EP4074939A1 - Ringförmige schranke und bohrlochsystem - Google Patents

Ringförmige schranke und bohrlochsystem Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4074939A1
EP4074939A1 EP21168969.0A EP21168969A EP4074939A1 EP 4074939 A1 EP4074939 A1 EP 4074939A1 EP 21168969 A EP21168969 A EP 21168969A EP 4074939 A1 EP4074939 A1 EP 4074939A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sleeve
expandable metal
expandable
annular barrier
tubular
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP21168969.0A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Ricardo Reves Vasques
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.)
Welltec Oilfield Solutions AG
Original Assignee
Welltec Oilfield Solutions AG
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
Application filed by Welltec Oilfield Solutions AG filed Critical Welltec Oilfield Solutions AG
Priority to EP21168969.0A priority Critical patent/EP4074939A1/de
Priority to EP22722516.6A priority patent/EP4323620A1/de
Priority to BR112023020244A priority patent/BR112023020244A2/pt
Priority to PCT/EP2022/059827 priority patent/WO2022219019A1/en
Priority to AU2022257270A priority patent/AU2022257270A1/en
Priority to US17/719,813 priority patent/US11692411B2/en
Publication of EP4074939A1 publication Critical patent/EP4074939A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
    • E21B33/12—Packers; Plugs
    • E21B33/127—Packers; Plugs with inflatable sleeve
    • E21B33/1277—Packers; Plugs with inflatable sleeve characterised by the construction or fixation of the sleeve

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an annular barrier for providing isolation of a zone in a well having an isolation layer of less than 5 metres.
  • the invention also relates to a downhole system comprising a plurality of such annular barriers and a well tubular metal structure.
  • Annular barriers are used downhole for providing isolation of one zone from another in an annulus in a borehole of a well between a well tubular metal structure and the borehole wall or another well tubular metal structure.
  • annular barriers When expanding annular barriers, it is important that the annular barriers are expanded to abut the inner face of the borehole or another well tubular metal structure to provide proper zonal isolation.
  • the annular barrier needs to be expanded opposite the isolation layer between two zones in order to provide proper isolation of one zone from the other zone.
  • the isolation layer between two zones is very thin, e.g. only a few metres. In these wells, there is a need for a longer annular barrier so that the annular barrier is able to overlap the isolation layer since, when running the completion in hole, the precision may be up to 5-10 metres.
  • Annular barriers may have an expandable metal sleeve to be expanded opposite the isolation layer, and expandable metal sleeves having a length of more than 2 metres are difficult and expensive to make.
  • annular barrier for providing isolation of a zone in a well having an isolation layer of less than 5 metres, comprising:
  • the expandable metal sleeves can be made having a length of 1-2 metres, which means that the annular barrier is easier and less costly to make than an annular barrier having one expandable metal sleeve with a length of 4 metres.
  • the connecting sleeve is welded to the end of each expandable metal sleeve and in this way forms a common expandable metal sleeve.
  • the first and second expandable metal sleeves expand more than the connecting sleeve, and in this way the welded connections between the connecting sleeve and the expandable metal sleeves are only slightly expanded, and the welded connections are less likely to break compared to a solution where the expandable metal sleeves are directly connected by welding.
  • the connecting sleeve is thicker than the expandable metal sleeves, ensuring that the welded connections between the connecting sleeve and the expandable metal sleeves are not expanded to the same extent as a middle part of the expandable metal sleeves.
  • the modular sleeve of the annular barrier can be made as long as required, and even though the isolation layer is merely 2 metres thick and the precision of the completion procedure only results in a positioning of the annular barrier within 6 metres, part of the annular barrier is still overlapping the isolation layer, and sufficient isolation of the zone is obtained.
  • first sleeve end may be welded to the second end of the first expandable metal sleeve
  • the second sleeve end may be welded to the second end of the second expandable metal sleeve.
