RU2225497C2 - Device with expandable tubular component and method for using this device in the well - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: well-boring equipment. SUBSTANCE: device has expandable tubular component capable of being moved into the well in compressed state and later radial expansion to expanded state. Displacement means is capable of moving expandable tubular component to destination in the well. Expanding means causes expandable tubular component expansion from its first tubular configuration into its second tubular configuration. Component is a bistable means formed for expansion near well wall, and having plurality of bistable cells in tubular form, and being stable in compressed and expanded configurations. One of two other devices additionally has a passage for line of communications, and another device has means for fixing to expandable bistable means. According to first method, expandable tubular component is used for stabilizing free of casing section of well in underground formation. Expandable tubular component is first placed in the well in first stable state, then is radially expanded into second stable state. According to second variant of method, expandable tubular component is used for detention of sand influx into the well. Expandable tubular component is placed in accordance to previously described scheme. Expandable tubular component is expanded at least partially beyond the unstable range in direction to stable state, while bistable means is able to generate force of expanding pressure relative to the well. According to another variant of method, expandable tubular component is used for mounting of insert inside the pipe located in the well. Expandable bistable means is surrounded with expandable insert element fixed to the outer surface of bistable means. Expandable means is first placed inside the pipe in first stable state and them expanded into second stable state for detention of expandable element of insert relative to inner diameter of pipe. According to yet another variant, expandable tubular component with a passage for line of communications is used. Device is lowered into the well. At least part of communications line is directed near to at least part of said bistable expanding means, which is then expanded. According to another variant, expandable tubular component is placed inside the pipe of the well near to an area for densifying. Said expandable bistable means is expanded relative to the well by means of its displacement into unstable area in direction to expanded stable state. EFFECT: simplified pipe expansion from radially compressed state into radially expanded state. 8 cl, 45 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to equipment that can be used in drilling and completion of a borehole in an underground formation and in the production of fluids from such wells, and, in particular, a device, an expandable tubular component and the method of their use in a borehole.

Fluids such as oil, natural gas and water are extracted from an underground geological formation (“reservoir”) by drilling a well that penetrates a fluid-carrying formation. After drilling a well to a certain depth, the wall of the wellbore should be maintained to prevent destruction. Conventional well drilling methods include installing a casing string and cementing between the casing and the wellbore to support the construction of the wellbore. After cementing the casing string in place, drilling to great depths can begin. After installing each subsequent casing string, the next drill bit must be passed through the inner diameter of the casing. Thus, each casing change requires a reduction in the diameter of the wellbore. This repeated reduction in the diameter of the wellbore creates the need for very large initial diameters of the wellbores to ensure that the pipe is installed with an acceptable diameter at the depth at which the borehole penetrates the production formation. The need to use large wellbores and multiple casing strings results in more time, material and resources than when drilling a wellbore with the same size from the surface to the producing formation.

The problem that is sometimes encountered while drilling a well is the loss of drilling fluid into the subterranean zones. Loss of drilling fluid usually leads to increased financial costs, but can lead to destruction of the borehole and costly “fishing work” to restore the drill string or other tools that were in the borehole. Various additives are typically used in the drilling fluid to help isolate loss circulation zones, such as cotton seed peels or synthetic fibers.

After the well is put into operation, the influx of sand from the reservoir can lead to undesirable filling inside the borehole and can damage valves and other equipment associated with production. Many ways have been taken to control the sand.

US Pat. No. 5,348,095 issued September 20, 1994 to Warrell et al. Discloses a method comprising radially expanding a casing string in a borehole to a large diameter configuration. With this method, very great efforts are required to communicate radial deformation.

In order to reduce the effort required to expand the casing strings, methods have been proposed that include expanding the liner with longitudinal slots made therein (US Pat. Nos. 5,366,012, issued November 22, 1994 to Lochbel, and 5,667,011, issued September 16, 1997 to Gille and others .). These methods include radial deformation of the insert with slots in the enlarged diameter configuration by moving the expansion mandrel through the insert with slots. These methods still require the application of significant amounts of effort along the entire length of the insert with slots.

US Patent No. 5,901,789 of May 11, 1999, issued to Donelly, describes a deformable sand filter that combines an expandable downhole filter with a filter layer. The expandable filter can be made with slots. However, in this case, significant efforts are required to implement the radial deformation of the filter.

The technical result of the present invention is to reduce the effort required to expand the pipe from a radially compressed state to a radially expanded state.

This technical result is achieved in that in a device for use in a borehole having an expandable tubular component capable of moving into the well in a compressed state and then radially expanding to an expanded state, a moving means capable of moving the expandable tubular component to a desired location in the borehole, and a deployment tool capable of causing expansion of the expandable tubular component from its first generally tubular configuration to its second generally the tubular configuration according to the invention, the expandable tubular component is an expandable bistable device formed for deployment near a borehole wall, having a plurality of bistable cells arranged generally in a tubular shape and being stable in a compressed configuration and in an expanded configuration.

Each bistable cell may contain at least two elongated elements connected to each other.

Each bistable cell may contain a first element and a second element, each of which contains a middle and two ends, while the first element is more flexible than the second element. The first and second elements can be mechanically connected so that the second element prevents deformation of the first element.

The first element can have two stable positions, while in the first stable position the middle of the first element is adjacent to the middle of the second element, in the second stable position the middle of the first element is offset from the middle of the second element to form a gap between the middle of the first element and the middle of the second element.

The second element may have a greater thickness than the first element. The ratio of the thickness of the second element to the thickness of the first element may be greater than approximately 3: 1, or greater than 6: 1.

The bistable device may further comprise a wrapper attached to its outer surface. The wrapper may contain a stretchable screen.

The bistable device may further comprise a deformable material attached to its outer surface. The deformable material may contain an elastomer. The elastomer can be selected so that it is resistant to crude oils, salt solutions and acids found in oil and gas wells.

A bistable fixture in its second generally tubular configuration can have many diameters.

The specified technical result is achieved by the fact that in the method of using a device in a borehole having an expandable tubular component capable of moving into a well in a compressed state and then expanding radially to an expanded state, according to the invention, to stabilize an unsecured casing section of a borehole in an underground formation expandable tubular component, which is an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape containing a plurality of bistable cells bistable device arranged at a location in the first borehole in the first stable state, and then radially expanding the bistable device to a second stable state having a generally tubular structure, without reducing the axial length.

In the method, an expandable bistable device with a wrapper fixed to its outer surface can be used. You can use an expandable screen as a wrapper.

Additionally, it is possible to impose a deformable material on the outer surface of the bistable device. As a deformable material, an elastomeric material can be used.

The bistable fixture can be radially expanded to a multitude of finite diameters.

The specified technical result is achieved by the fact that in the method of using in the borehole a device having an expandable tubular component capable of moving into the well in a compressed state and then radially expanding to an expanded state, according to the invention, an expandable is used to mount the liner inside the pipe located in the well a tubular component, which is an expandable bistable device, having a generally tubular shape containing a plurality of bistable cells surround Shiryaev bistable device expandable liner member affixed to the outer surface of the bistable device, the expandable device positioned at a location within the first tube in the first stable state and expand expandable bistable device to a second stable state to hold the expandable member relative to the inner liner of the pipe diameter.

The method can additionally use many bistable devices in the borehole so that the ends of adjacent bistable devices overlap and form a continuation of the expandable liner element relative to the inner diameter of the pipe.

In the method, an expandable bistable device can be used in which each bistable cell with a thin compressed element is attached to a thick compressed element.

The specified technical result is achieved by the fact that in the method of using a device in a borehole having an expandable tubular component capable of moving into the well in a compressed state and then radially expanding to an expanded state, according to the invention, an expandable tubular component is used to delay the inflow of sand into the borehole, representing an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape containing a plurality of bistable cells, an expandable b stable device in the desired location in the borehole and expanding the expandable bistable device at least partially outside the unstable range toward the steady state until the bistable device will generate a force capable of extending the voltage with respect to the borehole.

The method can use an expandable bistable device with a wrapper attached to its outer surface. You can use a stretch screen as a wrapper.

The aforementioned technical result is achieved by the fact that in the method of using in a borehole a device having an expandable tubular component capable of moving into the well in a compressed state and then radially expanding to an expanded state, according to the invention, an expandable tubular component is used, which is an expandable bistable device having generally a tubular shape containing a plurality of bistable cells has an expandable bistable device within the pipe the borehole near the area to be sealed, and expand the expandable bistable device relative to the pipe of the borehole by moving the expandable bistable device through an unstable region towards the expanded steady state.

An expandable tubular component capable of moving into a well in a compressed state and then radially expanding to an expanded state, according to the invention, is an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape containing a plurality of bistable cells and has a channel for a communication line.

The channel for the communication line can be formed by the refined part of the expandable bistable device located along it.

An expandable tubular component capable of moving into a well in a compressed state and then radially expanding to an expanded state, according to the invention, is an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape containing a plurality of bistable cells, has a device attached to the expandable bistable device.

The fixture attached to the expandable bistable fixture may be an electrical fixture, a measuring fixture, a meter, a pressure gauge, or a sensor.

In the method of using an expandable tubular component in a borehole capable of moving into the well in a compressed state and then expanding radially to an expanded state, an expandable tubular component is used according to the invention, which is an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape containing a plurality of bistable cells and having a channel for a communication line, carry out the descent of said expandable bistable device by passing it into the well and directing at least a portion of the communication line adjacent to at least a portion of said expandable bistable device is expanded and the expandable bistable device is expanded.

As a communication line, you can use a cable that is routed along the outer part of the expandable bistable device.

It is possible to fasten the communication line to an expandable bistable device when it is lowered by passing into the well. The communication line can be located in the channel for the communication line. The communication line can be located in the channel for the communication line along a thick compressed element formed between a plurality of bistable cells of an expandable bistable device.

In the method, an expandable bistable device may be used, further comprising a device attached to the expandable bistable device. As a fixture attached to an expandable bistable fixture, a sensor or tool may be used.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the following is shown:

FIG. 1A and 1B illustrate the efforts made to create a bistable structure;

FIG. 2A and 2B illustrate the deflection curves of the forces of two bistable structures;

FIG. 3A-3F illustrate the expanded and compressed state of three bistable cells with different thickness ratios;

FIG. 4A and 4B illustrate a bistable expandable pipe in its expanded and compressed state;

FIG. 4C and 4D illustrate a bistable expandable pipe in a compressed and expanded state inside a borehole;

FIG. 5A and 5B illustrate an extensible type of deployment tool packer;

FIG. 6A and 6B illustrate a mechanical type of deployment tool packer;

FIG. 7A-7D illustrate an expandable deployment tool type mandrel;

FIG. 8A-8D illustrate a piston type deployment tool;

FIG. 9A and 9B illustrate a plug-in type deployment tool;

FIG. 10A and 10B illustrate a ball type deployment tool;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a borehole using an expandable bistable pipe;

FIG. 12 illustrates an engine-driven radial roll deployment tool;

FIG. 13 illustrates a hydraulically actuated radial roll deployment tool;

FIG. 14 illustrates a bistable expandable pipe having a wrapper;

FIG. 14A is a view similar to FIG. 14, in which the wrapper includes a screen;

FIG. 14B is a view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating another alternative embodiment;

FIG. 14C is a view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating another alternative embodiment;

FIG. 14D is a view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating another alternative embodiment;

FIG. 14E is a view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating another alternative embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17A-B are a partial perspective view and a partial end view in cross section, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional end view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Although the invention is subject to various changes and alternative forms, the drawings show, by way of example, and in detail its specific embodiments. However, it should be understood that the description of certain embodiments provided herein is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The bistable devices used in the present invention may have the advantage of the principle illustrated in FIG. 1A and 1B. In FIG. 1A, a rod 10 is shown, each end of which is attached to rigid supports 12. If the rod 10 is subjected to axial force, it begins to deform, as shown in FIG. 1B. As the axial force increases, the rod 10 ultimately reaches its Euler longitudinal bending limit and deviates to one of two stable positions shown by positions 14 and 15. If the rod having longitudinal bending is now fixed in a bent position, the force at right angles to the long axis can cause moving the rod to one of the stable positions, but not to another position. When the rod is exposed to lateral force, it must move at an angle β before deviating to its new stable position.

Bistable systems are characterized by a force deflection curve, as shown in FIG. 2A and 2B. A force 16 applied externally causes the rod 10 to move in FIG. 1B in the direction of the X axis and reaches a maximum of 18 at the beginning of the shift from one stable configuration to another. Further deflection requires less force, because the system now has a negative spring rate, and when the force becomes zero, spontaneous deflection to the second stable position occurs.

The force deflection curve for this embodiment is symmetrical and is illustrated in FIG. 2A. By applying any preliminary bending to the bar or an asymmetric cross section, the force deflection curve can be made asymmetric, as shown in FIG. 2B. In this system, the force 19 required for the rod to take one stable position is greater than the force 20 required to create a back deflection. Force 20 must be greater than zero so that the system has bistable characteristics.

Bistable structures, sometimes referred to as linkage fixtures, have been used in industry for fixtures such as floppy disks, center clamps, holding fixtures and quick release systems for tension cables (for example, rigging rigging of sailing ships).

Instead of using rigid supports, as shown in FIG. 1A and 1B, it is possible to construct a cell where restriction is ensured by curved compressed elements connected at each end, as shown in FIG. 3A-3F. If both compressed elements 21 and 22 have the same thickness, as shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, the deflection curve under the action of force is linear, and the cell is elongated when it is compressed from the open position (Fig. 3B) to its closed position (Fig. 3A). If the compressed cell elements have different thicknesses, as shown in FIG. 3C-3F, the cell has the force deflection characteristics shown in FIG. 2B, and does not change the length when moving between its two stable positions. Thus, a tensile bistable pipe can be designed so that with increasing radial size, the axial length remains constant. In one embodiment, if the thickness ratio is more than about 2: 1, the heavier compressed member resists longitudinal changes. By changing the ratio of the sizes of thick and thin compressed elements, you can change the strength of their breeding and information. For example, FIG. 3C and 3D illustrate a thickness ratio of approximately 3: 1, and FIG. 3E and 3F illustrate a thickness ratio of approximately 6: 1.

An expandable bistable pipe, such as a casing, repair sleeve, or downhole string, can be constructed with a number of surrounding bistable connected cells 23, as shown in FIG. 4A, 4B, where each thin compressible element 21 is connected to a thick compressible element 22. The longitudinal flexibility of such a pipe can be changed by changing the length of the cells and by connecting each row of cells with a flexible link. Further, the deflection characteristics under the action of force and the longitudinal flexibility can also be changed by constructing the shape of the cell. FIG. 4A illustrates an expandable bistable tube 24 in its expanded configuration, while in FIG. 4B shows an expandable bistable tube 24 in its compressed or folded configuration. In this application, the term “compressed” is used to define the configuration of a bistable element or device in a stable state with the smallest diameter, and this does not mean that the element or device is somehow damaged. In a compressed state, the bistable pipe 24 is easy to install in the borehole 29, as shown in FIG. 4C. After installing the bistable pipe 24 at the desired location in the borehole, it is expanded as shown in FIG. 4D.

The geometric shape of the bistable cells is such that the cross section of the pipe can be expanded in the radial direction in order to increase the total diameter of the pipe. With radial expansion of the pipe, the bistable cells elastically deform to a certain geometric shape. At this moment, bistable cells move, for example, are compressed to a finite expanded geometric shape. With some materials and / or designs of bistable cells, enough energy can be released during the elastic deformation of the cell, when each bistable cell is compressed after a certain geometric size, so that expanding cells are able to begin the expansion of adjacent bistable cells after the critical bistable geometric shape of the cell. Depending on the deflection curves, part or even the full length of the bistable expandable pipe can be expanded from one point.

Similarly, if radial compressive forces are applied to the expanded bistable pipe, it is compressed in the radial direction, and the bistable cells are elastically deformed to achieve a critical geometric shape. At this point, the bistable cells are compressed to a final compressed structure. Thus, the expansion of bistable pipes is reversible and repeatable. Therefore, the bistable tube may be a reusable tool that optionally changes between the expanded state, as shown in FIG. 4A, and in a compressed state, as shown in FIG. 4B.

In a compressed state, as shown in FIG. 4B, a bistable expandable pipe is easy to install in a borehole and move to a desired location. The deployment tool is then used to change the configuration from the compressed state to the expanded state.

In the expanded state, as shown in FIG. 4A, the structural control of the elastic properties of the material of each bistable cell may be such that a constant radial force can be applied to the pipe wall to restrain the surface of the borehole. Material properties and the geometric shape of bistable cells can be designed to obtain certain desired results.

One design option to achieve the desired results is a column of expandable bistable pipes with more than one diameter along the entire length of the column. It can be useful in boreholes with varying diameters, regardless of whether they are designed in this way or obtained as a result of unplanned events, such as erosion of formations or ledges inside the borehole. This may also be advantageous when it is desirable to have a part of a bistable tensile device located inside the reinforced casing of the well section, while the other part is located in the unsecured casing of the well section. FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of this condition. The borehole 40 is drilled from the surface 42, and it includes a casing-reinforced section 44 and a non-casing-reinforced section 46. An expandable bistable device 48 having segments 50, 52 with different diameters is placed in the well. The large diameter section 50 is used to stabilize the unsecured casing of the well section 46, while the reduced diameter section 52 is positioned inside the reinforced casing of the well section 44.

The bistable bushings or connectors 24A (FIG. 4C) can be designed to allow sections of bistable expandable pipes to be joined together into a string of suitable lengths using a principle such as that shown in FIG. 4A and 4B. This bistable connector 24A also includes a bistable cell design that allows it to be expanded radially using the same mechanism as the bistable expandable tubular component. Exemplary bistable connectors are slightly larger in diameter than the expandable pipe sections to be joined. The bistable connector in this case is placed over the ends of the two sections and mechanically attached to the sections of the expandable pipe. Mechanical fasteners such as screws, rivets or tapes can be used to connect the connector to pipe sections. The bistable connector is usually designed to have an expansion rate that is compatible with the speed of the expandable pipe sections, so that it continues to connect the two sections after the expansion of the two segments and the connector.

Alternatively, the bistable connector may have a diameter of less than two expandable pipe sections to be joined. In this case, the connector is inserted into the ends of the pipes and mechanically fixed, as described above. Another embodiment includes machining the ends of the pipe sections on either their inner or outer surfaces to form annular cutouts in which the connector is positioned. A connector designed to fit into the cutouts is placed in the cutouts. The connector is then mechanically attached to the ends as described above. In this way, the connector forms a relatively recessed connection with pipe sections.

The moving means 31 moves the segments of the bistable expandable pipes and the bistable connectors to the borehole and to the desired location (FIGS. 4C and 4D). In the moving means, one or more mechanisms can be used such as a tackle cable, a spirally rolled pipe, a spirally rolled pipe with a wire core, a drill pipe, a pipe for operating a well or a casing.

To expand the bistable expandable pipes and well connectors, deployment devices 33 can be introduced into the lower assembly (Figs. 4C, 4D). Deployment devices can be of various types, such as an inflatable packer element, a mechanical packer element, an expandable mandrel, a reciprocating device, a mechanical actuator, an electric solenoid, a plug type device, for example, a conical shape extended or advanced through a pipe, a ball type device or an expander rotational type, as further described below.

The inflatable packer element is shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, and is a device with an inflatable hydrocyclone liner, an element or a bellows included in the lower well assembly of a bistable expandable pipe system. As shown in FIG. 5A, the inflatable packer member 25 is positioned within the full length or portion of the bistable tube 24 of the initial compressed state and any bistable expandable connectors (not shown). After the bistable expandable pipe is positioned at the proper deployment depth, the inflatable packer member 25 is radially expanded by pumping fluid into the fixture, as shown in FIG. 5B. The inflatable fluid can be pumped from the surface through pipes or a drill pipe using a mechanical pump or an electric well pump that feeds electricity through a wire cable. As the expandable packer element 25 expands, it also causes a radial expansion of the bistable expandable pipe 24. At a certain expansion diameter, the blower packer element causes the bistable cells in the pipe to reach a critical geometric shape when the bistable snap-in effect begins and the bistable expandable pipe system expands to its final diameter. In conclusion, air is released from the inflatable packer element 25 and is removed from the placed bistable tensile tube 24.

The mechanical packer element shown in FIG. 6A and 6B, is a device with a deformable plastic element 26, which expands in the radial direction when compressed in the axial direction. The force for compressing the element can be provided by means of a compression mechanism 27, such as a screw mechanism, a cam or a hydraulic piston. The mechanical packer element deploys bistable tensile tubes and connectors in the same manner as the inflatable packer element. The deformable plastic element 26 exerts a radial force directed outward to the inner periphery of the bistable expandable pipes and connectors, allowing them to in turn expand from the compressed position (Fig. 6A) to the final deployed diameter (Fig. 6B).

An expandable mandrel is shown in FIG. 7A-7D and comprises a series of fingers 28 that are radially around the conical mandrel 30. In FIG. 7A, 7C show side and top views, respectively. When pushing or pulling the mandrel 30 through the fingers 28, they diverge radially outward, as shown in FIG. 7B, 7D. An expandable mandrel is used in the same way as an element of a mechanical packer to deploy a bistable expandable pipe and connector.

The piston type device is shown in FIG. 8A-8D and contains a number of pistons 32 directed radially to the outside and used as a mechanism for expanding bistable expandable pipes and connectors. When energizing, the pistons 32 exert a radially directed force to deploy the bistable expandable tube assembly, as in the case of an inflatable packer member. FIG. 8A and 8C illustrate retracted pistons, while in FIG. 8B and 8D show extended pistons. The piston type device can be actuated hydraulically, mechanically or electrically.

The plug type actuator is illustrated in FIG. 9A and 9B and comprises a plug 34 that is pushed or pulled through bistable expandable tubes 24 or connectors, as shown in FIG. 9A. The plug is used so large as to extend the bistable cells beyond their critical point when they snap into the final expanded diameter, as shown in FIG. 9B.

The ball-type actuator is shown in FIG. 10A and 10B, and is effective when the enlarged ball 36 is pumped through the middle of the bistable expandable tubes 24 and connectors. To prevent fluid loss through the slots of the cells, an expandable elastomer based liner 38 moves within a bistable expandable pipe system. The liner 38 acts as an insulator and allows the ball 36 to be hydraulically pumped through the bistable pipe 24 and connectors. The action of injecting the ball 36 through bistable expandable pipes 24 and connectors consists in expanding the geometric shapes of the cell beyond the critical bistable point, allowing full expansion, as shown in FIG. 10B. After expansion of the bistable expandable pipes and connectors, the elastomeric insert 38 and ball 36 are removed.

Actuators such as radial rollers can be used to expand sections of bistable pipes. FIG. 12 illustrates an engine driven expandable radial roller tool. The tool contains one or more sets of levers 58, which expand to a predetermined diameter by means of a mechanism and a hinge. There is a roller 60 at the end of each set of levers. Alignment devices 62 can be attached to the tool so that it is positioned correctly inside the borehole and bistable pipe 24. Engine 64 creates a force to rotate the entire assembly, thus turning the roller (s) around the periphery inside the drill wells. The axis of the roller (s) is positioned so as to allow the roller (s) to rotate freely upon contact with the inner surface of the pipe. Each roller may have a conical section to increase the area of contact of the surface of the roller with the inner wall of the pipe. First, the rollers are retracted and the tool is advanced inside the compressed bistable pipe. The tool is then rotated by the engine 64, and the rollers 60 are moved to the outside to come into contact with the inner surface of the bistable pipe. After coming into contact with the pipe, the rollers are turned to the outside for a greater distance for the application of the radial force directed to the outside of the bistable pipe. The outward movement of the rollers can be performed by centrifugal force or a corresponding actuator connected between the motor 64 and the rollers 60.

The final turning position is adjusted to the point where the bistable pipe can be expanded to a final diameter. Then the tool is moved in the longitudinal direction along the compressed bistable pipe, while the engine continues to rotate the hinge and rollers. The rollers follow a shallow spiral path 66 inside the bistable tube, expanding the bistable cells in its path. After the deployment of the bistable pipe, the rotation of the tool stops and the rollers retract. Then the tool is removed from the bistable pipe by means of 68 displacement, which can also be used to insert the tool.

FIG. 13 illustrates a hydraulically driven deployment tool for radial rollers. The tool contains one or more rollers 60, which are brought into contact with the inner surface of the bistable pipe by means of a hydraulic piston 70. The external radial force exerted by the rollers can be increased to the point where the bistable pipe expands to its final diameter. The alignment device 62 can be attached to the tool to properly position it inside the borehole and bistable pipe 24. The rollers 60 are initially retracted and the tool is advanced into the compressed bistable pipe 24. Then the rollers 60 are deployed and pushed relative to the inner wall of the bistable pipe 24 to expand parts of the pipe to its final diameter. Then, the entire tool is pushed or pulled longitudinally along the bistable tube 24, expanding the entire length of the bistable cells 23. After the bistable tube 24 is expanded in its expanded state, the rollers 60 are retracted and the tool is removed from the borehole by means of transfer 68 used to insert it. By changing the axis of the rollers 60, the tool can be rotated by means of a motor when it is followed in the longitudinal direction along the bistable pipe 24.

The energy for operation of the deployment device can be supplied from one or a combination of sources such as electricity supplied either from the surface or stored in the battery located together with the deployment device, hydraulic energy provided by pumps on the surface or in the downhole with turbines or a fluid storage and mechanical energy applied through an appropriate connection, driven by movement provided from the surface or stored in the downward direction kvazhine, e.g., in the spring mechanism.

The bistable expandable pipe system is designed so that the inside diameter of the unfolded pipe expands to maintain maximum cross-sectional area along the expandable pipe. This feature allows you to build mono-boreholes and facilitates the elimination of problems associated with traditional casing systems of boreholes, where the outer diameter of the casing must be reduced stepwise by several times, restricting access to long boreholes.

The bistable expandable pipe system can be used in numerous applications such as the expandable liner of a borehole portion not secured by casing (FIG. 14), where the bistable expandable tubing 24 is used to maintain the formation of a portion of a borehole not secured by casing by applying external radial force to the surface borehole. When the bistable pipe 24 extends radially in the direction of the arrows 71, the pipe moves in contact with the surface forming the wellbore 29. These radial forces help stabilize the formation and allow for the drilling of wells with fewer conventional casing strings. A liner of a borehole not secured by casing may also contain material, such as a wrap 72, which reduces the rate of fluid loss from the borehole in the formation. Wrap 72 can be made from a variety of materials, including expandable materials and / or elastomeric materials. By reducing fluid loss in the formation, the flow rate of the drilling fluid can be reduced and the risk of loss of circulation and / or compression of the wellbore can be minimized.

Liners can also be used inside borehole pipes for corrosion protection purposes. One example of a corrosive environment is the environment that occurs when carbon dioxide is used to increase oil recovery from a productive formation. Carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) readily reacts with any water (H ₂ O) that is used to form carbonic acid (H ₂ CO ₃ ). Other acids may also be produced, especially if sulfur-containing components are present. Pipes used for introducing carbon dioxide, as well as pipes used in production wells, are subject to significantly increased corrosion rates. The present invention can be used to place protective liners, bistable pipes 24, inside an existing pipe (for example, pipe 73 shown by dashed lines in FIG. 14) to minimize corrosion and increase the operational life of the borehole.

Other uses include the use of the bistable pipe 24 shown in FIG. 14, as an expandable perforated insert. Open bistable cells in a bistable expandable pipe allow unlimited flow from the formation while providing a structure for stabilizing the wellbore.

Another use of the bistable pipe 24 is in an expandable sand screen, where the bistable cells are arranged to act as a sand control screen, or the expandable screen member 74 can be attached to a bistable expandable pipe, as shown in FIG. 14A, in its compressed state. The expandable screen element 74 can be formed as a wrapper around the bistable tube 24. It has been found that the application of tensile stress to the wall of the wellbore alone helps to stabilize the formation and reduces or eliminates the influx of sand from productive zones, even if the secondary screen element is not used.

Another use of the bistable pipe 24 is a reinforced expandable liner, where the cell structure of the bistable expandable tube is cemented or resin 75, as shown in FIG. 14B. Cement or resin 75 provides enhanced structural support or hydraulic isolation from the formation.

The bistable expandable pipe 24 can also be used as an extensible communication system for connecting traditional sections of casing 76a or 76b of various diameters, as shown in FIG. 14C. Pipe 24 can also be used as a structural reducing joint to provide increased strength for existing casing sections.

Other uses include the use of a bistable expandable pipe 24 as an anchor inside a borehole to which other tools or casing can be attached, or as a “catching” tool in which bistable characteristics are used to return items lost or stuck in a drill hole well. The bistable expandable pipe 24, in its compressed configuration, is inserted into the lost part 77 and then expanded as shown by arrows 78 in FIG. 14D. In an expanded configuration, the bistable tube creates radial forces that help return the lost part. The bistable pipe can also be inserted into the well in its expanded configuration, placed on top and squeezed in the direction of arrows 79 around the lost part 77 in an attempt to attach and return it, as shown in FIG. 14E. After capturing the lost part 77 with a bistable pipe 24, it can be returned through the borehole 29.

The bistable expandable pipes described above can be manufactured in various ways, for example, by cutting paths of appropriate shapes through the wall of a cylindrical pipe, thereby creating an expandable bistable device in its compressed state; cutting out patterns in a cylindrical pipe, thereby creating an expandable bistable device in its expanded state and then compressing the device into its compressed state; cutting appropriate paths through a sheet of material, twisting the material into a tubular shape and connecting the ends to form an expandable bistable device in its compressed state; or by cutting out patterns in a sheet of material, twisting the material into a tubular shape, connecting adjacent ends to form an expandable bistable device in its expanded state, and then compressing the device into its compressed state.

Construction materials for bistable expandable pipes may include materials commonly used in the oil and gas industry, such as carbon steel. They can also be made from special alloys (such as Monel, Inconel, Hastelloy or tungsten-based alloys), if their application is required.

The configurations shown for bistable tube 24 illustrate the operation of the main bistable cell. Other configurations may also be suitable, but the concept presented is also valid for these other configurations.

FIG. 15 illustrates an expandable pipe 80 formed by bistable cells 82. The pipe 80 defines a thinned portion 84 (better seen in FIG. 15), which may be in the form of a slot, as shown, flattening or otherwise thinning a portion of the pipe 80. The thinned portion 84 expands usually in the longitudinal direction and can be linear, spiral or follow some other winding path. In one embodiment, the thinned portion extends from one end of the pipe to the other in order to provide a communication channel 84 for the pipe 80. In such an embodiment, the communication line 86 may extend along the communication channel 84 along the pipe 80. With this method, the communication line 86 remains in the usual outer diameter of the pipe is 80 or only slightly out of the outer part of this diameter. Although the pipe is shown with one decimable portion 84, it may include a plurality of such portions that are dispersed around the periphery of the pipe 80. The decimated portion 84 may be used to position a channel (not shown) through which communication lines 86 pass or which is used to pass fluids or other materials, such as mixtures of fluids and solids.

As used herein, the term “communication line” refers to any type of communication line, for example, electrical, hydraulic, fiber optic, combinations thereof, and the like.

FIG. 15A illustrates an embodiment of the thinned portion 84 designed to accommodate the fixture 88. As with the cable, the fixture 88 is at least partially placed in the thinned portion of the pipe 80, so that the extent to which it extends beyond the outer diameter of the pipe 80, decreases. Examples of some alternative embodiments of fixtures 88 are electrical fixtures, gauges, meters, gauges, gauges. More specific devices include valves, sampling devices, a tool used to reasonably complete a well, heat-sensitive elements, pressure sensors, flow regulators, flow rate measuring instruments, oil / water / gas ratio measuring instruments, scale indicators, equipment sensors (e.g. , vibration sensors), sand detection sensors, water detection sensors, data logging tools, viscosity sensors, density sensors, first bubbles before boiling sensors, state sensors rather, devices and matrix resistivity sensors, acoustic means and sensors, other telemetry devices, near infrared sensors, gamma-radiation detectors, detectors of H ₂ S, CO ₂ detectors, downhole memory units, downhole controllers. Examples of measurements that such devices can perform are flow rate, pressure, temperature, differential pressure, density, relative amounts of liquid, gas and solids, water extraction, oil to water ratio, and other measurements.

As shown in the figure, the device 88 can open for fluid inside and outside the pipe 80 through the holes formed by the cells 82. Thus, the thinned portion 84 can connect the holes, as well as the connections 21, 22 of the cells 82. Communication line 86 and line channel 84 In some embodiments, the connection may extend along part of the length of the pipe 80. For example, if the device 88 is located between the ends of the pipe 80, the communication channel 84 may be necessary only to pass from the end of the pipe to the location of the device 80.

FIG. 16 illustrates an expanded pipe 80 formed of bistable cells 82 having thin compressed elements 21 and thick compressed elements 22. At least one of the thick compressed elements 90 is relatively wider than the other compressed elements of the pipe 80. The wider compressed element 90 can be used for various purposes, for example, for directing communication lines, including cables or devices, such as sensor arrays.

FIG. 17A and 17B illustrate a pipe 80 having a compressed member 90 that is relatively wider than other thick compressed members 22. A channel 92 formed in the compressed member 90 facilitates the placement of the communication line in the well and passes through the pipe 80 and can be used for other purposes. . FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view showing channel 92. Channel 92 is an alternative embodiment of communication channel 84. Channel 94 may be formed to normally follow the curvature of a compressed member, such as one of the thick compressed members 22, as shown in FIG. 17A and 17B.

FIG. 18 illustrates a thinned portion 84 having a dovetail structure with a relatively narrower opening. The communication line 86 passes through a relatively narrow hole into the wider lower part, for example, by introducing one side edge and then another. Communication line 86 is held in place by a dovetail design, as is apparent from the figures. The width of the communication line 86 is greater than the width of the hole. Communication line 86 may comprise a bundle of lines that may have the same or different shapes (e.g., a hydraulic, electrical, and fiber optic line connected together). In addition, connectors for connecting adjacent pipes may include a connector for communication lines.

Communication channel 84 can be used in conjunction with other types of expandable pipes, for example, expandable slotted type tubes disclosed in US Patent No. 5,366,012 issued November 22, 1994 to Lohbeck, folded pipe types disclosed in US Patent No. 3,489,220, issued January 13, 1970 to Kinley, US Patent No. 5,337,823, issued August 16, 1994 to Nobileau, US Patent No. 3,203,451, issued August 31, 1965 to Vincent.

The specific embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative only, since the invention can be modified and practiced in various but equivalent ways that are obvious to those skilled in the art who benefit from the technique described herein. In addition, no limitations are intended with respect to the structural details or the solutions shown here, other than those described in the claims below. Therefore, it is obvious that the specific embodiments disclosed above can be modified or modified, and all such modifications are considered without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the protection found here is as set forth in the claims below.

Claims (39)

1. A device for use in a borehole having an expandable tubular component capable of moving into the well in a compressed state and then radially expanding to an expanded state, a moving means capable of moving the expandable tubular component to a desired location in the borehole, and a deployment tool capable of causing expanding the expandable tubular component from its first generally tubular configuration to its second generally tubular configuration, characterized in that expandable tubular component is an expandable bistable device formed for deployment of the vicinity of the borehole wall, having a plurality of bistable cells arranged in a generally tubular shape and which is stable in the compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that each bistable cell contains at least two elongated elements connected to each other. 3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that each bistable cell contains a first element and a second element, each of which contains a middle and two ends, while the first element is more flexible than the second element. 4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first and second elements are mechanically connected so that the second element prevents deformation of the first element. 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first element has two stable positions, while in the first stable position the middle of the first element is adjacent to the middle of the second element, in the second stable position the middle of the first element is offset from the middle of the second element to form a gap between the middle of the first element and the middle of the second element. 6. The device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the second element has a greater thickness than the first element. 7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the ratio of the thickness of the second element and the thickness of the first element is greater than about 3: 1. 8. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the ratio of the thickness of the second element to the thickness of the first element is greater than about 6: 1. 9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bistable device further comprises a wrapper attached to its outer surface. 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the wrapper contains a tensile screen. 11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bistable device further comprises a deformable material attached to its outer surface. 12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the deformable material contains an elastomer. 13. The device according to p. 12, characterized in that the elastomer is selected so that it is resistant to crude oils, salt solutions and acids found in oil and gas wells. 14. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that the bistable device in its second generally tubular configuration has many diameters. 15. A method of using in a borehole a device having an expandable tubular component capable of moving into a well in a compressed state and then radially expanding to an expanded state, characterized in that an expandable tubular component is used to stabilize an unsecured casing section of a borehole in the subterranean formation, representing an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape containing a plurality of bistable cells accommodates a bistable device positioning in a borehole first in a first stable state and then radially expand the bistable device into a second stable state having a generally tubular structure without reducing the axial length. 16. The method according to p. 15, characterized in that they use an expandable bistable device with a wrapper attached to its outer surface. 17. The method according to clause 16, wherein the expandable screen is used as a wrapper. 18. The method according to p. 15, characterized in that it further impose a deformable material on the outer surface of the bistable device. 19. The method according to p. 18, characterized in that the elastomeric material is used as a deformable material. 20. The method according to p. 15, characterized in that radially expand the bistable device to many final diameters. 21. A method of using in a borehole a device having an expandable tubular component capable of moving into the well in a compressed state and then expanding radially to an expanded state, characterized in that for installing the liner inside the pipe located in the well, an expandable tubular component is used, which is an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape containing a plurality of bistable cells surround the expandable bistable device with an expandable element An insert liner attached to the outer surface of the bistable fixture places an expandable bistable fixture at a location inside the pipe initially in a first steady state and expands the expandable bistable fixture to a second steady state to hold the expandable liner element relative to the inner diameter of the tube. 22. The method according to item 21, characterized in that they additionally use many bistable devices in the borehole so that the ends of adjacent bistable devices overlap and form a continuation of the expandable element of the liner relative to the inner diameter of the pipe. 23. The method according to p. 21, characterized in that they use an expandable bistable device, in which each bistable cell with a thin compressed element is attached to a thick compressed element. 24. A method of using in a borehole a device having an expandable tubular component capable of moving into the well in a compressed state and then expanding radially to an expanded state, characterized in that an expandable tubular component is used to delay the flow of sand into the borehole, which is an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape containing a plurality of bistable cells, an expandable bistable device is placed at a desired location borehole and expanding the expandable bistable device at least partially outside the unstable range toward the steady state until the bistable device will generate a force capable of extending the voltage with respect to the borehole. 25. The method according to paragraph 24, wherein the use of an expandable bistable device with a wrapper attached to its outer surface. 26. The method according A.25, characterized in that a tensile screen is used as a wrapper. 27. A method of using in a borehole a device having an expandable tubular component capable of moving into a well in a compressed state and then radially expanding to an expanded state, characterized in that an expandable tubular component is used, which is an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape, containing a plurality of bistable cells, an expandable bistable device is disposed within the borehole pipe near the area to be densified, and expanded ryayut expandable bistable device relative to the tube of the borehole by the movement of the bistable expandable device through the unstable region in the direction of advanced stable state. 28. An expandable tubular component capable of moving into a well in a compressed state and then radially expanding to an expanded state, characterized in that it is an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape containing a plurality of bistable cells and has a channel for a communication line. 29. The expandable tubular component according to claim 28, wherein the channel for the communication line is formed by the refined part of the expandable bistable device located along it. 30. An expandable tubular component capable of moving into a well in a compressed state and then radially expanding to an expanded state, characterized in that it is an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape containing a plurality of bistable cells, has a device attached to the expandable bistable device . 31. The expandable tubular component according to claim 30, wherein the device attached to the expandable bistable device is an electric device, a measuring device, a meter, a pressure gauge or a sensor. 32. A method of using an expandable tubular component in a borehole capable of moving into the well in a compressed state and then expanding radially to an expanded state, characterized in that an expandable tubular component is used, which is an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape containing a plurality of bistable cells and having a channel for a communication line, carry out the descent of the said expandable bistable device by passing it into the well, t, at least a portion of the link adjacent to at least a portion of said expandable bistable devices and expand expandable bistable device. 33. The method according to p, characterized in that as the communication line use a cable that is sent along the outer part of the expandable bistable device. 34. The method according to p, characterized in that they carry out the fastening of the communication line to the expandable bistable device during its descent by passing into the well. 35. The method according to p, characterized in that the communication line is located in the channel for the communication line. 36. The method according to clause 35, wherein the communication line is located in the channel for the communication line along the thick compressed element formed between the plurality of bistable cells of the expandable bistable device. 37. The method according to p, characterized in that they use an expandable bistable device, containing additional device attached to an expandable bistable device. 38. The method according to clause 37, wherein a sensor is used as the device attached to the expandable bistable device. 39. The method according to clause 37, wherein the tool is used as a device attached to an expandable bistable device.

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