US20070158060A1 - System for sealing an annular space in a wellbore - Google Patents
System for sealing an annular space in a wellbore Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070158060A1 US20070158060A1 US10/592,344 US59234405A US2007158060A1 US 20070158060 A1 US20070158060 A1 US 20070158060A1 US 59234405 A US59234405 A US 59234405A US 2007158060 A1 US2007158060 A1 US 2007158060A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seal layer
- tubular element
- wellbore
- seal
- inflow
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 10
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920006168 hydrated nitrile rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 10
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 10
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 10
- 239000008398 formation water Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010779 crude oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005012 migration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002283 diesel fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008054 signal transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- E21B33/1208—Packers; Plugs characterised by the construction of the sealing or packing means
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/10—Wear protectors; Centralising devices, e.g. stabilisers
- E21B17/1035—Wear protectors; Centralising devices, e.g. stabilisers for plural rods, pipes or lines, e.g. for control lines
-
- 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
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/10—Wear protectors; Centralising devices, e.g. stabilisers
- E21B17/1042—Elastomer protector or centering means
- E21B17/105—Elastomer protector or centering means split type
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a system for sealing an annular space between a tubular element extending into a wellbore and a cylindrical wall surrounding the tubular element, wherein a control line for controlling a downhole device extends in longitudinal direction along the tubular element.
- a control line for controlling a downhole device extends in longitudinal direction along the tubular element.
- Various packers have been applied to provide such sealing functionality. Some of these have terminal connections at either end for connecting the control lines to the packers. Although such packers may provide adequate sealing capability, it has been experienced that assembly of the packers and control lines to the tubular element at a well site can be difficult.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,788 discloses a packer for sealing an annular space between a tubular element extending into a wellbore and a wellbore casing, wherein a control line for controlling a downhole device extends in longitudinal direction through a recess formed in the outer surface of the packer. It is a drawback of the known system that the control line needs to involve bends at both ends of the packer since the recess is radially displaced from the outer surface of the tubular element. Another drawback of the known system occurs if the tubular element is provided with a plurality of the known packers mutually spaced along the tubular element.
- packers are pre-assembled to respective portions of the tubular element, termed “subs”, which are to be connected to adjacent portions of the tubular element by threaded connections. As a result, upon assembly of the tubular element, it may occur that the recesses of the respective packers become non-aligned.
- a system for sealing an annular space between a tubular element extending into a wellbore and a cylindrical wall surrounding the tubular element, wherein a control line for controlling a downhole device extends in longitudinal direction along the tubular element comprising an annular seal layer extending around the tubular element, the seal layer having an inner surface provided with a recess for radially receiving the control line, the seal layer being provided with a longitudinal slit defining a pair of opposite longitudinal edges which are movable relative to each other between an open position wherein the seal layer can be radially applied to the tubular element, and a closed position wherein the seal layer extends around the tubular element.
- control line can be extended along the tubular element before the seal layer is radially applied to the tubular element thereby obviating the need to include bends in the control line.
- seal layers can be assembled to the tubular element such that the recesses of the respective seal layers are suitably aligned with the control line.
- control line can function to transmit signals to or from the downhole device, for example to actively control the downhole device or to transmit measured signals, or to transmit power to or from the downhole device.
- system further comprises fastening means for fastening the seal layer in the closed position thereof to the tubular element.
- the system of the invention can suitably be applied in combination with an inflow control device for controlling inflow of fluid from the earth formation into the tubular element, wherein the control line is arranged to control the inflow control device.
- each seal layer includes a material susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid.
- a selected fluid for example water or hydrocarbon fluid
- the seal layer is activated by contact with the selected fluid (for example water or hydrocarbon fluid), which implies that it is no longer required to activate the seal layer by mechanical or hydraulic means. This is an important advantage since such swelling seal layers can be made significantly longer than conventional packers.
- the system of the invention includes a plurality of said seal layers and a plurality of said inflow control devices, the seal layers and the inflow control devices being arranged in alternating order along the tubular element.
