WO2013162490A1 - Procédé et appareil pour canon de perforation transporté par tubulure sacrifiable - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil pour canon de perforation transporté par tubulure sacrifiable Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013162490A1
WO2013162490A1 PCT/US2012/034599 US2012034599W WO2013162490A1 WO 2013162490 A1 WO2013162490 A1 WO 2013162490A1 US 2012034599 W US2012034599 W US 2012034599W WO 2013162490 A1 WO2013162490 A1 WO 2013162490A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
outer tubular
tubular member
inner structure
perforator
interior
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/034599
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Javier FADUL
Paul HERMAN
Paul Ringgenberg
Randall S. Moore
Michael Fripp
Dennis R. CROWDIS
John Hales
Bryan D. Powell
Original Assignee
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. filed Critical Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
Priority to US13/822,604 priority Critical patent/US8794335B2/en
Priority to BR112013026097A priority patent/BR112013026097A2/pt
Priority to PCT/US2012/034599 priority patent/WO2013162490A1/fr
Priority to US13/800,902 priority patent/US8967257B2/en
Priority to US14/047,355 priority patent/US9284824B2/en
Publication of WO2013162490A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013162490A1/fr

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/11—Perforators; Permeators
    • E21B43/116—Gun or shaped-charge perforators
    • E21B43/117—Shaped-charge perforators

Definitions

  • the invention relates, in general, to a method and apparatus for perforating wells, and more particularly to an expendable tubing conveyed perforator assembly.
  • a typical TCP assembly comprises an inner metallic tubular on which are mounted a plurality of shaped-charge explosives, positioned within an outer metallic tubular which acts as a housing, protective covering, fluid isolation, and tension and radial load bearing structure.
  • the assembly includes detonation cords, etc., as are known in the art.
  • the shaped charges when fired, perforate the outer tubular, the casing (if present), and the formation.
  • the outer and inner tubulars are often severely damaged, fragmented and misshapen during the process.
  • the outer tubular, now perforated often has projections extending at the circumferences of the perforations.
  • any remaining portion of the TCP assembly, after firing, is pulled out of the casing and can be reloaded with charges and reused, if intact.
  • this method has several disadvantages since in many drilling situations the inner tubular on which the shaped charges are mounted is damaged to such a degree that it cannot be removed from the hole without destroying the well.
  • the other method used in the industry is to utilize expendable TCP perforators to fire the charges. Following firing, the expendable perforating system is dropped to the bottom of the drilled hole that extends below the targeted formation, that is, into the rathole.
  • drilling the rathole portion of the well requires additional drilling to depths as much as 2,000 feet beyond the target area so that the expended perforator can be accommodated. This extra drilling results in considerable additional time and drilling costs.
  • the conventional metal tubing used for the TCP assembly generally fragments into large pieces of debris upon firing of the charges. These large pieces of metal debris often cause problems in fluid extraction, such as jamming of equipment, preventing tube removal, inhibiting fluid flow, contaminating the fluid, or clogging pumps or tubing used to extract the fluid.
  • the purpose of this invention is to develop a tubing conveyed perforator that does not require substantial additional rathole drilling and reduces the potential to clog oil extraction equipment with debris.
  • a tubing conveyed perforator having an outer tubular made from a metallic glass alloy having high strength and low impact resistance.
  • An inner structure is positioned within the outer tubular and holds one or more explosive charges. Upon detonating the explosive charges, the outer tubular is fragmented.
  • the inner structure is preferably also substantially destroyed upon detonation of the one or more explosive charges.
  • the inner structure can be made from a combustible material, corrodible, dissolvable, etc., material.
  • Exemplary metallic glass alloys are Zr 41.25 Ti 13 . 7 5 Niio Cu 12 .5 Be 22 5 Mg 6 5 Cu 3 ⁇ 4 Tb 10j an d Fe 5 9 Cr 6 Mo 14 C 15 B 6 .
  • a disintegration-enhancing material is optionally positioned between the outer tubular and the inner structure.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of an expendable tubing conveyed perforator of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of an inner structure of the expendable tubing conveyed perforator of the invention
  • FIG. 3 is an end view of an expendable tubing conveyed perforator of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the expendable tubing conveyed perforator of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is an elevational exploded view, with cut-away, showing an alternative embodiment of an expendable tubing conveyed perforator of the invention
  • FIG. 6 is an elevational and cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a gun carrier according to an aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a simplified cross-sectional break-away of an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 8 is a simplified cross-sectional break-away of an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 9 is a simplified cross-sectional break-away illustrating additional embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a simplified cross-sectional break- away of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a simplified cross-sectional break-away of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a simplified cross-sectional break-away view of exemplary embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional partial view of a preferred embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional partial view of another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 15 is an elevational schematic view of an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 15A is a detail of FIG. 15 according to an aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 16 is an elevational schematic view of another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 17 is an elevational schematic view of an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 18 is an elevational schematic view of an embodiment of the invention.
