US20070257441A1 - Sealing of a Wellbore Device in a Tubular Element - Google Patents
Sealing of a Wellbore Device in a Tubular Element Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070257441A1 US20070257441A1 US11/666,259 US66625905A US2007257441A1 US 20070257441 A1 US20070257441 A1 US 20070257441A1 US 66625905 A US66625905 A US 66625905A US 2007257441 A1 US2007257441 A1 US 2007257441A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tubular element
- wellbore
- seal
- swelleable
- rubber
- 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 description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 30
- 210000002445 nipple Anatomy 0.000 claims description 27
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims description 19
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims description 15
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 claims description 10
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920002943 EPDM rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920000459 Nitrile rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000005012 migration Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004709 Chlorinated polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000005864 Sulphur Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920005557 bromobutyl Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920005549 butyl rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920005556 chlorobutyl Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920005560 fluorosilicone rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 150000002978 peroxides Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- -1 polyethylene, ethylene acrylate Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 244000043261 Hevea brasiliensis Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920006169 Perfluoroelastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000005062 Polybutadiene Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- YFRNYWVKHCQRPE-UHFFFAOYSA-N buta-1,3-diene;prop-2-enoic acid Chemical compound C=CC=C.OC(=O)C=C YFRNYWVKHCQRPE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000005038 ethylene vinyl acetate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001973 fluoroelastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920006168 hydrated nitrile rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920003052 natural elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001194 natural rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001200 poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000058 polyacrylate Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940070721 polyacrylate Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002857 polybutadiene Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920003048 styrene butadiene rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010720 hydraulic oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002386 leaching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method of operating a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the wellbore being provided with a tubular element in which a wellbore device is to be arranged such that the wellbore device is sealed to the inner surface of the tubular element, and whereby an elongate member is to be extended through the tubular element for carrying out a wellbore operation.
- the production tubing can be provided with one or more devices, such as surface-controlled subsurface safety valves, tubing hangers, landing nipples, packers and sliding side-doors. Some of these devices are retrievable and are sealingly installed in the string.
- the production tubing string is assembled from a plurality of tubular sections, whereby one or more landing nipples are incorporated in the string at each location in the string where such retrievable device is to be installed.
- each landing nipple corresponds to the dimensions of a respective one of the retrievable devices. Sealing of the retrievable device to the inner surface of the landing nipple is achieved by suitable seal elements, such as chevron type seals. In order to achieve adequate sealing, the seal surface portions of the landing nipples are often polished so as to provide a very smooth seal surface.
- a seal assembly of a production tubing is formed by the lower end part of the production tubing and is received in a polished bore receptacle (PBR) of a production packer arranged near the producing zone of the wellbore.
- the seal assembly is axially movable relative to the PBR to allow for thermal expansion/contraction of the production tubing.
- Tubular elements like production tubings and PBR's, are also used to convey equipment for conducting downhole operations.
- the downhole equipment can be lowered on a wireline through the production tubing or through the PBR.
- Such operation involves movement of the wireline (which can be of several kilometres length) at high speed through the production tubing or PBR whereby the wireline scratches along the polished seal surfaces.
- the seal surfaces may become damaged so that adequate sealing of the device in the tubular element can no longer be guaranteed. In many instances such situation leads to serious limitations in operating the well, and may even compromise the safety of the well.
- a method of operating a wellbore formed in an earth formation the wellbore being provided with a tubular element in which a wellbore device is to be arranged such that the wellbore device is sealed to the inner surface of the tubular element, and whereby an elongate member is to be extended through the tubular element for carrying out a wellbore operation, the method comprising:
- the invention also relates to a wellbore device for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation whereby the wellbore is provided with a tubular element in which the wellbore device is to be arranged in a manner that the wellbore device is sealed to the inner surface of the tubular element, and whereby an elongate member is to be extended through the tubular element for carrying out a wellbore operation, the wellbore device being provided at the outer surface thereof with a swelleable seal susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid.
- the tubular element is a production tubing for transporting hydrocarbon fluid produced from the earth formation to surface, or a part thereof such as a landing nipple for the wellbore device.
- the wellbore device is, for example, a safety valve assembly for selectively controlling flow of hydrocarbon fluid through the production tubing.
- tubular element is a polished bore receptacle (PBR)
- wellbore device is a seal assembly of a production tubing for transporting hydrocarbon fluid produced from the earth formation, to surface.
