Untitled record

(54) Title: SYSTEM FOR USE IN A WELL, AND METHOD (30) Unionist Priority: 17/04/2008 us 61 / 045.872 (73) Holder (s): Prad Research And Development Limited (72) Inventor (s): Gabriel Tirado, John R. Lovell (57) Abstract: system for use in a well, and method. One technique facilitates the recovery of hydrocarbons in underground formations by simplifying the joining of the completion assemblies inside the well. The system and methodology use a well completion having completion assemblies that can be selectively engaged inside the well without requiring precise positional accuracy for each signal communication line. A signal communication system is provided to facilitate the engagement of the completion assemblies while allowing the transfer of the various signals through the connection.

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SYSTEM FOR USE IN A WELL, AND METHOD

Foundations

In a hydrocarbon production well, there may be an upper and lower completion. Laying or otherwise joining the upper and lower completions presents challenges due, in part, to the inaccessibility of the joint. Joining components can often require rotational precision and / or axial precision to ensure proper alignment and connection. In some applications, components such as wet-fit connectors may require both rotational and axial precision. However, the need to provide mechanical precision and precision with respect to the components located in the well, increases the difficulty and the connection costs of the superior completions to the inferior completions.

summary

In general, the present invention provides a system and methodology to facilitate the recovery of hydrocarbons in underground formations. The system and methodology use a well completion having a first completion assembly and a second completion assembly that can be selectively engaged in the well. In addition, a signal communication system is provided to facilitate the engagement of the first and second completion assemblies while allowing the transfer of the various signals along the length of the connection.

Brief Description of Drawings

Certain embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which equal numerals denote similar elements,

Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a completion assembly implemented in the well in a well bore in the vicinity of an underground formation, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged partial view of an annular sealing component used to isolate sections of the borehole along the length of the completion assembly in combination with a communication line routed through the sealing component, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional illustration of signal communication completion assemblies of the present invention; and

Figure 4 is an inductive communication system to facilitate the

<td>engaged</td><td>and a system</td><td>in</td>

<td>a deal with</td><td>a modality</td><td>gives</td>

<td>illustration</td><td>schematic of</td><td>one</td>

signal that employs a coupler for transferring electrical signals without requiring precise alignment of the connected completion assemblies, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In the description presented below, numerous details are presented to provide an understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those usually skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described modalities may be possible.

The present invention is related to a system and methodology to facilitate the recovery of hydrocarbons in underground formations. According to a system modality and methodology, a well completion is designed to simplify the placement of completion mounts in a desired position in the well while allowing signal communication along the length of the completion mounts.

For example, signal communication may comprise the communication of electrical signals, for example, data or energy signals, and / or the communication of hydraulic signals, for example, hydraulic pressure for the actuation of devices in the well.

In one embodiment, a well completion comprises a first completion assembly, for example, a lower completion assembly, arranged along the length of a sandy face in a well hole. A second completion assembly, for example, a top composite assembly, can be selectively engaged with the first completion assembly. During engagement, a signal communication system is coupled to allow the communication of signals between the first completion assembly and the second completion assembly. The signal communication system may comprise, for example, an inductive coupler and a wet-fit connector. In some applications the system also comprises an isolation device, for example, a plug to provide a desired hydraulic insulation, such as hydraulic insulation of the first completion assembly during the laying of the second completion assembly.

In accordance with modalities described in more detail below, a method and system are provided for the monitoring and control of the completion assemblies that have been implemented in a reservoir in a series of stages, and for which hydraulic insulation may be desired when laying an internship at an earlier stage. Monitoring can be achieved through sensors, such as a sensor array, which is placed along the length of a sandy face. As an example, the sensor array can be an array of sensors that can act together, for example, temperature sensors, and the sensors can be implemented through a variety of techniques including implementation with an assembly or together with control equipment sand, for example, a screen with gravel filling.

Communication from the sensors to the surface can be achieved through an inductive coupling in which an alternating electromagnetic field is used to provide a wireless step from one completion stage / assembly to the next. The inductive coupler can also be used to power one or more devices in the well. The inductive coupling component will typically include a solenoid coil at one stage of completion which is placed in proximity to a solenoid coil at the next stage of completion. Such coils may be of approximately similar axial extension as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application US20090066535 or a coil may be of an axial extension significantly different from the other coil. The inductive coupler can also be combined with a movable joint at the top completion as described in U.S. Patent Application US20090066535 to Schlumberger. The quick seal can allow mechanical decoupling between the bottom seat and the top of the completion stage. In other applications, energy can be provided through alternative sources, such as batteries in the well, or through other techniques including providing hydraulic power through appropriate hydraulic signals directed through hydraulic control lines. In the event that a quick joint is used, then that joint can also be constructed to conduct electrical and / or hydraulic control lines.

The system and methodology can also use flow control devices as part of completing the well at the bottom of the borehole.

For example, flow control can be exercised with one or more inlet flow control devices that can be activated via hydraulic lines extending to a location on the surface.

In one embodiment, the functionality of the input flow control devices is enhanced through the use of annular sealing devices, including expansion shutters or other expansion devices implemented externally to the desired input flow control devices. In this particular example, materials that swell or otherwise expand can serve as a barrier or partial barrier to the movement of the fluid to the device along the length of the external annular flow control. As described in more detail below, hydraulic and / or electrical control lines can be routed through viable expansion material that can be configured to deform naturally around the control lines.

Hydraulic isolation from one stage of completion relative to the next within the completion of the well can be achieved through the use of appropriate sealing devices, such as a polished hole receptacle and fitting into the seal assembly. For example, the sealing assembly can generally be mounted on the front end of a second assembly or upper assembly , and the polished hole receptacle can be positioned at the corresponding engagement end of the first assembly or lower completion assembly on the close to a lower completion shutter. During engagement of the completion mounts, the seal assembly can be lowered into an elaborate surface of the polished hole receptacle.