  • the annular barrier may also comprise a third expandable metal sleeve surrounding the tubular metal part, the third expandable metal sleeve having the same thickness as the first expandable metal sleeve, the third expandable metal sleeve having a first end connected with the second sleeve end of the first connecting sleeve and a second end, and the annular barrier further comprising a second connecting sleeve having the second thickness, the second connecting sleeve comprising a first sleeve end connected with the second end of the third expandable metal sleeve and a second sleeve end connected with the second end of the second expandable metal sleeve so that the second sleeve end is connected with the second end of the second expandable metal sleeve by means of the third expandable metal sleeve and the second connecting sleeve, and the annular space being defined between the tubular metal part, the first and second connecting sleeve and the expandable metal
  • the annular barrier may further comprise a fourth expandable metal sleeve surrounding the tubular metal part, the fourth expandable metal sleeve having the same thickness as the first expandable metal sleeve, the fourth expandable metal sleeve having a first end connected with the second sleeve end of the second connecting sleeve and a second end, and a third connecting sleeve having the second thickness, the third connecting sleeve comprising a first sleeve end connected with the second end of the third expandable metal sleeve and a second sleeve end connected with the second end of the second expandable metal sleeve so that the second sleeve end is connected with the second end of the second expandable metal sleeve by means of the third and fourth expandable metal sleeves and the second and third connecting sleeves, and the annular space being defined between the tubular metal part, the connecting sleeves and the expandable metal sleeves.
  • the annular barrier may further comprise a tube extending through the annular space, through the connection of the first end of the first expandable metal sleeve to the tubular metal part and through the connection of the second end of the second expandable metal sleeve to the tubular metal part, providing a flow channel through the annular barrier in an expanded condition.
  • annular barrier may also comprise at least one tubular connection part for connecting the end of the expandable metal sleeve to the outer face of the tubular metal part.
  • tubular connection part may comprise a projecting flange overlapping the end of the expandable metal sleeve.
  • the annular barrier may also comprise a valve assembly fluidly connected to the opening and the annular space.
  • first and second sleeve ends of the connecting sleeve may comprise a projecting sleeve flange, each projecting sleeve flange overlapping one of the ends of the expandable metal sleeve.
  • first ends of the first and second expandable metal sleeves may have an increased thickness for connecting to the tubular metal part. In that way, there is no need for separate connection parts.
  • the second thickness may be at least 5% thicker than the first thickness, preferably at least 10% thicker than the first thickness, and more preferably at least 15% thicker than the first thickness.
  • first expandable metal sleeve and the second expandable metal sleeve may have a length along the axial extension being at least 50% longer than a length of the connecting sleeve, preferably at least 60% longer than a length of the connecting sleeve, and more preferably 75% longer than a length of the connecting sleeve.
  • annular barrier may also comprise at least one sealing element arranged on an outer face of the expandable metal sleeves.
  • one of the first ends of the first and/or second expandable metal sleeves may be welded to the outer face of the tubular metal part.
  • the invention relates to a downhole system comprising a plurality of the annular barriers and the well tubular metal structure.
  • the downhole system may further comprise at least one inflow valve between two annular barriers.
  • Fig. 1 shows an annular barrier 1 for providing isolation of a zone in a well 2 having a thin isolation layer 24 of less than 5 metres.
  • the annular barrier comprises a tubular metal part 3 mounted as part of a well tubular metal structure 4.
  • the tubular metal part 3 has an outer face 5, an opening 6 and an axial extension L along the well tubular metal structure 4.
  • the annular barrier 1 comprises a first expandable metal sleeve 7 surrounding the tubular metal part 3.
  • the first expandable metal sleeve 7 has a first thickness t 1 , a first end 8 and a second end 9.
  • the first end 8 of the expandable metal sleeve 7 is connected with the outer face 5 of the tubular metal part 3.
  • the annular barrier 1 further comprises a second expandable metal sleeve 10 surrounding the tubular metal part 3.
  • the second expandable metal sleeve 10 has the same thickness as the first expandable metal sleeve 7.
  • the second expandable metal sleeve 10 has a first end 11 connected with the outer face 5 of the tubular metal part 3 and a second end 12.
  • the annular barrier 1 comprises a first connecting sleeve 14 having a second thickness t 2 being greater than the first thickness ti.
  • the first connecting sleeve 14 comprises a first sleeve end 15 connected to the second end 9 of the first expandable metal sleeve 7 and a second sleeve end 16 connected with the second end 12 of the second expandable metal sleeve 10.
  • the annular barrier 1 further comprises an annular space 17 defined between the tubular metal part 3, the first connecting sleeve 14 and the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10.
  • the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10 can be made having a length of 1-2 metres, which means that the annular barrier is easier and less costly to make than an annular barrier having one expandable metal sleeve with a length of 4 metres.
  • the connecting sleeve 14 is welded to the ends of each expandable metal sleeve 7, 10 and in this way forms a common expandable metal sleeve. As can be seen in Fig.
  • the first and second expandable metal sleeves 7, 10 expand more than the connecting sleeve 14, and in this way the welded connections between the connecting sleeve 14 and the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10 are only slightly expanded and are less likely to break than if the connecting sleeve was expanded as much as the expandable metal sleeves.
  • the connecting sleeve 14 is thicker than the expandable metal sleeves, ensuring that the welded connections between the connecting sleeve 14 and the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10 are not expanded as much as a middle part of the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10.
  • the modular sleeve of the annular barrier 1 can be made as long as required, and even though the isolation layer 24 is merely 2 metres thick and the precision of the completion procedure only results in a positioning of the annular barrier 1 within 6 metres, part of the annular barrier 1 is still overlapping the isolation layer 24, and sufficient isolation of the zone is obtained.
  • the first sleeve end 15 of the first connecting sleeve 14 is welded to the second end 9 of the first expandable metal sleeve 7, and the second sleeve end 16 of the first connecting sleeve 14 is welded to the second end 12 of the second expandable metal sleeve 10 so as to form one common sleeve.
  • the first ends of the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10 may have an increased thickness and may be crimped onto the tubular metal part 3 or welded to the tubular metal part 3.
  • the opening in the tubular metal part 3 is arranged opposite the annular space 17.
  • the first expandable metal sleeve 7 and the second expandable metal sleeve 10 have the same length along the axial extension, and the first connecting sleeve 14 is arranged in between the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10 and welded to their ends.
  • the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10 are expanded so that a middle part thereof abuts the wall of the borehole and conforms to its shape.
  • the expanded annular barrier 1 isolates a first zone 101 from a second zone 102.
  • the first ends 8, 11 of the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10 are connected to the outer face 5 of the tubular metal part 3 by means of a tubular connection part 31.
  • Each tubular connection part 31 comprises a projecting flange 34 overlapping the first ends 8, 11 of the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10 so as to limit the free expansion of the ends of the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10 and thereby the connection between the ends of the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10, and the tubular connection parts 31 is not jeopardised, nor is the welded connection broken if welding is used.
  • the ends of the expandable metal sleeves engage grooves in the connecting sleeve besides being welded together.
  • the annular barrier 1 comprises a third expandable metal sleeve 18 surrounding the tubular metal part 3 and arranged between the first expandable metal sleeve 7 and the second expandable metal sleeve 10.
  • the third expandable metal sleeve 18 has the same thickness as the first expandable metal sleeve 7.
  • the third expandable metal sleeve 18 has a first end 19 connected with the second sleeve end 16 of the first connecting sleeve 14 and a second end 20 connected to a second connecting sleeve 21.
  • the second connecting sleeve 21 has the same second thickness as the first connecting sleeve 14.
  • the second connecting sleeve 21 comprises a first sleeve end 22 connected with the second end 20 of the third expandable metal sleeve 18 and a second sleeve end 23 connected with the second end 12 of the second expandable metal sleeve 10 so that the second sleeve end 16 is connected with the second end 12 of the second expandable metal sleeve 10 by means of the third expandable metal sleeve 18 and the second connecting sleeve 21.
  • the annular space 17 is defined between the tubular metal part 3, the first and second connecting sleeves 14, 21 and the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10, 18.
  • the connecting sleeves provide a distance from an inner face 51 of the expandable metal sleeves and the outer face of the tubular metal part since the connecting sleeves have a greater thickness than that of the expandable metal sleeves. In that way, the connecting sleeves support the expandable metal sleeves so that they do not collapse during submerging the well tubular metal structure into the borehole as the pressure increases down the hole.
  • the annular barrier 1 shown in Fig. 3 further comprises a valve assembly 33 fluidly connected to the opening 6 and the annular space 17.
  • the opening 6 is positioned offset from the annular space 17 so as to enter the valve assembly 33 before entering the annular space 17.
  • the valve assembly 33 may have a variety of designs.
  • One aspect of a valve assembly has a first position providing fluid communication between the opening and the annular space and a second position after expansion of the annular barrier where this fluid communication is closed.
  • the first position is the same, but in the second position fluid communication from the opening is closed and there is fluid communication to the outside of the expanded annular barrier, i.e. to the first zone 101 or the second zone 102.
  • the pressure in the annular space 17 can be equalised with the pressure in the zone so as to avoid collapsing of the annular barrier 1 if the outside pressure increases, and in this way the collapse rating of the annular barrier 1 is increased.
  • the annular barrier 1 further comprises a fourth expandable metal sleeve 25 surrounding the tubular metal part 3.
  • the fourth expandable metal sleeve 25 has the same first thickness as the first expandable metal sleeve 7.
  • the fourth expandable metal sleeve 25 has a first end 26 connected with the second sleeve end 23 of the second connecting sleeve 21 and a second end 27.
  • the annular barrier 1 also comprises a third connecting sleeve 28 having the same second thickness as the first and second connecting sleeves 14, 21.
  • the third connecting sleeve 28 comprises a first sleeve end 29 connected with the second end 20 of the third expandable metal sleeve 18 and a second sleeve end 30 connected with the second end 12 of the second expandable metal sleeve 10 so that the second sleeve end 16 is connected with the second end 12 of the second expandable metal sleeve 10 by means of the third and fourth expandable metal sleeves 18, 25 and the second and third connecting sleeves 21, 28.
  • the annular space 17 is defined between the tubular metal part 3, the connecting sleeves 14, 21, 28 and the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10, 18, 25.
  • the annular barrier 1 can be made at least 8 metres long in an easy and modularised design only requiring short expandable metal sleeves which are easy to manufacture. If the connecting sleeves 14, 21 ,28 are made having a length of 0.5 metres, the length of the annular barrier 1 will be 10 metres, and in this way the annular barrier 1 can be made having the required length to ensure that the isolation layer is sufficiently overlapped.
  • Such long annular barriers can also be used to support a porous wall/formation so that the expanded annular barrier supports the wall of the borehole to prevent it from deteriorating, collapsing and interfering with the production as fluid from the zones would then be mixed as the zone isolation is destroyed.
  • the connecting sleeves 14, 21, 28 are thicker than the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10, 18, 25, i.e. the second thickness may be at least 5% thicker than the first thickness, preferably at least 10% thicker than the first thickness, and more preferably at least 15% thicker than the first thickness. Furthermore, the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10, 18, 25 are longer than the connecting sleeves 14, 21, 28, and thus the first expandable metal sleeve 7 and the second expandable metal sleeve 10 have a length along the axial extension L being at least 50% longer than a length of the connecting sleeve, preferably at least 60% longer than a length of the connecting sleeve, and more preferably 75% longer than a length of the connecting sleeve.
  • the annular barrier 1 further comprises a tube 32 extending underneath the common sleeve provided by the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10, 18, 25 welded together with the connecting sleeves 14, 21, 28.
  • the tube 32 extends through the annular space 17, through the connection of the first end 8 of the first expandable metal sleeve 7 to the tubular metal part 3 and through the connection of the second end 12 of the second expandable metal sleeve 10 to the tubular metal part 3.
  • the tube 32 thus provides a flow channel through the annular barrier 1 in an expanded condition.
  • the annular barrier 1 has two connection parts 31 connecting the first ends 8, 11 of the first and second expandable metal sleeves 7, 10 to the outer face 5 of the tubular metal part 3, and the tube 32 extends through both connection parts 31.
  • the flow through the annular barrier is provided by a thin sleeve arranged between the expandable metal sleeves and the tubular metal part so that the fluid channel is annular as the thin sleeve extends all the way around the tubular metal part, and the fluid channel through the annular barrier is the annular channel between the thin sleeve and the outer face of the tubular metal part.
  • the annular barrier 1 of Fig. 5 comprises three expandable metal sleeves 7, 10, 18 connected by welding by means of intermediate connecting sleeves 14, 21.
  • the first and second sleeve ends 15, 16 of each connecting sleeve 14, 21 comprise a projecting sleeve flange 35 overlapping one of the ends of the expandable metal sleeve.
  • the annular barrier 1 further comprises some sealing elements 45 arranged on the outer face 46 of the expandable metal sleeves 7, 10, 18 in order to increase the isolation ability of the annular barrier 1.