- the annular space is thereby divided into a number of compartments whereby cross-flow of fluid between different compartments is substantially prevented, and inflow of formation fluid from each compartment into the tubular element is controlled by the respective inflow control device in communication with the compartment.
- the seal layer is significantly longer than a conventional packer.
- the length of the seal layer substantially corresponds to the length of the respective tubular joint to which the seal layer is applied.
- the seal layer suitably is assembled from a plurality of short seal layer sections positioned adjacent each other along the tubular joint. Seal layer sections having a length of between 0.5-2.0 meter, for example about 1 meter, allow convenient handling on the drilling rig floor.
- FIG. 1 schematically shows a wellbore in which an embodiment of a conduit and seal layer used in the method of the invention is applied;
- FIG. 2A schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the conduit of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 2B schematically shows the seal layer before application to the conduit
- FIG. 3 schematically shows a longitudinal section of the seal layer when applied to the conduit
- FIG. 4 schematically shows a longitudinal section of seal layer when applied to the conduit
- FIG. 5 schematically shows detail A of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 1 there is shown a wellbore 1 formed in an earth formation 2 for the production of hydrocarbon fluid, the wellbore 1 having a substantially vertical upper section 1 a and a substantially horizontal lower section 1 b extending into a zone 3 of the earth formation from which hydrocarbon fluid is to be produced.
- the earth formation zone 3 is fractured whereby there is a risk that water from other formation zones (not shown) enters the lower wellbore section 1 b via fractures in formation zone 3 .
- the upper wellbore section 1 a is provided with a casing 4 cemented in the wellbore by a layer of cement 5 , and a wellhead 6 is arranged on top of the wellbore 1 at surface 7 .
- a production liner 7 extends from the lower end part of the casing 4 into the substantially horizontal wellbore section 1 b .
- a production tubing 9 provides fluid communication between the wellhead 6 and the production liner 7 , the production tubing 9 being suitably sealed to the production liner 7 by packer 10 .
- the production liner 7 is provided with a plurality of inflow control devices in the form of inflow control valves 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 spaced along the length of the liner 7 .
- Each inflow control valve 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 is electrically connected to a control center 16 at surface via a set of control lines 18 extending along the outer surface of the production liner 7 and the inner surface of the casing 4 , so as to allow each inflow control valve 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 to be opened or closed from the control center 16 .
- a plurality of seal layers 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 is arranged in the annular space 28 between the production liner 7 and the wall of wellbore section 1 b , wherein the seal layers 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 and the inflow control valves 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 are arranged in alternating order along the production liner 7 .
- Each seal layer 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 includes a material susceptible of swelling upon contact with water from a water-bearing layer of the earth formation 2 , such material preferably being HNBR elastomer.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B there is shown a cross-section of the production liner 7 and the seal layer 20 before application of the seal layer to the production liner 7 .
- the set of control lines 18 is enclosed by a cover member 30 which is fastened to the outer surface of the production liner 7 by suitable fastening means (not shown).
- the seal layer 20 has a longitudinal slit 31 defining a pair of opposite longitudinal edges 32 , 34 allowing the seal layer 20 to be movable between an open position (as shown in FIG. 2 ) in which said edges 32 , 34 are displaced from each other so as to allow the seal layer 20 to be radially applied in the direction of arrow 35 to the production liner 7 , and a closed position (as shown in FIG.
- the seal layer 20 is provided with pairs of bores 36 , 38 spaced at regular longitudinal distances along the seal layer 20 .
- the bores 36 , 38 of each pair are formed at the respective longitudinal edges 32 , 34 , and are formed so as to allow a bolt (referred to hereinafter) to be extended through the aligned bores 36 , 38 in order to fasten the seal layer 20 to the production liner 7 .
- the seal layer 20 is provided with a longitudinal recess 40 formed at the inner surface thereof for accommodating the set of control lines 18 and the cover member 30 .
- FIG. 3 are shown the production liner 7 and the seal layer 20 after the seal layer 20 has been radially applied to the production liner 7 so as to enclose the production liner 7 .
- the seal layer 20 is clamped to the conduit by a plurality of bolt/nut assemblies 42 , each bolt/nut assembly 42 extending through a corresponding pair of the bores 36 , 38 .
- the production liner 7 is assembled from a number of tubular joints 44 having a standard length of about 10 m (30 ft), whereby each seal layer 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 extends substantially the full length of the respective tubular joint 44 to which the seal layer 20 is applied.
- Each such joint 44 is provided with respective connector portions 48 at opposite ends thereof for interconnecting the various joints 44 .
- the outer surface of the annular seal layer 20 is provided with a plurality of annular recesses 46 regularly spaced along the length of the seal layer 20 .
- the production liner 7 is assembled from the respective tubular joints 44 and from respective short sections of tubular element (termed “subs”; not shown) which include the respective control valves 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 . Assembly occurs at the well site in progression with lowering of the production liner 7 into the wellbore 1 .
- the set of control lines 18 together with the cover member 30 is fed to the production liner 7 , and fixedly connected thereto, simultaneously with lowering of the production liner 7 into the wellbore 1 .
- Each seal layer 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 is then radially applied to the production liner 7 at the desired location thereof in a manner that the recess 40 encloses the cover member 30 (and hence the control lines 18 ).
- the seal layer 20 is then moved to its closed position so as to enclose the tubular joint 44 , and fixed to the tubular joint 20 by fastening the bolt/nut assemblies 42 extending through the respective pairs of bores 36 , 38 .
- the other seal layers 22 , 24 , 26 are assembled to the respective tubular joints 44 in a similar manner.
- the production liner 7 is installed in the wellbore 1 such that the seal layers 20 , 22 ; 24 , 26 and the inflow control valves 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 are located in the earth formation zone 3 containing hydrocarbon fluid.
- hydrocarbon fluid is allowed to flow from earth formation zone 3 into the wellbore section 1 a and from there via the inflow control valves 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 into the production liner 7 and the production tubing 9 .
- the seal layers 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 which become into contact with the formation water will swell until further swelling is prevented by the wellbore wall.
- the annular recesses 46 enlarge the contact area of the seal layers with formation water, thereby promoting swelling of the seal layers.
- a test is carried by successively opening and/or closing the inflow control valves 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 and simultaneously measuring the inflow of formation water.
- the location of inflow is determined from an observed reduced (or eliminated) inflow of formation water as a result of closing of one or more specific inflow control valves 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 .
- one or more of the inflow control valve(s) 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 at the location of inflow are closed so that inflow of formation water into the production liner 7 is thereby eliminated.
- each seal layer 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 also results in adequate sealing of the seal layer against the production liner 7 and the cover member 30 so as to prevent fluid migration between the seal layer and the production liner or the cover member 30 .
- the seal layer can be made of a material susceptible of swelling upon contact with hydrocarbon fluid, such as crude oil or diesel.
- hydrocarbon fluid such as crude oil or diesel
- the seal layer can be induced to swell upon contact with hydrocarbon fluid produced from the wellbore.
- the seal layer can be induced to swell by pumping hydrocarbon fluid, such as diesel or crude oil, into the wellbore. The latter procedure has the advantage that premature swelling of the seal layer during lowering of the tubular element into the wellbore, is prevented.
- a hybrid system can be applied including seal layer sections susceptible of swelling upon contact with hydrocarbon fluid, and seal layer sections susceptible of swelling upon contact with water from the earth formation.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
- Joints With Sleeves (AREA)
- Gasket Seals (AREA)
- Pipe Accessories (AREA)
- Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)
- Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
Abstract
A system is disclosed for sealing an annular space between a tubular element (7) extending into a wellbore (1) and a cylindrical wall (1 b) surrounding the tubular element, wherein a control line (18) for controlling a downhole device (12, 13, 14, 15) extends in longitudinal direction along the tubular element. The system comprises an annular seal layer (20) extending around the tubular element (7), the seal layer having an inner surface provided with a recess (40) for radially receiving the control line. The seal layer is provided with a longitudinal slit (31) defining a pair of opposite longitudinal edges (32, 34) which are movable relative to each other between an open position wherein the seal layer can be radially applied to the tubular element, and a closed position wherein the seal layer extends around the tubular element.
Description
- The present invention relates to a system for sealing an annular space between a tubular element extending into a wellbore and a cylindrical wall surrounding the tubular element, wherein a control line for controlling a downhole device extends in longitudinal direction along the tubular element. In the field of hydrocarbon fluid production from a wellbore it is generally required to seal the annular space formed between a production conduit extending into the wellbore and a surrounding casing or liner, or between the casing or liner and the wellbore wall. In such applications many times one or more control lines for power transmission or signal transmission extend through the annular space. Various packers have been applied to provide such sealing functionality. Some of these have terminal connections at either end for connecting the control lines to the packers. Although such packers may provide adequate sealing capability, it has been experienced that assembly of the packers and control lines to the tubular element at a well site can be difficult.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,788 discloses a packer for sealing an annular space between a tubular element extending into a wellbore and a wellbore casing, wherein a control line for controlling a downhole device extends in longitudinal direction through a recess formed in the outer surface of the packer. It is a drawback of the known system that the control line needs to involve bends at both ends of the packer since the recess is radially displaced from the outer surface of the tubular element. Another drawback of the known system occurs if the tubular element is provided with a plurality of the known packers mutually spaced along the tubular element. Generally such packers are pre-assembled to respective portions of the tubular element, termed “subs”, which are to be connected to adjacent portions of the tubular element by threaded connections. As a result, upon assembly of the tubular element, it may occur that the recesses of the respective packers become non-aligned.
- It is an object of the invention to provide an improved system for sealing an annular space between a tubular element extending into a wellbore and a cylindrical wall surrounding the tubular element, which system overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.
- In accordance with the invention there is provided a system for sealing an annular space between a tubular element extending into a wellbore and a cylindrical wall surrounding the tubular element, wherein a control line for controlling a downhole device extends in longitudinal direction along the tubular element, the system comprising an annular seal layer extending around the tubular element, the seal layer having an inner surface provided with a recess for radially receiving the control line, the seal layer being provided with a longitudinal slit defining a pair of opposite longitudinal edges which are movable relative to each other between an open position wherein the seal layer can be radially applied to the tubular element, and a closed position wherein the seal layer extends around the tubular element.
- It is thereby achieved that the control line can be extended along the tubular element before the seal layer is radially applied to the tubular element thereby obviating the need to include bends in the control line. In case the tubular element is provided with a plurality of seal layers, it is furthermore achieved that the seal layers can be assembled to the tubular element such that the recesses of the respective seal layers are suitably aligned with the control line.
- It is to be understood that the control line can function to transmit signals to or from the downhole device, for example to actively control the downhole device or to transmit measured signals, or to transmit power to or from the downhole device.
- Preferably the system further comprises fastening means for fastening the seal layer in the closed position thereof to the tubular element.
- The system of the invention can suitably be applied in combination with an inflow control device for controlling inflow of fluid from the earth formation into the tubular element, wherein the control line is arranged to control the inflow control device.
- Suitably each seal layer includes a material susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid. Thus the seal layer is activated by contact with the selected fluid (for example water or hydrocarbon fluid), which implies that it is no longer required to activate the seal layer by mechanical or hydraulic means. This is an important advantage since such swelling seal layers can be made significantly longer than conventional packers.
- In a preferred embodiment the system of the invention includes a plurality of said seal layers and a plurality of said inflow control devices, the seal layers and the inflow control devices being arranged in alternating order along the tubular element. The annular space is thereby divided into a number of compartments whereby cross-flow of fluid between different compartments is substantially prevented, and inflow of formation fluid from each compartment into the tubular element is controlled by the respective inflow control device in communication with the compartment.
- In order to prevent or reduce formation water bypassing each seal layer through the rock formation opposite the seal layer, it is preferred that the seal layer is significantly longer than a conventional packer. For example, in a preferred embodiment the length of the seal layer substantially corresponds to the length of the respective tubular joint to which the seal layer is applied. In this respect it is to be understood that the seal layer suitably is assembled from a plurality of short seal layer sections positioned adjacent each other along the tubular joint. Seal layer sections having a length of between 0.5-2.0 meter, for example about 1 meter, allow convenient handling on the drilling rig floor.
- The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 schematically shows a wellbore in which an embodiment of a conduit and seal layer used in the method of the invention is applied; -
FIG. 2A schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the conduit ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 2B schematically shows the seal layer before application to the conduit; -
FIG. 3 schematically shows a longitudinal section of the seal layer when applied to the conduit; -
FIG. 4 schematically shows a longitudinal section of seal layer when applied to the conduit; and -
FIG. 5 schematically shows detail A ofFIG. 4 . - In the drawings like reference numerals relate to like components.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 there is shown awellbore 1 formed in anearth formation 2 for the production of hydrocarbon fluid, thewellbore 1 having a substantially verticalupper section 1 a and a substantially horizontallower section 1 b extending into azone 3 of the earth formation from which hydrocarbon fluid is to be produced. Theearth formation zone 3 is fractured whereby there is a risk that water from other formation zones (not shown) enters thelower wellbore section 1 b via fractures information zone 3. Theupper wellbore section 1 a is provided with acasing 4 cemented in the wellbore by a layer ofcement 5, and awellhead 6 is arranged on top of thewellbore 1 atsurface 7. Aproduction liner 7 extends from the lower end part of thecasing 4 into the substantiallyhorizontal wellbore section 1 b. Aproduction tubing 9 provides fluid communication between thewellhead 6 and theproduction liner 7, theproduction tubing 9 being suitably sealed to theproduction liner 7 bypacker 10. - The
production liner 7 is provided with a plurality of inflow control devices in the form ofinflow control valves liner 7. Eachinflow control valve control center 16 at surface via a set ofcontrol lines 18 extending along the outer surface of theproduction liner 7 and the inner surface of thecasing 4, so as to allow eachinflow control valve control center 16. - A plurality of
seal layers annular space 28 between theproduction liner 7 and the wall ofwellbore section 1 b, wherein theseal layers inflow control valves production liner 7. Eachseal layer earth formation 2, such material preferably being HNBR elastomer. - Referring to
FIGS. 2A and 2B there is shown a cross-section of theproduction liner 7 and theseal layer 20 before application of the seal layer to theproduction liner 7. The set ofcontrol lines 18 is enclosed by acover member 30 which is fastened to the outer surface of theproduction liner 7 by suitable fastening means (not shown). Theseal layer 20 has alongitudinal slit 31 defining a pair of oppositelongitudinal edges seal layer 20 to be movable between an open position (as shown inFIG. 2 ) in which saidedges seal layer 20 to be radially applied in the direction ofarrow 35 to theproduction liner 7, and a closed position (as shown inFIG. 3 ) in which saidedges seal layer 20 to substantially enclose theproduction liner 7. Furthermore, theseal layer 20 is provided with pairs ofbores seal layer 20. Thebores longitudinal edges aligned bores seal layer 20 to theproduction liner 7. Theseal layer 20 is provided with alongitudinal recess 40 formed at the inner surface thereof for accommodating the set ofcontrol lines 18 and thecover member 30. - In
FIG. 3 are shown theproduction liner 7 and theseal layer 20 after theseal layer 20 has been radially applied to theproduction liner 7 so as to enclose theproduction liner 7. Theseal layer 20 is clamped to the conduit by a plurality of bolt/nut assemblies 42, each bolt/nut assembly 42 extending through a corresponding pair of thebores - Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 5 there is shown theseal layer 20 and theproduction liner 7 in longitudinal section. Theproduction liner 7 is assembled from a number oftubular joints 44 having a standard length of about 10 m (30 ft), whereby eachseal layer tubular joint 44 to which theseal layer 20 is applied. Eachsuch joint 44 is provided withrespective connector portions 48 at opposite ends thereof for interconnecting thevarious joints 44. The outer surface of theannular seal layer 20 is provided with a plurality ofannular recesses 46 regularly spaced along the length of theseal layer 20. - During normal operation, the
production liner 7 is assembled from the respectivetubular joints 44 and from respective short sections of tubular element (termed “subs”; not shown) which include therespective control valves production liner 7 into thewellbore 1. The set ofcontrol lines 18 together with thecover member 30 is fed to theproduction liner 7, and fixedly connected thereto, simultaneously with lowering of theproduction liner 7 into thewellbore 1. Eachseal layer production liner 7 at the desired location thereof in a manner that therecess 40 encloses the cover member 30 (and hence the control lines 18). Theseal layer 20 is then moved to its closed position so as to enclose the tubular joint 44, and fixed to the tubular joint 20 by fastening the bolt/nut assemblies 42 extending through the respective pairs ofbores tubular joints 44 in a similar manner. Theproduction liner 7 is installed in thewellbore 1 such that the seal layers 20, 22; 24, 26 and theinflow control valves earth formation zone 3 containing hydrocarbon fluid. - After the
wellbore 1 has been suitably completed, hydrocarbon fluid is allowed to flow fromearth formation zone 3 into thewellbore section 1 a and from there via theinflow control valves production liner 7 and theproduction tubing 9. In the event that formation water enters the annular space between theproduction liner 7 and the wellbore wall, one or more of the seal layers 20, 22, 24, 26 which become into contact with the formation water will swell until further swelling is prevented by the wellbore wall. Theannular recesses 46 enlarge the contact area of the seal layers with formation water, thereby promoting swelling of the seal layers. Once the swollen seal layers 20, 22, 24, 26 become compressed between theproduction liner 7 and the wellbore wall, further migration of the formation water through the annular space is prevented. In order to determine the location of water inflow, a test is carried by successively opening and/or closing theinflow control valves inflow control valves production liner 7 is thereby eliminated. - Swelling of each
seal layer production liner 7 and thecover member 30 so as to prevent fluid migration between the seal layer and the production liner or thecover member 30. - Instead of allowing the seal layer to swell by virtue of contact with water from the earth formation, such swelling can be triggered by bringing the seal layer into contact with water-base wellbore fluid pumped into the wellbore.
- Furthermore, the seal layer can be made of a material susceptible of swelling upon contact with hydrocarbon fluid, such as crude oil or diesel. In such application the seal layer can be induced to swell upon contact with hydrocarbon fluid produced from the wellbore. Alternatively the seal layer can be induced to swell by pumping hydrocarbon fluid, such as diesel or crude oil, into the wellbore. The latter procedure has the advantage that premature swelling of the seal layer during lowering of the tubular element into the wellbore, is prevented.
- Also, a hybrid system can be applied including seal layer sections susceptible of swelling upon contact with hydrocarbon fluid, and seal layer sections susceptible of swelling upon contact with water from the earth formation.
Claims (13)
1. A system for sealing an annular space between a tubular element extending into a wellbore and a cylindrical wall surrounding the tubular element, wherein a control line for controlling a downhole device extends in longitudinal direction along the tubular element, the system comprising an annular seal layer extending around the tubular element, the seal layer having an inner surface provided with a recess for radially receiving the control line, the seal layer being provided with a longitudinal slit defining a pair of opposite longitudinal edges which are movable relative to each other between an open position wherein the seal layer can be radially applied to the tubular element, and a closed position wherein the seal layer extends around the tubular element.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said downhole device is an inflow control device for controlling inflow of fluid from the earth formation into the tubular element.
3. The system of claim 2 , comprising a plurality of said seal layers and a plurality of said inflow control devices, the seal layers and the inflow control devices being arranged in alternating order along the tubular element.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the tubular element is assembled from a plurality of tubular joints, and wherein the length of each seal layer substantially corresponds to the length of the respective tubular joint to which the seal layer is applied.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the seal layer is formed of a plurality of seal layer sections arranged adjacent each other.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein said cylindrical wall is the wall of the wellbore.
7. The system o claim 1 , wherein each seal layer comprises i a material susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the seal layer comprises an elastomer material susceptible of swelling upon contact with water from the earth formation.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the seal layer comprises HNBR elastomer.
10. The system of claim 7 , wherein the seal layer comprises a plurality of annular recesses formed at the outer surface of the seal layer and regularly spaced in longitudinal direction.
11. The system of claim 1 , further comprising fastening means for fastening the seal layer in the closed position thereof to the tubular element.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein a cover member covers the control line and wherein the recess is adapted to radially receive the cover member.
13. (canceled)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP04251396.0 | 2004-03-11 | ||
EP04251396 | 2004-03-11 | ||
PCT/EP2005/051039 WO2005090743A1 (en) | 2004-03-11 | 2005-03-09 | System for sealing an annular space in a wellbore |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070158060A1 true US20070158060A1 (en) | 2007-07-12 |
Family
ID=34930231
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/592,344 Abandoned US20070158060A1 (en) | 2004-03-11 | 2005-03-09 | System for sealing an annular space in a wellbore |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070158060A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1723308A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1930365A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005224376B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0508467A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2557200A1 (en) |
EA (1) | EA009320B1 (en) |
NO (1) | NO20064594L (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005090743A1 (en) |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070284109A1 (en) * | 2006-06-09 | 2007-12-13 | East Loyd E | Methods and devices for treating multiple-interval well bores |
US20070295498A1 (en) * | 2006-06-23 | 2007-12-27 | Wood Edward T | Swelling element packer and installation method |
US20090211759A1 (en) * | 2006-06-09 | 2009-08-27 | East Jr Loyd E | Methods and Devices for Treating Multiple-Interval Well Bores |
US20090250228A1 (en) * | 2008-04-03 | 2009-10-08 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Well packers and control line management |
US20100012318A1 (en) * | 2008-07-17 | 2010-01-21 | Luce Thomas A | Completion assembly |
US20100230902A1 (en) * | 2009-03-12 | 2010-09-16 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Downhole sealing device and method of making |
US20100230094A1 (en) * | 2009-03-11 | 2010-09-16 | Foster Anthony P | Sealing Feed Through Lines for Downhole Swelling Packers |
US20120168160A1 (en) * | 2008-03-04 | 2012-07-05 | Swelltec Limited | Swellable Packer Having a Cable Conduit |
US20130092394A1 (en) * | 2011-10-14 | 2013-04-18 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Well Screen with Extending Filter |
US20150021049A1 (en) * | 2013-07-22 | 2015-01-22 | Tam International, Inc. | Swellable casing anchor |
US9303478B2 (en) | 2014-02-11 | 2016-04-05 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | Downhole tool and method for passing control line through tool |
EP3025013A4 (en) * | 2013-07-22 | 2017-03-22 | Tam International Inc. | Grooved swellable packer |
US20180087344A1 (en) * | 2016-09-29 | 2018-03-29 | Cnpc Usa Corporation | Multi-sectional swellable packer |
US10119361B2 (en) | 2013-11-14 | 2018-11-06 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Window assembly with bypass restrictor |
US10513921B2 (en) | 2016-11-29 | 2019-12-24 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | Control line retainer for a downhole tool |
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GB2411918B (en) * | 2004-03-12 | 2006-11-22 | Schlumberger Holdings | System and method to seal using a swellable material |
GB0710585D0 (en) | 2007-06-02 | 2007-07-11 | Polyoil Ltd | Oil and gas apparatus and method |
CN101784749A (en) | 2007-08-20 | 2010-07-21 | 国际壳牌研究有限公司 | Method of creating an annular seal around a tubular element |
US7832471B2 (en) * | 2008-03-28 | 2010-11-16 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Fitting arrangements and methods of installing fitting arrangements in a well bore |
GB2459457B (en) * | 2008-04-22 | 2012-05-09 | Swelltec Ltd | Downhole apparatus and method |
GB2465206B (en) | 2008-11-11 | 2011-11-23 | Swelltec Ltd | Swellable apparatus and method |
US20110120733A1 (en) | 2009-11-20 | 2011-05-26 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Functionally graded swellable packers |
US8596369B2 (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2013-12-03 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Extending lines through, and preventing extrusion of, seal elements of packer assemblies |
EP2565365A1 (en) * | 2011-08-31 | 2013-03-06 | Welltec A/S | Disconnecting tool |
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US7478676B2 (en) * | 2006-06-09 | 2009-01-20 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Methods and devices for treating multiple-interval well bores |
US20090211759A1 (en) * | 2006-06-09 | 2009-08-27 | East Jr Loyd E | Methods and Devices for Treating Multiple-Interval Well Bores |
US7874365B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2011-01-25 | Halliburton Energy Services Inc. | Methods and devices for treating multiple-interval well bores |
US20070284109A1 (en) * | 2006-06-09 | 2007-12-13 | East Loyd E | Methods and devices for treating multiple-interval well bores |
US20070295498A1 (en) * | 2006-06-23 | 2007-12-27 | Wood Edward T | Swelling element packer and installation method |
US7441596B2 (en) * | 2006-06-23 | 2008-10-28 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Swelling element packer and installation method |
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US8459367B2 (en) * | 2008-03-04 | 2013-06-11 | Swelltec Limited | Swellable packer having a cable conduit |
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US9834404B2 (en) * | 2009-03-12 | 2017-12-05 | Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc | Method of making a downhole swellable seal with a passageway therethrough |
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US20100230902A1 (en) * | 2009-03-12 | 2010-09-16 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Downhole sealing device and method of making |
US20130092394A1 (en) * | 2011-10-14 | 2013-04-18 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Well Screen with Extending Filter |
US20150021049A1 (en) * | 2013-07-22 | 2015-01-22 | Tam International, Inc. | Swellable casing anchor |
EP3025013A4 (en) * | 2013-07-22 | 2017-03-22 | Tam International Inc. | Grooved swellable packer |
US9976380B2 (en) | 2013-07-22 | 2018-05-22 | Tam International, Inc. | Grooved swellable packer |
US10364636B2 (en) * | 2013-07-22 | 2019-07-30 | Tam International, Inc. | Swellable casing anchor |
US10119361B2 (en) | 2013-11-14 | 2018-11-06 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Window assembly with bypass restrictor |
US9303478B2 (en) | 2014-02-11 | 2016-04-05 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | Downhole tool and method for passing control line through tool |
US20180087344A1 (en) * | 2016-09-29 | 2018-03-29 | Cnpc Usa Corporation | Multi-sectional swellable packer |
US10513921B2 (en) | 2016-11-29 | 2019-12-24 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | Control line retainer for a downhole tool |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EA200601667A1 (en) | 2007-02-27 |
WO2005090743A8 (en) | 2006-11-16 |
WO2005090743A1 (en) | 2005-09-29 |
NO20064594L (en) | 2006-10-10 |
BRPI0508467A (en) | 2007-07-31 |
AU2005224376A1 (en) | 2005-09-29 |
EA009320B1 (en) | 2007-12-28 |
AU2005224376B2 (en) | 2008-09-04 |
CA2557200A1 (en) | 2005-09-29 |
EP1723308A1 (en) | 2006-11-22 |
CN1930365A (en) | 2007-03-14 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SHELL OIL COMPANY, TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BAAIJENS, MATHEUS NORBERTUS;BOSMA, MARTIN GERARD RENE;CORNELISSEN, ERIK KERST;REEL/FRAME:018305/0410 Effective date: 20060620 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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