WO2012112673A2 - Method and apparatus for protecting downhole components with inert atmosphere - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for protecting downhole components with inert atmosphere Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2012112673A2 WO2012112673A2 PCT/US2012/025227 US2012025227W WO2012112673A2 WO 2012112673 A2 WO2012112673 A2 WO 2012112673A2 US 2012025227 W US2012025227 W US 2012025227W WO 2012112673 A2 WO2012112673 A2 WO 2012112673A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- tool
- gas
- purging gas
- purging
- port
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 48
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 188
- 238000010926 purge Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 166
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000011049 filling Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000008246 gaseous mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910018503 SF6 Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- SFZCNBIFKDRMGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N sulfur hexafluoride Chemical compound FS(F)(F)(F)(F)F SFZCNBIFKDRMGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 229960000909 sulfur hexafluoride Drugs 0.000 claims description 5
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910001873 dinitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000002274 desiccant Substances 0.000 abstract description 16
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 21
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 16
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 16
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 13
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 10
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000003039 volatile agent Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000010720 hydraulic oil Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 3
- FXRLMCRCYDHQFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene Chemical compound FC(=C)C(F)(F)F FXRLMCRCYDHQFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000005481 NMR spectroscopy Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003467 diminishing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000004382 potting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001351 cycling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007791 dehumidification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007865 diluting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010790 dilution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012895 dilution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005429 filling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052743 krypton Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- DNNSSWSSYDEUBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N krypton atom Chemical compound [Kr] DNNSSWSSYDEUBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052754 neon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GKAOGPIIYCISHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N neon atom Chemical compound [Ne] GKAOGPIIYCISHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052756 noble gas Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002835 noble gases Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010943 off-gassing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000135 prohibitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010453 quartz Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon dioxide Inorganic materials O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000002336 sorption--desorption measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007858 starting material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011593 sulfur Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052724 xenon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N xenon atom Chemical compound [Xe] FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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
- E21B44/00—Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systems; Systems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
-
- 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
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/01—Devices for supporting measuring instruments on drill bits, pipes, rods or wirelines; Protecting measuring instruments in boreholes against heat, shock, pressure or the like
- E21B47/017—Protecting measuring instruments
-
- 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
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/06—Measuring temperature or 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
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/10—Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
- E21B47/117—Detecting leaks, e.g. from tubing, by pressure testing
Definitions
- the disclosure relates generally to the field of downhole instruments. More specifically, the disclosure relates to protecting downhole electronic instruments and controls by reducing their internal atmosphere of moisture and polluting gases and filling them with inert gases.
- inert gas purging can be performed to protect permanent completion tools and subsea pods from moisture and polluting gases, but these tools are sealed during manufacturing.
- reservoir monitoring tools such as those belonging to the assignee of the present disclosure have been used with a dry process for packaging downhole electronics for some time.
- This dry process consists of vacuum burn-in, inert gas filling (with argon or dry nitrogen gas) and installing desiccants into the downhole electronics during manufacturing.
- this process is only practical for these permanent tools because it can be done during their manufacture, before they are sealed shut by welding, after which they are shipped to the wellsite and installed permanently downhole.
- a similar drying process is used in the manufacture of subsea instrumentation and controls (i.e., electronics installed at the sea bed inside water proof housings or pods).
- One of the final steps in manufacture includes replacing the humid air inside the pod with dry nitrogen gas.
- this process is only practical during manufacture because this equipment is installed permanently at the sea bed.
- a different approach is needed for moisture purging and inert gas filling of while- drilling, wireline, and other downhole tools and electronics that may be opened for maintenance, service updates and repairs in the field.
- this disclosure can relate to inserting a purging gas into the tool, removing from the tool a gaseous mixture that includes a portion of the purging gas and undesired contents, and inserting a filling gas into to the tool.
- Figure 1 illustrates a wellsite system in which the present disclosure can be employed, according to an example embodiment.
- Figure 2A is a diagram showing certain components of a single point purge system, according to an example embodiment.
- Figure 2B is a diagram showing certain components of a through purge, according to an example embodiment.
- Figure 2C is a diagram showing certain components of a closed loop system, according to an example embodiment.
- Figure 3 A is a diagram showing certain components of a purging system including a downhole tool with an inlet port for gas, according to an example embodiment.
- Figure 3B is a diagram showing certain components of a purging system including a downhole tool with an inlet port with an interface, according to an example embodiment.
- Figure 4 is a chart that plots the inert gas bubble volume versus N2 pressure within a tool, according to an example embodiment.
- the disclosure provides systems and methods that protect downhole electronic instruments and controls by purging their internal atmosphere of moisture and polluting gases and filling them with dry inert gas. Certain embodiments will be described below, including in the following Figures, which depict representative or illustrative embodiments of the disclosure.
- Figure 1 illustrates a wellsite system in which the present disclosure can be employed.
- the wellsite can be onshore or offshore.
- a borehole 11 is formed in subsurface formations 106 by rotary drilling in a manner that is well known.
- Embodiments of the disclosure can also use directional drilling, as will be described hereinafter.
- a drill string 12 is suspended within the borehole 11 and has a bottom hole assembly 100 which includes a drill bit 105 at its lower end.
- the surface system includes platform and derrick assembly 10 positioned over the borehole 11, the assembly 10 including a rotary table 16, Kelly 17, hook 18 and rotary swivel 19.
