US20120073830A1 - Universal Backup for Swellable Packers - Google Patents

Universal Backup for Swellable Packers Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120073830A1
US20120073830A1 US12/889,573 US88957310A US2012073830A1 US 20120073830 A1 US20120073830 A1 US 20120073830A1 US 88957310 A US88957310 A US 88957310A US 2012073830 A1 US2012073830 A1 US 2012073830A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
elastomer
downhole tool
swellable element
exposure
swellable
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
US12/889,573
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jeffrey J. Lembcke
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.)
Weatherford Technology Holdings LLC
Original Assignee
Weatherford Lamb Inc
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 Weatherford Lamb Inc filed Critical Weatherford Lamb Inc
Priority to US12/889,573 priority Critical patent/US20120073830A1/en
Assigned to WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC. reassignment WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LEMBCKE, JEFFREY J
Priority to AU2011224002A priority patent/AU2011224002A1/en
Priority to CA2752345A priority patent/CA2752345C/fr
Priority to EP11250818.9A priority patent/EP2434088A3/fr
Priority to RU2011139130/03A priority patent/RU2485282C2/ru
Publication of US20120073830A1 publication Critical patent/US20120073830A1/en
Assigned to WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC reassignment WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • 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
    • E21B33/1216—Anti-extrusion means, e.g. means to prevent cold flow of rubber packing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of downhole apparatus, and in particular to downhole apparatus for use with swellable materials.
  • Annular barriers have been designed for preventing undesirable flow of wellbore fluids in the annulus between a wellbore tubular and the inner surface of a surrounding tubular or the borehole wall.
  • the annular barriers provide a fluid seal capable of holding a significant pressure differential across its length.
  • a wellbore packer is formed on the outer surface of a completion string that is run into an outer casing in a first condition having a particular outer diameter. When the packer is in its desired downhole location, it is inflated or expanded into contact with the inner surface of the outer casing to create a seal in the annulus.
  • Similar wellbore packers have been designed for use in openhole environments, to create a seal between a tubular and the surrounding wall of the wellbore.
  • Conventional packers are actuated by mechanical or hydraulic systems. A force or pressure is applied from the wellhead to move a mechanical packer element radially into contact with the surrounding surface.
  • a force or pressure is applied from the wellhead to move a mechanical packer element radially into contact with the surrounding surface.
  • fluid is delivered from the wellhead to inflate a chamber defined by a bladder around the tubular body.
  • wellbore packers which include a mantle of swellable material formed around the tubular.
  • the swellable material is selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, which may be a hydrocarbon fluid or an aqueous fluid or brine.
  • the swellable packer may be run to a downhole location in its unexpanded state, where it is exposed to a wellbore fluid and caused to increase in volume.
  • the design, dimensions, and swelling characteristics are selected such that the swellable packer element expands to create a fluid seal in the annulus to isolate one wellbore section from another.
  • Swellable packers have several advantages over conventional packers, including passive actuation, simplicity of construction, and robustness in long-term isolation applications.
  • swellable packers may be designed for compliant expansion of the swellable mantle into contact with a surrounding surface, such that the force imparted on the surface prevents damage to a rock formation or sandface, while still creating an annular barrier or seal. Swellable packers therefore lend themselves well to openhole completions in loose or weak formations.
  • Swellable materials are elastomeric (i.e. they display mechanical and physical properties of an elastomer or natural rubber).
  • the swellable mantle may comprise a material such as an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.
  • EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer
  • the material for example may comprise an N-vinyl carboxylic acid amide-based cross-linked resin and a water swellable urethane in an ethylene propylene rubber matrix.
  • swellable elastomeric materials may be designed to increase in volume in both hydrocarbon fluids and aqueous fluids.
  • Expandable metal backups are used to prevent extrusion on swellable packer elements. Since the swellable elements are manufactured using a variety of materials designed to swell in oil, water, or both, there is a need to develop these backup systems for each of the various elastomers. This also requires manufacturing to stock the various types of back-up units, which adds extra cost to the manufacturing process and creates a situation where mistakes can be made and the wrong type of back up assembled onto packers.
  • an apparatus for use with a downhole tool having a swellable element comprises an attachment portion, configured for attachment of the apparatus to the downhole tool; a ring portion, connected to the attachment portion, having an expanded condition and an unexpanded condition; and an elastomer portion, disposed radially inwardly of the ring portion, composed of a first elastomer selected to expand upon exposure to both aqueous solutions and hydrocarbons, wherein expansion of the elastomer portion upon exposure to an aqueous solution or a hydrocarbon urges the ring portion radially outwardly from the unexpanded condition to the expanded condition.
  • a downhole tool in another embodiment, comprises a body; a swellable element, disposed about the body, composed of a first elastomer selected to expand upon exposure to a predetermined wellbore fluid; a backup unit, disposed about the body at an end of the swellable element.
  • the backup unit comprises an attachment portion, attached to the body; a ring portion, connected to the attachment portion, having an expanded condition and an unexpanded condition; and an elastomer portion, disposed between the ring portion and the body, composed of a second elastomer selected to expand upon exposure to both aqueous solutions and hydrocarbons regardless of the predetermined wellbore fluid, wherein expansion of the elastomer portion urges the ring portion radially outwardly from the unexpanded condition to the expanded condition.
  • a method for assembling a downhole tool comprises selecting a swellable element for a downhole tool responsive to a fluid in a wellbore; disposing the swellable element on a body member of the downhole tool; disposing a backup unit on the body member adjacent an end of the swellable element, and attaching the universal backup unit to the body, where the backup unit comprises a ring portion having an expanded condition and an unexpanded condition; and an elastomer portion, disposed between the ring portion and the body, composed of a second elastomer selected without regard to the fluid in the wellbore.
  • FIG. 1 is a cutaway view of a downhole tool according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a cutaway view of a portion of a swellable packer 100 according to one embodiment. Some common features of the swellable packer known to the art are omitted for clarity of the drawing.
  • the swellable packer 100 comprises a central body 110 , such as a tubular or mandrel, about which is disposed a swellable elastomer mantle 120 .
  • the swellable mantle 120 may be formed of one or more sections as desired, using any known technique for forming a swellable mantle about a central body. In one embodiment, the swellable mantle 120 may be bonded or otherwise attached to the body 110 .
  • the swellable mantle 120 is formed of an elastomer designed to swell when exposed to an aqueous solution such as water or brine. In another embodiment, the swellable mantle 120 is formed of an elastomer designed to swell when exposed to a hydrocarbon fluid. In yet another embodiment, the swellable mantle is formed of a hybrid elastomer that is designed to swell when exposed to either an aqueous solution or a hydrocarbon fluid.
  • the elastomer of the mantle 120 swells upon exposure to the fluid surrounding the packer 100 in the wellbore. As the elastomer of the mantle 120 swells, it expands radially outwardly, engaging a surrounding casing or open hole wellbore (not shown in FIG. 1 ) sealing the packer 100 to the casing or wellbore.
  • the elastomer of the mantle 120 may also swell axially, and if not prevented from doing so, may extrude axially around the other elements disposed at the ends of the mantle 120 , reducing the pressure that is exerted by the expanded mantle 120 on the surrounding casing or wellbore.
  • backup unit 160 is disposed at least one end of the mantle 120 , according to one embodiment. Although only one end of the swellable mantle 120 is illustrated in FIG. 1 , similar elements may be disposed at both ends of the mantle 120 .
  • the backup unit 160 comprises three elements: an attachment portion 150 , designed for attaching the backup unit 160 to the body 110 , a backup ring portion 140 , typically made of metal, and an elastomer backup element 130 .
  • Axial pressure on the elastomer backup element 130 urges the backup portion 140 of the backup unit 160 radially outwardly, while the attachment portion 150 , secured to the body 110 , presents axial or rotational movement of the backup unit 160 relative to the body 110 .
  • the backup element 130 also exerts force on the mantle 120 , contributing to the prevention of axial extrusion of the mantle 120 .
  • the elastomer backup element 130 is also formed of a swellable material.
  • the elastomer forming the mantle 120 is typically selected based on the types of fluids found in the well, the elastomer backup element 130 is formed of a hybrid swellable material that is selected for expansion on exposure to both aqueous solutions and hydrocarbon fluids.
  • the same backup unit 160 may be used regardless of the composition of the mantle 120 , in wells with any type of wellbore fluid suitable for a downhole tool with a swellable member.
  • hybrid elastomers are known to the art, but have not previously been used for constructing the backup elastomer element 130 .
  • one type of hybrid swellable elastomer is an elastomeric matrix material such as EPDM, impregnated with super absorbent polymer (SAP) particles.
  • SAPs have hydrophilic characteristics.
  • the hybrid swellable elastomer comprises the reaction product of linear or branched polymers having residual ethylenic unsaturation with an unsaturated organic monomer having at least one reactive moiety.
  • Other examples of hybrid swellable elastomers are known and may be used.
  • a universal backup unit may be manufactured and used on packers intended for use in the presence of either type of fluid, thus reducing manufacturing and inventory costs, as well as reducing the risk that a packer 100 may be assembled with a backup unit 160 that is designed for the wrong type of solution.
  • expansion of the backup elastomer 130 resists axial expansion of the mantle 120 , and also swells radially outwardly, causing the backup ring portion 140 to deform and expand radially outwardly, further preventing extrusion of the mantle 120 axially.
  • the backup ring portion 140 is a solid unit. In other embodiments, the backup ring portion 140 may be divided into a plurality of sections or fingers that separate as the mantle 120 and backup elastomer 130 swell and expand. Multiple layers of fingers may be provided in some embodiments, disposed so that expansion of the layers of fingers maintains an overlap, preventing extrusion of the elastomer of the mantle 120 between adjacent fingers of the backup ring portion.
  • the universal backup unit 160 may be used in other downhole tools that incorporate swellable members.

