WO2016069597A1

WO2016069597A1 - Cement logging tubular running tool

Info

Publication number: WO2016069597A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/057575
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mariano Ruben SANCHEZ
Original assignee: Schlumberger Canada Limited; Services Petroliers Schlumberger; Schlumberger Technology B.V.; Schlumberger Technology Corporation
Priority date: 2014-10-27
Filing date: 2015-10-27
Publication date: 2016-05-06

Abstract

A running tool with cementing and cement logging capabilities. The tool includes a cement logging device uniquely tailored to accommodate a flow of cement therethrough during a cementing application directed at a tubular within a well such as a liner. Thus, following cementing, the running tool may be left in place within the well during setting of the placed cement. The tool may then be removed from the well as a logging of the liner and placed cement takes place with the logging device of the liner.

Description

CEMENT LOGGING TUBULAR RUNNING TOOL

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This Patent Document claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 1 19(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Serial Number 62/069,149, entitled Liner Hanger Cement Logging Tool Assembly, filed on October 27, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 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 well monitoring and maintenance. By the same token, perhaps even more emphasis has been directed at initial well architecture and design. All in all, careful attention to design, monitoring and maintenance may help maximize production and extend well life. Thus, a substantial return on the investment in the completed well may be better ensured.

[0003] In the case of well design, the architecture of the well often involves the use of a variety of permanently placed tubulars. For example, where available, the main bore of the well will often be lined with a stainless steel casing for sake of long term structural integrity as well as a platform for accommodating a host of downhole features and equipment utilized during operations. By the same token, multilateral branches or horizontal well sections from the main bore as well as more terminal portions of the well below a flow control valve may also be cased if possible. As a practical matter though, it may be more likely for such well regions to be lined with a lighter weight liner. Again, the liner may be utilized to help define the well and provide a degree of structural integrity along with accommodating various downhole features to support well operations. For example, the casing or the liner may be slotted, perforated, accommodate various valves, gauges, telemetry or chemical injection lines and any other number of hardware features depending on the anticipated nature of well operations.

[0004] Regardless of the particular features of the casing or liner, it is generally desirable that the tubular be cemented in place for sake of long term reliability. That is, the formation through which the well traverses may not naturally secure or fully stabilize the casing or liner in place. Indeed, a fair amount of disuniformity may be naturally present at the interface of the open hole well wall and the tubular. Thus, a cementing application may be run so as to provide a cement layer between the tubular and the open hole well wall. In this manner, the cement may provide a degree of stability and uniformity between the tubular and the formation for sake of more secure and stable long term architectural well-being.

[0005] When casing is cemented in place in the main bore of the well, the process is comparatively straight forward. That is, a casing may be vertically dropped into a pre-drilled main bore followed by a cementing application that includes pumping cement down the casing and thereby forcibly introducing cement back up through the annular space between the casing and the formation. Once the cement is fully forced out of the casing and to the annular space exclusively at the interface with the formation, the cement may set and the cementing of the casing is complete.

[0006] Unfortunately, cementing of a follow-on liner is a bit more complex, in part due to the generally increased features of the liner itself. For example, with the main bore casing in place, installation of a liner may require follow on additional drilling and the addition of complex hardware such as a flow control valve. By the same token, installation of the liner generally requires more than vertically dropping into place. Instead, once the installation location is drilled out, the liner may be advanced into position by way of a running tool that is outfitted with unique capabilities such as the securing of a liner hanger, setting of the liner and even cementing.

[0007] Once fully installed and cemented in place, the running tool may be removed from the well, leaving the liner and casing thereabove to perform during well operations, for example, to support hydrocarbon production from the surrounding formation. However, before production or other well operations ensue, a logging application is generally performed in order to assure the quality of the preceding cement jobs. That is, to ensure that the liner, and the casing for that matter, are fully secure and ready for long term operations, a cement logging tool may be lowered into the well, traversing potentially tens of thousands of feet, and recording the findings for analysis. Once the cement log is acquired and reviewed, operations may proceed, assuming the data indicates that the cementing of the casing and liner is adequate.

