US20090084540A1 - Method of expanding a tubular element in a wellbore - Google Patents

Method of expanding a tubular element in a wellbore Download PDF

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Publication number
US20090084540A1
US20090084540A1 US12/161,618 US16161806A US2009084540A1 US 20090084540 A1 US20090084540 A1 US 20090084540A1 US 16161806 A US16161806 A US 16161806A US 2009084540 A1 US2009084540 A1 US 2009084540A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
tubular element
expander
casing
liner
interior
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
Application number
US12/161,618
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English (en)
Inventor
Paul Dirk Schilte
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Enventure Global Technology Inc
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Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Assigned to SHELL OIL COMPANY reassignment SHELL OIL COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SCHILTE, PAUL DIRK
Publication of US20090084540A1 publication Critical patent/US20090084540A1/en
Assigned to ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, L.L.C. reassignment ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, L.L.C. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SHELL OIL COMPANY
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/02—Subsoil filtering
    • E21B43/10—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells
    • E21B43/103—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells of expandable casings, screens, liners, or the like
    • E21B43/105—Expanding tools specially adapted therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of radially expanding a tubular element extending into a wellbore formed in an earth formation, whereby an expander located in the tubular element, is operable to exert a radial force to the inner surface of the tubular element.
  • Wellbores for the production of hydrocarbon fluid are conventionally provided with one or more casings to provide stability to the wellbore wall, and/or to provide zonal isolation between different earth formation layers.
  • casings are set at different depth intervals in a nested arrangement whereby the diameter of each subsequent casing is smaller than the diameter of the previous casing in order to allow lowering of the casing through the previous casing.
  • the expander is pumped through the tubular element whereby the interior of the expanded portion of the tubular element is pressurised to a maximum pressure at which the expander starts moving through the tubular element.
  • a method of radially expanding a tubular element extending into a wellbore formed in an earth formation comprising the steps of:
  • the expander is operated to exert said radial force to the inner surface of the tubular element independently from pressurising the interior of the tubular element.
  • the interior of the tubular element can be pressurised to a significantly higher pressure so that the required expansion forces exerted by the expander to the tubular element can be relatively low.
  • the tubular element includes an expanded portion and an unexpanded portion, whereby the interior of the tubular element is pressurised both in the expanded portion and the unexpanded portion.
  • the whole interior of the tubular element can be pressurised.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a wellbore provided with a casing expanded according to the method of the invention
  • FIG. 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of a wellbore provided with a liner expanded according to the method of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a wellbore 1 for the production of oil or gas from an earth formation 2 .
  • An expandable casing 4 extends from a wellhead 6 at surface to near the lower end of the wellbore 1 , whereby the casing 4 is sealingly connected to the wellhead 6 .
  • An expander 8 for radially expanding the casing 4 is positioned in the casing 4 whereby an expanded portion 10 of the casing 4 extends below the expander 8 , and an unexpanded portion 12 of the casing 4 extends above the expander 8 .
  • the lower end of the expanded casing portion 10 is closed by means of a packer 13 .
  • the expander 8 tapers in upward direction from a relatively large diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the expanded casing 4 , to a relatively small diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the unexpanded casing 4 . There are no provisions to seal the outer surface of the expander 8 to the inner surface of the casing 4 , so that pressurised fluid can flow between the expander 8 and the casing 4 .