Landscapes

  • 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)
  • Pipe Accessories (AREA)
  • Polyoxymethylene Polymers And Polymers With Carbon-To-Carbon Bonds (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)
  • Investigation Of Foundation Soil And Reinforcement Of Foundation Soil By Compacting Or Drainage (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
US12/889,573 2010-09-24 2010-09-24 Universal Backup for Swellable Packers Abandoned US20120073830A1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/889,573 US20120073830A1 (en) 2010-09-24 2010-09-24 Universal Backup for Swellable Packers
AU2011224002A AU2011224002A1 (en) 2010-09-24 2011-09-13 Universal backup for swellable packers
CA2752345A CA2752345C (fr) 2010-09-24 2011-09-14 Dispositif de secours universel pour garnitures d'etancheite dilatables
EP11250818.9A EP2434088A3 (fr) 2010-09-24 2011-09-22 Rechange universelle pour emballeuses gonflables
RU2011139130/03A RU2485282C2 (ru) 2010-09-24 2011-09-23 Устройство для использования со скважинным инструментом, имеющим разбухающий элемент, скважинный инструмент и способ его сборки

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/889,573 US20120073830A1 (en) 2010-09-24 2010-09-24 Universal Backup for Swellable Packers

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20120073830A1 true US20120073830A1 (en) 2012-03-29

Family

ID=45317459

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/889,573 Abandoned US20120073830A1 (en) 2010-09-24 2010-09-24 Universal Backup for Swellable Packers

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20120073830A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2434088A3 (fr)
AU (1) AU2011224002A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2752345C (fr)
RU (1) RU2485282C2 (fr)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9587458B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2017-03-07 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Split foldback rings with anti-hooping band
US10329870B2 (en) * 2017-05-04 2019-06-25 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Sealing element backup ring with integrated tab to close extrusion path along a mandrel
US10370935B2 (en) 2017-07-14 2019-08-06 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Packer assembly including a support ring
US10526864B2 (en) 2017-04-13 2020-01-07 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Seal backup, seal system and wellbore system
US10677014B2 (en) 2017-09-11 2020-06-09 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Multi-layer backup ring including interlock members
US10689942B2 (en) 2017-09-11 2020-06-23 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Multi-layer packer backup ring with closed extrusion gaps
US10704355B2 (en) 2016-01-06 2020-07-07 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Slotted anti-extrusion ring assembly
US10907438B2 (en) 2017-09-11 2021-02-02 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Multi-layer backup ring
US10907437B2 (en) 2019-03-28 2021-02-02 Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations Llc Multi-layer backup ring
US11142978B2 (en) 2019-12-12 2021-10-12 Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations Llc Packer assembly including an interlock feature

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6328019B2 (ja) * 2014-09-22 2018-05-23 株式会社クレハ 反応性金属を含有するダウンホールツール部材及び分解性樹脂組成物を含有するダウンホールツール部材を備えるダウンホールツール、並びに坑井掘削方法

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7373991B2 (en) * 2005-07-18 2008-05-20 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Swellable elastomer-based apparatus, oilfield elements comprising same, and methods of using same in oilfield applications
WO2008154392A1 (fr) * 2007-06-06 2008-12-18 Baker Hughes Incorporated Packer gonflable avec systèmes de secours
US20100276137A1 (en) * 2009-05-01 2010-11-04 Swelltec Limited Swellable Downhole Apparatus and Support Assembly

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9600819D0 (en) * 1996-01-16 1996-03-20 Raychem Gmbh Electrical stress control
GB9923092D0 (en) * 1999-09-30 1999-12-01 Solinst Canada Ltd System for introducing granular material into a borehole
GB2428264B (en) * 2004-03-12 2008-07-30 Schlumberger Holdings Sealing system and method for use in a well
NO327157B1 (no) * 2005-05-09 2009-05-04 Easy Well Solutions As Forankringsanordning for en ringromspakning med et forste andre endeomradet og anbrakt pa et rorformet element
US7661471B2 (en) * 2005-12-01 2010-02-16 Baker Hughes Incorporated Self energized backup system for packer sealing elements
US7387158B2 (en) * 2006-01-18 2008-06-17 Baker Hughes Incorporated Self energized packer
WO2008062186A1 (fr) * 2006-11-21 2008-05-29 Swelltec Limited Appareil de fond et structure support pour celui-ci
US7753131B2 (en) * 2008-08-20 2010-07-13 Tam International, Inc. High temperature packer and method
RU86650U1 (ru) * 2009-05-28 2009-09-10 Алексей Викторович Власов Пакер

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7373991B2 (en) * 2005-07-18 2008-05-20 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Swellable elastomer-based apparatus, oilfield elements comprising same, and methods of using same in oilfield applications
WO2008154392A1 (fr) * 2007-06-06 2008-12-18 Baker Hughes Incorporated Packer gonflable avec systèmes de secours
US20100276137A1 (en) * 2009-05-01 2010-11-04 Swelltec Limited Swellable Downhole Apparatus and Support Assembly

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9587458B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2017-03-07 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Split foldback rings with anti-hooping band
US10704355B2 (en) 2016-01-06 2020-07-07 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Slotted anti-extrusion ring assembly
US10526864B2 (en) 2017-04-13 2020-01-07 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Seal backup, seal system and wellbore system
US10329870B2 (en) * 2017-05-04 2019-06-25 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Sealing element backup ring with integrated tab to close extrusion path along a mandrel
US10370935B2 (en) 2017-07-14 2019-08-06 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Packer assembly including a support ring
US10677014B2 (en) 2017-09-11 2020-06-09 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Multi-layer backup ring including interlock members
US10689942B2 (en) 2017-09-11 2020-06-23 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Multi-layer packer backup ring with closed extrusion gaps
US10822912B2 (en) 2017-09-11 2020-11-03 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Multi-layer packer backup ring with closed extrusion gaps
US10907438B2 (en) 2017-09-11 2021-02-02 Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc Multi-layer backup ring
US10907437B2 (en) 2019-03-28 2021-02-02 Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations Llc Multi-layer backup ring
US11142978B2 (en) 2019-12-12 2021-10-12 Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations Llc Packer assembly including an interlock feature

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
RU2485282C2 (ru) 2013-06-20
EP2434088A3 (fr) 2014-04-16
AU2011224002A1 (en) 2012-04-12
CA2752345A1 (fr) 2012-03-24
CA2752345C (fr) 2014-10-28
EP2434088A2 (fr) 2012-03-28
RU2011139130A (ru) 2013-03-27

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC., TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LEMBCKE, JEFFREY J;REEL/FRAME:025036/0890

Effective date: 20100916

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

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

AS Assignment

Owner name: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC, TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.;REEL/FRAME:034526/0272

Effective date: 20140901