[0008] Unfortunately, the time required to remove the liner running tool and advance a cement logging tool to perform a cement log is quite substantial. In particular, given the deeper and deeper nature of today's wells, it is not uncommon for the running of the cement log to introduce a delay of half a day or more. Once more, even in the case of a shallower well where the delay would be more negligible, the cement log still introduces a considerable amount of added manpower and hardware expense due to the need to change out equipment at the oilfield surface in order to run the cement log. Furthermore, given the cementing capability of the running tool, the opportunity to avoid a separate cement logging application by adding the logging tool to the running tool remains impractical. That is, a cement logging tool is a fairly sizable fixture that would tend to occlude the running tool and prohibit its ability to adequately perform a cementing application directed at the liner. Thus, operators are generally left with the only practical option being to cement and set the liner in place, remove the running tool and subsequently perform a cement log, regardless of the time required.

SUMMARY

[0009] A retrievable running tool is taught for delivery and installation of a tubular to a location in a well. The tool includes an attachment mechanism for securing the tubular to the tool during the delivery and a setting mechanism for securing a hanger mechanism of the tubular to the well upon the delivery. The tool also includes a cementing region with a line therethrough to support cementing at an annular space between the tubular and a formation defining the well. Additionally, the tool simultaneously incorporates a logging device at the region for evaluating the cementing. Thus, the device is uniquely tailored to support flow through the line for the cementing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Fig. 1A is a side partially-sectional view of an embodiment of a retrievable running tool for installation of a tubular with both cementing capability and a cement logging device.

[0011] Fig. IB is a side partially-sectional view of an embodiment of the tubular for installation and cementing by the tool of Fig. 1A.

[0012] Fig. 2A is a side partially-sectional view of an embodiment of a cement logging device for incorporation into the tool of Fig. 1A.

[0013] Fig. 2B is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a cement logging device for incorporation into the tool of Fig. 1A.

[0014] Fig. 3 is an overview of an oilfield with a well accommodating the running tool and tubular of Figs. 1A and IB during cementing.

[0015] Fig. 4A is a side view of the well of Fig. 3 A upon cementing of the tubular within the well. [0016] Fig. 4B is a side view of the well of Fig. 4A during cement logging of the tubular after the installation and cementing thereof.

[0017] Fig. 4C is a side view of the well of Fig. 4B during cement logging of casing above the tubular after the cement logging of the tubular.

[0018] Fig. 5 is a flow-chart summarizing an embodiment of deploying and utilizing a retrievable running tool for installing, cementing and logging relative a tubular on a single trip into a well.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described may be practiced without these particular details. Further, numerous variations or modifications may be employed which remain contemplated by the embodiments as specifically described.

[0020] Embodiments herein are described with reference to certain types of tubular installations and cementing applications. For example, a tubular in the form of a liner is installed and cemented in place below a casing. However, a variety of different types of tubular installation and cementing applications may take advantage of the unique cementing and cement logging capabilities of embodiments of the running tool detailed herein. For example, the tubular itself may be a casing or other tubular type for cementing within the well. So long as the running tool simultaneously includes delivery, installation, cementing and cement logging capabilities, appreciable benefit may be realized in the reduction of trips into the well for carrying out such applications. [0021] Referring now to Figs. 1A and IB, side partially-sectional views of a retrievable running tool 101 and a tubular 175 are shown. Specifically, Fig. 1A depicts an embodiment of a running tool 101 that is configured for installation of the tubular 175 of Fig. IB in a well. Further, the running tool 101 includes both cementing capabilities as well as a cement logging device 100 for subsequent evaluation of the cementing of the tubular 175. Thus, the requirement of removing the tool 101 in order to introduce a separate cement logging device to the cementing location is avoided.

[0022] Continuing with specific reference to Fig. 1A, the running tool 101 may include a host of features which are often utilized in deploying, installing and cementing a tubular such as the liner 175 of Fig. IB. For example, the running tool 101 may include an attachment mechanism 140 in the form of a collet device for securing the tubular liner 175 to the tool 101 and holding the load thereof during deployment into a well, perhaps for hours, over tens of thousands of feet. Additionally, a cement bushing 140 and ball seat region 147 may be included for supporting or activating certain pressure and flow related applications as detailed further below. For example, note the ball 1 15 and/or plug 1 10 which may be utilized for activating such applications. Additionally, as indicated above, the running tool 101 is equipped with cementing capability. Thus, keeping in mind that the tool 101 is utilized through the interior of the liner 175, a liner wiper plug 125 is provided which interfaces the inner surface thereof for helping to keep the liner 175 free of cement upon a cementing application.