  • the expander 8 is provided with a through-bore 14 providing fluid communication between the interior of the unexpanded casing portion 12 and the interior of the expanded casing portion 10 .
  • the expander 8 is connected to a wireline 16 extending through the unexpanded casing portion 12 and the wellhead 6 , to a winch 18 at surface.
  • the wireline 16 passes through a through-bore 19 provided in the wellhead 6 in a sealing manner so that the wireline 16 can be axially moved through the through-bore 19 while fluid is prevented from passing through the through-bore 19 .
  • a fluid pump 20 is provided at surface for pumping fluid, via a conduit 22 and the wellhead 6 , into the casing 4 .
  • FIG. 2 there is shown a wellbore 1 for the production of oil or gas from an earth formation 2 .
  • a casing 24 extends from surface to a depth at a selected distance from the wellbore bottom, the casing 24 being fixed in the wellbore by a layer of cement (not shown).
  • an expandable liner 26 extends in the wellbore below the casing 24 , whereby an upper end portion of the liner 26 extends into the casing 24 .
  • the liner 26 is suspended on a drill pipe 28 , with a side entry sub 30 interconnecting the liner 26 and the drill pipe 30 .
  • the drill pipe 28 extends to a conventional drilling rig (not shown) at surface, and is connected to a fluid pump (not shown) for pumping fluid via the drill pipe 28 into the liner 26 .
  • An expander 32 for radially expanding the liner 26 is positioned in the liner 26 , whereby an expanded portion 34 of the liner 26 extends below the expander 32 , and an unexpanded portion 36 of the liner 26 extends above the expander 32 .
  • the lower end of the expanded liner portion 34 is closed by means of a packer 37 .
  • the expander 32 tapers in upward direction from a relatively large diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the expanded liner portion 34 , to a relatively small diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the unexpanded liner portion 34 .
  • the expander is optionally provided with a through-bore (not shown) similar to the through-bore 14 of the FIG. 1 embodiment.
  • the expander 32 is at its lower end provided with an extender 40 comprising a lower leg 42 and an upper leg 43 , the legs being axially movable relative to each other.
  • the lower leg 42 is provided with a lower anchor 44
  • the upper leg 43 is provided with an upper anchor 45 .
  • Each anchor 44 , 45 is operable between a radially retracted position in which the anchor 44 , 45 is free from the inner surface of the liner 26 , and a radially extended position in which the anchor 44 , 45 is anchored to the inner surface of the liner 26 .
  • the extender 40 is operable between an axially retracted position in which the anchors 43 , 45 are close to each other, and an axially extended position in which the anchors 43 , 45 are remote from each other.
  • the extender 40 and the anchors 43 , 45 are electrically operated, whereby electric power is provided to the extender 40 and the anchors 43 , 45 through an electric power cable 46 extending from surface along the drill pipe 28 and passing, via an opening (not shown) in the side entry sub 30 , into the liner 26 .
  • the power cable 46 extends in a loop 48 below the extender 40 to allow for axial displacement of the expansion assembly relative to the side entry sub 30 .
  • the fluid pump 20 is operated to pump fluid, via the conduit 22 and the wellhead 6 , into the interior of the casing 4 at the upper end thereof.
  • the packer 13 prevents outflow of fluid from the lower end of the casing 4 .
  • the fluid pressure in the casing 4 increases whereby the increase of fluid pressure in the expanded (lower) casing portion 10 equals the increase of fluid pressure in the unexpanded (upper) casing portion 12 by virtue of the through-bore 14 of the expander 8 .
  • the fluid pressure between the outer surface of the expander 8 and the inner surface of the casing 4 increases equally.
  • the burst pressure of the casing is the internal fluid pressure at which the casing 4 deforms in an uncontrolled manner, leading to rupture of the casing.
  • the burst pressure can be determined in a straightforward manner, either by calculation or by testing. Also, for most casings generally used the burst pressure is known or can be obtained from the manufacturer.