- the swelleable seal swells upon contact with hydrocarbon fluid, and includes a material selected from natural rubber, nitrile rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, acrylate butadiene rubber, poly acrylate rubber, butyl rubber, brominated butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, neoprene rubber, styrene butadiene copolymer rubber, sulphonated polyethylene, ethylene acrylate rubber, epichlorohydrin ethylene oxide copolymer, ethylene-propylene-copolymer (peroxide crosslinked), ethylene-propylene-copolymer (sulphur crosslinked), ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, fluoro rubbers, fluoro silicone rubber, and silicone rubbers.
- natural rubber nitrile rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, acrylate butadiene rubber, poly acrylate rubber, butyl
- Said material is suitably selected from EP(D)M rubber (ethylene-propylene-copolymer, either peroxide or sulphur crosslinked), EPT rubber (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber), butyl rubber, brominated butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, and chlorinated polyethylene.
- EP(D)M rubber ethylene-propylene-copolymer, either peroxide or sulphur crosslinked
- EPT rubber ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber
- butyl rubber brominated butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, and chlorinated polyethylene.
- the swelleable seal suitably swells upon contact with water, and includes a material selected from NBR, HNBR, XNBR, FKM, FFKM, TFE/P or EPDM base rubber.
- said material suitably is a matrix material wherein a compound soluble in water is incorporated in the matrix material in a manner that the matrix material substantially prevents or restricts migration of the compound out of the swelleable seal and allows migration of water into the swelleable seal by osmosis so as to induce swelling of the swelleable seal upon migration of said water into the swelleable seal.
- Said compound suitably comprises a salt, for example at least 20 weight % salt based on the combined weight of the matrix material and the salt, preferably at least 35 weight % salt based on the combined weight of the matrix material and the salt.
- the matrix material is substantially impermeable to said compound or to ions of said compound.
- the compound can be present in the matrix material, for example, in the form of a plurality of compound particles dispersed in the matrix material.
- FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the wellbore device according to the invention
- FIG. 2 schematically shows detail A of the wellbore device of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 schematically shows a longitudinal section of a tubular element to be used in conjunction with the wellbore device of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 schematically shows the wellbore device of FIG. 1 when arranged in the tubular element of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 1 there is shown a surface-controlled subsurface safety valve assembly 1 (hereinafter: safety valve assembly 1 ) for selectively controlling flow of fluid through a wellbore (not shown) for the production of hydrocarbon fluid.
- the safety valve assembly 1 includes a tubular conduit 2 having a passage 4 for produced hydrocarbon fluid, the passage 4 being provided with valve 6 for selectively closing the passage 4 .
- the valve 6 is controlled by a hydraulic control system of which only hydraulic control lines 8 , 9 and plunger system 10 are schematically shown.
- the hydraulic lines 8 , 9 are in fluid communication with the exterior of the safety valve assembly 1 via a port 11 provided in the wall of the tubular conduit 2 .
- a locking mandrel 12 is provided at an upper portion of the safety valve assembly 1 for supporting and locking the safety valve assembly 1 in a production tubing referred to hereinafter.
- the safety valve assembly 1 is provided with two annular seals 14 , 16 arranged at an axial distance from each other, whereby the port 11 is located between the annular seals 14 , 16 .
- Each annular seal 14 , 16 includes a plurality of chevron type seals 18 and a swelleable seal 20 made of EPDM rubber which is susceptible of swelling upon contact with hydraulic oil to be used in the hydraulic control system for controlling the valve 6 .
- the inner diameter of the landing nipple 22 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the safety valve assembly 1 so as to allow axial movement of the safety valve assembly 1 through the landing nipple 22 .
- the landing nipple 22 is internally provided with a locking profile 24 which is complementary to, and cooperates with, the profile of the locking mandrel 12 so as to allow the safety valve assembly 1 to be supported and locked in the landing nipple 22 .
- the inner surface of the landing nipple 22 is provided with two polished annular surface portions 26 , 28 of slightly smaller diameter than the remainder of the inner surface of the landing nipple 22 .
- the polished surface portions 26 , 28 are arranged such that annular seal 14 is located opposite polished surface portion 26 , and annular seal 16 is located opposite polished surface portion 28 when the safety valve assembly 1 is locked in the landing nipple 22 by the cooperating locking mandrel 12 and locking profile 24 .
