WO2016005292A1

WO2016005292A1 - Device for insulating the annulus of part of a well or pipeline, and corresponding insulation method

Info

Publication number: WO2016005292A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/065260
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Louis Saltel; Samuel Roselier
Original assignee: Saltel Industries
Priority date: 2014-07-11
Filing date: 2015-07-03
Publication date: 2016-01-14
Also published as: FR3023578A1; FR3023578B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for insulating part of a well (3) or pipeline, comprising a duct (1) provided on its outer face with at least one liner (21) that surrounds the duct (1) and sealing means (23) borne by the liner (21), the opposite ends of the liner (21) being solidly connected to rings (22) that are solidly connected to the outer face of the duct (1). The liner (21) can expand radially and press hermetically against the inner wall (31) of the well (3) or pipeline. According to the invention, the duct (1) comprises at least one cementing opening (13) connecting the interior of the duct (1) with the annulus (EA1) between the outer face of the duct (1) and the inner wall (31) of the well or pipeline, and the rings (22) are pivotably mounted on the duct (1).

Description

Device for isolating the annulus of a part of a well or pipeline and the corresponding isolation process

1. DOMAIN OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of drilling.

It relates more particularly to a device for isolating a portion of a wellbore, and the corresponding insulation process.

2. SOLUTIONS OF THE PRIOR ART

In general, the exploitation of a hydrocarbon, water or gas deposit is carried out by means of a borehole forming a well.

A pipe, commonly referred to as "casing", is thus lowered into the borehole, and the annulus between the outer wall of the pipe and the inner wall of the well is then cemented.

FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a well 3 of oil drilling in which is engaged such a pipe 1 of diameter smaller than the diameter of the well. This well 3 is formed of a borehole - in this case shown oriented along a substantially vertical axis - whose inner wall 31 is rough borehole (open well).

In a variant, the inner wall of the well may be that of a metal tube in the case where the well is cased.

It is considered that the well 3 is at an absolute pressure P0.

The pipe 1 is shown here partially and is provided with an insulation module 2, the pipe 1 and the insulation module 2 forming an isolation device.

The insulation module 2 comprises a metal jacket 21 sealed at its ends to the surface of the pipe 1 by means of rings 22, the latter being for example welded, crimped or fixed by adjustment on the pipe 1 . The interior of the pipe 1 and the space defined by the outer surface of the pipe 1 and the inner surface of the expandable jacket 21, on the other hand, communicate with each other. Thus, one or more perforations 24 make it possible to put the interior of the pipe 1 into communication with the inside of the jacket 21 in order to allow the latter to expand (by hydroforming in this example).

The liner 21 is here covered over a portion of its length with a sealing layer 23, for example of elastically deformable material (elastomer type).

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the metal jacket 21 is expanded radially outwardly, permanently, by injection of pressure into the pipe 1 (the arrows represent the circulation of fluid inside the pipe 1, upstream downstream). The pressure necessary for the liner 21 to be in contact with the inner wall 31 of the well 3 is denoted by P1. An overpressure PI + ΔΡι is here applied to compress the sealing layer 23 against the inner wall 31.

The annular spaces EA1 and EA2 are then sealed, even after a decrease in the pressure inside the pipe 1.

In this expanded configuration of the liner 21, since the liner 21 and the rings 22 are fixedly mounted on the pipe 1, it is no longer possible to turn the pipe 1 relative to the shaft 3.

However, during the cementing operations intended to seal the duct 1 to the inner wall 31 of the well 3 by means of a layer of cement, it has been found that the quality of the cementation, and therefore of the watertightness between the pipe 1 and the formation of the well 3, is improved when the pipe 1 is rotated about its longitudinal axis

3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention does not pose these problems related to the isolation devices of the prior art and proposes a device for isolating part of a well or a pipe comprising a pipe provided, on its outer face, with at least one jacket surrounding said pipe and sealing means carried by said jacket, the opposite ends of said jacket being integral with annular rings, the jacket being capable of to expand radially and come to apply sealingly against the inner wall of the well or pipe.

According to the invention, said pipe comprises at least one cementing opening which communicates the inside of the pipe with the annular space situated between the outer face of the pipe and the inner wall of the well or the pipe, and said rings are pivotally mounted on the pipe.

The invention thus relates to isolation devices.