- the drill string 12 is rotated by the rotary table 16, energized by means not shown, which engages the Kelly 17 at the upper end of the drill string.
- the drill string 12 is suspended from a hook 18, attached to a travelling block (also not shown), through the Kelly 17 and a rotary swivel 19 which permits rotation of the drill string relative to the hook.
- a top drive system could be used.
- the surface system further includes drilling fluid or mud 26 stored in a pit 27 formed at the well site.
- a pump 29 delivers the drilling fluid 26 to the interior of the drill string 12 via a port in the swivel 19, causing the drilling fluid to flow downwardly through the drill string 12 as indicated by the directional arrow 8.
- the drilling fluid exits the drill string 12 via ports in the drill bit 105, and then circulates upwardly through the annulus region between the outside of the drill string and the wall of the borehole 11, as indicated by the directional arrows 9.
- the drilling fluid lubricates the drill bit 105 and carries formation 106 cuttings up to the surface as it is returned to the pit 27 for recirculation.
- the systems and methods disclosed herein can be used with any means of conveyance known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- the systems and methods disclosed herein can be used with tools or other electronics conveyed by wireline, slickline, drill pipe conveyance, coiled tubing drilling, and/or a while-drilling conveyance interface.
- Figure 1 depicts a while-drilling interface.
- systems and methods disclosed herein could apply equally to wireline or any other suitable conveyance means.
- the bottom hole assembly 100 of the illustrated embodiment includes a logging-while-drilling (LWD) module 120, a measuring-while-drilling (MWD) module 130, a roto-steerable system and motor, and drill bit 105.
- LWD logging-while-drilling
- MWD measuring-while-drilling
- roto-steerable system and motor drill bit 105.
- the LWD module 120 is housed in a special type of drill collar, as is known in the art, and can contain one or a plurality of known types of logging tools (e.g., logging tool 121). It will also be understood that more than one LWD and/or MWD module can be employed, e.g. as represented at 120A. (References, throughout, to a module at the position of 120 can mean a module at the position of 120A as well.)
- the LWD module includes abilities for measuring, processing, and storing information, as well as for communicating with the surface equipment. In the present embodiment, the LWD module includes a nuclear magnetic resonance measuring device.
- the MWD module 130 is also housed in a special type of drill collar, as is known in the art, and can contain one or more devices for measuring characteristics of the drill string and drill bit.
- the MWD tool further includes an apparatus (not shown) for generating electrical power to the downhole system. This may include a mud turbine generator powered by the flow of the drilling fluid, it being understood that other power and/or battery systems may be employed.
- the MWD module includes one or more of the following types of measuring devices: a weight-on-bit measuring device, a torque measuring device, a vibration measuring device, a shock measuring device, a stick slip measuring device, a direction measuring device, and an inclination measuring device.
- Figures 2A-2C are diagrams showing example details for three of the example gas purging systems mentioned in the preceding paragraph, according to various example embodiments. Namely, Figure 2A is a diagram showing certain components of a single point purge system 300 A, according to an example embodiment.
- Figure 2B is a diagram showing certain components of a through purge system 300B, according to an example embodiment.
- Figure 2C is a diagram showing certain components of a closed loop system 300C, according to an example embodiment.
- an example single point purge system 300A can include a gas tank 301, control box 305, downhole tool with an access port 309, and humidity sensor 313. These components can be connected to each other via various valves, pumps, pressure sensors, and the like.
- the gas tank can be filled with any purging gas, such as dry nitrogen (N2) gas, an inert gas such as Argon or Helium, or an electrically insulating gas such as Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) in a pressurized cylinder.
- N2 dry nitrogen
- an inert gas such as Argon or Helium
- an electrically insulating gas such as Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
- SF6 Sulfur Hexafluoride
- other types of gas or mixtures of gas such as the chemically inert noble gases, such as Neon, Krypton, or Xenon, or a relatively inert gas, such as carbon dioxide can be used.
- helium may also be used to help transfer heat for power applications; other possibilities include SF6 and C02, particularly in high voltage applications, as helium has a relatively low dielectric strength (i.e., the maximum electric stress it can withstand without breakdown or arcing).
- the choice of gas can be based on the requirements and constraints of the specific application.
- the purging gas or mixture of gases selected can be chemically compatible (i.e., not react chemically) with the moisture or with any of the tool's internal components, materials, or any of its out-gassing byproducts, especially over the tool's temperature range of operation and life cycle.
- Helium is inert chemically and it can also be used to detect leaks in sealed housings. Helium may also be a choice that can help transfer heat for power applications.
- the purge gas may be desirable for the purge gas not to arc over or embrittle any metal, swell or crack elastomers or polymers, contaminate components, or interfere with its operation or cause it to fail and/or overpressure.
- the gas tank can have a valve 302 that controls the release and pressure regulation of the purging gas from the gas tank. Downstream from the gas tank and valve can be a pressure reducing valve 303, and following the pressure reducing valve 303 can be a pressure sensor 304.
- the pressure reducing valve can regulate the pressure of the purging gas as needed, as measured by the pressure sensor. In some embodiments, it can be beneficial to use the pressure reducing valve and pressure sensor to ensure that the pressure of the purging gas is at an appropriate level. In some embodiments, an appropriate level can be between 3 and 50 psi above atmospheric pressure.
