US20160084032A1

US20160084032A1 - Well Casing Heads, Systems, and Methods for Removing Fluid from Earth about an Underground Platform

Info

Publication number: US20160084032A1
Application number: US14/494,419
Authority: US
Inventors: Greg Vandersnick; Gregor Vandersnick; Brian Landry; Joseph McPhie
Original assignee: NEP IP LLC
Current assignee: NEP IP LLC
Priority date: 2014-09-23
Filing date: 2014-09-23
Publication date: 2016-03-24

Abstract

Well casing heads are provided that can include: a housing defining a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, the first diameter of the first opening being greater than the second diameter of the second opening; and at least one fluid passageway extending through a wall of the housing and into the second opening. Well casing systems within a wall of an underground platform are also provided. The systems can include: a well casing head; a pair of tubular members about each other extending from the well casing head into a wall of the platform; and a void between the two members, the void extending from within the underground platform to the at least one fluid passageway of the well casing head. Methods for removing fluid from earth about an underground platform are also provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to fluid acquisition operations in an underground setting. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to well casing heads, systems, and methods for removing fluid from earth about an underground platform.

BACKGROUND

Precious fluid acquisition has been attempted from underground platforms. These platforms exist within the earth and may be related to an underground reservoir, with the underground reservoir being lateral to or even above the platform, sometimes even below the platform. In these underground settings, it can be difficult to perform traditional well operations in the acquisition of valuable fluids, such as hydrocarbon fluids, including but not limited to petroleum fluids. The present disclosure provides well casing assemblies and well casing systems as well as methods for setting casing in an underground platform.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Well casing heads are provided that can include: a housing having housing walls extending between two ends, the housing defining a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, the openings being in fluid communication with one another; the first opening extending through the housing and defining a first diameter in one cross section, the second opening extending through the housing and defining a second diameter in the one cross section, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter; and at least one fluid passageway extending through a wall of the housing and into the second opening.
Well casing systems within a wall of an underground platform are also provided. The systems can include: a well casing head; a pair of tubular members about each other extending from the well casing head into a wall of the platform; and a void between the two members, the void extending from within the underground platform to the at least one fluid passageway of the well casing head.
Methods for removing fluid from earth about an underground platform are also provided. The methods can include: extending an outer tubular member to within the earth from the underground platform; extending at least one inner tubular member within the outer tubular member to define a space between the outer and inner tubular members; coupling both the outer and inner tubular members with a well casing head, the coupling completing fluid communication between the space and a fluid passageway within the housing of the well casing head; and removing fluid from at least two distinct regions of the earth about the underground platform, fluid from one of the two regions being removed through the space between the members, and fluid from the other of the two regions being removed through the inner tubular member.
Well casing assemblies are provided that can include at least one casing extending between two ends; another casing surrounding the one casing and extending between the two ends, the one and the other casing defining a void therebetween. The well casing can further include a flange extending from the other casing, with the flange defining a space therein, and the space of the flange being in fluid communication with the void defined between the casings.
Well casing systems within a wall of an underground platform are also provided. The system can include a pair of tubular members about each other extending upwardly from within the platform into a wall of the platform. The system can further include a void between the two members, with the void extending from within the underground platform to within the wall of the platform. The system can also include an opening within one of the pair of tubular members, the opening in fluid communication with the void.
Methods for setting casing in an underground platform are also provided. The methods can include extending a well upwardly to within a wall of the underground platform and providing fluid cement to within the well. The method can further include curing the cement to form a casing within the well.

DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a depiction of an operator within an underground platform.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of an assembly and/or system of the present disclosure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a depiction of an assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a depiction of an assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is another view of the assembly of FIG. 4 in another configuration according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is another view of the configuration of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a depiction of an assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an example cross sectional view of the assembly according to FIGS. 4-6.

FIG. 9 is a depiction of a well casing head according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is one cross section of a well casing head according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a view of the well casing head according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a view of a well casing system that can be used in accordance with the methods for removing fluid from earth about an underground platform according to embodiments of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).
The present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-8. Referring first to FIG. 1, a subterranean underground platform 10 is depicted. Platform 10 may include a well 12 and an operator 14. Well 12 can be considered a bore hole extending outwardly from within the platform to the earthen material surrounding the platform. This is but one example of a mine system that may utilize embodiments of the present disclosure. This mine system can be utilized to acquire deposits that include earthen material or material bearing hydrocarbon containing fluid, such as crude oil and or/natural gas.
Well 12 may be provided at an angle extending from within the platform to within the earthen material. This angle can be at a substantially upward angle from within the platform. For example, the angle can extend from greater than zero to less than 90 degrees, particularly when extending from a wall of the platform.
Referring next to FIG. 2, a well casing system 20 is disclosed within a wall 22 of an underground platform such as underground platform 10. The system can include a pair of tubular members 24 and 26, for example, about each other extending upwardly from within the platform into wall 22 of the platform. In accordance with example implementations, the tubular members can be pipes of different sizes. The pipes can be defined to where when engaged with one another, a void 28 exists therebetween. Void 28 can extend from within the platform to within wall 22 of the platform. There can be an opening 30 that is in fluid communication with the void.
The void and/or the tubular members can extend from within the platform to within the wall of the platform at a substantially upward angle. This angle can be greater than zero and/or less than 90 degrees. In accordance with example implementations, the members can define openings associated with an interior portion of the platform and/or exits associated within wall 22 of the platform. In accordance with example implementations, the openings can be at a lower elevation in relation to the exits defined by the members and/or void.
In accordance with an example implementation, one of the members, such as member 26, can engage wall 22 of the platform. Member 26 may also engage a flange 32. Accordingly, flange 32 can engage at least one of the pair of members.
Flange 32 can define a space 34 therein, and space 34 can be in fluid communication with void 28 between members 26 and 24. The flange and the members can be constructed of metallic materials such as, but not limited to, cast iron materials. The members may be also constructed of polymeric materials of sufficiently predefined strength. In accordance with example implementations, tubular member 26 can have an inner diameter of about 5″ and tubular member 24 can have an outside diameter of about 4½″, establishing a void 28 of approximately ½″. In accordance with example implementations, void 28 can also have a thickness of about ¾″ to about 1″.
Flange 32 can include a surface 36 having opposing walls 40 and 38 extending therefrom. The surface 36 and walls 40 and 38 can establish space 34 within flange 32. With reference to FIG. 2, flange 32 can be coupled to a fixture 42. This fixture can be a valve assembly and/or pressure measurement device, for example. The fixture can be associated with an opening extending to within flange 32. That opening can be in fluid communication with void 28 and space 34. In accordance with example implementations, the valve fixture can be configured to be open and/or closed or releasably open and/or close. The valve assembly can be configured to receive a fluid cement, such as Type G oil field cement.
Referring to FIG. 3, according to another embodiment, well casing assembly 50 is shown. Well casing assembly 50 includes one casing 54 extending between two ends. Another casing 56 can extend about the one casing 54 between the two ends and define a void therebetween, not shown. FIG. 3 is shown in an exploded view indicating the arrangement of the assembly prior to construction or assembly. In this embodiment, the other casing is coupled to flange 62 and while not shown, flange 62 defines a space therein with the space of the flange being in fluid communication with the void established between casing 54 and casing 56.
In assembly 50, flange 62 engages the other casing 56 and can engage the one casing 54 via coupling assemblies 74 and 76. Coupling assemblies 74 and 76 can include a pressure fit seal threadably engageable to flange 62 with packing materials 76 in between the pressure fit seal 74. These packing materials can engage an outer portion as shown in FIG. 2 or an inner portion of the flange as shown in FIG. 3.
Flange 62 can define an opening extending to within the space not shown. This opening in FIG. 3 is coupled to a fixture 72. According to this embodiment, fixture 72 is a valve configured to allow for the opening or closing of fluid communication between the exterior flange 62 and the space within flange 62 and the void between members 54 and 56. This fitting can be a valve configured to receive liquid cement and/or it may also include a pressure gauge to determine the pressure within the space and void established within the assembly.
Referring next to FIG. 4, assembly 100 is shown with assembly 100 including at least two subcomponents, subcomponent assembly 102 that is configured to couple with subcomponent assembly 104. Referring first to subcomponent assembly 102, subcomponent assembly 102 can include a flange 106 that includes openings configured to be coupled to a complimentary flange of a conduit, for example. Flange 106 can have a member or wall 108 extending therefrom to another flange 110. In accordance with example implementations, member or wall 108 can extend to another wall or member 112. The alignment of walls 108 and 112 can be juxtaposed or nonlinear, for example. In accordance with another example implementation, the angle of the wall 108 in relation to flange 106 can be other than normal, for example.