Such an isolation device comprises, in known manner, a tube on which is fixed one or more expandable folders, the tube being provided with one or more openings allowing the passage of cement from the interior space of the tube to the space annular located between the outer face of the pipe and the inner wall of the well or pipe. The jacket is intended to be expanded in an annular space to provide a barrier on either side of this annular space between the tube and an inner wall of a borehole (i.e., a drilled hole " raw ") or between the tube and a second casing which surrounds the tube.

The insulation device of the invention is capable of rotation about its longitudinal axis after expansion (i.e. once the jacket is sealingly applied against the inner wall of the well), while retaining the insulation between the two isolated areas.

More specifically, the ends of the liner are clamped inside annular rings, or reinforcing rings which are rotatably mounted on the tube. Thus, during cementing operations for cementing the tube to the inner wall of the well, it is possible to rotate the tube which improves the quality of the cementation, and therefore the seal between the tube and the formation of Wells.

The invention applies in particular to the field of the production of water, gas or oil.

This invention applies in particular, but not exclusively, to a vertical well. It also applies to deviated and horizontal wells.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, at least one of said rings is further slidably mounted on the pipe.

In other words, at least one of said rings is able to move longitudinally with respect to the pipe.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the isolation device comprises sealing means mounted between each of said rings and the outer face of the pipe.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the sealing means are chosen from O-rings, lip seals, and braids.

According to one particular aspect of the invention, the isolation device comprises means for rotating said conduction relative to said rings.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the rotation means are chosen from plain bearings, rolling bearings, and thrust bearings.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the isolation device comprises means for holding said rings in a fixed position on the conductor, said holding means being fracturable.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the liner bears anchoring means.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the wall of said duct has at least one expansion opening allowing the communication between the interior space of the liner delimited by said cond uite, the liner and its ends, and the interior space of said duct.

According to a particular aspect of the invention said at least one expansion opening is provided with a valve with non-return valve intended to maintain the pressure in the interior space of the liner when the latter is expanded.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, each of said rings comprises a non-return valve or a rupture element making it possible to compensate for the internal pressure in the jacket when the latter is expanded.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, said at least one cementation opening is closable by at least one movable element slidably mounted on the internal face of the pipe.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the isolation device comprises a first radially expandable tubular liner and a second expandable liner which extends between said duct and the first liner, the ends of said second liner also being integral with the liner. outer face desd ites rings and at least one communication passage between the interior of the first liner and the interior space of said pipe.

The invention also relates to a method of isolating a portion of a well or pipe by means of at least one isolation device as described above.

According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of:

positioning said ladle provided on its external face with at least one expandable sleeve surrounding said cond uite;

expanding said liner so that it comes sealingly against the inner wall of the well or pipe; - cementing the annular space between the outer face of the pipe and the inner wall of the well or pipe;

- rotation of the pipe around its longitudinal axis during cementation.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the isolation method further comprises:

- Prior to the cementing step, a step of opening at least one cementation opening which communicates the interior of the pipe with the annular space between the outer face of the pipe and the inner wall of the well or the pipeline,

a cement injection step in the annular space via the pipe and said at least one cementing opening, and

- Following the cementing step, a step of closing said at least one cement opening.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the rotation of the pipe about its longitudinal axis is implemented by means of forceps or turntables at the wellhead.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the opening and closing of said at least one cementation opening is implemented by a member conveyed in a fluid passing through the pipe or by descent into the pipe of a tool provided with means anchoring and opening and closing the cementation opening.

4. LIST OF FIGURES

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment, given as a simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are sectional views of an isolation device according to the state of the art, it being understood that, visually, that of the present invention has substantially the same appearance;

Figure 3 is a sectional view of an isolation device according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 4A and 4B are sectional views of the isolation device of Fig. 3 for illustrating a first method of expanding the jacket of an isolation module;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the isolation device of Figure 3 for illustrating a second method of expanding the liner; Figures 6 and 7 are sectional views illustrating a method of cementing the isolation device of Figure 3 to the inner wall of a well, once the sleeve expanded;

FIGS. 8A-8D are detail sectional views illustrating various sealing and pivot connection means between the conduction of the insulation device of the invention and a retaining ring of the expandable sleeve on the cond uite;

Figures 8F and 8G are enlarged views of Figure 8E illustrating the implementation of internal pressure control means in the expanded sleeve of an isolation device according to the invention; Figure 9 is a sectional view illustrating the implementation of anchoring means on the expandable sleeve of a d ispositif insulation according to the invention.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

5.1 Recall of the principle of invention

The insulation device of the invention comprises a tubular part, or cond uite, carrying one or more insulation modules.