- the particular desired pressure may depend on a variety of factors as may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the present disclosure, such as the type and size of the downhole tool, the amount of moisture likely to be present therein, the components contained therein, the ability of those components to withstand a given pressure above atmospheric pressure without damage, cost and the pressure safety considerations of this gas purging system and its associated processes, and the like.
- control box 305 can provide a housing for the components contained therein.
- the control box can serve to control gas fill, dwell and purge cycles based on its sensors that measure temperature and relative humidity (or dew point temperature) of the gas, as will be discussed in more detail below.
- the control box can be designed and produced by those skilled in the art for operator usability in shop and field locations. To withstand rugged field use, the box can be made of appropriate materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, polymeric or composite materials and in a form suitable to house the components and protect them during their use conditions and lifecycle environment, such as mechanical shocks and vibration, temperature range, rain, salt spray, or dust.
- the control box can include two solenoid valves 306, 312 (e.g., an inlet valve 306 and an outlet valve 312) and two corresponding check valves 307, 311, each used for controlling the flow of the purging gas into and out of the tool.
- the purging gas from the tank 301 can be permitted to flow by the operator turning the shutoff valve 302 to the ON position. Then the gas flows through the pressure reducing valve 303, enters the control box 305, flows through the inlet solenoid valve 306 and check valve 307, and then exits the control box and passes to an optional heater 308 before entering the downhole tool 121.
- the heater can heat the purging gas.
- Such heating can improve the drying and purging qualities of the purging gas, in example embodiments.
- the rate of heating can be controlled so as to minimize any risk due to excessive temperature, thermal shock or high thermal gradients within the tool.
- This heater can reduce the need and logistics of using large tool ovens, which may not always be accessible in the field.
- the heater can be in the line from the N2 cylinder or directly on the inlet line to the tool. Other means of adding heat to the N2 or directly to the tool via the collar or chassis could be devised by anyone skilled in the art.
- the purging gas can be heated in a variety of different ways, including for example, by having heating bands or coils disposed on or in the tool itself.
- the purging gas After passing through the optional heater 308, the purging gas then can enter the downhole tool 121 that is to be purged of moisture.
- the purging gas can enter the downhole tool via the Read Out Port (ROP) 309.
- the downhole tool can have any number of ports (e.g., an Annular Pressure While Drilling (APWD) port 310) and any one or more of those ports can be used as an entry point for the purging gas to enter the downhole tool.
- Any number of gas flow ports could be designed and arranged to manipulate gas flow in selected areas.
- any port on the tool can make use of a valve for sealing the port whenever the purging or exhaust tubes are not attached to the tool.
- a valve for sealing the port whenever the purging or exhaust tubes are not attached to the tool.
- a variation of the automobile tire valve known as a Schrader valve can be used.
- the tool valve design application can have two differences to the tire valve: 1) this valve can be within the tool; 2) this valve may not seal against the high pressure environment downhole because high pressure sealing can be made more effectively by a separate plug or plug function added to the valve.
- the inlet valve 306 in the control box can allow the purging gas to flow into the downhole tool via the ROP 309. This process can be thought of as the "gas fill" cycle referenced above, and this gas filling can continue until a stopping condition has been reached.
- the flow of purging gas can continue for a given amount of time, for example 60 seconds), until a given volume of purging gas has passed into the tool (for example, depending on the volume or size of the downhole tool), or until the pressure of the purging gas in the downhole tool reaches a certain level (for example, 5psi, as measured by pressure sensor 304.
- the purging gas can start to dry the moisture present within the downhole tool, particularly where the heater was used to enhance the drying ability of the purging gas.
- the warm purging gas can start to mix with the water molecules and any other polluting or corrosive gases in the tool's atmosphere, causing the moisture in the tool and any polluting or volatile gases released from within its materials to diffuse and intermingle with the injected gas. Note this process is a physical mixing of gases and not a chemical reaction because the selection of purging gas was specifically made based on its compatibility with the tool, i.e., so it does not react chemically with the moisture or with any of the tool's internal components, materials, or their volatile outgases.
- the dwell cycle can begin.
- the dwell cycle can constitute a period of time wherein the flow of purging gas into the downhole tool is stopped (or reduced), and the purging gas that entered the tool during the gas fill cycle remains therein and "dwells" in the tool.
- the purging gas can continue to dry the downhole tool and can continue to diffuse and/or mix with any moisture, polluting or corrosive gases present therein.
- thermodynamic, gaseous kinetic or transport processes such as: evaporation of volatile substances within the electronics or its packaging, turbulent flow whenever the purging gas flows into the tool, and, when the purging gas flow is stopped, there may be gaseous convection driven by any pressure or temperature differences, gaseous diffusion, or adsorption/desorption of gases onto, into or out of the various materials and surfaces within the tool.
- the dwell cycle can continue for a period of time until a stopping condition has been reached, as similarly described with reference to the gas fill cycle.
- the stopping condition can be based on a given time period, which can depend on a variety of factors such as the amount and/or pressure of purging gas, the size of the tool, tortuosity of the gaseous flow paths, the volume and the properties of the specific materials contained within the tool, and the like.
- the purge cycle can begin.
- the purging gas (along with the water molecules and any other volatile gases mixed therewith) can begin to exit the downhole tool, thereby removing moisture and gaseous pollution from the tool.
- the purging gas can exit the downhole tool through the ROP 309.
- the direction and speed of gas flow can be regulated by the solenoid valves and check valves of the control box.