[0023] However, in contrast to a more conventional running tool, the running tool 101 of Fig. lA is also outfitted with a cement logging device 100. In fact, even though cement may be pumped through the interior of the tool 101 for cementing of the liner 175 downhole, the device 100 is of a unique orientation to avoid interference with such cement flow. [0024] With specific reference to Fig. 1 B, the tubular depicted for delivery by the running tool 101 is a liner 175 as indicated above. The liner 175 also includes a variety of features often found in liners secured at and below a well casing 185. For example, a tieback 190 and packer 195 are located at the uppermost region of the liner 175 for initial securing and stabilizing of the liner at the end of the casing 185 as depicted. Further, the liner 175 is equipped with a liner hanger 150 for long-term liner support as well as a landing collar 160 to aid in orienting liner placement during installation. However, perhaps more notably, in association with the cement capable running tool 101 of Fig. 1A, the liner 175 is outfitted with a float collar 165 and shoe 167 that are utilized in cementing of the liner in place within a well as detailed below with reference to Fig. 3.

[0025] As detailed below, once cemented in place, the running tool 101 may be removed simultaneously with utilizing the cement logging device 100 to evaluate the cement job performed. This may include utilizing acoustic sonic, ultrasonic, or other conventional techniques to measure the bond between the liner 175 and the cement. This may include generating a cement bond log (CBL) or a variable density log (VDL). Thus, a profile is provided to operators at the oilfield surface to confirm the effectiveness of the cement job. In this manner, operators may be assured of things such as effective mud removal, compressive cement strength, temperature and pressure resistance, in advance of moving on to other operations making use of the liner 175. Notably though, such logs may be generated without the added time consuming requirement of removing the running tool 101 in order to deploy another conveyance with the cement logging device 100.

[0026] Referring now to Figs. 2A and 2B, embodiments of unique cement logging devices 100 are shown which allow for utilization with a running tool 101 having cementing capability as depicted in Fig. 1 A. Specifically, Fig. 2A reveals a partially-sectional side view of an embodiment of a cement logging device 100 that is of an offset configuration for incorporation into the running tool 101 of Fig. 1A. The device 100 is outfitted with a cement log component 200 which serves to provide the CDL, VDL and/or other logging capabilities to the device 100. In the embodiment of Fig. 2A this component 200 is vertically offset from a wash pipe 210 that traverses the entirety of the device 100. Thus, a flow of cement 250 may pass via the wash pipe 210 without being occluded. Alternatively, in the embodiment of Fig. 2B, the log component 200 may be centrally supported by a carrier housing 211. A plurality of radially disposed channels 225 are provided through the housing 211 and traverse the entirety of the device 100 in the embodiment of Fig. 2B. Thus again, a flow of cement 250 may pass without being occluded by the component 200.

[0027] In the embodiments of Figs. 2A and 2B, the device 100 and cement log component 200 may be of practical dimensions for the cement and logging applications to be carried out as detailed further below. For example, either features may be anywhere from under one foot long to over 20 feet long, with a pressure rating of 10,000 PSI or more and a temperature rating likely over about 200°C. Thus, each may include the ability to withstand extreme depths and temperatures commonly seen in wells of today. Further, in compiling a cement log, the component 200 may analyze the rate of decay in waveforms to determine the quality of the cement bond (e.g. between the well formation and the liner 175 of Fig. IB). Additionally, this type of analysis may provide information as to the thickness of the cement layer as well as the condition of the liner 175, for example, in terms of any corrosion or susceptibility to burst pressure.