- a port 30 is provided in the wall of the landing nipple 22 at a location between the polished surface portions 26 , 28 , the port 30 being in fluid communication with a hydraulic control unit (not shown) at surface via a hydraulic control line 32 extending along the outer surface of the production tubing. It is to be understood that the hydraulic control unit at surface, the control line 32 , the port 30 , the port 11 , the hydraulic control lines 8 , 9 , and the plunger system 10 are all part of the hydraulic control system for controlling the valve 6 .
- the safety valve assembly 1 is arranged in the landing nipple 22 of the production tubing. Hydrocarbon fluid is produced from the earth formation surrounding the wellbore and transported to surface via the production tubing. The produced hydrocarbon fluid thereby flows through the passage 4 of the safety valve assembly 1 . If it is required to shut the well in, for example in case of an emergency situation, the valve 6 is induced to close under control of the hydraulic control system operated at surface. Leakage of hydrocarbon fluid along the outside of the safety valve assembly 1 is prevented by the annular seals 14 , 16 which seal against the polished surface portions 26 , 28 of the production tubing 22 .
- the polished surface portions 26 , 28 can easily become damaged so that the chevron type seals 18 of the annular seals 14 , 16 no longer adequately seal against these surface portions after the safety valve assembly 1 has been reinstalled in the landing nipple 22 .
- the sealing function of the annular seals 14 , 16 is still guaranteed by the swelleable seals 20 which swell by virtue of contact with the hydraulic oil present in the annular chamber defined by the outer surface of the safety valve assembly 1 , the inner surface of the landing nipple 22 , and the annular seals 14 , 16 .
- the seals 20 after swelling, extend into the irregularities formed at the damaged surface portions 26 , 28 and thereby adequately seal the safety valve assembly 1 against the landing nipple 22 .
- tubular element is a production tubing or a portion thereof, such as a landing nipple.
- Other useful applications include, for example, tubing hangers, packers, polished bore receptacles and sliding side-doors.
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- Geology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Sealing Material Composition (AREA)
- Pipe Accessories (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
- Gasket Seals (AREA)
- Measurement Of Radiation (AREA)
- Analysing Materials By The Use Of Radiation (AREA)
Abstract
A method of operating a wellbore formed in an earth formation is disclosed. The wellbore is provided with a tubular element in which a wellbore device is to be arranged such that the wellbore device is sealed to the inner surface of the tubular element, and whereby an elongate member is to be extended through the tubular element for carrying out a wellbore operation. The method comprises extending the elongate member through the tubular element so as to carry out said wellbore operation, removing the elongate member from the tubular element, providing the wellbore device at the outer surface thereof with a swelleable seal susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid, and installing the wellbore device in the tubular element, and inducing the swelleable seal to swell by virtue of contact of the swelleable seal with the selected fluid.
Description
- The present invention relates to a method of operating a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the wellbore being provided with a tubular element in which a wellbore device is to be arranged such that the wellbore device is sealed to the inner surface of the tubular element, and whereby an elongate member is to be extended through the tubular element for carrying out a wellbore operation.
- In the production of hydrocarbon fluid from a wellbore it is common practice that the produced hydrocarbon fluid flows from the producing zone in a lower part of the well via a conduit, referred to as the production tubing, to surface. The production tubing can be provided with one or more devices, such as surface-controlled subsurface safety valves, tubing hangers, landing nipples, packers and sliding side-doors. Some of these devices are retrievable and are sealingly installed in the string. The production tubing string is assembled from a plurality of tubular sections, whereby one or more landing nipples are incorporated in the string at each location in the string where such retrievable device is to be installed. To ensure that each retrievable device is arranged at the desired depth in the tubing string, each landing nipple corresponds to the dimensions of a respective one of the retrievable devices. Sealing of the retrievable device to the inner surface of the landing nipple is achieved by suitable seal elements, such as chevron type seals. In order to achieve adequate sealing, the seal surface portions of the landing nipples are often polished so as to provide a very smooth seal surface.
- Another example of a wellbore device which is sealingly received in a tubular element, is a seal assembly of a production tubing. The seal assembly is formed by the lower end part of the production tubing and is received in a polished bore receptacle (PBR) of a production packer arranged near the producing zone of the wellbore. The seal assembly is axially movable relative to the PBR to allow for thermal expansion/contraction of the production tubing.