- an additional flow restrictor valve can be added anywhere in-line with the outlet solenoid valve 312 to the humidity sensor 313 and atmospheric exhaust 314.
- the inlet solenoid valve 306 and corresponding check valve 307 can prevent purging gas from entering the ROP or returning back through the lines to the purging gas source 301 (as may have been the case during the dwell cycle), and the outlet solenoid valve 312 and corresponding check valve 311 can allow the purging gas to exit the ROP.
- the purging gas After the purging gas has exited the downhole tool through the outlet solenoid valve 312, the purging gas then can pass to the humidity sensor 313.
- the humidity sensor 313 can include an atmospheric temperature sensor and a dew point temperature sensor to measure the humidity of the purging gas. In various other embodiments, any suitable type of humidity sensor can be used to measure or estimate the humidity of the exiting purging gas.
- the humidity measurement determined by the humidity sensor during successive purge cycles can indicate whether sufficient moisture has been removed from the downhole tool. For example, if during successive purge cycles, the humidity sensor reveals a relatively high to low change in the amount of humidity in the purged gas, this may indicate that an amount of moisture has been removed from the tool; conversely, a relatively low to high change in the humidity readings of successive cycles may indicate that evaporation of moisture or other volatiles is taking place, therefore moisture has not yet been removed from the tool. Finally, little or no change in the humidity readings of successive cycles may indicate that diminishing returns has been achieved for the overall purging process. Thus, monitoring the humidity reading - particularly in comparison to the reading for previous cycles - can indicate whether to continue purging the tool of moisture, or whether a sufficient amount of moisture has been removed from the tool.
- the purging gas After the purging gas has passed through the humidity sensor, it can be passed into the atmosphere 314. Then, as discussed in the preceding paragraph, depending on the humidity sensor reading, the entire process can be repeated to continue purging the downhole tool of moisture until a desired target value of humidity or humidity change has been achieved.
- the target value can be around 45% relative humidity. In some embodiments, the target value can be any suitable value or range.
- valve on the gas tank 302, the pressure reducing valve 303, and the inlet solenoid valve 306 could theoretically be combined into one or two valves, instead of the three shown, to regulate the pressure of the purging gas exiting the tank 301 and entering the control box 305, heater 308, and downhole tool 301.
- the two distinct solenoid valves i.e., inlet 306 and outlet 312 can be replaced with one three-way solenoid valve.
- Such a three-way valve could include one inlet end in connection with the gas tank 301 and pressure sensor 304, one outlet end in connection with the atmosphere 314, and one end that can be switchable between an inlet and an outlet in connection with the downhole tool.
- Other suitable modifications such as those that may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the present disclosure, also can be used.
- FIG. 2B illustrates an example through-purge system 300B that can include many of the same components as the single-point purge system 300 A of Figure 2 A.
- purging gas can be released from a gas tank 301, passed through pressure reducing valve 303, and pressure sensor 304, before passing through an inlet solenoid valve 306 (which may or may not be within a control box as described with reference to Figure 2A).
- the purging gas then can pass through an optional heater 308 and check valve 307 (or in the opposite order) before entering the downhole tool through the ROP.
- the operation of these components of the through-purge system 300B can be substantially the same or similar to those of the single-point purge system 300 A, and using these components, the gas-fill and dwell cycles of the operation can be accomplished.
- the operation of the two example systems can differ in the purging cycle. Instead of the purging gas and moisture exiting the downhole tool through the ROP, the purging gas and moisture can exit through another port, such as the APWD. In other embodiments, one or more additional exit ports can be used.
- the purging gas After exiting the downhole tool, the purging gas enters a humidity sensor 313. As discussed previously with reference to the single-point purging system, the humidity sensor can be used to determine whether to continue purging moisture from the downhole tool. After exiting the humidity sensor, the purging gas can flow through an optional check valve 311, the outlet solenoid valve 312, and then into the atmosphere 314.
- the purging gas after exiting the humidity sensor can flow to an optional pump 315.
- the pump 315 can operate to pull the purging gas out of the humidity sensor (or push the gas out of the humidity sensor), and direct it towards an additional inlet check valve 307', where it is then passed back into the downhole tool.
- an additional inlet check valve 307' where it is then passed back into the downhole tool.
- the purging system may be configured so that the heater 308 is in-line starting from between the junction of the two inlet check valves 307 and 307' so that the heater's outlet connects directly to the tool's inlet port 309.
- the purging gas may progressively warm the tool's interior to increase the evaporation of any moisture or other volatiles, which may outgas as the purging gas circulates around the loop.
- the effect of displacement can assist in the moving of moisture or other undesired components toward the exhaust port.
- stagnant zones outside the main flow channel may behave like a single point purge where the wire channel acts as both an inlet and exhaust port.
- the size of these stagnant zones can be reduced by cutting additional flow channels into the chassis.
- separate inlet and exhaust streams can be created using one-way valves along the main flow channel.
- gas-fill, dwell, and purge cycles may not be discretely separated from each other.
- the purging gas can continually or periodically flow through the tool via the ROP 309, mix with the moisture, and exit through the APWD 310.
- the flow rate of the purging gas may need to be adjusted accordingly to ensure that the purging gas has sufficient time in the tool to dry the tool of the moisture and successfully purge the moisture and any volatiles out gassed from within the tool.
- FIG. 2C illustrates an example closed loop purge system 300C.
- the example closed loop system 300C can include the same components present in the through purge system 300B of Figure 2B, with an additional N2 generator 316 (or other purging gas generator) or concentrator that produces N2 at the desired flow rate and pressure, and thereby reduces the need for pressurized N2 cylinders, which can pose health and safety risks as well as unacceptable logistical costs, especially in remote field locations.
- the nitrogen generator 316 could also be replaced by a pump and dryer (i.e., chilled surface, membrane, or desiccant) to simply remove water vapor.
- the operation of the example closed loop purge system 300C can be similar or identical to the through purge system 300B of Figure 2B, with the exception that instead of purging gas passing into the atmosphere after passing through the humidity sensor, it can pass into the N2 generator 316 where N2 purging gas is generated, and recycled into the system, whether into the inlet solenoid valve or into the heater directly. Additionally the N2 generator 316 can absorb air from the atmosphere and generate N2 purging gas therefrom. [0045] Though the closed loop purge system 300C is shown in Figure 2C as a modification to the through purge system 300B of Figure 2B, it could be used as a modification to a single point purge system, such as the system 300 A of Figure 2 A.
- the input of the N2 generator 316 could be connected to, for example, the output of the humidity sensor (whether directly or through a pump and/or solenoid valve), and the output of the N2 generator could be connected to, for example, the inlet solenoid valve or the heater.
- Figures 3A and 3B are diagrams showing certain components of a purging system, according to an example embodiment. Certain of these components can be used in addition to or instead of the components described above with reference to Figures 2A-2C.
- the illustrated purging system can include a downhole tool 402 that has an ROP 404 or other inlet port for gas.
- a vacuum hose 408 can be connected on one end to the ROP 404 and on the other end to a vacuum pump for removing moisture from the downhole tool 402.
- a vacuum fixture can be connected to the ROP 404 for facilitating a connection between the vacuum hose 408 and the downhole tool 402.
- the ROP 404 in turn can be connected to a vacuum release hose, which is in turn connected to one or more desiccant jars 414 having a vent valve 416.
- Figure 3B is a diagram showing certain components of a purging system including a downhole tool 402 with an inlet port with an interface, according to an example embodiment.
- Figure 3B illustrates example details for the example system shown in Figure 3A.
- the ROP fixture 406 can have a valve 418 and a "quick connect" interface 420 (having corresponding male 420A and female parts 420B) for facilitating the connection and disconnection of the hoses 408, 412 and downhole tool 402.
- a vacuum pump 410 assembly can include
- a female quick connect interface 420B for connecting to the male quick connect interface 420A of the ROP fixture 406, and can further include a vacuum gauge 422, a valve 418, and a trap 424. These components can be used to facilitate the pumping ability of the vacuum pump 410 and to measure the strength of the vacuum pump 410.
- the embodiment of Figure 3B additionally shows a desiccant assembly.
- the desiccant assembly can include - in addition to the desiccant jars 414 and valve 418 referenced above - one or more filters 426, one or more caps 428, tubing 430 or other connections between the desiccant jars 414, as well as a vent valve 416 and filter screen 432.
- the filters 426 can prevent the desiccants or other components from contaminating the downhole tool 402 or components thereof.
- example steps for attaching and using the vacuum pump 410 can include the following.
- an example method can include attaching the appropriate adapter (depending on collar being tested) to vacuum station ROP fixture 406 and installing the fixture 406 into ROP 404 in collar.
- an example method can include attaching the hose 408 from the vacuum pump 410 to the ROP fixture 406, opening the valve 418 on the ROP fixture 406, and turning on the vacuum pump 410.
- the vacuum can be pulled for about 15 minutes; other suitable times are possible.
- the valve 418 on ROP fixture 406 can be closed and the vacuum gauge 422 can be monitored for 5 minutes (during which time it may hold about 28 inHg) without material or any leakage.
- example steps for releasing the pump 410 and connecting the desiccant jars 414 can include disconnecting the hose 408 from the ROP fixture 406, attaching the hose 412 coming off of the desiccant jars 414 to the ROP fixture 406, open the vent valve 416 on the desiccant jars 414, and opening the valve 418 on the ROP fixture 406 (this valve 418 should be slightly opened and very slowly to regulate the release of the vacuum).
- a purging system can include both purging gas assemblies as described in Figures 2A-C as well as vacuum pumps 410 and desiccant jars 414 as described in Figures 3A-B.
- This particular design combination may be advantageous for those applications where cost, availability, logistics, or safety considerations make it prohibitive to use pressurized gas cylinders or where this combination offers a desired advantage such as faster processing time or more efficient purging (i.e., to achieve a lower RH target level) than one of the embodiments described in Figures 2 A to 2C.
- this combination may be more complex, more expensive and less reliable than one of the systems described in Figures 2A to 2C, which may be simpler to operate or automate, less expensive and more robust because they have fewer parts, i.e., no pump 410, no desiccants, and no nitrogen generator.
- Each of the above embodiments of the basic methods disclosed in this patent offers advantages as well as disadvantages, depending on the specific tool 402 to be purged as well as on the user's specific requirements and constraints, which may vary depending on location, skill level, and use environment. Therefore the selection of a specific purging system design and its associated options may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the present disclosure.
- Figure 4 is a chart that plots 515 the inert gas bubble volume 505 (as a percentage of available free volume within the tool) versus N2 pressure (in psi) 510 within a tool, according to an example embodiment.