[0028] In the specific embodiment of Fig. 2A, the device 100 may have a diameter of between about 2-7 inches. However, as alluded to above, the log component 200 may be offset as shown and occupy less than about half of this space, perhaps less than 1 inch in diameter. Thus, sufficient room may be left for the wash pipe 210 to carry the cement flow 250. Indeed, given that a conventional well may be in excess of 12 inches in diameter, the device 100 may be increased in size to allow for a larger diameter wash pipe 210. This increase in wash pipe 210 diameter may be comparatively dramatic given that there is no corresponding need to also increase the size of the log component 200 (which may now occupy only a small minority of the device diameter). In this manner, depending on the flow properties of the cement, the actual cement flow 250 may be enhanced.

[0029] In the specific embodiment of Fig. 2B, the device 100 and carrier housing 211 may again be between about 2 and 7 inches in diameter. As indicated, the log component 200 is centrally located as opposed to offset. Once more, in addition to the cement log information obtained by the component 200, it is also well positioned to acquire cement characteristic information during a cementing application. That is, as shown in Fig. 2B, the component 200 may be surrounded by cement flow 250 through the channels 225. Thus, in addition to evaluating the cement job after cementing, the component 200 may also be utilized to acquire flow, pressure and other cement related information during a cementing application through the device 100 as detailed further below.

[0030] Referring now to Fig. 3 , an overview of an oilfield 300 with a well 380 accommodating the running tool 101 and liner 175 of Figs. 1A and IB during cementing. Specifically, the well 380 runs below a wellhead 375 traversing various formation layers 390, 395 and is defined by a casing 185 at an uppermost portion. However, the liner 175 is advanced by drill pipe 350 in order to reach the more terminal end of the well 380. In the embodiment shown, the liner 175 is secured by a liner hanger 150 that is affixed to the casing 185. Mud and other debris may be removed followed by a cementing application in order to cement the remainder of the liner 175 in place (see cement flow 250). [0031] During the cementing as depicted in Fig. 3, a flow of cement 250 is pumped through the running tool 101 and the cement log device 100 without any undue obstruction. Thus, the flow of cement 250 may be forced back up through the annular space 310 so as to provide a cement layer between the formation 395 and the liner 175. Therefore, in theory, once the cement is set, the liner 175 may be stabilized for long term well operations such as production from the surrounding formation 395. Indeed, as detailed below, the cement log device 100 which is already in place via the running tool 101 may be utilized to confirm this setting without the time and expense required to remove the tool 101, rig up new equipment and run back into the well 380.

[0032] Referring now to Fig. 4 A, a side view of the well 380 of Fig. 3 A is upon completing of the cementing of the liner 175. In this view, the formed cement layer 400 between the liner 175 and the formation 395 is apparent. Indeed, the cement layer 450 between the casing 185 and the formation 385 thereabove is also apparent. Once more, a cement logging device 100 remains in the well 380 for sake of evaluation of such layers 400, 450. That is, rather than replacing the running tool 101, it may be left in place as the cement sets. While this may take some time, it is unlikely to take as much time as removal of the tool 101 and replacement with separate dedicated logging equipment, particularly in deeper wells. Further, the added equipment and manpower expenses associated with such a changeout may be avoided.

[0033] Logging may proceed as the logging device 100 is removed from the well 380 by the upward retrieval of the tool 101. Depending on operator protocol, the logging may take place at a relatively rapid rate. For example, it would not be uncommon to see the device 100 moved upward at about 20-40 feet per minute. Of course, in the region of the liner 175, perhaps covering a few hundred feet or less, logging may take place at a slower rate. [0034] With specific reference to Fig. 4B, a side view of the well 380 of Fig. 4 A is again shown. In this view, a cement logging application directed at the casing 185 is shown. That is, the very same device 100 that acquires the cement log information regarding the region of the liner 175 may also continue to log the remainder of the well 380 as desired. As shown in Fig. 3B, the device 100 reaches the area of the casing during removal of the tool 101 and continues to perform the cement log of the casing cement layer 450.

[0035] Ultimately, the entirety of the tool 101 and logging device 100 may be removed from the well 380 as shown in Fig. 4C. Thus, a detailed analysis of the acquired information may be performed at surface in advance of further applications in the well 380. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the logging information may be relayed to surface in real-time depending on the telemetry or other communicative capabilities of the running tool 101 during the log. Regardless, operators are now provided with a cost effective and efficient manner of confirming a sufficient bond and other desired characteristics of the cement layers 400, 450 in order to proceed with subsequent well applications.

[0036] Referring now to Fig. 5, a flow-chart is shown which summarizes an embodiment of deploying and utilizing a retrievable running tool for installing, cementing and performing a cement log on a single trip into a well. Specifically, as indicated at 505, the liner is secured to the running tool which is then utilized to both install and cement the liner in place at a downhole location (see 535, 550). However, this takes place in conjunction with the positioning of a logging device of the running tool at this same location as indicated at 520.

[0037] With the running tool and logging device in place, the tool may be withdrawn from the well once sufficient time has elapsed for setting of the cement as noted at 565. Thus, the device may be utilized to perform a cement log of the location with the liner as indicated at 580 as well as locations thereabove as the running tool continues to be withdrawn (see 595).

[0038] Embodiments described hereinabove provide a liner running tool and cement logging device that overcome many of the disadvantages of the time and other expenses associated with running multiple trips into a well in order to fully install and confirm the status of a liner. This is achieved in a manner that avoids added trips as well as the requirement of utilizing separate dedicated hardware for performing cementing and logging applications. Once more, the logging device is incorporated into the running tool in a manner that does not hamper or substantially effect cementing of the liner upon installation.

[0039] The preceding description has been presented with reference to presently preferred embodiments. Persons skilled in the art and technology to which these embodiments pertain will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of operation may be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principle, and scope of these embodiments. Furthermore, the foregoing description should not be read as pertaining only to the precise structures described and shown in the accompanying drawings, but rather should be read as consistent with and as support for the following claims, which are to have their fullest and fairest scope.

Claims

CLAIMS I Claim:

1. A retrievable running tool for delivery of a liner to an installation location within a well, the running tool comprising:

an attachment mechanism for securing the liner to the tool during the delivery;

a setting mechanism for securing a liner hanger of the liner to the well upon the delivery to the installation location;

a cementing region accommodating a line through the tool for cementing at an annular space between the tubular and a formation defining the well; and

a cement logging device incorporated into the region for evaluating the cementing, the device tailored to support flow through the line for the cementing.

2. The tool of claim 1 further comprising a liner wiper plug, the cement logging device adjacent the plug.

3. The tool of claim 1 wherein the cement logging device comprises a cement log component to acquire data from a cement layer at the annular space after the cementing for the evaluating.

4. The tool of claim 3 wherein the cement log component occupies a minority of a diameter of the cement logging device.

5. The tool of claim 3 wherein the cement logging device is of an offset configuration with the cement log component vertically offset.

6. The tool of claim 5 wherein the cement logging device further comprises a wash pipe as the line within the device, the wash pipe vertically offset relative the cement log component.

7. The tool of claim 3 wherein the cement logging device is of a central configuration with the cement log component centrally disposed therein.

8. The tool of claim 7 wherein the cement logging device further comprises a carrier housing to accommodate the cement log component and a plurality of channels at least one of which comprising the line within the device.

9. The tool of claim 8 wherein the channels are radially disposed relative the log component.

10. A liner assembly for advancement to an installation location within a well defined by a formation at an oilfield, the liner assembly comprising:

a liner for installing at the location; and

a retrievable running tool for delivery and cementing of the liner at the location, the tool including a cement logging device for evaluating a cement layer at an interface of the liner and the formation after the cementing.

11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the well is further defined by a casing above the installed liner.

12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the cement layer is a first cement layer, the well further including a second cement layer at an interface of the casing and the formation.

13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein the cement logging device is further configured for evaluating the second cement layer.

14. A method comprising:

installing a liner at a downhole location in a well with a retrievable running tool;

cementing the liner in place at the location through the running tool;

withdrawing the running tool from the well; and

performing a cement log of the location with a cement logging device of the tool during the withdrawing.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the cementing comprises pumping cement through the running tool and the cement logging device threof.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising performing a cement log of another location within the well.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the other location is above the installed liner at a cemented casing.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the cement log provides information regarding one of a cement bond relative the liner and a condition of the liner.

19. The method of claim 14 further comprising using the cement logging device to acquire cement character information during the cementing.

20. The method of claim 14 further comprising:

removing the running tool from the well;

evaluating information from the cement log; and

performing a downhole application in the well through the liner.