WO2016065235A1

WO2016065235A1 - Eutectic feedthrough mandrel

Info

Publication number: WO2016065235A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/057075
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mariano Ruben SANCHEZ
Original assignee: Schlumberger Canada Limited; Services Petroliers Schlumberger; Schlumberger Holdings Limited; Schlumberger Technology B.V.; Prad Research And Development Limited; Schlumberger Technology Corporation
Priority date: 2014-10-24
Filing date: 2015-10-23
Publication date: 2016-04-28

Abstract

An eutectic feedthrough mandrel includes an outer pipe having a central axis disposed about an inner pipe forming an annular region therebetween, a feedthrough conduit disposed in the annular region and an eutectic material filling the annular region and sealing between the inner and outer pipes and about the feedthrough conduit.

Description

EUTECTIC FEEDTHROUGH MANDREL

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application Serial No. 62/068,115 filed on October 24, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This section provides background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. It should be understood that the statements in this section of this document are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Exploring, drilling and completing hydrocarbon and other wells are generally complicated, time consuming, and ultimately very expensive endeavors. As a result, over the years, a significant amount of added emphasis has been placed on maximizing hydrocarbon recovery for every well drilled. Along these lines, well monitoring and maintenance have become critical to effective well management throughout the life of the well. By the same token, the architecture of the well itself as well as the use of uniquely tailored completions hardware may be important factors in maximizing recovery from the reservoir.

[0004] In order to maximize recovery completions hardware may utilize isolating packers tailored for multi-zonal production, lower completions may be outfitted with chemical injection lines and any number of different surface controlled tools may be installed in the well. Regardless of the particular type of hardware utilized, however, it is likely that various feedthroughs will be utilized. For example, in order to maintain telemetry, deliver power or chemical downhole, various lines may extend from the oilfield surface to a downhole tool (or from one tool location to another downhole). Yet, with the presence of various packers, mandrels and other hardware in the well, it may be necessary at certain locations to utilize a feedthrough to allow a line to pass from one side of a piece of hardware to another. This is often seen where a packer occupies an annular space for sake of fluid isolation and a feedthrough is provided through the packer element to allow a power control line from an oilfield surface to reach a tool located in the well below the packer.

[0005] Unfortunately, the manner by which a feedthrough channel is provided through a packer, mandrel, or other device requires time consuming precision drilling. For example, from a manufacturing perspective, a packer may be constructed to precise dimensions and tolerances for its downhole isolation purpose. However, subsequently, when it is determined that a feedthrough is required, the packer may be pulled aside and an extensive drill-out to provide the feedthrough is undertaken.

SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance to an embodiment an eutectic feedthrough mandrel includes an outer pipe having a central axis and an inner pipe having a central passage disposed inside of the outer pipe to form an annular region therebetween, a feedthrough conduit is disposed in the annular region and an eutectic material fills the annular region and seals between the inner and outer pipes and around the feedthrough conduit. A method of making an eutectic feedthrough mandrel includes positioning an inner pipe having a central passage within an outer pipe having a central axis, disposing a feedthrough conduit in an annular region between the inner and outer pipes, filling the annular region with a liquefied eutectic material and solidifying the eutectic material in response to cooling to seal the annular region. In accordance to an embodiment a well system includes a barrier suspended in a wellbore on a tubular string, the barrier including a seal element disposed about an eutectic feedthrough mandrel.

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates an eutectic feedthrough mandrel according to one or more aspects of the disclosure incorporated with a barrier and installed in a wellbore.

[0010] Figure 2 is a sectional end view of an eutectic feedthrough mandrel according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a sectional side view of an eutectic feedthrough mandrel according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 is a sectional end view of an eutectic feedthrough mandrel according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

[0014] As used herein, the terms connect, connection, connected, in connection with, and connecting may be used to mean in direct connection with or in connection with via one or more elements. Similarly, the terms couple, coupling, coupled, coupled together, and coupled with may be used to mean directly coupled together or coupled together via one or more elements. Terms such as up, down, top and bottom and other like terms indicating relative positions to a given point or element are may be utilized to more clearly describe some elements. Commonly, these terms relate to a reference point such as the surface from which drilling operations are initiated.

[0015] Embodiments herein are described with reference to certain types of downhole hardware utilizing feedthroughs. For example, embodiments herein reference tubular mandrels accommodating a variety of feedthroughs. However, packers and any number of different types of downhole devices may take advantage of the type of construction detailed herein. As long as concentric tubing is utilized with a feedthrough conduit disposed therebetween; liquefied eutectic material may be provided to fill the space between such tubing without the requirement of drill out applications in order to accommodate the feedthrough.

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a well system 5 incorporating an eutectic feedthrough mandrel 10 in accordance to an embodiment. Well system 5 includes a wellbore 14 extending from a surface into and through one or more earthen formations. In this example, eutectic feedthrough mandrel 10 is incorporated in a wellbore barrier 12, illustrated as a packer, and installed in a wellbore 14. A packer element 16 is disposed circumferentially around the feedthrough mandrel 10, e.g., the outer pipe, and is depicted in the set position expanded radially outward from the feedthrough mandrel 10 to seal against a tubular 18, e.g. casing, which is installed in the wellbore. Feedthrough mandrel 10 is connected within a tubular string 20. A line 22 passes through a feedthrough conduit 24 (e.g., shunt) of the feedthrough mandrel 10 adjacent to the tubular string 20.

[0017] "Line" is defined herein to include various mechanisms that may be utilized to communicate signals, or data, energy or fluid across the eutectic feedthrough mandrel and for example the barrier formed with the mandrel. Examples of line 22 include without limitation: cables of any type, including conductors and fiber optics; and conduits, such as tubing and the like for passing a pressurized fluid such as hydraulic fluid or chemicals. Line 22 may be utilized to for example to transmit data, electronic signals, electrical and hydraulic power, and fluid streams. As will be understood by those skilled in the art with benefit of this disclosure the eutectic feedthrough mandrel 10 is not limited to incorporation with a packer element 16 may be utilized with other barriers to pass one or more feedthrough conduits across a barrier adjacent to a central passage.

[0018] Refer now to Figure 2 illustrating a sectional end view of an eutectic feedthrough mandrel 10 in accordance to an embodiment. The depicted eutectic feedthrough mandrel 10 comprises a central bore or passage 26 formed by an inner tubular or pipe 28 which is disposed within an outer tubular or pipe 30 forming an annular intermediate region 32 between the inner and outer pipes. In Figure 2 three feedthrough conduits 24 having different diameters are shown located in the annular region 32. The conduits 24 (e.g., shunts, metal tubing) may be positioned at various locations within the annular region as desired. The feedthrough conduits 24 are held in place by a eutectic material 34. As used herein, the term "eutectic" is meant to refer to any material or composition which may be provided in a solid form and controllably heated to effectively liquefy and remove. This may include conventional soldering alloys suitable for downhole use. However, this may also include non-alloy compositions. The eutectic material may contain for example bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, or indium. The eutectic material may expand when it is cooled and solidifies.

[0019] The eutectic feedthrough mandrel 10 may be made by filling the annular space between the inner and outer pipes 28, 30 and around the feedthrough conduits 24 with a liquefied eutectic material 34. As the eutectic material 34 cools it solidifies and may expand to seal against the inner and outer pipes and around the outside diameter of the conduits 24. The eutectic feedthrough mandrel 10 may then be used in various applications, such as construction with a seal element 16 to provide a wellbore packer. A hydrostatic set packer, swellable packer, open hole packer, cup packer and a variety of other tools and wellbore tools and devices can utilize the eutectic feedthrough mandrel.

[0020] Refer now to Figure 3 illustrating a sectional side view of an eutectic feedthrough mandrel 10 in accordance to an embodiment. In this example a single feedthrough conduit 24 is depicted disposed through the annular region 34 and extending axially along the length of the eutectic feedthrough mandrel 10. In this example the opposing ends 36, 38 extend beyond the opposite axial ends eutectic feedthrough mandrel 10. Ends 36, 38 may be formed as connectors for ease of attachment of the line 22 (Figure 1). In Figure 3 the feedthrough conduit 24 is illustrated as extending parallel with the central axis 40 of the eutectic feedthrough mandrel, however, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art with benefit of this disclosure that other configurations may be desired. For example, the feedthrough conduit or one or more of the feedthrough conduits may turn extend outward from the inner pipe and pass through the outer pipe. The central axis 40 is illustrated as being the central axis of the outer pipe 30.

[0021] In Figures 2 and 3 the inner and outer pipes 28, 30 are illustrated as being coaxial, or substantially coaxial, for example with the central passage 26 of the eutectic feedthrough mandrel 10 coaxial with the central axis 40. In accordance to embodiments the inner and outer pipes may not be coaxial and the central passage 26 may be offset from the central axis 40, see e.g. FIG. 4.

[0022] Figure 4 is sectional end view of another eutectic feedthrough mandrel 10 illustrating aspects of an embodiment. In this embodiment the inner pipe 28 and the outer pipe 30 are not co-axial and the central passage 26 is offset from the central axis 40 providing a larger side 42 of the annular region 32.

[0023] The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should be determined only by the language of the claims that follow. The term "comprising" within the claims is intended to mean "including at least" such that the recited listing of elements in a claim are an open group. The terms "a," "an" and other singular terms are intended to include the plural forms thereof unless specifically excluded.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS;

1. A feedthrough mandrel, the mandrel comprising:

an inner pipe defining a central passage;

an outer pipe having a central axis, the inner pipe disposed inside of the outer pipe

forming an annular region therebetween;

a feedthrough conduit disposed in the annular region; and

an eutectic material filling the annular region and sealing between the inner and outer pipes and around the feedthrough conduit.

2. The mandrel of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer pipes are co-axially aligned along the central axis.

3. The mandrel of claim 1, wherein the central passage is not co-axial with the central axis.

4. The mandrel of claim 1, wherein the feedthrough conduit extends parallel to the central axis.

5. The mandrel of claim 1, comprising a plurality of feedthrough conduits extending

through the annular region.

The mandrel of claim 1 , comprising a seal element disposed circumferentially around the outer pipe.

The mandrel of claim 1 , comprising a second feedthrough conduit disposed in the annular region and having a diameter different from the feedthrough conduit.

The mandrel of claim 1 , wherein the inner and outer pipes are co-axially aligned along the central axis and further comprising a seal element circumferentially around the outer pipe.

The mandrel of claim 8, comprising a plurality of feedthrough conduits disposed in the annular region.

The mandrel of claim 1 , wherein the inner and outer pipes are not co-axially aligned along the central axis and further comprising a seal element circumferentially around the outer pipe.

A method of making a feedthrough mandrel, comprising:

positioning an inner pipe having a central passage within an outer pipe having a central axis;

disposing a feedthrough conduit in an annular region between the inner and outer pipes; filling the annular region with a liquefied eutectic material; and solidifying the eutectic material in response to cooling to seal the annular region.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the positioning comprises coaxially aligning the inner and outer pipes.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the positioning comprises offsetting the inner pipe from the central axis of the outer pipe.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the disposing comprises aligning the feedthrough

conduit parallel to the central axis.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the disposing comprises disposing two or more

feedthrough conduits in the annular region.

16. The method of claim 11, comprising suspending the feethrough mandrel on a tubular string in a wellbore.

17. A well system, comprising:

a barrier suspended in a wellbore on a tubular string, the barrier comprising a seal

element circumferentially around a feedthrough mandrel, the feedthrough mandrel including:

an inner pipe defining a central passage; an outer pipe having a central axis, the inner pipe disposed inside of the outer pipe forming an annular region therebetween;

a feedthrough conduit disposed in the annular region; and

18. The systems of claim 17, comprising a plurality of feedthrough conduits extending

through the annular region.

19. The systems of claim 17, wherein the inner and outer pipes are co-axially aligned along the central axis.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the central passage is not co-axial with the central axis.