  • the invention is drawn to an expendable tubing conveyed perforator comprising an outer tubular made from a metallic glass alloy having high strength and low impact resistance and an inner structure made from a combustible material, the inner structure supporting one or more explosive charges.
  • the present invention overcomes problems with prior art TCPs in that substantially all of the outer tubular is fragmented upon detonation, and the inner structure is combustibly consumed upon detonation.
  • the expendable TCP of the present invention does not require that an extended rathole be prepared, nor depressurization of the well system for perforator removal.
  • FIG. 1 shows the expendable tubing conveyed perforator 10 of the invention.
  • the outer tubular 12 of the expendable tubing conveyed perforator is made from a metallic glass alloy having high strength and low impact resistance.
  • high strength and low impact resistance refers to tensile strengths in the range from approximately 200 to approximately 1000 ksi, moduli from approximately 20 to approximately 150 Msi, and elongations from approximately 0.2 to approximately 3 percent, all parameters being measured at room temperature.
  • the thickness of the outer tubular 12 is preferably thin enough such that the tube fragments into small pieces upon detonation, yet thick enough to provide structural integrity and protection to the inner structure.
  • the outer tubular possesses sufficient axial tensile strength necessary to support the vertical combined weight of the system when situated in the well hole.
  • the outer tubular preferably also possesses sufficient axial compression strength required to move the TCP unit around bends or maintain a non-vertical position. It will be appreciated that the thickness of the outer tubular will vary depending on parameters of the metallic glass alloy, the selected tool design, the shaped charges, the specific application and result required, etc. These parameters are well-known to those skilled in the art.
  • the outer tubular portion 12 of the present invention should also be able to withstand the environmental conditions encountered in a well hole at 1,000-40,000 feet. Generally, these conditions include temperatures in the range of about 200 degrees to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit, pressures in the range of about 6,000 to 20,000 psi, and exposure to corrosive and/or noxious chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide, calcium hydroxide, and carbon dioxide.
  • the frangible nature of the metallic glass alloys used to construct the outer tubular results in high fragmentation of the outer tubular upon detonation of the explosive charges.
  • the outer tubular is fragmented into pieces less than about 4 inches, more preferably less than about 1 inch, and most preferably less than about 0.1 inches.
  • the outer tubular can be made of a single or a combination of metallic glass alloys.
  • the outer tubular may not be entirely made of metallic glass alloy.
  • the inner structure 14 is positioned within the outer tubular and preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the outer tubular 12 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner structure 14 is preferably tubular with holes 16 or other mounting structures that can accommodate the shaped explosive charges 18. Generally, shaped charges that are useful in the expendable TCP of the invention are well known in the art and are available commercially. As shown in FIG. 3, the shaped charges 18 are connected by primer cords 19 so that they may be simultaneously detonated.
  • the inner structure 14 of the invention is made from a combustible structural material such as nitrocellulose, wood cellulose, cardboard, fiberboard, thermoplastic, thermoset resin, thin gauge metals, structural foam, and the like.
  • the materials used to manufacture the inner structure 14 are combustible upon detonation of the explosive charges, and following detonation, the material that makes up the inner structure is substantially combustibly consumed, leaving only ash and minor residue.
  • An optional tubular layer of disintegration-enhancing material 13 may be positioned within the outer tubular 12 and parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the outer tubular 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.
  • the tubular layer of disintegration enhancing material 13 is positioned within the annular space between the outer surface of the inner structure 14 and the inner surface of the outer tubular 12, and preferably just adjacent to the inner surface of the outer tubular 12.
  • the disintegration-enhancing material 13 is preferably made from a combustible material such as nitrocellulose, wood cellulose, cardboard, fiberboard, thermoplastic, thermoset resin, foam, paint, and the like.
  • the disintegration-enhancing material 13 is combustible upon detonation of the explosive charges, and following detonation is substantially combustibly consumed, leaving only ash and minor residue.
  • the optional disintegration-enhancing material 13 is not required to possess extensive structural capability. Upon combustion, the optional disintegration-enhancing material 13 provides additional energy to aid in disintegrating frangible outer tubular 12 into small pieces.
  • the expendable tubing conveyed perforator 10 of the invention may be combined in sections to produce a longer perforator unit 25 as shown in FIG. 4.
  • each perforator 10 is connected to the next perforator by a connector 20 and held in place with an adhesive, such as an epoxy adhesive or threaded interface, pins, integrated entrapment, or a combination of these attaching means.
  • the connectors 20 may be made from materials such as steel, or the same frangible materials as the outer tubular 12 so that the connectors are also highly fragmented upon detonation.
  • End plugs 22 are used to cap the ends of the perforator unit 25 and are also held in place with an adhesive, threaded interface, pins, integrated entrapment, or a combination of these. Like the connectors 20, the end plugs 22 may also be made from steel or the same frangible materials used to make the outer tubular 12.
  • the primer cord 24 for the perforator unit 25 extends out the top of one of the end plugs 22 and may be connected to conventional detonating equipment known in the art.
  • the expendable tubing conveyed perforator is lowered into the well casing to the desired depth and detonated using conventional procedures.
  • the frangible nature of the metallic glass alloys of the outer tubular cause it to fragment upon detonation into a multitude of small pieces, preferably less than about 3 inches in size.
  • the combustible material that makes up the inner structure is substantially combustibly consumed leaving only minor amounts of ash and residue.
  • the small fragmented pieces of the outer tubular either fall to the bottom of the well and, due to their small size, compact into a small volume in the "rathole" portion of the well, or pumped out of the well at a later time.
  • the present invention eliminates post-fire perforator gun removal by extraction or discarding into a rathole.
  • Patent No. 5,960,894 to Lilly filed March 18, 1998, with a significant difference being the material used to construct the outer hollow carrier.
  • the outer tubular 12 may be made by a conventional metallic glass alloy manufacturing process.
  • the thickness of the outer tubular 12 is preferably thin enough such that the tubular fragments into small pieces upon detonation, yet thick enough to provide structural integrity and protection to the inner structure.
  • Metallic glasses, as detailed below, can be much stronger than conventional alloys, such as steel. This characteristic is beneficial to the design of the system because the outer tubular can be made to have a thinner wall than a conventional steel carrier while still guaranteeing the structural integrity of the system. At the same time, a thinner outer tubular wall should shatter more easily and into smaller pieces.
  • the outer tubular possesses sufficient axial tensile strength necessary to support the vertical combined weight of the system when situated in the well hole.
  • the outer tubular preferably also possesses sufficient axial compression strength required to move the TCP unit around bends or maintain a non-vertical position.
  • the outer tubular portion 12 should also be able to withstand the high- pressure and high-temperature environmental conditions encountered in a well and exposure to corrosive and/or noxious chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide, calcium hydroxide, and carbon dioxide.
  • the optional tubular layer of disintegration-enhancing material 13 may be positioned between the outer tubular 12 and the inner structure 14. Unlike the inner structure 14, the disintegration-enhancing material 13 is not required to possess extensive structural capability. Upon combustion, the optional disintegration-enhancing material 13 provides additional energy to aid in disintegrating frangible outer tubular 12 into small pieces. This material 13 will also be consumed by combustion upon detonation leaving only ash and minor residue.
  • TCP 30 As making large sized items can be more difficult with metallic glass alloys, another embodiment of the TCP 30, an example of which is seen at FIG. 5, comprises individual charge holding sections 32, each section 32 holding just one or two charges 34. These sections would effectively be hollow boxes. The sections 32, once loaded, are stacked and interconnected. The outer tubular wall 36 of each section serves to protect the shaped charge(s) inside.
  • a connector assembly 38 can be used to connect a stack of sections 32 together.
  • FIG. 5 shows schematically several possible connector assemblies. It is understood that the shown assemblies are not detailed or exclusive, but convey potential manners of providing connections.
  • One potential form of connector assembly 40 has an end-cap 42 and a connector rod 44 which extends longitudinally through and connects to multiple sections.
  • a potential form of connector assembly 46 has an end-cap 48 and multiple connecting members, such as shaped rods 50 which interlock or cooperate with features, such as grooves 52, on the sections.
  • the sections could simply lock together using an interlocking mechanism known in the art, such as interlocking portions 54 and 56, mechanical latches 58, cooperating threads, etc.
  • These connector assemblies are exemplary only and those of skill in the art will recognize various methods for connecting adjacent sections.