- Tubular elements, like production tubings and PBR's, are also used to convey equipment for conducting downhole operations. For example in a wireline-conveyed operation the downhole equipment can be lowered on a wireline through the production tubing or through the PBR. Such operation involves movement of the wireline (which can be of several kilometres length) at high speed through the production tubing or PBR whereby the wireline scratches along the polished seal surfaces. As a result, the seal surfaces may become damaged so that adequate sealing of the device in the tubular element can no longer be guaranteed. In many instances such situation leads to serious limitations in operating the well, and may even compromise the safety of the well. In the special case of seal surfaces for a surface-controlled subsurface safety valve, damage to the seal surfaces can imply that the well needs to be shut-in. Such situation occurs frequently since the seal surfaces of the safety valve landing nipple are often unprotected during well entries when the safety valve is pulled to allow lowering of maximum-size tools into the well.
- Thus, there is a need to provide an improved method of operating a wellbore which overcomes the afore-mentioned drawbacks.
- In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of operating a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the wellbore being provided with a tubular element in which a wellbore device is to be arranged such that the wellbore device is sealed to the inner surface of the tubular element, and whereby an elongate member is to be extended through the tubular element for carrying out a wellbore operation, the method comprising:
- extending the elongate member through the tubular element so as to carry out said wellbore operation;
- removing the elongate member from the tubular element;
- providing the wellbore device at the outer surface thereof with a swelleable seal susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid, and installing the wellbore device in the tubular element; and
- inducing the swelleable seal to swell by virtue of contact of the swelleable seal with the selected fluid.
- It is thereby achieved that, by virtue of swelling of the swelleable seal upon contact with the selected fluid, the seal expands into any irregularities in the seal surfaces of the tubular element which are attributable to damage caused by the wellbore operations carried out through the tubular element.
- The invention also relates to a wellbore device for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation whereby the wellbore is provided with a tubular element in which the wellbore device is to be arranged in a manner that the wellbore device is sealed to the inner surface of the tubular element, and whereby an elongate member is to be extended through the tubular element for carrying out a wellbore operation, the wellbore device being provided at the outer surface thereof with a swelleable seal susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid.
- In a preferred embodiment the tubular element is a production tubing for transporting hydrocarbon fluid produced from the earth formation to surface, or a part thereof such as a landing nipple for the wellbore device. In such application the wellbore device is, for example, a safety valve assembly for selectively controlling flow of hydrocarbon fluid through the production tubing.
- Alternatively the tubular element is a polished bore receptacle (PBR), and the wellbore device is a seal assembly of a production tubing for transporting hydrocarbon fluid produced from the earth formation, to surface.
- Preferably the swelleable seal swells upon contact with hydrocarbon fluid, and includes a material selected from natural rubber, nitrile rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, acrylate butadiene rubber, poly acrylate rubber, butyl rubber, brominated butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, neoprene rubber, styrene butadiene copolymer rubber, sulphonated polyethylene, ethylene acrylate rubber, epichlorohydrin ethylene oxide copolymer, ethylene-propylene-copolymer (peroxide crosslinked), ethylene-propylene-copolymer (sulphur crosslinked), ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, fluoro rubbers, fluoro silicone rubber, and silicone rubbers.
- Said material is suitably selected from EP(D)M rubber (ethylene-propylene-copolymer, either peroxide or sulphur crosslinked), EPT rubber (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber), butyl rubber, brominated butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, and chlorinated polyethylene.
- Instead of, or in addition to, the swelleable seal swelling upon contact with hydrocarbon fluid, the swelleable seal suitably swells upon contact with water, and includes a material selected from NBR, HNBR, XNBR, FKM, FFKM, TFE/P or EPDM base rubber. In order to enhance the swelling capacity of the swelleable member, even for saline water conditions, said material suitably is a matrix material wherein a compound soluble in water is incorporated in the matrix material in a manner that the matrix material substantially prevents or restricts migration of the compound out of the swelleable seal and allows migration of water into the swelleable seal by osmosis so as to induce swelling of the swelleable seal upon migration of said water into the swelleable seal. Said compound suitably comprises a salt, for example at least 20 weight % salt based on the combined weight of the matrix material and the salt, preferably at least 35 weight % salt based on the combined weight of the matrix material and the salt. In order to prevent, or reduce, leaching of the compound out of the matrix material, it is preferred that the matrix material is substantially impermeable to said compound or to ions of said compound. The compound can be present in the matrix material, for example, in the form of a plurality of compound particles dispersed in the matrix material.