Such an isolation device is capable of rotation about its longitudinal axis after expansion (i.e. once the jacket of an insulation module is sealingly applied against the inner wall of the well) while maintaining insulation between the two isolated areas. More specifically, the ends of the liner are clamped inside annular rings, or reinforcing rings, which are rotatably mounted on the tube.

Furthermore, the tube is provided with one or more openings allowing the passage of cement from the internal space of the tube towards the annular space situated between the external face of the pipe and the inner wall of the well or the pipe.

Thus, during cementing operations for cementing the tube to the inner wall of the well, it is possible to rotate the tube which improves the quality of the cementation, and therefore the seal between the tube and the formation of Wells.

5.2 Description of an embodiment

With reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, the cementing operation of a pipe provided with an isolation device according to the invention is described.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a well 3 of oil drilling dug in the ground and whose inner wall is referenced 31.

Inside this well 3 has been put in place an isolation device comprising a tubular part, or pipe 1, of diameter less than the diameter of the well 3 and which is partially represented. Along its outer wall, this pipe 1 has, at regular distance, insulation modules. However, it can only have one isolation module.

Here, only one isolation module 2 is shown for the sake of simplification.

Note that the pipe 1 is here intended to form a portion of a casing of a well / borehole, its longitudinal axis being referenced A.

The pipe 1 is provided with an opening / cementing orifice 13 which is closed / closed (e) sealingly by a flap 14 movable axially (along the longitudinal axis A of cond uite 1) slidably mounted on the inside of the pipe (1). As will be seen later, the flap 14 can be moved between a closed position where it covers the cementing opening 13 and an open position where it does not cover the cement opening 13.

Line 1 is open at its lower end. A pressure PO reigns in the well 3.

In known manner, each insulation module 2 consists of a tubular metal jacket 21 whose opposite ends are integral with the outer face of the pipe 1. More precisely, these ends are clamped inside annular rings, or rings, reinforcement, referenced 22.

The metal jacket 21, undeformed, extends substantially in the extension of the rings 22.

Advantageously, and contrary to the prior art (previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rings are fixedly mounted on the pipe, the rings 22 are here pivotally mounted on the pipe 1 around the pipe. longitudinal axis A.

Optionally, only one or both rings 22 of the insulation module 2 are also slidably mounted on the pipe 1 parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a first technique for expanding the jacket 21 of the insulation module 2. According to this approach, the distal end of the pipe 1 comprises a port 11 which is initially open during the descent of the conduit 1 in the well 3 so as to allow upstream flow of fluid downstream pressure P0. This port 11 is preferably closed by means of a ball (or another shutter element known as "dart" or "plug") 12 which moves in the pipe 1 by circulation of fluid, then is placed in and closes the port 11, which increases the pressure in the pipe 1.

Once the port 11 is closed, the pressure is increased to expand the jacket 21. A first pressurized fluid PI greater than P0 is then sent inside the pipe 1 and it is introduced through the opening 24 expansion disposed opposite the liner 21 in the annular space E, so as to deform the liner 21 and adopt the position of Figure 4B in which the sealing layer 23 is applied against the wall 31 of the well 3. A Overpressure PI + ΔΡι is here applied to compress the sealing layer 23 against the inner wall 31.

Of course, the material of the jacket 21 and the pressure are chosen so that the metal deforms beyond its elastic limit.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second technique for expanding the liner 21 of the insulation module 2. According to this alternative approach, a tool 6 is lowered inside the pipe 1 so as to close the latter. A fluid under pressure PI + ΔΡι greater than PO is then sent inside the tool 6. As illustrated by the arrows, the fluid is introduced through the opening 61 of the tool 24 which communicates with the opening 24 disposed opposite the liner 21 so as to deform the liner 21 and adopt the position of Figure 5 in which the sealing layer 23 is applied against the wall 31 of the well 3. The tool 6 can then be removed, the insulation module 2 ensuring the seal between EA1 and EA2 zones.