- the inert gas bubble is an imagined worst case that represents the volume the inert gas would occupy assuming there was no mixing of gasses within the tool.
- This characteristic behavior is of note because it provides a basis for selecting the filling pressure design value in order to achieve efficient purging while avoiding any risk of damaging the tool's internal components by overpressure.
- some electronic circuits such as quartz crystal oscillators and multichip modules (MCMs) may be packaged in vacuum sealed ceramic or metal cans that can sustain only up to a limited amount of external gas pressure before failing due to deformation or collapse.
- MCMs multichip modules
- the safe range of pressure and temperature for specific components may be determined by specific analysis or testing by one skilled in the art.
- a dwell time between filling and exhaust allows moisture and pollution gases to diffuse and mix with the inert gas to facilitate its removal during the next exhaust cycle. This minimizes dead zones and the need for special passages and tubes to circulate gas within the tool. This makes it possible to fill and purge existing tools and a wide variety of tool architectures (i.e., tools having single or multiple ports).
- 30degC to 150degC may bring the partial pressure within the tool from 14.7psi to about 45psi; however if liquid water is present (e.g., due to moisture condensation), then the pressure at 150degC can be as high as about 114psi if sufficient mass of liquid water is present. For example, if a tool's cartridge was moved from an air-conditioned room to a humid shop, moisture would condense onto the tool and be absorbed by its wiring harness, electronics and exposed parts.
- the maximum pressure applied during pressure cycles may be limited to maintain relative humidity less than 100% after compression. This pressure can increase with increasing gas temperature because generally, saturation pressure increases with temperature.
- a moisture and pollution purging process can be based on one or more pressure filling and exhaust cycles of inert gas.
- the warm dry gas enters via a single valve or port into the tool and circulates in and out of the tool with each cycle, thereby evaporating moisture and other volatiles inside the tool, diluting any pollution gases and exhausting it out to achieve a desired level of purity with clean dry inert gas, i.e., an acceptable low level of moisture and pollution within the protected atmosphere inside the downhole tool.
- a Nitrogen concentrator unit that reduces or eliminates the risks, cost and logistics of high pressure N2 cylinders can be used.
- the pressurized gas can be cycled in and out of the tool such that the dry inert gas is introduced relatively quickly.
- the gas may compress and warm the internal atmosphere to help evaporate and drive out moisture, followed by a dwell time for the gases to intermix and dilute any moisture or pollution, and followed by a relatively slow exhaust to prevent any rapid cooling that could condense moisture back onto the electronics.
- this can take benefit from the time duration, Tpress, to pressurize the tool from atmospheric to max pressure, Pm, being less than the time duration, Tex, to depressurize, or exhaust the gas out of the tool from Pm back down to atmospheric pressure.
- the dwell time that may be optimal mixing or dilution of the moisture with the purging gas depends on the thermal mass and gas volume inside the tool, and the amount and type of materials that may contain volatiles and may have absorbed moisture inside the tool.
- an automated process can be used for purging oilfield tools with inert gas using a measurement of the moisture in the exhausted or circulated gas as a criterion for continuing or stopping the process at a given desired level of purity.
- the purging process can be done after the electronic chassis is loaded into its collar, or housing, and sealed. This means purging can be done at any time: i.e., in manufacturing prior to shipping the tool, in a location's shop, in storage, or even on a rig prior to running down hole or immediately after the tool is retrieved uphole as a crosscheck on the quality or purity of its internal environment.
- circulating the warm dry gas can avoid or reduce the need for vacuum prior to filling with inert gas.
- an instrumented setup with on-line measurement of the humidity at the exhaust or in-line with the gas circulation such as with a Go or No-Go criterion for the internal atmosphere's purity. Pressure testing during purging can help ensure that O-rings are in place prior to running in hole.
- the design of a gas flow port can be made by a small plug with two O-rings and a small gas port in the middle.
- the plug connects to the gas filling set-up. Pulling on the plug opens the communication channel with electronics, pushing the plug back inside closes it.
- a desiccant bag whether or not full of or otherwise containing moisture, can be regenerated after being baked for several hours. In some embodiments, for certain permanently installed downhole completion tools, no special attention need be paid to the desiccant bag. During manufacturing, this bag is inserted in the electronics housing and it gets regenerated during the gas filling process at the burn-in temperature (often about 150degC).
- a relatively inert gas such as Nitrogen, Sulfur
- Hexafluoride or of Helium (also can be used for leak testing the same tool), Argon or other inert gas, or mixtures thereof, can be used.
- Purging with inert gas pumped into the tool using pressure above atmospheric pressure can be used to reduce or eliminate the need for a vacuum pump to achieve multiple exhaust- fill cycles with the purging gas.
- closed loop drying by cycling the same volume of gas through a dehumidification process.
- the exhaust gas coming from the tool passes over a chiller to condense water vapor then the same gas can be passed through a heater before re-entering the tool to improve evaporation.
- pressuring the tool with dry gas can create a "bubble" (as a first approximation) within the tool of dry warm gas.
- a "bubble” as a first approximation
- local evaporation rates will vary with the material properties and the distance from the gas inlet depending on the local vapor pressure of the gas. Therefore, it is desirable to maximize the volume of dry air in each pressure cycle to enhance evaporation rates.
- Figure 4 shows this N2 "bubble" will occupy: 19% of the total volume at 5 psi, 31% of the total volume at 10 psi, 50% of the total volume at 24 psi, 90% of the total volume at 354 psi.
- many of the example system and methods described herein can be used not only to reduce or remove moisture from electronic components of downhole tools, but also from mechanical or other assemblies that may contain electrical equipment.
- motors, solenoids, actuators, relays, windings, conductors, and connections such as alternators, generators, resolvers, field coils, and the like all may contain components that can acquire moisture to be removed and/or reduced.
- the components purged accordingly then can be filled before service with various types of gases such as inert gases, dielectric insulating gases (e.g., SF6), hydraulic oil, polymer potting, conformal coating, and/or gel.
- gases such as inert gases, dielectric insulating gases (e.g., SF6), hydraulic oil, polymer potting, conformal coating, and/or gel.
- the example downhole tool system from which moisture may be removed and/or reduced can include at least one of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and chemical components, or some combination thereof.
- the downhole system can include a variety of other systems or components thereof, such as a surface connection system and associated interfaces, such as tubing hanger, subsea tree, platform tree, and surface land rig tree.
- some additional examples for applications of certain embodiments of the disclosure can include purging, removing, and/or reducing moisture from (a) hydraulic systems before filling them (or refilling them) with hydraulic oil (e.g., safety valves, isolation valves, packers, flow control valves and their hydraulic lines and connections to surface); (b) downhole electric submergible pump systems before filling them with dielectric oil; (c) downhole perforating tool's explosive charges and their associated detonators; (d) downhole chemical cutters; (e) downhole pressure balanced sensors and antennas before they are filled with dielectric oil or gel, such as in NMR, induction, resistivity, acoustic, seismic, and inductive coupling tools; and (f) other tools and/or components that may or may not be used downhole.
- hydraulic oil e.g., safety valves, isolation valves, packers, flow control valves and their hydraulic lines and connections to surface
- downhole electric submergible pump systems before filling them with dielectric oil
- many of the example systems and methods described herein relating to removal of moisture can be used in a variety of other applications.
- that many of the methods and systems described herein can apply to pretreating mechanical assemblies that contain motor windings (e.g., alternators, generators, resolvers, field coils, etc.) and are then filled with hydraulic oil as opposed to gas.
- motor windings e.g., alternators, generators, resolvers, field coils, etc.
- moisture or other polluting or corrosive gases may able to be categorized, with different removal systems being more suited for different categories.
- moisture that is likely to be easily removed from a tool e.g., moisture along a flow path
- Moisture or other gases more difficult to remove e.g., that which "hides” in stagnant areas and adsorbed onto exposed surfaces
- a vacuum exhaust port also may be helpful to efficiently transport the moisture.
- the most difficult moisture to remove may be that which is absorbed into hygroscopic materials and cannot be efficiently removed on a short time scale without heat.
- this moisture may evaporate slowly after purging as the boards, packages and potting seek equilibrium with the dried chassis air. This moisture can also be removed by baking (or without an oven by using our heater with two or more ports) when appropriate.
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (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)
- Geophysics (AREA)
- Drying Of Gases (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/985,825 US20140102796A1 (en) | 2011-02-15 | 2012-02-15 | Method And Apparatus For Protecting Downhole Components With Inert Atmosphere |
GB1314901.8A GB2502476A (en) | 2011-02-15 | 2012-02-15 | Method and apparatus for protecting downhole components with inert atmosphere |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161442952P | 2011-02-15 | 2011-02-15 | |
US61/442,952 | 2011-02-15 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2012112673A2 true WO2012112673A2 (en) | 2012-08-23 |
WO2012112673A3 WO2012112673A3 (en) | 2012-11-22 |
Family
ID=46673148
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2012/025227 WO2012112673A2 (en) | 2011-02-15 | 2012-02-15 | Method and apparatus for protecting downhole components with inert atmosphere |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140102796A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2502476A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012112673A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2015085156A1 (en) * | 2013-12-06 | 2015-06-11 | Schlumberger Canada Limited | Control line assembly and fabrication technique |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9816626B1 (en) | 2014-07-15 | 2017-11-14 | Davis & Davis Company | Method and device for adapting an actuator to a valve |
WO2016148880A1 (en) * | 2015-03-13 | 2016-09-22 | Aps Technology, Inc | Monitoring system with an instrumented surface top sub |
WO2017023303A1 (en) * | 2015-08-05 | 2017-02-09 | Stren Microlift Technology, Llc | Hydraulic pumping system for use with a subterranean well |
US10167865B2 (en) | 2015-08-05 | 2019-01-01 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | Hydraulic pumping system with enhanced piston rod sealing |
US10344573B2 (en) | 2016-03-08 | 2019-07-09 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | Position sensing for wellsite pumping unit |
NO20211059A1 (en) * | 2019-06-30 | 2021-09-03 | Halliburton Energy Services Inc | Desiccating Module to Reduce Moisture in Downhole Tools |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3872721A (en) * | 1973-02-28 | 1975-03-25 | Exxon Production Research Co | Downhole gas detector system |
US20040159149A1 (en) * | 2002-12-23 | 2004-08-19 | The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. | Sensor apparatus and method of using same |
US7318343B2 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2008-01-15 | Shell Oil Company | System for detecting gas in a wellbore during drilling |
US20090166042A1 (en) * | 2007-12-28 | 2009-07-02 | Welldynamics, Inc. | Purging of fiber optic conduits in subterranean wells |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3598518A (en) * | 1967-04-11 | 1971-08-10 | Tokyo Shibaura Electric Co | Method of providing a container with an oxygen-free gas |
US5147561A (en) * | 1989-07-24 | 1992-09-15 | Burge Scott R | Device for sampling and stripping volatile chemicals within wells |
US6684721B2 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2004-02-03 | Air Liquide America, L.P. | Method and apparatus for preparing a liquid sample |
US7384149B2 (en) * | 2003-07-21 | 2008-06-10 | Asml Netherlands B.V. | Lithographic projection apparatus, gas purging method and device manufacturing method and purge gas supply system |
FR2874744B1 (en) * | 2004-08-30 | 2006-11-24 | Cit Alcatel | VACUUM INTERFACE BETWEEN A MINI-ENVIRONMENT BOX AND EQUIPMENT |
US20090301388A1 (en) * | 2008-06-05 | 2009-12-10 | Soraa Inc. | Capsule for high pressure processing and method of use for supercritical fluids |
US8899348B2 (en) * | 2009-10-16 | 2014-12-02 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Surface gas evaluation during controlled pressure drilling |
US8403042B2 (en) * | 2010-07-14 | 2013-03-26 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Method and apparatus for use with downhole tools having gas-filled cavities |
-
2012
- 2012-02-15 WO PCT/US2012/025227 patent/WO2012112673A2/en active Application Filing
- 2012-02-15 US US13/985,825 patent/US20140102796A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-02-15 GB GB1314901.8A patent/GB2502476A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3872721A (en) * | 1973-02-28 | 1975-03-25 | Exxon Production Research Co | Downhole gas detector system |
US7318343B2 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2008-01-15 | Shell Oil Company | System for detecting gas in a wellbore during drilling |
US20040159149A1 (en) * | 2002-12-23 | 2004-08-19 | The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. | Sensor apparatus and method of using same |
US20090166042A1 (en) * | 2007-12-28 | 2009-07-02 | Welldynamics, Inc. | Purging of fiber optic conduits in subterranean wells |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2015085156A1 (en) * | 2013-12-06 | 2015-06-11 | Schlumberger Canada Limited | Control line assembly and fabrication technique |
GB2537544A (en) * | 2013-12-06 | 2016-10-19 | Schlumberger Holdings | Control line assembly and fabrication technique |
US10329855B2 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2019-06-25 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Control line assembly and fabrication technique |
GB2537544B (en) * | 2013-12-06 | 2020-10-28 | Schlumberger Holdings | Control line assembly and fabrication technique |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB201314901D0 (en) | 2013-10-02 |
US20140102796A1 (en) | 2014-04-17 |
GB2502476A (en) | 2013-11-27 |
WO2012112673A3 (en) | 2012-11-22 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20140102796A1 (en) | Method And Apparatus For Protecting Downhole Components With Inert Atmosphere | |
US9353618B2 (en) | Apparatus and methods for cooling downhole devices | |
US9650891B2 (en) | Obtaining and evaluating downhole samples with a coring tool | |
CA2476396C (en) | Pressure controlled fluid sampling apparatus and method | |
US20050028974A1 (en) | Apparatus for obtaining high quality formation fluid samples | |
CN102829281B (en) | Underwater Hydrocarbon transport pipeline and temperature control device | |
US20100059221A1 (en) | Subsea fluid sampling and analysis | |
US20110168390A1 (en) | Downhole electronics with pressure transfer medium | |
US20100319448A1 (en) | Monitoring the water tables in multi-level ground water sampling systems | |
US9359867B2 (en) | Desorption of a desiccant by radio waves or microwaves for a downhole sorption cooler | |
MX2014007970A (en) | Apparatus and method for storing core samples at high pressure. | |
US10533693B2 (en) | Pressurized chamber management | |
BR112016027402B1 (en) | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EVALUATION OF SUBMERSIBLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READable STORAGE MEDIA | |
WO2017023320A1 (en) | Electric submersible pump internal fluidics system | |
WO2015023917A1 (en) | Capillary electrophoresis for subterranean applications | |
CA2714692A1 (en) | Monitoring the water tables in multi-level ground water sampling systems | |
US20120227480A1 (en) | Apparatus, system and method for determining at least one downhole parameter of a wellsite | |
US11193365B2 (en) | Desiccating module to reduce moisture in downhole tools | |
EP2844835A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for use of electronic pressure gauge in extreme high temperature environment | |
BR112019008362B1 (en) | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING THE QUALITY OF GAS IN A PROCESS STREAM IN A SUBSEA LOCATION | |
EP4073382B1 (en) | Methods for evaluating vapor pump performance | |
WO2014120655A1 (en) | Compact dessicant and zeolite bodies for use in a downhole sorption cooling system | |
US10774826B2 (en) | Inline monitoring package for an electric submersible pump system | |
US8464796B2 (en) | Fluid resistivity measurement tool | |
US20200199972A1 (en) | Downhole drilling system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 12747189 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A2 |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 1314901 Country of ref document: GB Kind code of ref document: A Free format text: PCT FILING DATE = 20120215 |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 1314901.8 Country of ref document: GB |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 13985825 Country of ref document: US |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 12747189 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A2 |