- The invention will be described hereinafter in more detail and by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the wellbore device according to the invention; -
FIG. 2 schematically shows detail A of the wellbore device ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 schematically shows a longitudinal section of a tubular element to be used in conjunction with the wellbore device ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 schematically shows the wellbore device ofFIG. 1 when arranged in the tubular element ofFIG. 3 . - In the Figures, like reference numerals relate to like components.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 there is shown a surface-controlled subsurface safety valve assembly 1 (hereinafter: safety valve assembly 1) for selectively controlling flow of fluid through a wellbore (not shown) for the production of hydrocarbon fluid. Thesafety valve assembly 1 includes atubular conduit 2 having apassage 4 for produced hydrocarbon fluid, thepassage 4 being provided withvalve 6 for selectively closing thepassage 4. Thevalve 6 is controlled by a hydraulic control system of which onlyhydraulic control lines plunger system 10 are schematically shown. Thehydraulic lines safety valve assembly 1 via aport 11 provided in the wall of thetubular conduit 2. Alocking mandrel 12 is provided at an upper portion of thesafety valve assembly 1 for supporting and locking thesafety valve assembly 1 in a production tubing referred to hereinafter. - Referring further to
FIG. 2 , thesafety valve assembly 1 is provided with twoannular seals port 11 is located between theannular seals annular seal chevron type seals 18 and aswelleable seal 20 made of EPDM rubber which is susceptible of swelling upon contact with hydraulic oil to be used in the hydraulic control system for controlling thevalve 6. - Referring further to
FIG. 3 , there is shown a tubular element in the form of alanding nipple 22 incorporated in a production tubing (not shown) for transporting produced hydrocarbon fluid through the wellbore to surface. The inner diameter of thelanding nipple 22 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of thesafety valve assembly 1 so as to allow axial movement of thesafety valve assembly 1 through thelanding nipple 22. Thelanding nipple 22 is internally provided with alocking profile 24 which is complementary to, and cooperates with, the profile of thelocking mandrel 12 so as to allow thesafety valve assembly 1 to be supported and locked in thelanding nipple 22. Furthermore, the inner surface of thelanding nipple 22 is provided with two polishedannular surface portions landing nipple 22. The polishedsurface portions annular seal 14 is located opposite polishedsurface portion 26, andannular seal 16 is located opposite polishedsurface portion 28 when thesafety valve assembly 1 is locked in thelanding nipple 22 by the cooperatinglocking mandrel 12 andlocking profile 24. - A
port 30 is provided in the wall of thelanding nipple 22 at a location between thepolished surface portions port 30 being in fluid communication with a hydraulic control unit (not shown) at surface via ahydraulic control line 32 extending along the outer surface of the production tubing. It is to be understood that the hydraulic control unit at surface, thecontrol line 32, theport 30, theport 11, thehydraulic control lines plunger system 10 are all part of the hydraulic control system for controlling thevalve 6. - Referring further to
FIG. 4 , during normal use thesafety valve assembly 1 is arranged in thelanding nipple 22 of the production tubing. Hydrocarbon fluid is produced from the earth formation surrounding the wellbore and transported to surface via the production tubing. The produced hydrocarbon fluid thereby flows through thepassage 4 of thesafety valve assembly 1. If it is required to shut the well in, for example in case of an emergency situation, thevalve 6 is induced to close under control of the hydraulic control system operated at surface. Leakage of hydrocarbon fluid along the outside of thesafety valve assembly 1 is prevented by theannular seals surface portions production tubing 22. - After some time of continued hydrocarbon fluid production from the wellbore it may be required to suspend the wellbore and to remove the
safety valve assembly 1 from the production tubing in order to conduct a downhole workover operation using a wireline (not shown) extending from surface through the production tubing. During such workover operation, the wireline moves at high speed through the production tubing, and hence through thelanding nipple 22. The wireline thereby scratches against the protruding polishedsurface portion landing nipple 22. As a result the polishedsurface portions chevron type seals 18 of theannular seals safety valve assembly 1 has been reinstalled in thelanding nipple 22. However, the sealing function of theannular seals safety valve assembly 1, the inner surface of the landingnipple 22, and theannular seals seals 20, after swelling, extend into the irregularities formed at the damagedsurface portions safety valve assembly 1 against the landingnipple 22. - It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to applications whereby the tubular element is a production tubing or a portion thereof, such as a landing nipple. Other useful applications include, for example, tubing hangers, packers, polished bore receptacles and sliding side-doors.