In accordance with example implementations as described herein, wall 108 and/or 112, for example, can include an opening configured to receive a conduit 114 extending therethrough. Conduit 114 can have a valve attached thereto to control the flow of a substance therebetween.
Subcomponent assembly 104 can include at least two components, for example, but may be configured as a single component. In accordance with example implementations, each of the two components 120 can include a sidewall 122 extending to a flange 124. The flange of 124 can be configured to couple to the flange of 110, and the sidewalls 122 can be configured to be received within subcomponent assembly 102, for example.
Referring next to FIG. 5, in accordance with another configuration of assembly 100, subcomponent assembly 104 is shown engaged within subcomponent assembly 102. As shown, subcomponent assembly 104 defines a recess or opening 130. This opening or recess can be configured to receive conduit therein.
Referring next to FIG. 6, an alternative view of assembly 100 is shown. In accordance with this view, subcomponent assembly 104 is shown disengaged from subcomponent assembly 102. As shown through the opening of subcomponent assembly 102, a secondary flange 140 is shown within the subcomponent assembly 102. This secondary flange may be consistent with the perimeter of the recess 130 defined by subcomponent assembly 104 when engaged.
Referring to FIG. 7, another embodiment of assembly 100 is shown that includes a second valve assembly 214. This valve assembly may be placed opposing the first valve assembly 114. Valve assemblies 114 and 214 may be the same or different configurations. For example, one of the assemblies may be configured to accept fluid while the other may be configured to release fluid.
Referring next to FIG. 8, a cross sectional view of assembly 100 is shown with subcomponent assembly 104 disengaged from subcomponent assembly 102. In accordance with example implementations, flange 140 is shown in this cross section, as is opening 114 within wall 108. As can be seen from this view, subcomponent assembly 104 can engage subcomponent assembly 102 to define an opening 130 therein. This opening can be configured to receive conduit. In accordance with an example implementation, as the conduit extends through assembly 100, and opening or a space between the conduit and walls 108 is defined that can convey a fluid through opening 114.
In accordance with example implementations, casing can be set into an underground platform by extending a well upwardly to within the wall of the underground platform via bore hole for example. This bore hole is shown in FIG. 1, and the upward angle is shown in FIG. 2, for example. Fluid cement can be provided to within the well. In accordance with example implementations, this fluid cement can be passed through a flange defining a space therein, and the space can be in fluid communication with a void established between two members. This fluid cement can be Type G oil field cement, and the pressure can be monitored while providing this fluid cement upwardly to within the well. In accordance with example implementations, the fluid cement can be provided from a downward most portion of the flange, and a pressure gauge on the uppermost portion of the flange can be provided. Upon reaching a desired pressure, somewhere between 100 psi and 500 psi, for example, the introduction of fluid cement can be halted, and then the cement can be cured.
In accordance with example implementations, the curing of the cement to form the casing in the wall can be established. In accordance with example implementations, setting casing in the underground platform can include providing a pair of tubular members to within the well, including providing the fluid cement to within a void defined between the pair of tubular members. The method can also include providing fluid cement to within a flange that has a space in fluid communication with the void established between the two members, the fluid cement substantially filling the space and a majority of the void extending to within the wall. The method can finally include removing one of the members from within the assembly within the wall. The member can be the interior member, thereby providing a cement casing configured to receive well drilling equipment such as hoses, additional pipes, and across the cement casing that has been established between the wall and the platform.
Embodiments of the disclosure also provide well casing heads, systems, and methods for removing fluid from earth about an underground platform. These well casing heads, systems, and methods are described with reference to FIGS. 9-12, for example. Referring first to FIG. 9, a well casing head according to an embodiment of the disclosure is depicted as well casing head 200. Well casing head 200 can have a housing 202 that extends from one end defining a first opening at 204 to another end defining a second opening at 206. These openings can be in fluid communication with one another.
The first opening at 204 can extend through housing 202 and define a first diameter 220 (depicted in FIG. 10 for example) in one cross section. The second opening 206 can extend through housing 202 and define a second diameter 222 (shown in FIG. 10, for example) in one cross section. The first diameter 220 can be greater than the second diameter 222, for example. Well casing head 200 can also include a fluid passageway such as fluid passageway 212. A diametrically opposed fluid passageway 214 can also extend through housing 202, for example. These fluid passageways can be in fluid connection with the opening defined by first diameter 222, for example, as shown in FIG. 10.