  • the winch 20 Upon the fluid pressure in the casing 4 reaching about 90% of the casing burst pressure, the winch 20 is operated to pull the expander 8 upwardly by means of the wireline 16 .
  • the force required to pull the expander 8 upwardly through the casing, and thereby to radially expand the casing 4 is relatively low.
  • the pressurised fluid between the outer surface of the expander 8 and the inner surface of the casing delivers a major amount of the energy required to radially expand the casing 4 . Therefore the expander 8 only needs to exert a moderate radial force to the inner surface of the casing 4 to expand the casing.
  • the fluid pump at surface is operated to pump fluid, via the drill pipe 28 and the side entry sub 30 , into the interior of the liner 26 .
  • the packer 37 prevents outflow of fluid from the lower end of the liner 26 .
  • the fluid pressure in the liner 26 increases whereby the fluid pressure increase in the expanded (lower) riser portion 34 equals the fluid pressure increase in the unexpanded (upper) liner portion 36 .
  • the fluid pressure between the outer surface of the expander 32 and the inner surface of the liner 26 increases equally. Pumping of fluid into the liner 26 is continued until the fluid pressure in the liner 26 is about 90% of the burst pressure of the liner 26 .
  • the burst pressure is the internal fluid pressure at which the liner 26 deforms in an uncontrolled manner, eventually leading to rupture of the liner 26 .
  • the burst pressure for liner can be determined in a straightforward manner, either by calculation or by testing. Alternatively the burst pressure can be obtained from the manufacturer.
  • the lower anchor 44 is operated to move to its radially extended position so as to anchor the lower leg 42 to the inner surface of the liner 26 .
  • the extender 40 is operated to move to its axially extended position so as to move the expander 32 one stroke upwardly through the liner 26 and to further expand the liner 26 .
  • the force required to move the expander 32 upwardly through the liner 26 , and thereby to radially expand the liner is relatively low.
  • the pressurised fluid between the outer surface of the expander and the inner surface of the liner delivers a major amount of the energy required to radially expand the liner 26 . Therefore the expander 26 only needs to exert a moderate radial force to the inner surface of the liner 26 to expand the liner. Since the internal volume of the liner 26 increases during the expansion process, it is necessary to continue pumping fluid into the liner 26 during the expansion process in order to keep the fluid pressure at about 90% of the burst pressure.
  • the upper anchor 45 Upon the extender 40 arriving at the end of its stroke, the upper anchor 45 is moved to its radially extended position so as to anchor the upper leg 43 to the inner surface of the liner 26 , and the lower anchor 44 is moved to its radially retracted position.
  • the extender 40 is then moved to its axially retracted position whereby the lower leg 42 and lower anchor 44 move upwardly through the liner 26 .
  • the expansion process described above is then repeated so as to move the expander 32 a further stroke upwardly, etc.
  • the upper end portion of the liner 26 is expanded against the casing 24 whereby the liner becomes firmly fixed to the casing 24 .
  • the expander 32 , the extender 40 , the power cable 46 , the side entry sub 30 and the drill pipe 28 are retrieved from the wellbore 1 .
  • self-activating anchors can be used.
  • an anchor can be used which anchors itself against the inner surface of the liner upon application of a downward force to the anchor, and which releases itself from the liner upon application of an upward force to the anchor.
  • Such principle is similar to the principle of a conventional ball grabber.
  • the extender and/or anchors can be hydraulically powered using, for example, a coiled tubing. Also, a combination of electric and hydraulic powering can be applied.
  • the expander can be operated to exert said radially outward force to the inner surface of the tubular element by allowing the expander to move through the tubular element by gravitational force.
  • the expander is suitably provided with additional weight means or with propelling means such as the extender described hereinbefore.
US12/161,618 2006-01-23 2006-01-23 Method of expanding a tubular element in a wellbore Abandoned US20090084540A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2006/050367 WO2007082590A1 (en) 2006-01-23 2006-01-23 Method of expanding a tubular element in a wellbore

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20090084540A1 true US20090084540A1 (en) 2009-04-02

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US12/161,618 Abandoned US20090084540A1 (en) 2006-01-23 2006-01-23 Method of expanding a tubular element in a wellbore

Country Status (7)

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US (1) US20090084540A1 (zh)
CN (1) CN101360883B (zh)
BR (1) BRPI0621041A2 (zh)
CA (1) CA2636496A1 (zh)
GB (1) GB2447389B (zh)
NO (1) NO20083619L (zh)
WO (1) WO2007082590A1 (zh)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2696026A1 (en) * 2012-08-10 2014-02-12 Welltec A/S Downhole turbine-driven system

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN216110695U (zh) * 2021-07-22 2022-03-22 上海勘察设计研究院(集团)有限公司 一种有缆轻型随钻原位测试系统

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5348095A (en) * 1992-06-09 1994-09-20 Shell Oil Company Method of creating a wellbore in an underground formation
US6575240B1 (en) * 1998-12-07 2003-06-10 Shell Oil Company System and method for driving pipe
US20030178204A1 (en) * 2002-03-19 2003-09-25 Echols Ralph H. System and method for creating a fluid seal between production tubing and well casing
US6712151B2 (en) * 2001-04-06 2004-03-30 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Tubing expansion
US20040094312A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2004-05-20 Lohbeck Wilhelmus Christianus Maria Expander for expanding a tubular element
US20040154808A1 (en) * 2001-06-19 2004-08-12 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Tubing expansion
US20040173361A1 (en) * 2001-07-13 2004-09-09 Lohbeck Wilhelmus Christianus, Maria Method of expanding a tubular element in a wellbore
US20040251035A1 (en) * 2001-04-06 2004-12-16 Simpson Neil Andrew Abercrombie Hydraulically assisted tubing expansion
US20050045342A1 (en) * 2000-10-25 2005-03-03 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and method for completing a wellbore
US7191841B2 (en) * 2004-10-05 2007-03-20 Hydril Company L.P. Expansion pig

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN2668847Y (zh) * 2004-01-07 2005-01-05 中国石油集团科学技术研究院 实体膨胀管膨胀设备
WO2006072616A1 (en) * 2005-01-07 2006-07-13 Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. Method of expanding a tubular element in a wellbore
GB2440858A (en) * 2005-10-13 2008-02-13 Enventure Global Technology Fluid expansion of liner into contact with existing tubular

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5348095A (en) * 1992-06-09 1994-09-20 Shell Oil Company Method of creating a wellbore in an underground formation
US6575240B1 (en) * 1998-12-07 2003-06-10 Shell Oil Company System and method for driving pipe
US20050045342A1 (en) * 2000-10-25 2005-03-03 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and method for completing a wellbore
US20040094312A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2004-05-20 Lohbeck Wilhelmus Christianus Maria Expander for expanding a tubular element
US6712151B2 (en) * 2001-04-06 2004-03-30 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Tubing expansion
US20040251035A1 (en) * 2001-04-06 2004-12-16 Simpson Neil Andrew Abercrombie Hydraulically assisted tubing expansion
US20040154808A1 (en) * 2001-06-19 2004-08-12 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Tubing expansion
US20040173361A1 (en) * 2001-07-13 2004-09-09 Lohbeck Wilhelmus Christianus, Maria Method of expanding a tubular element in a wellbore
US20030178204A1 (en) * 2002-03-19 2003-09-25 Echols Ralph H. System and method for creating a fluid seal between production tubing and well casing
US7191841B2 (en) * 2004-10-05 2007-03-20 Hydril Company L.P. Expansion pig

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2696026A1 (en) * 2012-08-10 2014-02-12 Welltec A/S Downhole turbine-driven system
WO2014023829A1 (en) * 2012-08-10 2014-02-13 Welltec A/S Downhole turbine-driven system
CN104541018A (zh) * 2012-08-10 2015-04-22 韦尔泰克有限公司 涡轮驱动的井下系统

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101360883A (zh) 2009-02-04
CA2636496A1 (en) 2007-07-26
BRPI0621041A2 (pt) 2012-07-10
CN101360883B (zh) 2012-08-01
GB2447389B (en) 2010-03-03
GB0812133D0 (en) 2008-08-06
NO20083619L (no) 2008-08-21
GB2447389A (en) 2008-09-10
WO2007082590A1 (en) 2007-07-26

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: SHELL OIL COMPANY, TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SCHILTE, PAUL DIRK;REEL/FRAME:021264/0233

Effective date: 20080521

AS Assignment

Owner name: ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, L.L.C., TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SHELL OIL COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:025843/0861

Effective date: 20110125

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION