatus (10), or may be a modular external adapter attached with set screws (82).
  • the adapter (80) can be used to grapple the obstruction (42) or a specific downhole tool (e.g., removable plug shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 ) for a highly localized projection of a medium into the downhole tool or through the downhole tool.
  • the illustrated adapter (80) surrounds the obstruction (42) or a downhole tool almost completely, and may include vent holes (84) for the medium and/or gas to escape from the adapter (80) without excessive pressure causing separation from the obstruction (42) or downhole tool.
  • the vent holes (84) may also allow material to pass through the adapter (80) while traveling downhole. In certain well situations, mud, dirt, or other solids can be compacted into the adapter (80), causing complications with the firing of the apparatus. The vent holes (84) reduce the likelihood of these complications.
  • a lower piece (88) may be secured to the upper piece (86) to hold a tabs ring (90). The lower piece (88) may provide a female connection around a specific profile of the downhole tool such that a connection specific to the downhole tool may be customized.
  • the tabs ring (90), as shown, can fit within a space between the upper piece (86) and the lower piece (88), and can include tabs (92) that protrude into the center of the adapter (80) to grapple to the downhole tool.
  • the tabs (92) may flex as the adapter (80) is lowered around the downhole tool, which secures the downhole tool within adapter (80).
  • the tabs (92) may also be configured to secure the downhole tool with a maximum flex force such that if the downhole tool is not destroyed, an upward pull (from an operator at the surface) buckles the tabs (92), releasing the adapter (80) and the apparatus (10).
  • FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the adapter (80).
  • the adapter (80) is configured to attach to the tubular body (28) of the apparatus (10) for producing the medium from the fuel load, at an upper end (94).
  • the adapter (80) is also configured to surround the obstruction (42) or a downhole tool at a lower end (96).
  • the lower end (96) includes a beveled edge (98) that guides the obstruction (42) or the downhole tool into an internal area (100) where the tabs (92) secure the obstruction (42) or the downhole tool.
  • the apparatus 10 is initiated and the medium follows through a flow path (102) through the interior of the adapter (80). The medium then impinges on the top of the obstruction (42) or a downhole tool to annihilate the obstruction (42) or the downhole tool, or to begin a consumption process described in further detail below.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an unclaimed example of an adapter (110) that may be used in combination with the apparatus (10). Similar to the adapter (80) of FIGS. 5 and 6 , the adapter (110) can be used to grapple the obstruction (42), or a specific downhole tool for a highly localized projection of a medium into the downhole tool or through the downhole tool.
  • the adapter (110) may be secured to the apparatus (10) by set screws (112), in a similar manner to the adapters (36, 50, 80) above.
  • the illustrated adapter (110) surrounds the obstruction (42) or a downhole tool almost completely, and may include a body (116) that does not have the vent holes (84) of the adapter (80) shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
  • a one or more flaps (120) that may be configured to spring outward so that one or more teeth (122) may slip into a feature on the obstruction (42), or into a groove on a downhole tool.
  • the groove on the downhole tool may, in certain embodiments, be included on the downhole tool specifically for engaging with the one or more teeth (122). That is, as the adapter (110) (with the attached apparatus (10)) is lowered over the downhole tool, the one or more flaps (120) are forced outward as the one or more teeth (122) pass over the top edge of the downhole tool.
  • the one or more teeth (122) may then engage the groove such that the one or more flaps (120) spring back inward and the one or more teeth (122) capture the downhole tool.
  • the adapter (110) may also include a beveled edge (124) that guides the downhole tool into an interior space (126) within the adapter (110).
  • the teeth (122) are designed to shear under a predetermined load; therefore the user can pull to release the assembly from the obstruction below. A variation in the number of teeth (122) assembled within the tool string allows the user flexibility in the shear to release feature of the system
  • FIG. 8 An example of the adapter (110) capturing a downhole tool is illustrated in FIG. 8 .
  • Other tools e.g., fishing tool, hanger, jar, packer, shock tool, etc.