  • a downhole system 100 comprising a plurality of the annular barriers 1 and the well tubular metal structure 4 is shown. In order to isolate a zone, two annular barriers 1 are needed.
  • the downhole system 100 further comprises at least one inflow valve between two annular barriers 1 in order to let formation fluid into the well tubular metal structure 4 in a controlled manner.
  • the annular barrier 1 is expanded by means of pressurised fluid let into the opening and further into the annular space in order to expand the expandable metal sleeve 7, 10, 18, 25 to abut the wall of the borehole.
  • the pressurised fluid is generated either by a pump at the surface pumping fluid down some tubing/well tubular metal structure 4 or by a pump in a tool which isolates a part of the well tubular metal structure 4 opposite the opening.
  • fluid or "well fluid” is meant any kind of fluid that may be present in oil or gas wells downhole, such as natural gas, oil, oil mud, crude oil, water, etc.
  • gas is meant any kind of gas composition present in a well, completion or open hole, and by “oil” is meant any kind of oil composition, such as crude oil, an oil-containing fluid, etc.
  • Oil and water fluids may thus all comprise other elements or substances than gas, oil and/or water, respectively.
  • casing or “well tubular metal structure” is meant any kind of pipe, tubing, tubular, liner, string, etc., used downhole in relation to oil or natural gas production.
  • a downhole tractor can be used to push the tool all the way into position in the well.
  • the downhole tractor may have projectable arms having wheels, wherein the wheels contact the inner surface of the casing for propelling the tractor and the tool forward in the casing.
  • a downhole tractor is any kind of driving tool capable of pushing or pulling tools in a well downhole, such as a Well Tractor ® .

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
EP21168969.0A 2021-04-16 2021-04-16 Ringförmige schranke und bohrlochsystem Withdrawn EP4074939A1 (de)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21168969.0A EP4074939A1 (de) 2021-04-16 2021-04-16 Ringförmige schranke und bohrlochsystem
EP22722516.6A EP4323620A1 (de) 2021-04-16 2022-04-13 Ringförmige barriere und bohrlochsystem
BR112023020244A BR112023020244A2 (pt) 2021-04-16 2022-04-13 Proteção anular e sistema de fundo de poço
PCT/EP2022/059827 WO2022219019A1 (en) 2021-04-16 2022-04-13 Annular barrier and downhole system
AU2022257270A AU2022257270A1 (en) 2021-04-16 2022-04-13 Annular barrier and downhole system
US17/719,813 US11692411B2 (en) 2021-04-16 2022-04-13 Annular barrier and downhole system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21168969.0A EP4074939A1 (de) 2021-04-16 2021-04-16 Ringförmige schranke und bohrlochsystem

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4074939A1 true EP4074939A1 (de) 2022-10-19

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21168969.0A Withdrawn EP4074939A1 (de) 2021-04-16 2021-04-16 Ringförmige schranke und bohrlochsystem

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EP (1) EP4074939A1 (de)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5101908A (en) * 1990-08-23 1992-04-07 Baker Hughes Incorporated Inflatable packing device and method of sealing
US20110297400A1 (en) * 2008-09-03 2011-12-08 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Expandable Packer Construction
EP2876252A1 (de) * 2013-11-25 2015-05-27 Welltec A/S Ringförmige Absperrung mit Einsturzschutzeinheit
EP3327246A1 (de) * 2016-11-25 2018-05-30 Welltec A/S Ringförmige absperrung mit erweiterungsverifizierung
US20190383114A1 (en) * 2018-06-19 2019-12-19 Welltec Oilfield Solutions Ag Annular barrier

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5101908A (en) * 1990-08-23 1992-04-07 Baker Hughes Incorporated Inflatable packing device and method of sealing
US20110297400A1 (en) * 2008-09-03 2011-12-08 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Expandable Packer Construction
EP2876252A1 (de) * 2013-11-25 2015-05-27 Welltec A/S Ringförmige Absperrung mit Einsturzschutzeinheit
EP3327246A1 (de) * 2016-11-25 2018-05-30 Welltec A/S Ringförmige absperrung mit erweiterungsverifizierung
US20190383114A1 (en) * 2018-06-19 2019-12-19 Welltec Oilfield Solutions Ag Annular barrier

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