WO2009143469A2 - Monitoring flow rates while retrieving bottom hole assembly during casing while drilling operations - Google Patents
Monitoring flow rates while retrieving bottom hole assembly during casing while drilling operations Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2009143469A2 WO2009143469A2 PCT/US2009/045049 US2009045049W WO2009143469A2 WO 2009143469 A2 WO2009143469 A2 WO 2009143469A2 US 2009045049 W US2009045049 W US 2009045049W WO 2009143469 A2 WO2009143469 A2 WO 2009143469A2
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- bottom hole
- hole assembly
- annulus
- casing string
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 64
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 title claims description 8
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 193
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 31
- 230000002706 hydrostatic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 10
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 10
- 241000282472 Canis lupus familiaris Species 0.000 description 6
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001186 cumulative effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004941 influx Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005381 potential energy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012216 screening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004088 simulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/20—Driving or forcing casings or pipes into boreholes, e.g. sinking; Simultaneously drilling and casing boreholes
-
- 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
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/08—Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables; Apparatus for increasing or decreasing the pressure on the drilling tool; Apparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the rods
- E21B19/084—Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables; Apparatus for increasing or decreasing the pressure on the drilling tool; Apparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the rods with flexible drawing means, e.g. cables
-
- 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
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/06—Arrangements for treating drilling fluids outside the borehole
-
- 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
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/08—Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
- E21B21/085—Underbalanced techniques, i.e. where borehole fluid pressure is below formation pressure
-
- 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
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/10—Valve arrangements in drilling-fluid circulation systems
-
- 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
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/10—Valve arrangements in drilling-fluid circulation systems
- E21B21/106—Valve arrangements outside the borehole, e.g. kelly valves
-
- 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
- E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
- E21B23/08—Introducing or running tools by fluid pressure, e.g. through-the-flow-line tool systems
-
- 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
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/20—Driving or forcing casings or pipes into boreholes, e.g. sinking; Simultaneously drilling and casing boreholes
- E21B7/208—Driving or forcing casings or pipes into boreholes, e.g. sinking; Simultaneously drilling and casing boreholes using down-hole drives
Definitions
- This invention relates in general to drilling boreholes with casing-while-drilling operations and in particular to methods for retrieving the bottom hole assembly.
- Casing-while-driUing is a technique that involves running the casing at the same time the well is being drilled.
- the operator locks a bottom hole assembly to the lower end of the casing.
- the bottom hole assembly has a pilot drill bit and a reamer for drilling the borehole as the casing is lowered into the earth.
- the operator pumps drilling mud down the casing string, which returns up the annulus surrounding the casing string along with cuttings.
- the operator may rotate the casing with the bottom hole assembly.
- the operator may employ a mud motor that is powered by the downward flowing drilling fluid and which rotates the drill bit.
- One retrieval method employs a wireline retrieval tool that is lowered on wireline into engagement with the bottom hole assembly. The operator pulls upward on the wireline to retrieve the bottom hole assembly. While this is a workable solution in many cases, in some wells, the force necessary to pull loose the bottom hole assembly and retrieve it to the surface may be too high, resulting in breakage of the cable,
- the operator reverse circulates to pump the bottom hole assembly back up the casing.
- reverse circulation is that the amount of pressure required to force the bottom hole assembly upward may be damaging to the open borehole.
- the pressure applied to the annulus of the casing could break down certain formations, causing lost circulation or drilling fluid flow into the formation. It could also cause formation fluid to flow into the drilling fluid and be circulated up the casing string.
- the operator flows fluid down the annuius and up the casing string, causing the bottom hole assembly to move upward in the casing string.
- the bottom hole assembly moves upward, displaced fluid flows out of the casing string.
- the flow rate of the fluid flowing down the annulus and the flow rate of the displaced fluid flowing out of the casing string are monitored and compared, If the flow rates differ too much, the operator may temporarily cease to flow fluid down the annulus.
- the displaced fluid has a lighter density than the fluid being pumped into the annulus.
- the flowing of fluid down the annulus is preferably performed without increasing the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in the annulus. Alternately, it could result in an increase in hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in the annulus.
- the operator reduces the density of the fluid in the casing string above the bottom hole assembly to less than the fluid in the annulus, creating an upward force on the bottom hole assembly.
- a wireline may be attached to the bottom hole assembly. Pulling upward on the wireline will assist in upward movement of the bottom hole assembly.
- the displaced fluid flows through a restrictive orifice to create a desired back pressure. The flow area may be varied as the bottom hole assembly moves upward.
- Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating a drilling system for practicing a method of this invention and shown in a drilling mode
- Figure 2 is another view of the schematic of Figure 1, showing a retrieval tool that has been pumped down into engagement with the bottom hole assembly with a less dense fluid than the fluid in the annulus.
- Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the retrieval tool schematically illustrated in Figure 2.
- Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the slips and spring employed with the retrieval tool of Figure 3, and shown detached from the retrieval tool.
- Figure 5 is a sectional view of a retrieval tool of Figure 3, taken along lines 5- -5 of Figure 3.
- Figure 6 is a further enlarged view of a portion of the retrieval tool of Figure 3 and shown engaging a bottom hole assembly, shown by dotted lines.
- Figure 7 is a graph illustrating energy required to cause heavier annulus fluid to push a bottom hole assembly upward in casing filled with a less dense fluid.
- Figure 8 is a graph illustrating effective borehole hydrostatic pressure during various stages of this invention.
- Figure 9 is another schematic view similar to Figure 2, but showing the retrieval tool and bottom hole assembly moved partially up the casing string in response to the weight of the denser fluid in the casing annulus than the less dense fluid in the casing.
- Figure 10 is a schematic view similar to Figure 9, but showing the bottom hole assembly and retrieval tool suspended by slips as the operator pumps less dense fluid down through the bottom hole assembly to refill the casing.
- Figure 11 is a schematic view similar to Figure 9, but showing the blowout preventer closed and the operator applying surface pressure to the drilling fluid in the annulus.
- Figure 12 is a schematic view similar to Figure 9, but illustrating the operator employing a wireline or cable in addition to reverse circulating.
- Figure 13 is a schematic view illustrating an alternate arrangement of equipment at the rig for use in retrieving a bottom hole assembly.
- Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13, but showing the retrieval tool returning to the surface.
- a borehole 1 1 is shown being drilled.
- a casing string 13 is lowered into borehole 11.
- An annulus 15 is located between the sidewall of borehole 11 and casing string 13.
- One or more strings of casing 17 have already been installed and cemented in place by cement 18, although the drawings shows only one casing string for convenience.
- Annulus 15 thus extends from the bottom of casing string 13 up the annular space between casing string 13 and casing 17.
- a wellhead assembly 19 is located at the surface.
- Wellhead assembly 19 will differ from one drilling rig to another, but preferably has a blowout preventer 21 (BOP) that is capable of closing and sealing around casing 17.
- BOP blowout preventer
- An annulus outlet flowline 22 extends from wellhead assembly 19 at a point above BOP 21.
- An annulus inlet flowline 23 extends from wellhead assembly 19 from a point below BOP 21.
- Casing string 13 extends upward through an opening in rig floor 25 that will have a set of slips (not shown).
- a casing string gripper 27 engages and supports the weight of casing string 13, and is also capable of rotating casing string 13.
- Casing string gripper 27 may grip the inner side of casing string 13, as shown, or it may alternately grip the outer side of casing string 13.
- Casing string gripper 27 has a seal 29 that seals to the interior of casing string 13.
- Casing string gripper 27 is secured to a top drive 31, which will move casing string gripper 27 up and down the derrick.
- a flow passage 33 extends through top drive 31 and casing gripper 27 for communication with the interior of casing string 13.
- a hose 35 connects to the upper end of flow passage 33 at top drive 31. Hose 35 extends over to a discharge port 36 of a mud pump 37. Mud pump 37 may be a conventional pump that typically has reciprocating pistons. A valve 39 is located at outlet 36 for selectively opening and closing communication with hose 35.
- the drilling fluid circulation system includes one or more mud tanks 41 that hold a quantity of drilling fluid 43. The circulation system also has screening devices (not shown) that remove cuttings from drilling fluid 43 returning from borehole 11. Mud pump 37 has an flowline inlet 45 that connects to mud tank 41 for receiving drilling fluid 43 after cuttings have been removed. A valve 46 selectively opens and closes the flow from mud tank 41 to an inlet of mud pump 37.
- a centrifugal charging pump (not shown) may be mounted in flowline 45 for supplying drilling fluid 43 to mud pump 37, Mud pump 37 may have an outlet that is connected to annulus fill line 23 for pumping fluid down casing annulus 15 and back up the interior of casing string 13.
- a bottom hole assembly 47 is shown located at the lower end of casing string 13.
- Bottom hole assembly 47 may include a drill Jock assembly 49 that has movable dogs 51 that engage an annular recess in a sub near the lower end of casing string 13 to lock bottom hole assembly 47 in place.
- Drill lock assembly 49 also has keys that engage vertical slots for transmitting rotation of casing string 13 to bottom hole assembly 47. Dogs 51 could be eliminated, with the bottom hole assembly 47 retained at the lower end of casing string 13 by drilling fluid pressure in casing string 13.
- An extension pipe 53 extends downward from drill lock assembly 49 out the lower end of casing string 13.
- a drill bit 55 is connected to the lower end of extension pipe 53, and a reamer 57 is mounted to extension pipe 53 above drill bit 55. Alternately, reamer 57 could be located at the lower end of casing string 13.
- Logging instruments may also be incorporated with extension pipe 53.
- a centralizer 59 centralizes extension pipe 53 within casing string 13.
- mud pump 37 receives drilling fluid 43 from mud tank 41 and pumps it through outlet 36 into hose 35, as illustrated in Figure 1.
- the drilling fluid flows through casing gripper 27, down casing string 13 and out nozzles at the lower end of bit 55.
- Drilling fluid 43 flows back up casing annulus 15 and through return flow line 22 back into mud tank 41.
- FIG. 1 The schematic of Figure 1 shows also a valve 61 and a flow meter 63 located in annulus inlet flowline 23.
- a valve 61 and a flow meter 63 located in annulus inlet flowline 23.
- Another tank 65 this one containing a less dense fluid 67, is shown in Figure 1.
- Less dense fluid 67 has a lower density than drilling fluid 43 and is used during the retrieval process.
- less dense fluid 67 may be water, which has a lesser density and weight per gallon than typical drilling fluid 43.
- the inlet line 66 to less dense fluid tank 65 connects to hose 35.
- a flow meter 69 is preferably located in inlet line 66.
- a choke 71 is preferably located in inlet line 66.
- Choke 71 has a restrictive, variable diameter orifice. Chokes of this nature are commonly used for drilling and well control in general
- a valve 76 may be located between mud hose 35 and choke 71 to block flow to choke 71.
- Tank 65 has an outlet line 68 that contains a valve 70 and which leads to an inlet of mud pump 37.
- a fill-up pump 72 which is normally a centrifugal pump, may be connected in a fill- up lines extending from mud tank 41 and casing annulus 15.
- a valve 74 may be located in the fill-up line between fill-up pump 72 and casing annulus 15. The outlet of fill-up pump 72 preferably enters casing annulus 15 above BOP 21 since fill-up pump 72 is not used to apply surface pressure to the fluid in annulus 15.
- a retrieval tool 73 is shown in engagement with bottom hole assembly 49.
- Retrieval tool 73 preferably has a seal 75 that seals to the inner diameter of casing string 13. This arrangement allows the operator to pump retrieval tool 73 down casing string 13 and into engagement with drill lock assembly 49. Alternately, seal 75 could be omitted and retrieval tool 73 conveyed down casing string 13 by gravity. If seal 75 is employed, it need not form a tight seal against casing string 13. The retrieval tool 73 latches to drill lock assembly 49 and also releases dogs 51 to allow bottom hole assembly 47 to be retrieved.
- Figure 2 illustrates retrieval tool 73 after being pumped down with less dense fluid 67 drawn from tank 65 and pumped by mud pump 37 through hose 35.
- drill lock assembly 49 has optionally a set of seals 77 that enable drill lock assembly 49 to be pumped down along with extension pipe 53 and drill bit 55 (Figure 1).
- drill lock assembly 49 could have been installed in casing string 13 while casing string 13 is being made up.
- Seals 77 may comprise cup seals that face both upward and downward and engage the inner diameter of casing string 13 (Figure 1) for sealing against upward as well as downward pressure. It is not necessary that seals 77 form tight sealing engagement with casing string 13, as some leakage past would be permissible.
- Drill lock assembly 49 also has a mandrel 78 that moves upward and downward relative to an outer housing of drill lock assembly 49.
- drill lock assembly 49 has a check valve 79, shown schematically in Figure 6, Check valve 79 will allow downward flow through drill lock assembly 49 but prevent upward flow.
- Seals 75 may be similar to seals 77 ( Figure 6); that is, seals 75 are preferably cup-shaped, with the upper seal facing downward and the lower seal facing upward. Seals 75 will slidingly engage and seal to the inner diameter of casing string 13 ( Figure 2), but need not seal tightly.
- Retrieval tool 73 has a body 80 formed of multiple pieces that has a flow passage 81 extending through it.
- a check valve 83 is located within flow passage 81.
- Check valve 83 may be constructed similar to check valve 79 ( Figure 6). In this embodiment, check valve 83 has a spring 82 that urges a valve element 84 against a seat. Check valve 83 allows downward flow in passage 81 but not upward flow.
- a plug 85 is mounted in flow passage 81.
- Plug 85 moves between a closed position shown in Figure 3 and an open position shown in Figure 6. In the closed position, flow through passage 81 is blocked, both in an upward and in a downward direction. When moved downward to the open position, flow can circulate around an annular recess through flow ports 87 and down passage 81.
- Plug 85 is preferably initially held in the closed position by a plurality of shear pins 88 ( Figure 5). Downward acting fluid pressure on plug 85 of sufficient magnitude will shear the shear pins 88.
- Retrieval tool 73 also has a release member 89 that is employed to release drill lock assembly 49 ( Figure 6) from the locked position.
- release member 89 comprises an elongated tube that extends downward and into drill lock assembly 49 as retrieval tool 73 lands on drill lock assembly 49. Release member 89 contacts mandrel 78 and pushes it downward to the released position.
- Others types of release mechanisms are feasible and could include grapples that pull upward on a portion of the drill lock assembly rather than being a downward acting tool.
- a retrieval tool latch or gripper 91 is mounted to retrieval tool 73 for gripping or latching to drill lock assembly 49.
- retrieval tool gripper 91 comprises a collet type member with an annular base at its upper end and a plurality of fingers. Each finger has a gripping surface on its exterior for gripping the inner diameter of the housing of drill lock assembly 49.
- the fingers of gripper 91 are backed up by a ramp surface 93 located at the lower end of body 80 within gripper 91.
- Gripper 93 is able to slide down and out a portion of ramp surface 93 to tightly engage drill lock assembly 49.
- Retrieval tool 73 thus supports the weight of drill lock assembly 49 when drill lock assembly 49 is suspended below.
- a friction type member 95 is mounted to body 80 of retrieval tool 73.
- Slips 95 comprise a gripping or clutch device that moves between a retracted position, shown in Figure 3 and an engaged position shown in Figure 6.
- slips 95 comprise in this example a collet type member having an annular base 97 and a plurality of upward extending fingers 99.
- Each finger 99 has a gripping surface 101 on its outer surface. Fingers 99 slide upward and outward on ramp surface 93 when moving to the gripping position.
- a coil spring 103 urges fingers 99 upward to the gripping position.
- gripping surfaces 101 slide on the inner diameter of casing string 13.
- fingers 99 wedge between ramp surface 93 and the casing string 13 inner diameter to suspend retrieval tool 73.
- Other arrangements for a friction mechanism that allows upward movement but suspends the retrieval tool when moving downward are feasible.
- a retainer mechanism initially will hold slips 95 in the retracted position.
- the retainer mechanism comprises a plurality of pins 105 (only one shown).
- Each pin 105 extends laterally through an opening in body 80 and is able to slide radially inward and outward relative to body 80.
- Each pin 105 has an outer end that engages an annular recess in the inner diameter of base 97.
- the inner end of each pin 105 is backed up or prevented from moving radially inward by plug 85 when plug 85 is in the blocking position shown in Figure 3.
- plug 85 moves to the open position shown in Figure 6
- pins 105 are released to slide inward, which frees slips 95 to be pushed upward by spring 103.
- Other mechanisms are feasible for retaining slips 95 in the retracted position while retrieval tool 73 is being pumped down casing string 13 ( Figure 1).
- retrieval tool 73 down casing string 13, as shown in Figure 2, followed by less dense fluid 67.
- Less dense fluid 67 typically water, flows into pump inlet 68 and is pumped by mud pump 37 through hose 35 down casing string 13.
- Valves 46, 61, 74 and 76 will be closed and valve 39 open.
- Retrieval tool 73 will be configured as in Figure 3 while being pumped in, with slips 95 retracted and plug 85 in the upper blocking position.
- release member 89 contacts drill lock mandrel 78 and pushes it downward, which allows dogs 51 to retract from locking engagement with casing string 13.
- plug 85 to shear pins 88 and move from the position in Figure 3 to the position in Figure 6.
- the downward movement of plug 85 frees slips 95, which are pushed by spring 103 outward into engagement with casing string 13.
- Gripper 91 will be in engagement with the inner diameter of the housing of drill lock assembly 49, which secures retrieval tool 73 to drill lock assembly 49, making the assembly a retrievable unit.
- the operator then ceases to pump less dense fluid 67, but will initially block back flow through choke 71.
- the level of drilling fluid 43 in annulus 15 would drop as it begins to U-tube, and to prevent it from dropping, the operator should continue to add a heavier fluid, such as drilling fluid 43, to annulus 15 to maintain annulus 15 full.
- a heavier fluid such as drilling fluid 43
- the operator will cause fill-up pump 72 to flow drilling fluid 43 through annulus inlet 23 into annulus 15, as shown in Figure 9.
- the flow rate should be only sufficient to keep the level of fluid 43 in annulus 15 from dropping.
- the operator may monitor the flow rate of the returning less dense fluid 67 with flow meter 69 as well as the flow rate of the drilling fluid 43 flowing into annulus 15. Unless there is some overflow of drilling fluid 43 at the surface, these flow rates should be equal.
- the quantity of drilling fluid 43 flowing into annulus 15 should substantially equal the quantity of displaced less dense fluid 67 flowing through choke 71. If more drilling fluid 43 has been added to annulus 15 at any given point than the less dense fluid 67 bled back through choke 71, it is likely that some of the drilling fluid 43 is flowing into an earth formation in borehole 11. If less drilling fluid 43 has been added at any given point than the less dense fluid 67 bled back through choke 71, it is likely that some of the earth formation fluid is flowing into the annulus 15. Neither is desirable.
- the operator controls choke 71 to a desired flow rate as indicated by meter 69, which also is proportional to the velocity of bottom hole assembly 47. This velocity should be controlled to avoid the downward flow in annulus 15 being sufficiently high so as to damage any of the open formation in borehole 11. Eventually, the operator will open the flow area of choke 71 completely.
- bottom hole assembly 47 As the drilling fluid 43 in casing annulus 15 flows into casing string 13, the pressure acting upward on bottom hole assembly 47 will eventually drop to a level that is inadequate to further push bottom hole assembly 47 upward, and it will stop at an intermediate position in casing string 13, as shown in Figure 10.
- slips 95 ( Figure 3) will prevent downward movement of the bottom hole assembly 47. Slips 95 will be engaging casing string 13 as bottom hole assembly 47 moves upward, thus once it ceases upward movement, slips 95 will immediately prevent downward movement. The operator will detect the cessation of movement by flow meter 69, which will show substantially zero flow rate at that point.
- bottom hole assembly 47 While bottom hole assembly 47 is held by slips 95 in the intermediate position, the operator then pumps more of the less dense fluid 67 down casing string 13.
- the less dense fluid 67 flows through bottom hole assembly 47 and preferably down to substantially the lower end of casing.
- the operator will control the amount of fluid pumped in so as to avoid pumping large amounts of less dense fluid 67 up casing annulus 15, although some overfill is feasible.
- the operator pumps the less dense fluid 67 downward with mud pump 37 through hose 35.
- Valve 70 will be open for drawing less dense fluid 67 from tank 65 into the intake line 68 of pump 37, Valves 46, 61, 74 and 76 will be closed.
- the downward pumping of less dense fluid 67 pushes the drilling fluid 43 that had previously U-tubed up into casing string 13 back up casing annulus 15.
- the displaced drilling fluid 43 flows out annulus return 22 into mud tank 41 ,
- Figure 11 illustrates the same equipment as in Figures 1-10, however rather than filling annulus 15 while BOP 21 is open, BOP 21 is closed and mud pump 37 is used to pump drilling fluid 43 into annulus 15.
- Valve 61 is open and valves 39, 70, 74 and 76 are closed. Therefore, some surface pressure will exist at the upper end of annulus 15. This surface pressure will be monitored by the existing pressure gauge of mud pump 37 and also metered by flow rate meter 63. The more dense fluid 43 plus the surface pressure creates U-tube flow, with less dense fluid 67 flowing back through choke 71.
- the embodiment of Figure 11 operates in the same manner as described in connection with the embodiments of Figures 1- 10, other than applying a positive surface pressure to annulus 15.
- Figures 7 and 8 are graphs illustrating the advantage of lightening the density of fluid in casing string 13 (Fig. 1) when retrieving bottom hole assembly 47 ( Figure 1).
- Figure 7 shows schematically the surface pressure that exists at the surface, such as at choke 71, due to heavier fluid 43 in annulus 15 than in casing string 13.
- Figure 7 designates the density of the heavier fluid 43 in pounds per gallon as being Pl and the density of the less dense fluid 67 in pounds per gallon as being P2.
- the pressure force is equal to the depth times .052 times the difference between the two densities Pl and P2.
- the heavier fluid is generally the drilling fluid or mud being used to drill the well.
- Additional pressure for bottom hole assembly 47 transport can also be generated by filling casing annulus 15 with a fluid having a density greater than Pl or by closing blowout preventer 21 and adding surface pressure with mud pump 37, as in Figure 1 L In either case, the open portion of borehole 11 may be exposed to a higher pressure than it is desirable.
- bottom hole assembly 47 is transported to the surface in a plurality of stages or steps, wherein lesser dense fluid 67 is replaced in casing string 13 after it flows back from casing string 13 sufficiently so that the transport energy is dissipated.
- the frictional pressure in annulus 15 acts in a direction to oppose the fluid flow, thus it tends to reduce well bore pressure in annulus 15.
- the maximum reduction in pressure occurs at the bottom of casing string 13.
- the reduction in pressure below the hydrostatic head of the fluid used to drill the well may create borehole instability or induce an influx of formation fluid into casing string 13. Neither occurrence is desirable.
- the undesirable effect can be negated by incorporating a device to regulate the flow of fluid from casing string 13 so that the velocity of the downward flowing fluid in annulus 15 is controlled to a desirable range. In the preferred embodiment, this regulation is handled by gradually opening adjustable choke valve 71 ( Figure 2). As bottom hole assembly 47 is transported to the surface, the bottom hole assembly 47 velocity can be maintained constant.
- Figure 8 shows an example of the effective pressure exerted on the open hole portion of borehole 11 while U-tubing a bottom hole assembly in a 7" diameter casing string.
- the simulation is for a flow rate of 300 gallons per minute and mud weight of 10 lbs. per gallon at 8,000 ft. depth, as indicated by curve C.
- the pressure exerted on the open hole portion of borehole 11 is relatively constant at 10.6 lbs. per gallon, as indicated by curve D.
- the annular pressure loss is 246 psi.
- Two separate U- tubing cases are evaluated. In both cases, the complete casing string 13 is displaced with water, which would provide a 695 psi potential to start the reversing process.
- the wellbore pressure is generally about 9.4 lbs. per gallon or about 1.2 lbs. per gallon less than when drilling and 0.6 lbs. per gallon less than when the well is static.
- casing string 13 were to be abruptly open to atmosphere as the U-tube process is started, the bottom hole pressure would fail to the equivalent of 8.3 lbs. per gallon, or even less if the dynamic forces are considered.
- Curve B simulates closing well annulus 15 in at the surface, such as with blowout preventer 21 as illustrated in Figure 11.
- Curve B simulates pumping into the well at a constant flow rate of 300 gallons per minute.
- Choke 71 is operated to maintain a constant pressure of 246 psi on casing annulus 13 at the surface.
- the bottom hole pressure is exactly the same as the hydrostatic well pressure of curve A, but the formation of borehole 11 near the lower end of casing 17 is exposed to substantially higher pressure.
- knowledge of the formation sensitivities may be used to determine the most critical point in the well bore for preventing an inflow of drilling fluid into an earth formation or well bore instability due to changes in pressure in annulus 15. If the annulus 15 frictional loss is calculated from the surface to the most critical point using the flow rate that provides the most desirable bottom hole assembly 47 transport rate, fluid can be injected into annulus 15 at this flow rate. Choke 71 is adjusted to maintain a pump 37 pressure equal to calculated annulus 15 loss. These steps will cause the annulus pressure at the bottom of borehole 1 1 to be maintained at the hydrostatic pressure of the annulus fluid.
- annulus 15 It is desirable to keep annulus 15 full of drilling fluid when circulating out bottom hole assembly 47. This can be done by an open system or with a closed system.
- An example of an open system is by using fill-up pump 72 ( Figure 9) to return drilling fluid into the top of annulus 15. The pump rate would not be critical as long as it achieved the rate needed to replace the fluid in casing annulus 15 that would normally drop as fluid 67 flows out of casing 13.
- An example of a closed system is shown in Figure 11, wherein BOP 21 is closed to allow surface pressure to be applied by mud pump 37.
- mud pump 37 is operating, valves 61 and 76 are open and valves 39, 70 and 74 are closed.
- a cable or wireline 115 will be employed to assist the upward force due to the heavier fluid flowing down casing annulus 15.
- Wireline 115 passes through a wireline entry sub 113 that will be mounted at the upper end of casing string 13 below casing gripper 27.
- Wireline 115 has a retrieval unit 116 on its end that may be pumped and latched into engagement with bottom hole assembly 47.
- Wireline 115 extends over a sheave to a drum 117 that pulls upward on bottom hole assembly 47.
- the wireline entry can be made between top drive 31 and casing string gripper 27 or above top drive 31.
- retrieval unit 116 is pumped down and latched into engagement with bottom hole assembly 47 while it is attached to wireline 115 and wireline 115 fed out.
- Retrieval unit 116 releases the locking member of bottom hole assembly 47.
- the operator pumps retrieval unit 116 downward or follows it with less dense fluid 67 so that casing string 13 will now be filled with less dense fluid 67.
- the more dense fluid 43 in casing annulus 15 will exert an upward force on the seals on bottom hole assembly 47.
- U-tubing occurs when valves 74 and 76 are open, fill-up pump 72 is operating, and valves 39, 70, 46 and 61 are closed. This upward force will be assisted by pulling upward on wireline 115.
- the operator may control the rate of ascent by gradually opening choke 71.
- the operator maintains annulus 15 full of drilling fluid 43, preferably with fili-up pump 72.
- the operator may continue pulling bottom hole assembly 47 upward with wireline 115.
- Slips 95 may be used on retrieval tool 116 and the incremental U-tubing steps previously described used in conjunction with wireline 115.
- the arrangement of Figure 12 avoids wireline 115 from having to supply all of the force to lift bottom hole assembly 47 when it is located at the bottom of casing string 13; while at the bottom, a greater force is required than at any other points because of the additional weight of wireline 115 in casing string 13.
- bottom hole assembly 47 may tend to stick while at the bottom of casing string 13.
- the greatest weight of fluid acting downward on the seals of bottom hole assembly 47 exists when bottom hole assembly 47 is at the lower end of casing string 13.
- combining wireline 1 15 with incremental U-tubing steps allows the operator to use commercially available line of less strength than would otherwise be required.
- hose 35 is not used for returning displaced fluid from casing string 13. Instead, when the operator wishes to commence retrieval, the operator will support casing string 13 in slips (not shown) at rig floor 25. The operator then disconnects casing string gripper 27 from casing string 13 and attaches casing string gripper 27 to a circulation sub 119.
- circulation sub 119 is connected by an adapter 121 to the upper end of casing string 13.
- Circulation sub 119 has one or more outlet ports 123 in its sidewall.
- a swivel housing 125 preferably mounts around circulation sub 119.
- Swivel housing 125 is mounted on bearings 127 so as to allow circulation sub 119 to rotate relative to swivel housing 125, if desired.
- a tether (not shown) may attach swivel housing 125 to the rig to prevent its rotation.
- Swivel housing 125 is connected to an outlet flow line 129 that leads from its sidewall and which is in communication with outlet ports 123. Seals 131 are located above and below outlet ports 123 for sealing swivel housing 125 to circulation sub 119.
- Outlet fiowline 129 preferably leads to less dense tank 65 for discharging less dense fluid 67.
- flow meter 69 and choke 71, as well as valve 76 are mounted in outlet flowline 129.
- a bypass loop 133 may extend around flow meter 69 and choke 71 in order to protect meter 69 if a well control situation develops.
- Circulation sub 1 19 may also have a latch pin 135 for latching into engagement with retrieval tool 73, shown by dotted lines. Latch pin 135 will hold retrieval tool 73 in circulation sub 119 until it is released. Circulation sub 119 may also contain a tool catcher 137 mounted therein. Catcher 137 has a grapple 139 on its lower end for engaging the upper end of retrieval tool 73 when it returns to the surface. Flow ports 141 extend through its mounting portion to allow downward flow through circulation sub 119.
- casing string gripper 27 is shown as an external type that has gripping members 143 that grip the exterior of sub 119. Alternately, it could have a gripper that grips the inner diameter of sub 119.
- a spear 145 extends downward from casing gripper 27 into the upper end of circulation sub 119. Spear 145 has a seal 147 that seals against the inner diameter of circulation sub 119,
- Figure 13 illustrates the operator beginning to pump retrieval tool 73 down for engagement with bottom hole assembly, which is not shown in Figure 13, but which would be similar to bottom hole assembly 47 in Figure 2.
- Latch pin 135 has just been released.
- Mud pump 37 is pumping less dense fluid; valves 39 and 70 are open and valves 46, 61 and 74 are closed.
- the fluid flows downward through hose 35 and acts against the seal 75 ( Figure 2) on retrieval tool 73.
- light weight fluid 67 can be pumped into casing string 13 behind retrieval tool 73 through line 129. This would be desired if the less dense fluid was not compatible with the pumping system of the rig or if the rig operator preferred not to pump this fluid with mud pump 37.
- pumping through line 129 may save rig time by not having to reroute the system components to the retrieval configuration once retrieval tool 73 reaches the bottom hole assembly.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2009248831A AU2009248831B2 (en) | 2008-05-23 | 2009-05-22 | Monitoring flow rates while retrieving bottom hole assembly during casing while drilling operations |
RU2010152575/03A RU2495993C2 (en) | 2008-05-23 | 2009-05-22 | Fluid flow monitoring upon drill string bottom layout raising during operation in casing string |
CA2725201A CA2725201C (en) | 2008-05-23 | 2009-05-22 | Monitoring flow rates while retrieving bottom hole assembly during casing while drilling operations |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/126,138 US7886847B2 (en) | 2008-05-23 | 2008-05-23 | Monitoring flow rates while retrieving bottom hole assembly during casing while drilling operations |
US12/126,138 | 2008-05-23 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2009143469A2 true WO2009143469A2 (en) | 2009-11-26 |
WO2009143469A3 WO2009143469A3 (en) | 2010-02-25 |
Family
ID=41340932
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2009/045049 WO2009143469A2 (en) | 2008-05-23 | 2009-05-22 | Monitoring flow rates while retrieving bottom hole assembly during casing while drilling operations |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7886847B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2009248831B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2725201C (en) |
RU (1) | RU2495993C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009143469A2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014014438A1 (en) * | 2012-07-16 | 2014-01-23 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | A system and method for wireline tool pump-down operations |
US8875785B2 (en) | 2012-07-16 | 2014-11-04 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | System and method for correcting downhole speed |
US10400536B2 (en) | 2014-09-18 | 2019-09-03 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Model-based pump-down of wireline tools |
EP3685003A4 (en) * | 2017-09-19 | 2021-04-21 | Noble Drilling Services, Inc. | Method for detecting fluid influx or fluid loss in a well and detecting changes in fluid pump efficiency |
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EP2484857A3 (en) * | 2008-03-19 | 2016-08-10 | Services Pétroliers Schlumberger | Method and apparatus for performing wireline logging operations in an under-balanced well |
US7845431B2 (en) * | 2008-05-22 | 2010-12-07 | Tesco Corporation | Retrieval tool with slips for retrieving bottom hole assembly during casing while drilling operations |
GB0905633D0 (en) * | 2009-04-01 | 2009-05-13 | Managed Pressure Operations Ll | Apparatus for and method of drilling a subterranean borehole |
GB2482456A (en) * | 2009-05-01 | 2012-02-01 | Baker Hughes Inc | Casing bits,drilling assemblies,and methods for use in forming wellbores with expandable casing |
NO338372B1 (en) * | 2010-06-03 | 2016-08-15 | Statoil Petroleum As | System and method for passing matter in a flow passage |
JP2012207471A (en) * | 2011-03-30 | 2012-10-25 | Japan Drilling Co Ltd | Excavation method of underground hole and device therefor |
EP2691594B1 (en) * | 2011-03-31 | 2015-09-09 | National Oilwell Varco Norway AS | Method and device for preventing a mud relief valve from incorrect opening |
US9309732B2 (en) * | 2012-04-27 | 2016-04-12 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | Pump for controlling the flow of well bore returns |
CN102828709B (en) * | 2012-09-06 | 2015-02-18 | 四川省广汉市恒生石油设备有限责任公司 | Well-drilling safety intelligent monitoring method and well-drilling safety monitoring alarming device |
US9982490B2 (en) | 2013-03-01 | 2018-05-29 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Methods of attaching cutting elements to casing bits and related structures |
WO2016160296A1 (en) * | 2015-04-03 | 2016-10-06 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Submersible pumping system with dynamic flow bypass |
US11261712B2 (en) * | 2020-04-22 | 2022-03-01 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | System and method for automated well annulus pressure control |
JP7162279B2 (en) * | 2021-02-17 | 2022-10-28 | 成和リニューアルワークス株式会社 | Pressure drilling system |
US12037861B2 (en) * | 2022-10-24 | 2024-07-16 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Wellbore casing while drilling with drilling jar |
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US5271472A (en) * | 1991-08-14 | 1993-12-21 | Atlantic Richfield Company | Drilling with casing and retrievable drill bit |
GC0000342A (en) * | 1999-06-22 | 2007-03-31 | Shell Int Research | Drilling system |
US20020112888A1 (en) * | 2000-12-18 | 2002-08-22 | Christian Leuchtenberg | Drilling system and method |
CN100513734C (en) * | 2001-07-23 | 2009-07-15 | 国际壳牌研究有限公司 | Method and system of injecting a fluid into a borehole ahead of the bit |
US7347273B2 (en) * | 2005-10-21 | 2008-03-25 | Stellarton Technologies Inc. | Bottom hold completion system for an intermittent plunger |
WO2007140612A1 (en) | 2006-06-06 | 2007-12-13 | Tesco Corporation | Tools and methods useful with wellbore reverse circulation |
-
2008
- 2008-05-23 US US12/126,138 patent/US7886847B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2009
- 2009-05-22 RU RU2010152575/03A patent/RU2495993C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2009-05-22 CA CA2725201A patent/CA2725201C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-05-22 WO PCT/US2009/045049 patent/WO2009143469A2/en active Application Filing
- 2009-05-22 AU AU2009248831A patent/AU2009248831B2/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (3)
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US4898245A (en) * | 1987-01-28 | 1990-02-06 | Texas Iron Works, Inc. | Retrievable well bore tubular member packer arrangement and method |
US20070051538A1 (en) * | 2000-06-09 | 2007-03-08 | Tesco Corporation | Method for drilling with casing |
US20070068677A1 (en) * | 2005-08-02 | 2007-03-29 | Tesco Corporation | Casing bottom hole assembly retrieval process |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014014438A1 (en) * | 2012-07-16 | 2014-01-23 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | A system and method for wireline tool pump-down operations |
US8875785B2 (en) | 2012-07-16 | 2014-11-04 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | System and method for correcting downhole speed |
US9657540B2 (en) | 2012-07-16 | 2017-05-23 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | System and method for wireline tool pump-down operations |
US10400536B2 (en) | 2014-09-18 | 2019-09-03 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Model-based pump-down of wireline tools |
EP3685003A4 (en) * | 2017-09-19 | 2021-04-21 | Noble Drilling Services, Inc. | Method for detecting fluid influx or fluid loss in a well and detecting changes in fluid pump efficiency |
US11566480B2 (en) | 2017-09-19 | 2023-01-31 | Noble Drilling Services Inc. | Method for detecting fluid influx or fluid loss in a well and detecting changes in fluid pump efficiency |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
RU2495993C2 (en) | 2013-10-20 |
WO2009143469A3 (en) | 2010-02-25 |
AU2009248831A1 (en) | 2009-11-26 |
CA2725201A1 (en) | 2009-11-26 |
RU2010152575A (en) | 2012-06-27 |
AU2009248831B2 (en) | 2015-08-13 |
CA2725201C (en) | 2014-02-18 |
US7886847B2 (en) | 2011-02-15 |
US20090288821A1 (en) | 2009-11-26 |
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