  • the plug (130) may be deployed in a wellbore previous to the interaction with any of the adapters (36, 50, 80, 110).
  • the wellbore may include production tubing, casing, production liner or any other structure defining the walls of a wellbore.
  • components of the plug (130) may expand to fill the wellbore; and therefore, the size of the plug (130) prior to deployment is not critical to all embodiments of the invention.
  • the plug (130) includes a mandrel (132) having a sealing member (136).
  • the sealing member (136) is typically made of a deformable or otherwise malleable material, such as plastic, metal, an elastomer, or the like.
  • the sealing member (136) is deformed when the plug (130) is deployed within the wellbore.
  • the plug (130) includes slips (134) that may interact with other components (e.g., cone-shaped protrusions, setting tools, a threaded exterior of the plug (130), etc.) to apply pressure to the sealing member (136) and compress it so that the sealing member (136) deforms outwardly against the wellbore to form a tight seal.
  • the apparatus (10) and the adapter (36, 50, 80, 110) may be used to remove the plug (130) from the location into which it was set within the wellbore. That is, the apparatus (10), with the adapter (36, 50, 80, 110), may engage the plug (130) and project the medium through the adapter (36, 50, 80, 110) and onto or into the plug (130). The medium then interacts with the plug (130) to melt, corrode, consume, deteriorate, erode, dissolve, or otherwise destroy the plug (130) from the top toward the bottom.
  • the plug (130) may include internal components that aid the process of consuming the plug (130).
  • the apparatus (10) may include a fuel load that is initiated and flows through the nozzle (46) and is projected passed the seal (48) and into the interior space (126) of the adapter (110).
  • the nozzle (46) shapes the medium so that it penetrates a seal (140) on a cap end (141) of the plug (130). After passing through the seal (140), the medium flows into and fills a gap (144). As the medium contacts the inside diameter of the mandrel (132) and reacts with the mandrel material, the mandrel material begins to degrade.
  • the molten fuel mixture fills up the gap (144), the molten fuel mixture is held in contact with the inner diameter of the mandrel (132) for a longer amount of time than would be the case if the molten fuel mixture were allowed to freely flow out of the mandrel (132). Also, the restricted flow allows an elevated pressure of the molten fuel mixture to build. The increased residence time of the molten fuel mixture in contact with the mandrel, and the pressurization of the molten fuel mixture, can facilitate the eradication of the mandrel material.
  • the mandrel (132) may, for example, be constructed of a material such as magnesium, which can react with the medium and change into magnesium oxide, which easily deteriorates, destroying the plug (130). As the molten fuel material eradicates the mandrel material within the plug (130), the structural support is compromised, ultimately causing the plug (130) to fail.
  • the flow of the medium can be calibrated to optimize the residence time and pressure of the molten fuel mixture within the inside of the mandrel (132).
  • the molten fuel mixture should be contained within the mandrel (132) for long enough and at a high enough pressure to cause catastrophic failure of the integrity of the plug (130), but not so long that the molten fuel mixture (or the heat generated thereby) causes damage to the formation, the casing, production tubing, or other wellbore components.
  • the mandrel (132) has failed, a portion of the cap end (141) may remain due to incomplete annihilation from the medium. The remaining portion of the cap end (141) is retrieved to the surface while attached to the adapter (110).
  • Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure thereby provide apparatus and methods usable to penetrate, perforate, and/or erode a target that presents a blockage, hindrance to travel, and/or inadequate flow path in a wellbore, through the projection of a medium from an apparatus aligned with the obstruction in an axial (e.g., downhole or uphole) direction to affect the obstruction.
  • the apparatus including the adapter, may be used to attach to, and eradicate, a downhole tool, as well.
  • the adapter used in the present apparatus and method captures the targeted obstruction or the downhole tool, aligns the apparatus with the targeted obstruction or the downhole tool for penetrating, perforating, cutting, and/or eroding away of the targeted obstruction or downhole tool. Further, the adapter used in the present apparatus and method prevents or diminishes the amount of damage to the area surrounding the targeted obstruction within the wellbore.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
  • Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)

Claims (19)

  1. Appareil (10) pour modifier ou éliminer une obstruction (42) ou un outil de fond de trou à l'intérieur d'un trou de forage (56), comprenant :
    un corps tubulaire (28) comprenant une première extrémité (30) et une deuxième extrémité (32) et configuré pour contenir une charge combustible (20) et un amorceur, la charge combustible (20) étant amorcée pour produire une thermite en fusion ;
    une tuyère (46) positionnée au niveau de la deuxième extrémité (32) du corps tubulaire (28) et configurée pour projeter la thermite en fusion sur l'obstruction (42) ou le fond de trou ;
    un premier adaptateur (36) configuré pour être attaché au corps tubulaire (28), le premier adaptateur (36) comprenant un organe de scellage (38) entre le premier adaptateur (36) et le corps tubulaire (28) et un ou plusieurs éléments saillants (40) configurés pour aligner la tuyère (46) par-dessus l'obstruction (42) ou l'outil de fond de trou, de telle sorte que pendant l'utilisation, le premier adaptateur (36) entoure l'obstruction (42) ou l'outil de fond de trou de telle sorte que la tuyère (46) alignée projette la thermite en fusion directement sur l'obstruction (42) ou l'outil de fond de trou, et le premier adaptateur (36) formant une barrière circonférentielle entre une zone environnante du puits de forage (56) et la thermite en fusion projetée ; et
    une ou plusieurs languettes (92) configurées pour fixer le premier adaptateur (36) à l'obstruction (42) ou à l'outil de fond de trou.
  2. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre une torche de perforation de fond de trou, une torche de découpage de fond de trou, une torche axiale pyrotechnique ou des combinaisons de celles-ci.
  3. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 1, l'appareil (10) étant configuré pour éroder l'obstruction (42) ou l'outil de fond de trou, dégrader l'obstruction (42) ou l'outil de fond de trou, découper à travers l'obstruction (42) ou l'outil de fond de trou, pénétrer à travers l'obstruction (42) ou l'outil de fond de trou, perforer l'obstruction (42) ou l'outil de fond de trou, ou enlever l'obstruction (42) ou l'outil de fond de trou.
  4. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le corps tubulaire (28) est configuré pour contenir de la thermite (22) ou de la thermite (22) et un ou plusieurs polymères produisant des gaz en tant que charge combustible (20).
  5. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la tuyère (46) comprend une géométrie sélectionnée qui correspond à une forme de l'obstruction (42) ou de l'outil de fond de trou, qui permet le positionnement de la tuyère (46) à proximité de l'obstruction (42) ou de l'outil de fond de trou, qui améliore l'efficacité de l'appareil (10) pour enlever l'obstruction (42) ou l'outil de fond de trou, ou des combinaisons de celles-ci.
  6. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la tuyère (46) est prévue pour projeter la thermite en fusion dans une direction généralement parallèle à un axe du trou de forage (56) et dans une direction descendante ou ascendante dans le trou.
  7. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le premier adaptateur (36) comprend un ou plusieurs centralisateurs de positionnement (64, 66) pour guider et centrer l'appareil (10) de manière à agir sur l'obstruction (42) ou l'outil de fond de trou.
  8. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le ou les centralisateurs de positionnement (64, 66) comprennent des faces inclinées (70) qui glissent par-dessus l'obstruction (42) ou l'outil de fond de trou à mesure que l'appareil (10) est positionné pour aligner la tuyère (46) avec l'obstruction (42) ou l'outil de fond de trou.
  9. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un dispositif d'ancrage pour positionner l'appareil (10) et minimiser le mouvement de l'appareil (10) lors de la projection de la thermite en fusion.
  10. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'outil de fond de trou comprend un bouchon consommable (130).
  11. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la connexion entre le premier adaptateur (36) et le corps tubulaire (28) comprend en outre une connexion vissable (34), des attaches, des vis de réglage, ou des combinaisons de celles-ci.
  12. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément ou les éléments saillants (40) s'étendent depuis la deuxième extrémité (32) de l'appareil (10) pour former la barrière pour protéger l'appareil (10) et la zone environnante du trou de forage (56) au cours de la projection de la thermite en fusion.
  13. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le premier adaptateur (36) comprend un bouchon (48) qui est scellé par-dessus ou sur la tuyère (46) pour empêcher la contamination de la tuyère (46) avant la projection de la thermite en fusion.
  14. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 13, dans lequel la projection de la thermite en fusion érode ou enlève le bouchon (48).
  15. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 1, comprenant un deuxième adaptateur (50) configuré pour s'attacher au corps tubulaire (28) en remplacement du premier adaptateur (36).
  16. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 15, dans lequel le deuxième adaptateur (50) comprend un ou plusieurs éléments saillants (54) comprenant une géométrie différente du premier adaptateur (36).
  17. Appareil (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la zone environnante comprend des zones au-dessus et en dessous de l'obstruction (42) ou de l'outil de fond de trou.
  18. Procédé pour modifier ou enlever une obstruction (42) d'un trou de forage (56), comprenant les étapes suivantes :
    abaisser un appareil (10) dans un trou de forage (56), l'appareil (10) comprenant :
    un corps tubulaire (28) configuré pour contenir une charge combustible (20) et un amorceur ;
    une tuyère (46) positionnée au niveau d'une deuxième extrémité (32) du corps tubulaire (28) et configurée pour projeter la thermite en fusion sur l'obstruction (42) ; et
    un premier adaptateur (36) configuré pour s'attacher au corps tubulaire (28), le premier adaptateur (36) comprenant un organe de scellage (38) pour connecter et sceller le premier adaptateur (36) au corps tubulaire (28) et un ou
    plusieurs éléments saillants (40) configurés pour aligner la tuyère (46) par-dessus l'obstruction (42), et le premier adaptateur (36) formant une barrière entre une zone environnante du trou de forage (56) et la thermite en fusion ;
    aligner la tuyère (46) par-dessus l'obstruction (42) avec un premier élément saillant parmi l'élément ou les éléments saillants (40), le premier adaptateur (36) étant configuré pour entourer l'obstruction (42) ;
    fixer le premier adaptateur (36) à l'obstruction (42) de l'outil de fond de trou avec une ou plusieurs languettes (92) ;
    amorcer la charge combustible (20) pour produire la thermite en fusion ;
    projeter la thermite en fusion à travers la tuyère (46) alignée pour modifier ou enlever au moins une portion de l'obstruction (42) avec la thermite en fusion projetée ; et
    empêcher un endommagement d'une première zone du trou de forage (56) entourant l'obstruction (42) avec l'élément ou les éléments saillants (40).
  19. Procédé selon la revendication 18, comprenant les étapes suivantes :
    récupérer l'appareil (10) du trou de forage (56) ;
    remplacer le premier adaptateur externe (36) par un deuxième adaptateur externe (50) ;
    abaisser l'appareil (10) dans le trou de forage (56) avec le deuxième adaptateur externe (50) ; et amorcer une charge combustible supplémentaire sur l'obstruction (42).
EP16840262.6A 2015-08-27 2016-08-29 Adaptateur de protection et de centralisation destiné à une torche de fond de trou et procédé d'utilisation Active EP3341558B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562210937P 2015-08-27 2015-08-27
US14/930,369 US10246961B2 (en) 2012-07-24 2015-11-02 Setting tool for downhole applications
US15/147,755 US10337271B2 (en) 2012-07-24 2016-05-05 Downhole positioning and anchoring device
US15/237,438 US9945197B2 (en) 2009-11-24 2016-08-15 Tool positioning and latching system
PCT/US2016/049321 WO2017035537A1 (fr) 2015-08-27 2016-08-29 Adaptateur de protection et de centralisation destiné à une torche de fond de trou et procédé d'utilisation

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3341558A1 EP3341558A1 (fr) 2018-07-04
EP3341558A4 EP3341558A4 (fr) 2019-05-29
EP3341558B1 true EP3341558B1 (fr) 2020-07-08

Family

ID=62205467

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16840262.6A Active EP3341558B1 (fr) 2015-08-27 2016-08-29 Adaptateur de protection et de centralisation destiné à une torche de fond de trou et procédé d'utilisation

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3341558B1 (fr)
HK (1) HK1257763A1 (fr)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3341558A4 (fr) 2019-05-29
EP3341558A1 (fr) 2018-07-04
HK1257763A1 (zh) 2019-10-25

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