In FIG. 6, the cementing opening 13 is open:

either by pressure injection which moves the flap 14 thus clearing the cementing opening 13;

or by another ball (not shown), or a "dart", which is conveyed by the stream of fluid in line 1 another ball (not shown) and which moves the flap 14 thus clearing the cement opening 13 ;

either, in the case of the second technique described above in connection with FIG. 5, by lowering a tool provided with means for anchoring and opening the cementing opening 13. The arrows in FIG. 7 illustrate the circulation of the cement that is injected into the pipe 1 (or by means of a tool in the case of the technique described above in connection with FIG. 5). The cement passes through the cementing opening 13 and fills the annular space EA1 situated above the expandable sleeve 21, between the pipe 1 in the vertical position and the inner wall 31 of the well 3.

According to the invention, to ensure optimized cementation, the pipe 1 is rotated during this cement flow phase. The rotation can be generated by tongs or turntables at the wellhead.

It is noted that during the rotation of the pipe 1, the sealing layer 24 remains fixed against the wall 31 of the well 3 and the rings 22 remain fixed, the pipe 1 being able to pivot relative to the rings 22 (and therefore by compared to the jacket 21 carrying the sealing layer 24).

The cementing opening 13 is then closed by the second flap 15 or by the flap 14 which resumes its initial position. The cementing opening 13 is closed:

either by another ball (not shown), or a "dart", or a "plug", which is conveyed by the flow of fluid in the pipe 1 which moves the flap 15, thus closing the cement opening 13;

or, in the case of the second technique described above in connection with FIG. 5, by lowering a tool provided with means for anchoring and opening and closing the cementation opening

13.

It is essential that the pivot / rotating connection between the rings 22 and the pipe 1 (and more generally between the insulation module 2 and the pipe 1) is sealed in order to allow the expansion of the jacket 21 as well as the insulation zones EAl and EA2. The seal can be provided by O-ring, lip seal, and / or braids ...

Furthermore, the pivot / rotating connection between the rings 22 and the pipe 1 (and more generally between the insulation module 2 and the pipe 1) can be provided by plain bearings, by rolling bearings, or by thrust bearings, for example.

FIGS. 8A to 8G illustrate different mounting variants of the rings 22, and therefore of the jacket 21, of the insulation module 2 on the pipe 1.

In the implementation of Figure 8A, the seal is provided by an O-ring 221 which is housed in a groove of the ring 22. The pivot / rotating connection between the ring 22 and the pipe 1 is provided by a bearing 222 .

In addition, the ring 22 can be held in translation by mechanical stops 223 as illustrated in FIG. 8B.

In the implementation of Figure 8C, the connection between the rings 22 and the pipe 1, in addition to the rotation, allows a translation between the insulation module 2 and the pipe 1. This translation can be provided by bearings smooth, guide rings, and / or friction parts. This link in translation makes it possible to compensate the axial movements of the pipe 1 (or "casing") without applying forces on the insulation module 2. Indeed, axial movements (along the axis A) can, for example , be generated by thermal expansion or by the pressurization of the pipe 1 ,. It is then possible that very large efforts (several hundred tons) are transmitted to the insulation module 2.

During the descent of the pipe 1 in the well 3, there can be provided means for holding the insulation module 2 in the fixed position on the pipe 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 8D, it may be a rupture pin 224 (or any other fracturable element) which breaks after expansion of the module 2, when a torque or an axial force is applied to the pipe 1 while the expandable jacket 21 is in contact with the wall 31 of the well 3.

FIGS. 8F and 8G are enlarged views of the insulation device according to the invention of FIG. 8E, at one of the rings 22 and the expansion opening 24 respectively of the insulation model 2.

In FIG. 8G, the expansion opening 24 is provided with a valve 241 with non-return valve to maintain the pressure in the interior space of the jacket 21 after expansion and thus increase its resistance to collapse (or "Collapse" in English). The check valve conventionally comprises a ball 243 connected to a first of a spring 242 and sealing the opening 24 of expansion. The other end of the spring 242 is fixed to the wall of the valve 241 in which is formed an orifice 244 communicating with the space between the jacket 21 and the pipe 1.

Each ring 22 may also comprise a non-return valve or a rupture element making it possible to compensate for the internal pressure in the expanded jacket 21 when a pressure is applied from EA1 to EA2, or vice versa. The differential pressure seal is thus greatly increased. In FIG. 8F, the pressure is maintained in the insulation module 2 by a nonreturn valve 225.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, anchoring elements 25 may be positioned on the expandable liner 21 in addition to the sealing layer 23. This makes it possible to eliminate, or at least minimize, the movements between the expandable liner 21. and the formation 3, and to ensure that any movement is effected between cond uite 1 and the rings 22. These anchoring elements 25 may for example be metal parts having sharp edges reported on the expandable sleeve 21, for example by welding. 5.3 Other aspects and variants

The isolation device according to the invention can implement an isolation module comprising two expandable folders, this implementation being, for example, described in the French patent application FR 2 988 126 Al.

In this case, a second inner sleeve, also expandable, extends between said duct and the first outer sleeve. The ends of the second inner jacket are sandwiched between those of the first outer jacket 21 and the rings 22, the latter being pivotally (and optionally sliding) mounted on the pipe 1.

Claims

1. Device for isolating a part of a well (3) or a pipe comprising a pipe (1) provided, on its external face, with at least one jacket (21) surrounding said pipe (1) and sealing means (23) carried by said jacket (21), the opposite ends of said jacket (21) being integral with annular rings (22), said rings (22) being integral with the outer face of the pipe ( 1),

the jacket (21) being able to expand radially and to come sealingly against the inner wall (31) of the well (3) or the pipe,

characterized in that said pipe (1) comprises at least one cementing opening (13) which communicates the interior of the pipe (1) with the annular space (EA1) located between the outer face of the pipe (1) and the inner wall (31) of the well (3) or the pipe, and in that said rings (22) are pivotally mounted on the pipe (1).

2. Insulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of said rings (22) is further slidably mounted on the pipe (1).

3. Insulating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises sealing means mounted between each of said rings (22) and the outer face of the pipe (1).

4. Insulating device according to claim 3, characterized in that the sealing means are selected from O-rings, lip seals, and braids.

5. Insulation device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises means for rotating said pipe (1) relative to said rings (22).

6. Insulating device according to claim 5, characterized in that the rotation means are selected from plain bearings, rolling bearings, and thrust bearings.

7. Insulation device according to one of revendications ications 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises holding means (224) in fixed position of said rings

(22) on the pipe (1), said holding means (224) being fracturable.

8. Insulation device according to one of revendications ications 1 to 7, characterized in that the jacket (21) carries anchoring means (25).

9. Insulating device according to one of revendications ications 1 to 8, characterized in that the wall of said pipe (1) has at least one expansion opening (24) for communication between the interior space (E ) of the jacket (21) delimited by said pipe (1), the jacket (21) and its ends, and the interior space of said pipe (1),

10. Isolation device according to claim 9, characterized in that said at least one expansion opening (24) is provided with a valve (241) with non-return valve for maintaining the pressure in the interior space. (E) of the jacket (21) when the latter is expanded.

11. Insulating device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that each of said rings (22) comprises a non-return valve (225) or a rupture element to compensate for the internal pressure in the jacket ( 21) when the latter is expanded.

12. Insulating device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a first radially expandable tubular sleeve (21) and a second expandable sleeve which extends between said pipe (1) and the first jacket (21), the ends of said second jacket also being integral with the outer face of said rings (22) and at least one communication passage between the inside of the first jacket and the interior space of said pipe ( 1).

13. Insulation device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said at least one cementing opening (14) is closable by at least one movable member (14) slidably mounted on the inner face of the pipe (1).

14. A method of isolating a portion of a well (3) or a pipe by means of at least one isolation device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:

- positioning said pipe (1) provided on its outer face, at least one sleeve (21) expandable surrounding said pipe (1);

expanding said jacket (21) so that it comes sealingly against the inner wall (31) of the well (3) or the pipe;

- cementing (13) the annular space (EA1) between the outer face of the pipe (1) and the inner wall (31) of the well (3) or the pipe;

- rotation of the pipe (1) around its longitudinal axis during cementation.

15. Insulating method according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises:

- Prior to the cementing step, a step of opening at least one cementation opening (13) which communicates the interior of the pipe (1) with the annular space (EA1) located between the outer face the pipe (1) and the inner wall (31) of the well (3) or pipe,

a cement injection step in the annular space (EA1) via the pipe (1) and said at least one cementing opening (13), and

- Following the cementing step, a step of closing said at least one cement opening (13).

16. Insulating method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the rotation of the pipe (1) around its longitudinal axis is implemented by means of clamps or rotary tables at the wellhead.

17. Insulating method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the opening and closing of said at least one cement opening (13) is implemented by a member conveyed in a fluid traversing the driving (1) or by lowering in the pipe (1) a tool provided with means for anchoring and opening and closing the cementation opening (13).