Referring next to FIG. 10, well casing head 200 can include a wall 224 as well as adjoining wall 226. These walls 224 and 226 can extend between the first diameter 220 and the second diameter 222 to join openings 204 and 206, for example. In accordance with example implementations, wall 226 can be other than normal in angular relation to the diameter 220, for example. As described earlier, another fluid passageway 214 can extend through another wall of housing 202 into the second diameter 222. In accordance with example implementations, this additional fluid passageway can oppose the one fluid passageway. In accordance with example implementations that are not shown, these fluid passageways can be spaced apart as well, or in juxtaposition to one another within the housing 202. Well casing head 200 can include a flange 208 about first opening 204. Well casing head 200 can also include flange 210 about second opening 206. In accordance with example implementations, these flanges can be commensurate in diameter, allowing for the uniform distribution of weight of the flange. In accordance with example implementations, and as shown in FIG. 12, for example, well casing head 200 can also include a pressure gauge operably coupled to the well casing. In accordance with example implementations, and with reference to FIG. 11, a view of well casing head 200 is shown as it extends from first opening 204. As shown, well casing head 200 includes flange 208, a first diameter 220, a first wall 226, and a second wall 224 extending to second diameter 222 and opening 206.
In accordance with example implementations, well casing systems are provided within a wall of an underground platform. These systems can include a well casing head that includes a housing having housing walls extending between two ends with the housing defining a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end. As described, these openings can be in fluid communication with one another. The system can further include that same well casing head that includes at least one fluid passageway extending through a wall of the housing and into the second opening.
The system can further include a pair of tubular members about each other and extending from the well casing head into a wall of the platform. As can be seen in FIG. 12, these two members can be represented as members 320 and 322. As can be seen, the members can establish a void 324 between the two members, with the void extending from within the underground platform to the at least one fluid passageway 324 or 312 of the well casing head 300. As can be seen, member 320 can engage the wall 326 of the underground platform. This wall 326 of the underground platform can be previously provided as a well casing wall and may include but is not limited to cement. The interior diameter of that cement wall can establish the tubular member 320, for example. In accordance with example implementations, flanges such as flange 208 can engage wall 326, for example. As such, the flange can engage at least one of the pair of tubular members within the system.
In accordance with example implementations, the one member 320 can be outside and confine the other member 322 to define the void 324 therebetween, and this outside member 320 can engage a flange of the well casing head. In accordance with example implementations, there can be a discontinuous portion or portion of wall 320. This discontinuous portion 330 is shown in FIG. 12. In accordance with example implementations, this discontinuous portion can allow for fluid engagement of a distinct region in the earth about the platform with the void 324 and eventually fluid passageways 312 or 314 of the system.
In accordance with example implementations, methods are provided for removing fluid from earth about an underground platform. These methods can utilize the systems and well head casings as well as tubular members of the present disclosure as shown and described herein. In accordance with example implementations, the method can include extending an outer tubular member to within the earth from the underground platform. An example of this outer tubular member can be the outer tubular member established as 320, which can be a portion of the wall 326 as described.
The method can also include extending at least one inner tubular member within the outer tubular member to define a space between the outer and inner tubular members. This inner tubular member can be inner tubular member 322 as shown and described, and the void can be void 324 shown in FIG. 12, for example. This inner tubular member can be another cement member, but it also may be a steel or other structurally sound or appropriate tubular member than can be utilized in underground fluid recovery systems.
The method can also include coupling both the outer and inner tubular members with a well casing head. As shown in FIG. 12, this coupling can be performed by coupling the outer member to a flange, such as flange 208, and the inner member to the inner diameter 206 of well casing head 202, for example. This coupling can complete fluid communication between the space between the outer and inner tubular members and the fluid passageway within the housing of the well casing head. In accordance with example implementations, the method can include removing fluid from at least two distinct regions of the earth about the underground platform. As shown in FIG. 12, these at least two distinct regions can be referred to as Region A and Region B. In accordance with example implementations, fluid from Region A can be transported through discontinuous portion 330 and into space 324 and out via a fluid passageway. In accordance with other example implementations, the other distinct Region B fluid can be removed therefrom via the inner tubular member as defined by 322. As shown in FIG. 12 and as described herein, the method can include providing fluid from one region through the discontinuous portion 330.
In accordance with example implementations, it is contemplated that fluid can be removed from additional regions as discontinuous portions are defined within the outer wall. For example, Region A may be other subsequent discontinuous portions to 330 as the system continues within the earth about the platform. These discontinuous portions can be aligned with different regions of the earth about the platform and in at least some circumstances, the plurality of these discontinuous portions can oppose each other along the outer member. In accordance with example implementations, and with reference to FIG. 12, it is shown that discontinuous portions 330 oppose one another.
In compliance with the statute, embodiments of the invention have been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the entire invention is not limited to the specific features and/or embodiments shown and/or described, since the disclosed embodiments comprise forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A well casing head comprising:

a housing having housing walls extending between two ends, the housing defining a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, the openings being in fluid communication with one another;

the first opening extending through the housing and defining a first diameter in one cross section, the second opening extending through the housing and defining a second diameter in the one cross section, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter; and

at least one fluid passageway extending through a wall of the housing and into the second opening.

2. The well casing head of claim 1 further comprising a wall within the housing, the wall extending between the first and second diameters to join the openings within the housing.

3. The well casing head of claim 2 wherein the wall is other than normal to the diameter of the first opening.

4. The well casing head of claim 1 further comprising another fluid passageway extending through another wall of the housing and into the second opening.

5. The well casing head of claim 4 wherein the other fluid passageway opposes the one fluid passageway.

6. The well casing head of claim 1 further comprising a flange extending from the first end about the first opening.

7. The well casing head of claim 1 further comprising a flange extending from the second end about the second opening.

8. The well casing head of claim 1 further comprising a pressure gauge operably coupled to the well casing head.

9. A well casing system within a wall of an underground platform, the system comprising:

a well casing head comprising:

at least one fluid passageway extending through a wall of the housing and into the second opening;

a pair of tubular members about each other extending from the well casing head into a wall of the platform; and

a void between the two members, the void extending from within the underground platform to the at least one fluid passageway of the well casing head.

10. The well casing system of claim 9 wherein at least one of the pair of tubular members engages the wall of the platform.

11. The well casing system of claim 9 further comprising a flange about the first opening of the well casing head, the flange engaging at least one of the pair of members.

12. The well casing system of claim 11 wherein one of the members is outside and confines the other of the members therein to define the void therebetween, the outside member engaging the flange.

13. The well casing system of claim 9 wherein one of the members is outside and confines the other of the members therein to define the void therebetween, the system further comprising at least one discontinuous wall of the outside member within earth about the platform.

14. The well casing system of claim 13 wherein the discontinuous portion of the wall is in fluid communication with the void between the members and the fluid passageway.

15. A method for removing fluid from earth about an underground platform, the method comprising:

extending an outer tubular member to within the earth from the underground platform;

extending at least one inner tubular member within the outer tubular member to define a space between the outer and inner tubular members;

coupling both the outer and inner tubular members with a well casing head, the coupling completing fluid communication between the space and a fluid passageway within the housing of the well casing head; and

removing fluid from at least two distinct regions of the earth about the underground platform, fluid from one of the two regions being removed through the space between the members, and fluid from the other of the two regions being removed through the inner tubular member.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the outer tubular member defines a discontinuous portion that provides fluid communication between the earth about the platform and the space, the fluid from the one region being transferred through the discontinuous portion.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising removing fluid from more than the at least two distinct regions.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein fluid is removed through a plurality of discontinuous portions aligned with different regions of the earth about the platform.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein at least some of the plurality of portions oppose each other along the outer member.