Claims (18)
1. A method of operating a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the wellbore being provided with a tubular element in which a wellbore device is to be arranged such that the wellbore device is sealed to the inner surface of the tubular element, and whereby an elongate member is to be extended through the tubular element for carrying out a wellbore operation, the method comprising:
extending the elongate member through the tubular element so as to carry out said wellbore operation;
removing the elongate member from the tubular element;
providing the wellbore device at the outer surface thereof with a swelleable seal susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid, and installing the wellbore device in the tubular element; and
inducing the swelleable seal to swell by virtue of contact of the swelleable seal with the selected fluid;
wherein the tubular element is a production tubing for transporting hydrocarbon fluid produced from the earth formation to surface, wherein the tubular element includes a landing nipple for receiving said wellbore device, and wherein the step of installing the wellbore device in the tubular element comprises installing the wellbore device in the landing nipple.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wellbore device is a safety valve assembly for selectively controlling flow of hydrocarbon fluid through the production tubing.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tubular element is a polished bore receptacle (PBR), and the wellbore device is a seal assembly of a production tubing for transporting hydrocarbon fluid produced from the earth formation to surface.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the selected fluid is hydrocarbon fluid, and wherein the swelleable seal comprises a material selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, nitrile rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, acrylate butadiene rubber, poly acrylate rubber, butyl rubber, brominated butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, neoprene rubber, styrene butadiene copolymer rubber, sulphonated polyethylene, ethylene acrylate rubber, epichlorohydrin ethylene oxide copolymer, ethylene-propylene-copolymer (peroxide crosslinked), ethylene-propylene-copolymer (sulphur crosslinked), ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, fluoro rubbers, fluoro silicone rubber, and silicone rubbers.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein said material is selected from the group consisting of EP(D)M rubber (ethylene-propylene-copolymer, either peroxide or sulphur crosslinked), EPT rubber (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber), butyl rubber, brominated butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, and chlorinated polyethylene.
6. The method claim 1 , wherein the selected fluid is water, and wherein the swelleable seal comprises a material selected from the group consisting of NBR, HNBR, XNBR, FKM, FFKM, TFE/P and EPDM base rubber.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein said material is a matrix material, and wherein a compound soluble in water is incorporated in the matrix material in a manner that the matrix material substantially prevents or restricts migration of the compound out of the swelleable seal and allows migration of water into the swelleable seal by osmosis so as to induce swelling of the swelleable seal upon migration of said water into the swelleable seal.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein said compound comprises a salt.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the swelleable seal contains at least 20 weight % salt based on the combined weight of the matrix material and the salt.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein said matrix material is substantially impermeable to said compound.
11. The method of claims 7, wherein the compound is present in the matrix material in the form of a plurality of compound particles dispersed in the matrix material.
12. The method of claims 1, wherein the selected fluid is hydraulic fluid and the wellbore device is controllable by a hydraulic control system operated by a stream of said hydraulic fluid which is in contact with the swelleable seal, and wherein the step of inducing the swelleable seal to swell comprises supplying the stream of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic control system.
13. A wellbore device for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation whereby the wellbore is provided with a tubular element in which the wellbore device is to be arranged in a manner that the wellbore device is sealed to the inner surface of the tubular element, and whereby an elongate member is to be extended through the tubular element for carrying out a wellbore operation, the wellbore device being provided at the outer surface thereof with a swelleable seal susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid, wherein the tubular element is a production tubing for transporting hydrocarbon fluid produced from the earth formation to surface, and wherein the tubular element includes a landing nipple for receiving the wellbore device, the wellbore device being installed in the landing nipple.
14. The wellbore device of claim 13 , wherein the wellbore device is arranged in the tubular element, the tubular element having an inner surface which is damaged due to carrying out a wellbore operation whereby an elongate member has been extended through the tubular element, and wherein the swelleable seal is swollen due to contact with the selected fluid so as to seal the wellbore device to the inner surface of the tubular element.
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. The method of claim 8 , wherein the swellable seal contains at least 35 weight % salt based on the combined weight of the matrix material and the salt.
