RU2800136C1 - Device for fluid transfer in downhole environments and system for use in downhole environments - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: oil and gas industry.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions is related to a device for fluid transfer in downhole environments and a system for use in downhole environments. The device for fluid transfer in downhole environments contains a y-shaped block, the first lateral branch for the first lateral channel of the plurality of lateral channels, the second lateral branch for the second lateral channel of the plurality of lateral channels. The Y-shaped block has a main channel and a plurality of side channels formed therein. The main channel has the first end for connection with the tubing section and another end for connection with a branch of the main channel. Each side channel of the plurality of side channels has a threaded interface. The inner diameter of the main channel is larger than the inner diameter of the side channels. The first side branch for the first lateral channel of the plurality of lateral channels has the first threaded interface for connecting to the threaded interface of the first side channel and the second threaded interface configured to connect to the first threaded interface of the adapter. The second lateral branch for the second lateral channel of the plurality of lateral channels has the first threaded interface for connecting to the threaded interface of the second side channel and the second threaded interface configured to connect to the second threaded interface of the adapter. The first lateral branch and the second lateral branch are placed with the possibility of passing into one borehole after the connection of the first lateral branch and the second lateral branch with a y-shaped block. The first threaded interface and the second threaded interface of the first lateral branch and the second lateral branch are at least partially and simultaneously in a thread connection with the threaded interface of the first lateral channel, the threaded interface of the second lateral channel, the first threaded interface of the adapter and the second threaded means of interface of the adapter.

EFFECT: providing a strong threaded connection of the main channel with the side channels with an acceptable level of strength, without reducing the inner diameter of the main shaft.

14 cl, 7 dwg, 1 tbl

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/894,589, filed August 30, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Lateral connections are used in the development and production of hydrocarbon reservoirs (see, for example, US 20170107794 Α1, E21B 41/00, 04/20/2017). Typically, the side connection contains a main channel for connection with tubular elements of the main channel and a side channel that communicates with the main channel. The main channel and side channel are separate sections welded together. Since it is desirable to have a main channel with a maximum internal diameter in order to provide maximum throughput, a D-shaped side channel is made. The D-shaped lateral branch is then welded to the D-shaped lateral channel. However, although the main passage has an increased inner diameter, this also results in a reduction in the compression ratio and collapse ratio of the side branch or branches.

[0003] In some downhole hydrocarbon reservoirs (see FIG. 2), subsidence created during production can increase pressure on production tubing, including laterals. In these situations, the pore water pressure decreases, but the weight of the collapsed formation does not decrease. Thus, the load on the side branch will increase. How these loads are applied to the side branch depends on the characteristics of the formation in which the connection is located. For example, in the Norwegian field in the Cretaceous rocks, the formation flows like toothpaste. In a sandstone formation, it depends on whether the sandstone is heavily cemented or not. Shales can range from "rock-hard" to "toothpaste" slate, also known as "chewing gum" slate. The worst case scenario is a "toothpaste" type shale where the pressure is similar to that of water. In this particular situation, the collapse pressure surrounding the side branch is uniform. Uniform collapse pressure can be a major problem for the structural integrity of a D-lateral.

[0004] In these specific downhole environments, the materials used to make the joints must have a hardness level of less than 250 HV (Vickers hardness number). This hardness level is also a requirement for connections approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI; American National Standards Institute)/NACE MR0175. However, the oil and gas industry has not been able to provide inexpensive National Association of Corrosion Engineers-approved "Multi Branch Inflow Control" (MIC) welds without the use of expensive materials. Thus, there is a need for a less expensive joint with an acceptable level of hardness, a NACE approved MIC type side joint, which also contains a side channel or side channels that do not require a reduction in the internal diameter of the main channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHICS

[0005] For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is made to the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying figures, with the respective reference numbers in the various figures referring to the respective parts, and wherein:

[0006] in FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a hydrocarbon production well, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments;

[0007] in FIG. 2 illustrates subterranean formations containing a hydrocarbon reservoir and the impact that production operations can have on formations in the form of subsidence, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments;

[0008] in FIG. 3A-3D illustrate isometric and sectional views of a multi-line joint comprising a y-block 20, side branches, and a transition sub, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments;

[0009] in FIG. 4A-4D illustrate isometric and sectional views of a y-block, side branches, adapter sub, and stabilizer, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments;

[0010] in FIG. 5A-5C illustrate isometric views of a stabilizer 820, in accordance with some of the exemplary embodiments;

[0011] in FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of a y-block having a plurality of holes and control lines, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments; And

[0012] in FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a y-block having a plurality of holes and control lines, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] While various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that may be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention. For the sake of clarity, not all features of the actual implementation can be described in the present invention. Of course, it should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with systems-related and business-related constraints, which will differ from one implementation to another. In addition, it should be understood that such development can be complex and time consuming, but it will be a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from this invention.

[0014] This document provides a lateral connection for connection to tubing sections and lateral branches for use in a downhole development and production environment. This document also provides an adapter sub for connecting to side branches so that the connection can be connected to another section of tubing. The side connection contains a y-shaped block, which contains the main channel and side channels formed in it. The main channel may be connected to a production tubing string, and each side channel is connected to a side branch. Each side channel is threaded and connected to one end of a round threaded side branch. The other end of the lateral branch contains an interface, such as a threaded interface, which connects to a transition sub. The lateral connection has a hardness level of less than 250 HV and hence the fracture, collapse and compression ratios are suitable for use in all types of sandstone formations. The lateral connection is capable of withstanding high load concentrations due to formation subsidence, such as subsidence in bubble gum shale formations. Since no welds are required to connect side branches to this connection, carbon and low alloy steels, corrosion-resistant alloys and other alloys can be used to make a side connection of the MIC type. Making a connection using the aforementioned y-block with built-in channels, threads and materials results in a low cost MIC type connection that meets ANSI/NACE MR0175 standards at maximum main channel capacity. The term "side branch" as used in this document also means a tubular element of a round shape.

[0015] Further, referring to FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a well for the production of hydrocarbon products in accordance with some exemplary embodiments, indicated generally by reference numeral 10. Well 10 includes a pump 12, a well casing string 14, tubing sections 16A, 16B, multilateral connections, and a control unit 18. Each lateral connection includes a y-block 20, side branches 22, and an adapter sub 24. The control unit 18 can provide power and operate the pump 12 to either pump fluid from hydrocarbon formations, such as shale formations, in a subterranean formation, or pump fluid into a hydrocarbon formation or subterranean formation. Fluid can pass through tubing sections 16A, main channel branches 16B, y-block 20, side branches 22, and adapter subs 24. Moreover, y-block 20 includes a main channel and side channels formed therein. The inner diameter of the main channel is larger than the inner diameter of the side channel. The side channels are threaded. Each side branch 22 has a threaded interface at the end that connects to the side channels. The other end of the side branch 22 includes an interface, such as a threaded interface, that connects to the bore of the adapter sub 24. Side connections offer several advantages. Since the channels in the side connection are round and threaded, inexpensive standard tubular elements can be used. In other words, the production of expensive D-shaped tubular elements is not required. Because branches or tubulars of round shape can be used, the coefficients of compression, rupture, and collapse are increased compared to D-shaped pipes or pipes of other similar shapes. Due to the increased collapse and compression ratios, the side joint material types may be selected such that the joint can be a NACE approved MIC type joint. In addition, since the side branches 22 do not need to be welded to the side connection and adapter sub 24, welding and inspection costs are eliminated.

[0016] Further, referring to FIG. 3A-3D show isometric and sectional views of a multi-line joint comprising a y-block 20, side branches 22, and an adapter sub 24. FIG. 3A, the multi-link is in a disconnected state. The multi-barrel connection comprises a y-shaped block 20 having a main channel 26 that connects to a branch 16B of the main channel, side channels 28, each of which has a threaded interface 30, and side branches 22, each of which has a threaded interface 32. The inner diameter of the main channel 26 is larger than the inner diameter of the side channel. The main channel 26 has an internal diameter (see Table 1) that can accommodate the passage of some tools. This can be useful during the well completion stage.

[0017]

[0018] Each threaded interface 32 of each lateral branch 22 may be connected to the threaded interface 30 of each side channel 28. Although the illustrated multi-bar connection contains only two lateral branches 22, it should be understood that other configurations are possible. In FIG. 3B, the main channel branch 16B, the side branch 22, and the multi-link adapter sub 24 are in a disconnected state. The adapter sub 24 includes a transition channel 34 and a side channel 36 for each side branch 22. Each side channel 36 of the adapter sub 24 also contains a threaded interface 38. The side branch 22 comprises a threaded interface 42 and a gasket 40, such as a gasket made of elastomer or metal. After the multilateral connection is assembled, the gasket 40 forms a hydraulic seal with the internal structure of the transition sub 24.

[0019] FIG. 3C, the side arms 22 are partially screwed into the adapter sub 24, and in FIG. The 3D side arms 22 are fully screwed into the adapter sub 24. After the side arms 22 are screwed into the adapter sub 24, the gasket 40 is in the annular cavity. At this point, each side branch 22 can be screwed into the y-block 20. The threaded interfaces 32 are shorter than the threaded interfaces 42. As the threaded interfaces 32 are screwed into the y-block 20, the threaded interfaces 42 unscrew from the threaded interfaces 38 of the side channels 36. As will be discussed with reference to FIG. 4, when the threaded interfaces 42 are unscrewed, the gasket 40 mates with the seat of the adapter sub 24. The gaskets 40 form a hydraulic seal between the side branches 22 and the internal structure of the adapter sub 24.

[0020] Further, referring to FIG. 4A-4C and 5A-5C illustrate isometric and sectional views of a y-block 20, side branches 22, adapter sub 24, and stabilizer 820, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. In FIG. 4A, each side leg 22 threads into a respective side channel 36 of the adapter sub 24, but does not thread into the y-block 20. In FIG. 4B, side branch 22 is fully connected to adapter sub 24. In this configuration, gasket 40 is aligned in annular cavity 50. In FIG. 4C and 4D, lateral leg 22 is screwed into a respective side channel 28 of y-block 20. After each side leg 22 is screwed into a respective side 28 of y-block 20, gasket 40 is aligned with a respective landing pad 1600. sub 24. Thus, there are two seals forming a hydraulic seal between the side branches 22 and the side channels 36 of the adapter sub 24. Gasket 40 and seal 1200 may be synthetic-based seals, such as elastomer. In some embodiments, the threaded interfaces 30, 32 do not use synthetic materials, instead they are based on a metal-to-metal seal. In some embodiments, the threaded interfaces 30, 32, 38, 42 are formed as synchronized threads. Synchronized threads involve machining the threads in the same orientation, so thread engagement begins at the 12 o'clock position for side branches 22. The threaded interfaces 30, 38 are right hand or left hand thread interfaces. In other words, the threaded interface and the other threaded interface have the same rotational orientation.

[0021] In FIG. 5A, stabilizer 820A is a single object that can be installed around lateral legs 22. Stabilizer 820A provides rigidity to lateral legs 22 when the legs are subjected to compressive loads when the multilateral connection is run into the well. For example, if it is desired to run lateral screens into a lateral wellbore, the branches may be slightly curved and experience high compressive thrust when the interface is near the landing site. Stabilizer 820A increases the section modulus of the side arms 22, which in turn increases the resistance to buckling and bending of the side arms 22. FIG. 5B and 5C, the 820V stabilizer is a multi-element component. Stabilizers 820A and 820B may be attached to the side arms 22, for example, with set screws (not shown). In some embodiments, stabilizers 820A, 820B may be threaded. One advantage of the 820V multi-piece stabilizer is that it can be connected together using fasteners. The fasteners may be configured to fail under certain scenarios. For example, if branches 22 are hit by cuttings, it may be desirable that branches 22 be separated from each other and the load from the cuttings does not distort the side branches 22, but instead allows them to move independently of each other.

[0022] Next, with reference to FIG. 6 and 7 illustrate, respectively, a sectional view and an isometric view of a y-block having a plurality of control channels 2100 and control lines 2200, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. A side connection may require more than 2 side branches to meet certain criteria, such as passing large tools through the main channel 26. If the main channel 26 is to be quite large, it may be necessary to use 3 or more side branches 2100 to increase the flow area of the side branch. Likewise, in some applications it may be necessary to run the control lines/flat modules (which house 1 or more control lines) either adjacent to the side branch 22 or adjacent to the main channel branch 16b or both.

[0023] As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, it should be understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" when used in this description define the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes all possible combinations of one or more related listed elements. As used herein, phrases such as "from X to Y" and "from about X to Y" should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as "between about X and Y" mean "between about X and about Y". As used herein, phrases such as "from about X to about Y" mean "from about X to about Y".

[0024] The embodiments disclosed above are presented for purposes of illustration and to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention, but the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the forms disclosed. Many minor modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the claims is intended to broadly cover the disclosed embodiments and any such modifications. In addition, the following items are additional embodiments of the invention and should be considered within the scope of this invention:

[0025] Item 1: a device for transferring fluid in downhole environments, comprising: a y-shaped block having a main channel and side channels formed therein, and the main channel has a first end for connection with a section of tubing and another end for connection with a branch of the main channel, and each side channel has a threaded interface, and the inner diameter of the main channel is larger than the inner diameter of the side channels; and a side branch for each side channel, each side branch having a threaded interface for connection with a threaded interface of the corresponding side channel;

[0026] Item 2: the device according to item 1, characterized in that the side branch further comprises another threaded interface for connection with the adapter sub;

[0027] Claim 3: the apparatus of claim 2, wherein the other threaded interface has more threads than the threaded interface that is connected to the threaded interface of the respective side channel or the threaded interface of the side branch;

[0028] Item 4: the device according to item 2, characterized in that the threaded interface and the other threaded interface have the same orientation of rotation;

[0029] Claim 5: the apparatus of claim 2, wherein the threaded interface and the other threaded interface have the same rotational orientation and synchronized threads;

[0030] Item 6: the device according to item 2, characterized in that at least one selected from the group containing the lower section of another threaded interface and the upper section of the threaded interface contains a gasket;

[0031] Item 7: the device according to item 1, further comprising at least one selected from the group: a stabilizer and a multi-element stabilizer for stabilizing side branches;

[0032] Claim 8: the apparatus of claim 2, wherein the threaded side channel interface, threaded side branch interface, or other side branch interface, or any combination thereof, have the same thread pitch;

[0033] Item 9: a system for use in downhole environments, comprising: a y-shaped block having a main channel and side channels formed therein, and the main channel has a first end for connection with a section of tubing and another end for connection with a branch of the main channel, and each side channel has a threaded interface, and the inner diameter of the main channel is larger than the inner diameter of the side channels; at least two side branches, each side branch having a threaded interface for connection with a threaded interface of the corresponding side channel; and an adapter sub for connecting to another lateral branch interface;

[0034] Claim 10: the system of claim 9, wherein the other side branch interface is a threaded interface;

[0035] Claim 11: the system of claim 10, wherein the other threaded interface has more threads than the threaded interface that is connected to the threaded interface of the respective side channel or the threaded interface of the side branch;

[0036] Claim 12: the system of claim 10, wherein the threaded interface and the other threaded interface have the same rotational orientation;

[0037] Claim 13: the system of claim 10, wherein the threaded interface and the other threaded interface have the same rotational orientation and synchronized threads;

[0038] Item 14: the system according to item 10, additionally containing at least one selected from the group: a stabilizer and a multi-element stabilizer for stabilizing side branches;

[0039] Item 15: The system of claim 10, wherein the threaded side channel interface, threaded side branch interface, or other side branch interface, or any combination thereof, comprises a metal spacer;

[0040] Item 16: the system of item 10, characterized in that the adapter sub contains an annular cavity and a landing pad;

[0041] Item 17: a method of using a connection in a downhole environment, including: screwing the end of the first side branch and the end of the second side branch into a transition sub; screwing the other end of the first side leg and the other end of the second side leg into the y-block; placing a tubing section, a y-block, a main channel branch, a first side branch, and a second side branch in the well section, wherein the main channel branch and the side branch are crushed together; placement of a lateral branch in another section of the well; pumping fluid through a section of tubing, a branch of the main channel and a side branch; moreover, the y-shaped block has a main channel and side channels formed therein, and the main channel has a first end for connection with a section of tubing and another end for connection with a branch of the main channel, and each side channel has a threaded interface, and the inner diameter of the main channel is larger than the inner diameter of the side channels; moreover, the side branches have a threaded interface for connection with a threaded interface of the corresponding side channel; and an adapter sub for connecting to another lateral branch interface;

[0042] Claim 18: the method of claim 17, wherein the other branch interface is a threaded interface; wherein the other threaded interface has a greater number of threads than the threaded interface that is connected to the threaded interface of the respective side channel or the threaded interface of the side branch;

[0043] Item 19: the method of item 17, further comprising stabilizing the side branches with at least one selected from the group containing a stabilizer and a multi-element stabilizer; And

[0044] Item 20: The method of item 17, further comprising forming a seal between the side legs and the adapter sub.

Claims (25)

1. A device for transferring fluid in downhole environments, comprising: a y-shaped block having a main channel and a plurality of side channels formed therein, wherein the main channel has a first end for connection with a tubing section and another end for connection with a branch of the main channel, and each side channel of the plurality of side channels has a threaded interface, and the inner diameter of the main channel is larger than the inner diameter of the side channels; And a first lateral branch for a first lateral channel of a plurality of lateral channels, wherein the first lateral branch has a first threaded interface for connecting to the threaded interface of the first side channel and a second threaded interface configured to connect to the first threaded interface of the adapter sub; a second side branch for a second side channel of a plurality of side channels, wherein the second side branch has a first threaded interface for connecting to a threaded interface of the second side channel and a second threaded interface configured to connect to the second threaded interface of the adapter sub, wherein the first lateral branch and the second lateral branch are arranged to extend into the same borehole after the first lateral branch and the second lateral branch are connected to the y-block, and wherein the first threaded interface and the second threaded interface of the first lateral branch and the second lateral branch are at least partially and simultaneously threadedly engaged with the threaded interface of the first lateral channel, the threaded interface of the second lateral channel, the first threaded interface of the adapter sub, and the second threaded interface of the adapter sub. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first threaded interface of the transition sub has a greater number of threads than the second threaded interface of the first side branch, and the second threaded interface of the adapter sub has a greater number of threads than the second threaded interface of the second side branch. 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second threaded interface of the first lateral branch and the first threaded interface of the transition sub have the same rotation orientation, and the second threaded interface of the second side branch and the second threaded interface of the adapter sub have the same rotation orientation. 4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second threaded interface of the first side branch and the second threaded interface of the second side branch have the same rotational orientation and synchronized threads. 5. The device according to claim. 1, characterized in that at least one selected from the group containing the first threaded interface of the first side branch and the second threaded interface of the second side branch, contains a gasket. 6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one selected from the group: a stabilizer and a multi-element stabilizer for stabilizing the first lateral branch and the second lateral branch. 7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that two or more of the threaded interface of the first side channel, the first threaded interface of the side branch and the second threaded interface of the first side branch have the same thread pitch. 8. A system for use in downhole environments, comprising: a y-shaped block having a main channel and a plurality of side channels formed therein, wherein the main channel has a first end for connection with a tubing section and another end for connection with a branch of the main channel, and each side channel of the plurality of side channels has a threaded interface, and the inner diameter of the main channel is larger than the inner diameter of the side channels; adapter sub; a first lateral branch for a first lateral channel of a plurality of lateral channels, wherein the first lateral branch has a first threaded interface for connecting to the threaded interface of the first side channel and a second threaded interface configured to connect to the first threaded interface of the adapter sub; And a second side branch for a second side channel of a plurality of side channels, wherein the second side branch has a first threaded interface for connecting to a threaded interface of the second side channel and a second threaded interface configured to connect to the second threaded interface of the adapter sub, wherein the first lateral branch and the second lateral branch are arranged to extend into the same borehole after the first lateral branch and the second lateral branch are connected to the y-block, and wherein the first threaded interface and the second threaded interface of the first lateral branch and the second lateral branch are at least partially and simultaneously threadedly engaged with the threaded interface of the first lateral channel, the threaded interface of the second lateral channel, the first threaded interface of the adapter sub, and the second threaded interface of the adapter sub. 9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the first threaded interface of the adapter sub has a greater number of threads than the second threaded interface of the first side branch, and the second threaded interface of the adapter sub has a greater number of threads than the second threaded interface of the second side branch. 10. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the second threaded interface of the first lateral branch and the first threaded interface of the adapter sub have the same rotation orientation, and the second threaded interface of the second lateral branch and the second threaded interface of the adapter sub have the same rotation orientation. 11. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the second threaded interface of the first side branch and the second threaded interface of the second side branch have the same rotational orientation and synchronized threads. 12. The system according to claim 8, further comprising at least one selected from the group: a stabilizer and a multi-element stabilizer for stabilizing the first lateral branch and the second lateral branch. 13. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one selected from the group containing the threaded interface of the first side channel, the first threaded interface of the side branch or the second threaded interface of the first side branch, contains a gasket. 14. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the transition sub contains an annular cavity and a landing pad.

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