  • Metallic glass alloys are metallic material with a disordered atomic-scale structure. In contrast to most metals, which are crystalline and therefore have a highly ordered arrangement of atoms, metallic glass alloys are non-crystalline. There are several ways to produce metallic glass alloys, which include extremely rapid cooling, physical vapor deposition, solid-state reaction, ion irradiation, melt spinning, and mechanical alloying. These alloys can be manufactured from one or multiple metals and chemical elements such as iron, copper, palladium, lead, antimony, lanthanum, magnesium, zirconium, palladium, iron, copper, and titanium.
  • Metallic glass alloys have a variety of potentially useful properties. In particular, they tend to be stronger than crystalline alloys of similar chemical composition. The strength of a crystalline metal is limited by the presence of defects in the crystalline structure called dislocations. A metallic glass alloy has no crystalline structure and no dislocations, and so its strength can approach the theoretical limit associated with the strength of its atomic bonds.
  • One modem metallic glass alloys known as Vitreloy, has a tensile strength that is almost twice that of high-grade titanium. On the other hand, metallic glasses are not ductile and tend to fail suddenly when loaded in tension.
  • the invention differs from earlier attempts to solve the same problem because it uses metallic glass alloys for the gun carrier. Previous attempts have been made to solve the same problem using materials such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, or combinations thereof.
  • a corroding outer tubular 50 is presented in cross-section.
  • the outer tubular is made of a material that corrodes fairly rapidly in a downhole environment but has the strength to perform as a carrier body. For example, aluminum can be used.
  • a relatively more corrosive material 52 is included in the outer tubular such that upon exposure to downhole fluids, as the outer tubular corrodes, the material accelerates overall corrosion.
  • a liner 54 is provided to prohibit or slow corrosion long enough to perform the task of perforating the well.
  • an inner support layer 56 is provided.
  • the inner support layer can allow the outer tubular to have a thinner wall since the support layer provides radial support for the tubular.
  • the inner support layer can be epoxy, rubber, sand, or other material (shown as rubber).
  • the inner support layer is shown as completely filling the space between the outer tubular and the inner structure 58, although this need not be the case. (Explosive charges are omitted from the Figures to simplify discussion.) Combinations of the described embodiments are possible.
  • FIG. 7 is a simplified cross-sectional break-away of an embodiment of the invention.
  • the annular space between the outer tubular 60 and inner structure 62 is filled with a substance 64 which enhances decomposition of the tubular.
  • the substance is an acid powder or basic powder.
  • the substance within the gun reacts with the fluids outside of the gun in order to decompose the gun.
  • One method for accomplishing this would be to have a solid powdered acid or base material within the gun, such as sodium hydrogen sulfate.
  • acid salts or alkali salts can be used, such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydrosulfide, monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, sodium sulfide, potassium cyanide, etc.
  • sodium bicarbonate sodium hydrosulfide
  • monosodium phosphate sodium hydrosulfide
  • disodium phosphate sodium sulfide
  • potassium cyanide etc.
  • These chemicals dissolve in wellbore fluids and change the pH of the fluids to either a strong acid or a strong base.
  • the pH-altered fluid in the wellbore attacks the tubular through corrosion or galvanic reaction with a dissimilar metal.
  • the outer tubular 60 is made of a material which is known to corrode.
  • FIG. 7 (among others) is used to illustrate multiple embodiments in a single figure to reduce the number of figures and for ease of reference.
  • a preferred corroding material is PLA (polylactic acid), which dissolves over time.
  • a coating 66 or exterior liner may be needed to delay the disintegration until the guns fire.
  • the interior of the gun carrier can be filled with a sand-salt matrix 68.
  • the wall of the gun can be reduced to a thin wall since the sand-salt matrix (or other filler) provides structural support for the outer tubular.
  • Such a thin wall can be a thin layer of metal or other material.
  • FIG. 8 is a simplified cross-sectional break-away of an embodiment of the invention.
  • the housing of the gun carrier has two metals layers 70 and 72.
  • the metals galvanically react with each other and cause their mutual destruction.
  • the exterior of the housing could be thin steel while the interior is magnesium.
  • the magnesium layer 72 When exposed to the wellbore fluids upon perforation of both layers by the shaped charges, the magnesium layer 72 will be reduced by the steel layer 70 and be dissolved into the formation brine as magnesium hydroxide.
  • the steel and magnesium are exemplary materials; those of skill in the art will recognize other combinations.
  • the gun housing would have an outer tubular 74 of zinc, magnesium or similar type metal-based material. The housing disappears as the material is consumed or "burned up" in the explosive detonation.
  • a liner 76 positioned inside the tubular reacts in response to the explosion and subjects the tubular to sufficient forces to cause break-up.
  • the reactive material could be a metal based material such as zinc or magnesium or a more volatile material such as ammonium perchlorate propellant.
  • FIG. 9 is a simplified cross-sectional break-away illustrating additional embodiments of the invention.
  • the interior space 78 of the gun carrier contains thermite or some other material with a high exothermic reaction. Firing the explosive charges initiates a thermite reaction. Heat from the thermite melts the gun housing outer tubular 80.
  • the tubular 80 is a composite material that contains modules of reactive material 82. Firing the guns initiates the reactive material within the outer tubular 80. The reactive material enhances destruction of the gun.
  • the outer tubular 80 is one component of the thermite reaction (such as aluminum) and the second component 78 of the thermite reaction (such as iron oxide or copper oxide) is positioned within the outer tubular 80.
  • the outer tubular of the gun housing could be a plastic, like PEEK, that melts at a relatively low temperature.
  • the thermite reaction occurs at approximately 2500 degrees Celsius, which greatly exceeds the melting temperature of PEEK. The result is that the heat from the thermite reaction causes melting or disintegration of the housing.
  • FIG. 10 is a simplified cross-sectional break- away of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the annular layer 84 is made up of a mixture of materials, at least one of which is a material that degrades in the presence of hydrocarbon fluids, such as Styrofoam (trade name) seen at 89, natural rubber, seen at 90, or other material.
  • hydrocarbon fluids such as Styrofoam (trade name) seen at 89, natural rubber, seen at 90, or other material.
  • the material dissolves in hydrocarbon fluid.
  • a fluid can be pumped downhole after detonation to dissolve the material. As the material degrades, the tubular 86 crumbles.
  • a protective layer 88 can be employed to delay degradation until after firing of the charges.
  • the barrier can be a non-corrosive sheet of metal or other material, where degradation of the outer tubular is delayed until after perforation, or a coating or layer of material which corrodes or degrades at a slower rate than the material of the outer tubular.
  • a natural rubber 90 that degrades in hydrocarbon environments could be used as a temporary protective coating or a partial structural element.
  • a coating 88 on the outer tubular is provided, as described above, and the outer tubular is at least partially made of chalk 92, such as a component or element in a mixture which forms the tubular.
  • HCL can be pumped into the wellbore to dissolve the gun carrier.
  • FIG. 11 presents an outer tubular 94 made of powdered metal. This system would be prone to leak, so a barrier or membrane 96 can be used to prevent fluid entry.
  • the barrier can be a thin metal sheet or a protective coating, for example.
  • Unique features may be included to: increase strength, increase sealing capabilities, increase ability to break-up, create specific patterns of broken pieces, and/or increase charge performance. These features may be accomplished through one or more of the following: combination of materials used with specific properties to drive a specific feature, layering of materials (axially and/or radially), and varying compressive loads applied.
  • the gun carrier is made from a ceramic material which provides mechanical properties to survive deployment into the well but easily breaks-up or shatters during the explosive detonation.
  • the ceramic material would have brittle characteristics that cause shattering during a perforation event.
  • FIG. 12 is a simplified cross-sectional break-away view of exemplary embodiments of the invention.
  • grooves 102 or similar feature are machined, scarred, pressed or equivalent into the OD or ID of the carrier. These grooves provide a pattern in which the material fractures upon detonation of the perforating charges, similar to a pineapple hand-grenade.
  • a chemical reaction within the interior of the gun housing can increase the internal pressure of the housing, which would facilitate the controlled fragmentation of the gun housing.
  • a time delayed secondary detonation could be used to fragment the gun once the initial gun firing had cause the gun body to be filled with fluid.
  • a "grenade" outer tubular 100 is used in conjunction with sand and/or salt material 104.
  • the carrier is filled with sand and/or salt material 104.
  • the sand/salt material or equivalent fills the free volume of the carrier and, as a result, causes the internal gun pressure to increase beyond the yield strength of the carrier, thus causing the carrier to rupture.
  • the grenade concept is combined with directional cutters.
  • the system is loaded two types of explosive devices: the perforation shaped charges and one or more segmented cutter explosive devices (or equivalent).
  • the segmented cutters are preferably aligned with machined "weak points" (such as grooves) in the carrier, thus allowing the carrier to breakup upon detonation.
  • FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional partial view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the gun carrier is a layered composite.
  • the carrier wall 120 is comprised of non- bonded layers of composite material 120a-e, such that the layers provide structural support for each other. However, since the layers are non-bonded, they will better break into small pieces upon detonation of the charges.
  • One or more of the non-bonding layers could be explosive material, such as stim-gun explosive material, that would enhance destruction of the gun housing.
  • the layers 120a-e can be plastic, fiberglass, etc., which provide structural integrity alone or when cooperatively reinforced by the additional layers. At least some of the layers are of a non-binding material, such that upon detonation of the charges, the various layers will separate. Consequently, the tubular will tend to break-up into smaller pieces than a similar non- layered composite tubular wall.
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional partial view of another embodiment of the invention.
  • the gun body outer tubular 122 or the inner charge -holder structure 123 have energetic materials 124 (propellants or explosives) imbedded into their structures that would serve to break-up the carrier once the perforation charges are fired.
  • This energetic material could also be positioned, for example, in the form of propellant beads, mixed with sand 126 or other inert materials and stored inside the gun body.
  • FIG. 15 is an elevational schematic view of an embodiment of the invention.
  • a strip type gun having a wire frame is presented.
  • This gun carrier system uses an external wire frame 130 to support the charges 132 attached to the deployment strip 133.
  • the wire frame can be made up of small tubes 134 with det cord (Primacord) 136 on the inside, as seen in FIG. 15 A.
  • det cord Primary cord
  • FIG. 15 A When the guns fire, the frame is destroyed and the system collapses.
  • portions of the support structure could be placed directly in front of the perforating charge. When the charges fire, the support structure is destroyed.
  • a strip-type gun design is used in conjunction with a retrievable carrier.
  • a wireline type perforating system is employed having capsule charges loaded onto a deployment strip. Since the strip is not durable enough for TCP deployment techniques, a carrier or deployment housing covers the loaded strip during the trip in the well. After positioning at the correct well depth, the strip gun is released and the carrier is retrieved back to the surface. The resulting debris after detonation from the strip gun is substantially less than the traditional TCP carrier equipment remaining after detonation.
  • FIG. 16 is an elevational schematic view of another embodiment of the invention.
  • the gun 140 is made like a balloon, having a flexible membrane or bladder 142 filled with fluid 144.
  • the fluid 144 provides stiffness for the expandable layer 142 during surface handling.
  • a gelled fluid 144 is a solid at surface temperatures. In the wellbore, the fluid melts and expands. The internal pressure created by the fluid, indicated by arrows, will stiffen the balloon-like housing. As an analogy, this is similar to air-supported domes which, when inflated, provide a rigid structure. When the dome is deflated, the entire structure collapses. The inflated gun carrier is stiff until the charges perforate the housing and then the gun carrier deflates.
  • FIG. 17 is an elevational schematic view of an embodiment of the invention.
  • a telescoping gun is presented.
  • the gun system 150 uses different sized carriers 152, 154, 156, which can telescope or collapse together.
  • the guns (and/or intervening spacers) are a series of bigger and smaller carriers, alternating in size or sequentially smaller, etc.
  • FIG. 18 is an elevational schematic view of an embodiment of the invention.
  • a coil-shaped, "spring” gun 160 is presented.
  • the gun carrier 160 is in the form of a coil spring, upon which are positioned a plurality of shaped charges 162.
  • a separate inner structure can support the shaped charges.
  • the coiled carrier is allowed to collapse to a "solid height" shape, as indicated by arrow A.
  • the shorter coil will use less space in the rathole, if dropped into the wellbore.
  • the coil could be allowed to elongate after perforation, as indicated by arrow B.
  • the gun can then be pulled from the well with reduced risk of damaging the well, as the now-elongated coil has a reduced diameter and will more easily fit through the production packer and tubing.
  • An additional method would use a delay-effect to create an aftershock or sustained shock after the perforation event.
  • the delayed initiation detonates a second train of explosives with the sole purpose of creating specific forces to break-up the perforator assembly and/or its constituent parts.
  • An additional method is to make the outer tubular of cast iron which has relatively little elongation. The lower elongation should result in break-up into smaller pieces. Further, additional det cord or a later-fired det cord (after the perforating event) can be used. The delayed det cord initiation would enhance destruction, since by that time the carrier body is filled with fluid. The secondary explosion would consequently create great pressure on the carrier.
  • a method of perforating a well casing comprising the steps of: inserting into the well casing a tubing conveyed perforator having an outer tubular made from a metallic glass alloy having high strength and low impact resistance, and an inner structure positioned within the outer tubular and holding one or more explosive charges; detonating the one or more explosive charges; and fragmenting the outer tubular upon detonation of the one or more explosive charges.
  • the method can further include steps: substantially destroying the inner structure upon detonation of the one or more explosive charges; wherein the inner structure is made from a combustible material, and further comprising the step of combustibly destroying the inner structure; wherein the inner structure is made from a corrosive material, and further comprising the step of corroding the inner structure; wherein the inner structure is made from a dissolvable material, and further comprising the step of dissolving the inner structure; and wherein the tubing conveyed perforator further comprises a disintegration-enhancing material positioned between the outer tubular and the inner structure.
  • the disintegration-enhancing tube is made from a material selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, wood cellulose, cardboard, fiberboard, thermoplastic, thermoset resin, structural foam, and combinations thereof.
  • the disintegration enhancing material can be a solid, liquid, gel, or a plurality of loose particles (such as sand).
  • the metallic glass alloy is selected from the group consisting of Zr 41.25 Ti 13 . 7 5 Ni 10 Cu 12 .5 Be 22 5 Mg65 Cu 2 5 Tb 10j and Fes 9 Cr 6 Mo 14 C 15 B 6 .
  • a protective coating can be used on the exterior of the outer tubular.
  • a method of perforating a well casing comprising the steps of: inserting into the well casing a tubing conveyed perforator having an outer tubular made from a metallic glass alloy having high strength and low impact resistance, and an inner structure positioned within the outer tubular and holding one or more explosive charges; detonating the one or more explosive charges; and fragmenting the outer tubular upon detonation of the one or more explosive charges.
  • the same method can comprise additional steps and details: substantially destroying the inner structure upon detonation of the one or more explosive charges; wherein the inner structure is made from a combustible material, and further comprising the step of combustibly destroying the inner structure; wherein the inner structure is a tubular having a plurality of holes therein for supporting the one or more explosive charges; wherein the inner structure is made from a corrosive material, and further comprising the step of corroding the inner structure; wherein the inner structure is made from a dissolvable material, and further comprising the step of dissolving the inner structure; wherein the tubing conveyed perforator further comprises a disintegration-enhancing material positioned between the outer tubular and the inner structure; wherein the disintegration-enhancing material is chemically reactive with the outer tubular; and/or wherein the outer tubular further comprises a protective coating on its exterior surface.
  • a further method is presented.
  • a method of perforating a well casing comprising the steps of: inserting into the well casing a tubing conveyed perforator having an outer tubular member and an inner structure positioned within the outer tubular, the inner structure supporting one or more explosive charges; detonating the one or more explosive charges; and dematerializing the outer tubular upon detonation of the one or more explosive charges.
  • dematerializing further comprises substantially corroding the outer tubular member; wherein the outer tubular member is made of aluminum; wherein the step of corroding further comprises corroding the outer tubular member with wellbore fluids; wherein the step of corroding further comprises the step of pumping a corrosive fluid into the well; further comprising the step of delaying the corroding of the outer tubular member for a selected period; wherein the step of delaying further comprises the step of corroding a protective layer of material exterior to the outer tubular member; wherein the outer tubular member is made of a corrosive material with inclusions of relatively more corrosive material; wherein the step of dematerializing further comprises the step of reacting a material carried interior to the outer tubular member with wellbore fluids; further comprising the step of altering the pH of the wellbore fluid, and further comprising the step of dematerializing the outer tubular member using the pH-altered fluid; wherein the material carried interior
  • a further method is presented.
  • a method of perforating a well casing positioned downhole in a well comprising the steps of: inserting into the well casing a tubing conveyed perforator having an outer tubular member and an inner structure positioned within the outer tubular, the inner structure holding one or more explosive charges, and a support structure without which the outer tubular member would collapse after insertion into the well; detonating the one or more explosive charges; damaging the support structure in response to the detonation; and collapsing the outer tubular in response to damaging the support structure.
  • the method can further include additional steps and details: further comprising damaging a wire frame support structure positioned exterior to the charges; further comprising combusting detonation cord attached to the wire frame support structure; wherein the step of collapsing further includes the step of telescoping adjacent segments of outer tubular members; wherein the step of collapsing further includes the step of elongating or shortening a coiled spring-like member of the support structure; wherein the support structure is an expandable fluid filling the interior of the outer tubular member, wherein the outer tubular member is an expandable membrane capable of sealing the expandable fluid therein; and/or wherein the expandable fluid is a gel at surface temperature and pressure.

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  • 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)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur des procédés et sur un appareil pour un ensemble canon de perforation « à disparition ». Dans un procédé préféré de perforation d'un tubage de puits, un perforateur transporté par tubulure est inséré dans le tubage de puits, lequel perforateur a une tubulure externe réalisée en un alliage de verre métallique ayant une robustesse élevée et une faible résistance à l'impact. Une structure interne est positionnée à l'intérieur de la tubulure externe, et supporte une ou plusieurs charges explosives. Lors de la détonation des charges explosives, la tubulure externe est fragmentée. La structure interne est de préférence également sensiblement détruite lors de la détonation de la ou des charges explosives. Par exemple, la structure interne peut être réalisée en un matériau combustible, en un matériau corrodable, en un matériau dissolvable, etc. Un matériau favorisant la désintégration est, éventuellement, positionné entre la tubulure externe et la structure interne. D'autres modes de réalisation additionnels de l'invention sont présentés et comprennent des boîtiers de canon qui se dématérialisent lors de la détonation des charges.
PCT/US2012/034599 2011-04-21 2012-04-22 Procédé et appareil pour canon de perforation transporté par tubulure sacrifiable WO2013162490A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/822,604 US8794335B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2012-04-22 Method and apparatus for expendable tubing-conveyed perforating gun
BR112013026097A BR112013026097A2 (pt) 2012-04-22 2012-04-22 método para perfurar um revestimento de poço, e, perfurador transportado por tubulação desgastável
PCT/US2012/034599 WO2013162490A1 (fr) 2012-04-22 2012-04-22 Procédé et appareil pour canon de perforation transporté par tubulure sacrifiable
US13/800,902 US8967257B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2013-03-13 Method and apparatus for expendable tubing-conveyed perforating gun
US14/047,355 US9284824B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2013-10-07 Method and apparatus for expendable tubing-conveyed perforating gun

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2012/034599 WO2013162490A1 (fr) 2012-04-22 2012-04-22 Procédé et appareil pour canon de perforation transporté par tubulure sacrifiable

Related Child Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/822,604 A-371-Of-International US8794335B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2012-04-22 Method and apparatus for expendable tubing-conveyed perforating gun
US13/800,902 Continuation US8967257B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2013-03-13 Method and apparatus for expendable tubing-conveyed perforating gun
US14/047,355 Continuation US9284824B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2013-10-07 Method and apparatus for expendable tubing-conveyed perforating gun

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013162490A1 true WO2013162490A1 (fr) 2013-10-31

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BR (1) BR112013026097A2 (fr)
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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3074832A1 (fr) * 2017-12-12 2019-06-14 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Protecteurs d'extrémité pour canons de perforation à jet

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4467878A (en) * 1981-09-04 1984-08-28 Ibsen Barrie G Shaped charge and carrier assembly therefor
US5829538A (en) * 1997-03-10 1998-11-03 Owen Oil Tools, Inc. Full bore gun system and method
WO1999046476A1 (fr) * 1998-03-13 1999-09-16 Primex Technologies, Inc. Perforateur non reutilisable transporte par tube
US20080149345A1 (en) * 2006-12-20 2008-06-26 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Smart actuation materials triggered by degradation in oilfield environments and methods of use
US20100300750A1 (en) * 2009-05-28 2010-12-02 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Perforating Apparatus for Enhanced Performance in High Pressure Wellbores

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4467878A (en) * 1981-09-04 1984-08-28 Ibsen Barrie G Shaped charge and carrier assembly therefor
US5829538A (en) * 1997-03-10 1998-11-03 Owen Oil Tools, Inc. Full bore gun system and method
WO1999046476A1 (fr) * 1998-03-13 1999-09-16 Primex Technologies, Inc. Perforateur non reutilisable transporte par tube
US20080149345A1 (en) * 2006-12-20 2008-06-26 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Smart actuation materials triggered by degradation in oilfield environments and methods of use
US20100300750A1 (en) * 2009-05-28 2010-12-02 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Perforating Apparatus for Enhanced Performance in High Pressure Wellbores

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3074832A1 (fr) * 2017-12-12 2019-06-14 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Protecteurs d'extrémité pour canons de perforation à jet
US11098562B2 (en) 2017-12-12 2021-08-24 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. End protectors for jet perforating guns

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