18. The method of claim 7 , wherein said matrix material is substantially impermeable to ions of said compound.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP04256636.4 | 2004-10-27 | ||
EP04256636 | 2004-10-27 | ||
PCT/EP2005/055526 WO2006045794A1 (en) | 2004-10-27 | 2005-10-25 | Sealing of a wellbore device in a tubular element |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070257441A1 true US20070257441A1 (en) | 2007-11-08 |
Family
ID=34930755
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/666,259 Abandoned US20070257441A1 (en) | 2004-10-27 | 2005-10-25 | Sealing of a Wellbore Device in a Tubular Element |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070257441A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1805391B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101044294A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005298687C1 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0517508B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2580376C (en) |
DE (1) | DE602005011469D1 (en) |
EA (1) | EA011131B1 (en) |
MY (1) | MY140262A (en) |
NO (1) | NO337536B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006045794A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
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US20090038796A1 (en) * | 2007-08-10 | 2009-02-12 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Expandable leak path preventer in fluid activated downhole tools |
US20090205831A1 (en) * | 2006-05-05 | 2009-08-20 | Weatherford France Sas | Method and tool for unblocking a control line |
US20090250227A1 (en) * | 2008-04-02 | 2009-10-08 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | A System And Method For Plugging A Side Pocket Mandrel Using A Swelling Plug |
WO2010057003A2 (en) * | 2008-11-17 | 2010-05-20 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Inserts with swellable elastomer seals for side pocket mandrels |
JP2021515161A (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2021-06-17 | グリーン, ツイード テクノロジーズ, インコーポレイテッド | Fireproof seal assembly |
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US7931092B2 (en) | 2008-02-13 | 2011-04-26 | Stowe Woodward, L.L.C. | Packer element with recesses for downwell packing system and method of its use |
US7994257B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2011-08-09 | Stowe Woodward, Llc | Downwell system with swellable packer element and composition for same |
CN102093623B (en) * | 2010-09-24 | 2012-12-26 | 天津鹏翎胶管股份有限公司 | Crankcase ventilation rubber hose and machining method thereof |
US9080419B2 (en) | 2012-07-05 | 2015-07-14 | Craig H. Benson | Bentonite collars for wellbore casings |
US9284813B2 (en) | 2013-06-10 | 2016-03-15 | Freudenberg Oil & Gas, Llc | Swellable energizers for oil and gas wells |
CN103642164A (en) * | 2013-11-12 | 2014-03-19 | 铜陵市肆得科技有限责任公司 | Rubber gasket material with good sealing performance and wear resistance and preparation method thereof |
AU2017439376B2 (en) * | 2017-11-13 | 2023-06-01 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Swellable metal for non-elastomeric O-rings, seal stacks, and gaskets |
AU2021211653A1 (en) * | 2020-01-24 | 2022-06-16 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | High performance regular and high expansion elements for oil and gas applications |
RU2730158C1 (en) * | 2020-04-22 | 2020-08-19 | Публичное акционерное общество «Татнефть» имени В.Д. Шашина | Repair method of production casing of producing well |
WO2022255985A1 (en) * | 2021-05-29 | 2022-12-08 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Self activating seal assembly backup |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
NO20072697L (en) | 2007-07-05 |
CN101044294A (en) | 2007-09-26 |
AU2005298687A1 (en) | 2006-05-04 |
CA2580376A1 (en) | 2006-05-04 |
BRPI0517508B1 (en) | 2016-11-22 |
AU2005298687C1 (en) | 2010-11-25 |
DE602005011469D1 (en) | 2009-01-15 |
CA2580376C (en) | 2013-07-02 |
EA200700948A1 (en) | 2007-10-26 |
WO2006045794A1 (en) | 2006-05-04 |
EP1805391A1 (en) | 2007-07-11 |
EA011131B1 (en) | 2008-12-30 |
EP1805391B1 (en) | 2008-12-03 |
AU2005298687B2 (en) | 2010-05-27 |
NO337536B1 (en) | 2016-05-02 |
BRPI0517508A (en) | 2008-10-14 |
MY140262A (en) | 2009-12-31 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SHELL OIL COMPANY, TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BAAIJENS, MATHEUS NORBERTUS;CORNELISSEN, ERIK KERST;KLOMPSMA, DERK LUCAS;REEL/FRAME:019266/0147;SIGNING DATES FROM 20070201 TO 20070202 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |