WO2015117924A2

WO2015117924A2 - Expandable device

Info

Publication number: WO2015117924A2
Application number: PCT/EP2015/052093
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Louis Saltel; Gwenaël TANGUY; Samuel Roselier; Romain Neveu
Original assignee: Saltel Industries
Priority date: 2014-02-05
Filing date: 2015-02-02
Publication date: 2015-08-13
Also published as: EP3102775B1; WO2015117924A3; EP3102775A2

Abstract

The present invention concerns an expandable device, in particular for hydraulic fracturing, that comprises: - a tubular conduit (1); - and, against the outer face of same, a coaxial expandable cylindrical sleeve (20), the opposing ends of which are sealingly linked to said outer face; said tubular conduit (1) thus delimiting, with said sleeve (20), a sealed space (E), the portion of the conduit (1) located opposite said space (E) being free of means of fluid communication with said space (E), characterised by the fact that said space (E) receives a pyrotechnic charge (3) or is in fluid communication with a pyrotechnic charge (3) which, when activated, generates a pressure P1 in said space (E) that is sufficient to deform said sleeve (20) beyond the elastic deformation of same.

Description

EXPANDABLE DEVICE

The present invention relates to an expandable device, in particular used as an isolator of zones of the annulus of a well.

In several French patent applications on behalf of the present applicant are described expandable devices such as that reproduced in Figure 1 attached.

This figure is a simplified sectional view of a pipe that extends into a previously prepared well. In this case, this is a horizontal portion of the well. It is understood that this portion could have another orientation, for example vertical or oblique.

In the soil S has therefore been previously dug a well A whose wall is referenced A1.

Inside this well has been put in place a metal pipe 1 which is partially shown here.

Along its wall, this pipe has one or more isolation devices 2. Here, only a device 2 is shown for the sake of simplification.

In practice, there may be a large number of such devices along the pipe, for example 30 or 40.

In known manner, each device consists of a tubular metal jacket 20 whose opposite ends are made integral, directly or indirectly from the outer face of the pipe 1 by annular rings or tight reinforcement skirts 21.

P0 pressure prevails in the well.

Originally, the metal sleeves 20, not deformed, extend substantially in the extension of the rings 21.

A first pressurized fluid P1 greater than P0 is then sent inside the pipe and this pipe is introduced through openings 10 which the whole of the pipe 1, disposed opposite the jackets 20, present in order to deform the metal folders and adopt the position of Figure 2 in which their central intermediate portion is applied against the A1 wall of the well.

The pressurized fluid can be injected by pressurizing the interior of the entire pipe 1, or locally at each opening 10 to using tools of the "cup packer" type as described in the French patent application 12 59384 not published at the date of filing of the present application.

Of course, the material of the jacket and the pressure are chosen so that the metal deforms beyond its elastic limit.

If the connection between the expandable sleeve 20 and the pipe 1 is defective (in particular if the rings 21 are not sealed), or if the diameter of the well A is at least locally greater than the maximum expansion diameter of the sleeve 20 (situation of Figure 3), it is then possible that at least one of the annular spaces B disposed on either side of the jacket 20 is in communication with the interior of the pipe 1.

In the first case, this communication is done through at least one of the rings 21, while in the second case, the wall of the liner 20 is not retained, that is to say in support against the well wall A, then it breaks, even explodes.

However, in the context of an installation of this type, this is precisely what we try to avoid.

Moreover, piercing openings 10 in line 1 weakens the latter. Indeed, the mechanical resistance to traction and torsion is reduced. In addition, this represents an additional manufacturing operation that has an impact on their cost price and adversely affects the time spent manufacturing the installation.

In addition, document EP 2599956 discloses a device which discloses all the features of the preamble of claim 1.

It is described in document US 2013/014941 a sealed conduit which is provided with a deformable sealing element wedged against a stop, the assembly being integral with a movable piston. By activating a trigger, the piston is moved so that the deformable sealing element is compressed between the stop and a fixed element of the body of the pipe (pinch effect), and expands radically

The present invention aims to solve the problem described above while also mitigating the aforementioned risk of collapse of the shirt when it has reached its expanded state.

Thus, the present invention relates to an expandable device, which comprises:

a tubular pipe; and, against its external face, a coaxial expandable cylindrical jacket, the opposite ends of which are sealingly connected to this external face;

said tubular duct thus delimiting, with said liner, a sealed space, the duct portion facing said space being devoid of fluid communication means with said space,

characterized in that said space accommodates a pyrotechnic charge or is in fluid communication with a pyrotechnic charge which, when activated, generates in said space a pressure P1 sufficient to deform said jacket beyond its elastic deformation.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to deform the liner without having to convey any liquid under pressure.

Throughout the present application, including the claims, the expression "in fluid communication with a pyrotechnic charge" means that the pyrotechnic charge is located outside the space, but that the latter communicates directly with the load, via for example at least one tubulure or the like.

According to other advantageous and nonlimiting features of the invention:

- said pyrotechnic charge is a charge generating gas and this charge is placed in a gas generator

- The device comprises at least one region capable of opening to form a passage between the outside of the pipe and the inside of the sealed space, as soon as a pressure P2 greater than P1, prevails in said space;

the activation of said pyrotechnic charge is controlled remotely, that is to say outside said space;

said activation is carried out using a control means disposed inside the tubular conduit, substantially facing said jacket;

said activation is carried out by using a control means conveyed inside the tubular conduit by a fluid flow, the activation being carried out when the activation means is substantially facing said jacket; - said region capable of opening to form a passage between the outside of the pipe and the inside of the sealed space is located in the wall of the expansible sleeve itself;

- said region capable of opening to form a passage between the outside of the pipe and the inside of the sealed space is located in the connecting piece connecting the expansible sleeve to the pipe;

- said region capable of opening to form a passage between the outside of the pipe and the inside of the sealed space is located in an external device, in fluid communication with the interior of the sealed space;

said region capable of opening to constitute a passage between the outside and the inside of the space is a region presenting a mechanical weakness;

in said region, a wall having a reduced thickness constitutes the zone of mechanical weakness;

said region capable of opening to constitute a passage between the outside and the inside of the space is a region in which there is at least one rupture disk or a valve which is usually closed, but which opens as soon as the pressure P1 is reached;

said pyrotechnic charge is solid, liquid or gaseous;

said load affects the shape of a monolithic block or a bead;

said load is multiple, ie it consists of a set of individual charges activated sequentially;

- The expandable sleeve has a sealing device on its outer face;

said gas generator is connected to said space by a through opening formed in a connecting piece linking said expandable sleeve to said duct;

the wall of said gas generator is provided with a first non-return valve valve allowing a passage of fluid only in the direction

- outside of said expandable sleeve to said space - and a second check valve valve allowing a passage of fluid only in the direction

inside of the gas generator towards the outside of said expandable sleeve. - Said first valve opens when an overpressure appears in the annular space facing said generator, while the second valve (6) opens when an overpressure prevails in said space.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. This description is made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figures 1 to 3 are, as already said, simplified sectional views of a pipe that extends into a previously prepared well, illustrating the problems arising from the state of the art closest;

FIGS. 4 to 6 are also views in longitudinal section of an expansible device according to the invention, in several different "states";

FIGS. 7 and 8 are also similar views of different embodiments of the expansible device according to the invention;

- Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of an expandable device according to the invention;

- Figure 10 is a view similar to the previous, but showing here two devices according to the invention, placed head to tail on the same pipe;

- Figures 1 1 and 12 are views similar to the previous of an additional embodiment;

FIGS. 13A to 18A and associated FIGS. 13B to 18B are diagrams for illustrating the structure and operation of yet another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, we are dealing here with a device of the same general type as that described above, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

However, it differs in that the pipe 1, is completely devoid of passage, hole or orifice capable of putting it directly or indirectly in communication with the outside.

This inevitably results in a gain in the structure of driving, but also time and financial in regards to the manufacture of the device.

Another point of differentiation with respect to the state of the art mentioned above is that a pyrotechnic charge 3 is placed in the space E delimited by the expandable jacket 20 and the pipe 1. The expanding sleeve 20 is, as already mentioned, sealingly connected to the outer face of the pipe 1 by rings 21.

The jacket 20 may be manufactured, without limitation, of austenitic stainless steel, super-austenitic or nickel-based materials. The thickness of the liner 20 is for example between 2 mm and 15 mm or more.

As a pyrotechnic charge that may be used in the context of the invention, it is possible to envisage an explosive of the exploding or breaking type, for example of the propellant or TNT type.

Following the triggering of the load 3, the pressure increases inside the expandable sleeve 20 to force the wall thereof in the direction of its expansion.

The load 3 is advantageously provided with a not shown receiver which, when it is loaded, initiates the triggering of the combustion of the load.

Also, it is necessary to provide triggering means. As an indication, this can be implemented, for example:

by a wire link tool (called "Wireline"), which is lowered into the well until it comes into the region of the jacket 20, to communicate with the receiver;

by an object conveyed in line 1 by the flow of the fluid circulating therein;

- information transmitted through the mud or pipe to communicate with the receiver.

The energy released by the pyrotechnic charge 3 continues to be released and the expandable sleeve 20 can no longer expand because it comes into contact with the inner wall A1 of the well A.

Under these conditions, the pressure continues to increase in the enclosure delimited by the jacket 20. When a pressure P2 greater than P1 is reached, at least one region of the liner opens to form at least one passage 200 between the l inside the jacket 20 and one or the other of the annular spaces B disposed on either side of the jacket.

Said region may advantageously be materialized by a reduced thickness of the wall 2 of the liner 20, which region is of course less mechanically resistant. In another embodiment not shown, it can be envisaged the presence of at least one rupture disc which breaks under the effect of the predetermined pressure P2.

In yet another embodiment not shown, it can be envisaged the presence of at least one valve which is normally closed, but opens under the effect of the predetermined pressure P2. The pressure is thus released and the load 3 can finish releasing its energy without continuing to increase the pressure in the expansible sleeve 20.

The pyrotechnic charge can take various forms. As a simple example, it can be considered that it can be solid. In this case, we will preferentially deal with a monolithic block or a cordon.

In another embodiment, this charge may be liquid or gaseous.

In the variant embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the wall of the jacket 20 does not have an opening or a passage 200. On the other hand, one of the rings 21 of the jacket, ie one of the parts connection of the liner 20 to the pipe 1, is provided with an opening 210 which communicates the internal space of the liner 20 with the annular space B associated.

In the example of FIG. 8, this opening is made in a part 22 which cooperates with one of the rings 21.

The openings 210 function identically to the openings 200. They are initially plugged, when a pressure P2 greater than P1 is reached, the openings 210 open to form at least one passage between the inside of the jacket 20 and the one or other of the annular spaces B disposed on either side of the shirt.

When a differential pressure is applied to the annular spaces B lying on either side of the jacket 20, for example a pressure P3 greater than P2, the fluid present (and therefore the pressure) communicates with the interior space E of the expandable sleeve 20 through the apertures, in this case the apertures 200 if one considers the embodiment of FIG. 6.

The pressure within the expandable jacket 20 is therefore identical to the differential pressure, which gives the jacket excellent zone insulation properties.

To improve the sealing properties, the expandable sleeve may be coated with a sealing layer composed of bonded elastomer or joints as described in the French application No. 1358224 on behalf of this applicant, unpublished at the date of filing of this application.

Finally, if the pressure in the annular spaces B varies over time and reverses alternately, it is conceivable to mount two insulating devices 2 in opposition. This situation is illustrated in Figure 10.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 1 and 12, we are dealing with a structure similar to the other cases described above.

However, in this example, the pyrotechnic charge is not located inside said space E, but outside thereof, near the jacket 20 and the pipe 1.

Thus, in the aforementioned figures, the load 3 bears on the outer face of the pipe 1.

It is in place in a waterproof case and is connected, that is to say is in fluid communication with the space E, via a pipe 30 and a through opening 210 of one of the rings 21.

During the initiation of the load, the increase in pressure is reflected inside the space E, by deforming the jacket 20.

The rest of the operation of the device is identical to that described above.

Yet another embodiment is illustrated in the remaining figures.

Each figure bearing the index "A" is associated with a figure bearing the index "B". In this figure is visible an enlarged part of the associated figure, as shown by the double arrows visible on the corresponding boards.

With reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B, it will be seen that this is a device which has certain analogies with the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

Indeed, the pyrotechnic charge 3 is not here inside the space E, but outside of it, near the jacket 20 and the pipe 1.

More specifically, the pyrotechnic charge 3, which is here a gas generating charge, is disposed inside a gas generator 4 consisting of a sealed metal capsule. This pyrotechnic charge may be of the propellant or powder type, or any exothermic system making it possible to generate a large quantity of gaseous molecules. In the example illustrated here, the generator consists of two chambers 40 and 41 which communicate with each other, namely a combustion chamber 40 and a transfer chamber 41 of the gases generated by said combustion.

However, other "architectures" than this one can be considered. One is particularly thinking of a variant in which the two aforementioned chambers would be one.

According to a possible embodiment, the combustion chamber 40 accommodates a known type of combustion initiator, the triggering is carried out remotely, for example via an electric pulse transmitted by wire bond or non-wire (not shown in the figures).

The generator 4 is connected, on the side of the chamber 41 to the space E of the jacket 20 through a through opening 210 formed in one of the rings 21 for sealing connection between the jacket 20 and the pipe.

Moreover and as is more particularly visible in FIG. 13B, the generator 4, and more particularly its wall, at the level of the chamber 41, is provided with two non-return valve valves 5 and 6.

Each is provided with a ball 50, respectively 60 and a spring 51, respectively 61 which urges the ball against its seat so as to close each valve.

They are mounted head to tail, that is to say the opposite of each other.

Thus, with regard to the valve 5, when the ball 50 is not in abutment against its seat, a fluid communication is only possible in the outward direction of said expandable sleeve 20 towards said space E.

With regard to the valve 6, when the ball 60 is not in abutment against its seat, a fluid communication is only possible in the inner direction of the gas generator 4 to the outside of said expandable sleeve 20.

It will be understood the interest of these provisions in the remainder of this description.

Indeed, we will now explain the operation of such a device while specifying the preferred technical characteristics of these valves.

The situation of FIGS. 13A and B corresponds to a state of "rest" prior to triggering the combustion of the charge 3. Once the combustion of the charge 3 initiated, a large amount of gas and, consequently, an increase in pressure appear in the generator 4 (see FIGS. 14A and B), the gases entering the space E of FIG. the liner 20, as shown in the arrow f of Figures 15A and B).

The nature, the weight and the dimensioning of the pyrotechnic charge are chosen by those skilled in the art, so that a pressure P1 is generated in the space E sufficient to deform the jacket 20 beyond its elastic deformation.

We then arrive in the situation of Figures 16A and B where the deformation of the liner 20 is no longer possible because its wall abuts against the inner wall A1 of the well A.

The spring 62 of the valve 6 is calibrated so that in these circumstances of pressure increase and impossibility of expansion of the jacket 20, the excess pressure escapes to the outside, as shown in FIG. arrow g of FIGS. 17A and B.

Nevertheless, if an overpressure occurred in the annular zone B facing the generator 4, then a pressure equalization occurs by opening the valve 5, the spring 51 is tared accordingly.

This is illustrated by arrows h and j of Figures 18A and B.

This prevents the wall of the jacket 20 from collapsing on itself.

Throughout the present description, there has been talk of a load forming a single block. But it can be expected that said load is multiple, that is to say it consists of a set of individual charges activated sequentially.

Claims

1. Expandable device, in particular hydraulic billing, which comprises:

a tubular pipe (1);

and, against its external face, a coaxial expandable cylindrical jacket (20), the opposite ends of which are sealingly connected to this external face;

said tubular pipe (1) delimiting, with said jacket (20), a sealed space (E), the pipe portion (1) facing said space (E) being devoid of fluid communication means with said space ( E)

characterized in that said space (E) accommodates a pyrotechnic charge (3) or is in fluid communication with a pyrotechnic charge (3) which, when activated, generates in said space (E) a pressure P1 sufficient to deforming said jacket (20) beyond its elastic deformation.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said pyrotechnic charge (3) is a gas-generating charge and that this charge is placed in a gas generator (4).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one region capable of opening to form a passage

(200) between the outside of the pipe (1) and the inside of the sealed space (E), as soon as a pressure P2 greater than P1, prevails in said space (E).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the activation of said pyrotechnic charge (3) is controlled remotely, that is to say outside said space (E).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said activation is performed using a control means disposed within the tubular pipe (1), substantially opposite said jacket (20) .

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said activation is performed using a control means conveyed inside the tubular pipe (1) by a fluid flow, the activation being performed when the activation means is substantially opposite said jacket (20).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said region capable of opening to form a passage (200) between the outside of the pipe (1) and the inside of the sealed space ( E) is located in the wall (2) of the expandable sleeve (20) itself.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said region capable of opening to form a passage between the outside of the pipe (1) and the inside of the sealed space (E ) is located in the connecting piece (21) connecting the expansible sleeve (20) to the pipe (1).

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said region capable of opening to form a passage between the outside of the pipe (1) and the inside of the sealed space (E ) is located in an external device (22), in fluid communication with the interior of the sealed space (E).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said region capable of opening to form a passage (200) between the outside and inside of the space (E) is a region having a mechanical weakness.

1 1. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that, in said region, a wall having a reduced thickness constitutes the zone of mechanical weakness.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said region capable of opening to form a passage between the outside and the inside of the space (E) is a region in which is has at least one rupture disk or a valve which is usually closed but which opens as soon as the pressure P1 is reached.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pyrotechnic charge (3) is solid.

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that said load (3) affects the shape of a monolithic block or a bead.

15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said pyrotechnic charge (3) is liquid or gaseous.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the expandable sleeve (20) has a sealing device on its outer face.

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said load (3) is multiple, that is to say it consists of a set of individual charges activated sequentially.

18. Device according to one of claims 2 to 17, characterized in that said gas generator (4) is connected to said space (E) by a through opening (210) formed in a connecting piece (21) binder said expandable sleeve (20) to said conduit (1).

19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the wall of said gas generator is provided with a first valve (5) with non-return valve allowing fluid passage only in the outward direction of said expandable sleeve ( 20) to said space (E) - and a second check valve (6) allowing a fluid passage only in the inner direction of the gas generator (4) to the outside of said expandable sleeve (20) -.

20. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that said first valve (5) opens when an overpressure appears in the annular space (B) facing said generator (4), while the second valve (6) opens when an overpressure prevails in said space (E).