Referring generally to Figure 1, an example of a well system 20 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, well system 20 is implemented in a well hole 22 extending from a location 24 on the surface to intercept with at least one formation 26. Formation 26 may contain hydrocarbons, for example, oil and / or gas, which can be produced upwardly to the location 24 on the surface. Alternatively, fluids, for example, treatment fluid or water, can be injected down through well hole 22 and into formation 26.

In the illustrative embodiment, the system 20 comprises a well completion 28 implemented downwardly into the well hole 22 by means of suitable conveyors 30. As an example, the well completion 28 may comprise a plurality of completion assemblies that include a first completion assembly 32, for example, a lower completion assembly, engaged by a second completion assembly 34, for example, an upper completion assembly. Completion of well 28 also comprises a signal communication system 36 whereby signals, for example, electrical and / or hydraulic signals, can be transmitted in one or the other or both directions between the first completion assembly 32 and the second completion assembly 34. The signals can be communicated from a control system 38 or to a control system 38 located on the surface 24 or in another suitable position.

In addition, the well system 20 may comprise an isolation device 40, such as a hydraulic isolation device, designed to isolate

<td colspan="2">desired hole sections</td><td>in</td><td>well</td><td colspan="2">22. Effectively, the</td>

<td>device</td><td>insulation</td><td> 40</td><td>Act</td><td>as a</td><td>seal and can</td>

<td>understand</td><td>a variety</td><td>in</td><td colspan="2">devices</td><td>possible of</td>

expansion, including shutters, and other signaling devices. Depending on the specific application, one or more isolation devices 40 can be attached to the completion of well 28 and / or transport 30. In some applications, for example, the isolation device 40 can be attached to the first completion assembly 32 to insulate formation 26 at the same time that the second completion assembly 34 is moved towards engagement with the first completion assembly. In other applications, the isolation device 40 can be attached to the second completion assembly 34, or the isolation devices 40 can be attached to both completion assemblies.

In the illustrated example, the isolation device can be constructed from a possible expansion material 42 designed to swell when the material contacts or absorbs a trigger fluid. If the isolation device 40 is mounted next to the conveyor 30, the conveyor 30 can comprise any device, tubing or tool from which the possible expansion material 42 is able to transition from an unexpanded state to an expanded, sealing state. As a specific example, the conveyor 30 can comprise a spiral pipe or a tool implemented in a flat line or cables to support the possible expansion material 42. As illustrated, the isolation device 40 is also easily assembled together with the completion well 28 for expansion, for example, swelling, to seal an annular 44 that surrounds the well completion. In addition, flanges 46 can be mounted in the completion of well 28 and / or conveyor 30 at the longitudinal ends of the expandable material 42 to guide the expansion of the expandable material in a radial direction. As the material expands and engages the walls surrounding the well bore, a fluid isolation zone is created. Depending on the application, the insulating device 40 can be expanded to seal against a variety of surfaces, including casing surfaces and bare well hole surfaces.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the use of possible expansion material 42 facilitates the routing of one or more signal communication lines 48 through isolation device 40. Communication lines 48 may comprise individual or multiple control lines routed through the isolation device 40 for the various components in the well, as described in more detail below. The signal communication lines 48 can comprise a variety of control lines for routing many types of signals. For example, control lines 48 may comprise electrical lines capable of transmitting communication signals, for example, data signals, energy signals, and other types of signals. The signal communication lines 48 may also comprise hydraulic lines used to transmit hydraulic signals, such as pressure signals for actuating tools inside the well. In addition, control lines 48 may comprise other types of control lines, for example, fiber optic lines, to carry the desired hole below and / or hole above signals.

Referring generally to Figure 3, an example of well completion 28 is illustrated in which the second completion assembly 34 is selectively engaged with the first completion assembly 32. Additionally, the modality comprises signal communication system 36 to facilitate the transfer of signals between the first completion assembly 32 and the second completion assembly 34 without requiring great precision / accuracy in orienting the second completion assembly 34 with respect to the first assembly completion 32, at least with respect to the coupling of certain control lines.

<td>In the modality</td><td>illustrated,</td><td>one</td><td>casing</td><td> 50</td><td>is</td>

<td>implemented over the</td><td>extension of</td><td colspan="2">well hole</td><td>22 and</td><td>if</td>

<td>extends to a face</td><td colspan="2">sandy not</td><td>coated</td><td> 52.</td><td>THE</td>

<td>completion of well 28 is</td><td>implemented</td><td>in</td><td>a bore</td><td>well</td><td> 22</td>

in the vicinity of the sandy face 52 by initially implementing the first completion assembly 32. Depending on the application, a variety of treatment procedures, including filling with gravel, cementation, and other procedures can be conducted with respect to the first completion assembly 32. In Then, the second completion assembly 34 is implemented in the well and moved towards engagement with the first completion assembly 32. Completion assembly 34 can be implemented with a safety valve 54 positioned within a tubular part 56 of the second completion assembly 34 so as to be controllable from the surface. In addition, the top completion assembly 34 may comprise or be implemented with signal communication lines 48, such as a hydraulic control line 58, for example, a hydraulic umbilical, and an electrical control line 60. A variety of other types of signal communication lines, for example, control lines, can be implemented with or as part of the completion assembly 34.

The first completion assembly 32 can be constructed in a variety of forms with many types of components. In the illustrated example, the first completion assembly 32 comprises an engagement part 62 for receiving the second completion assembly 34. For example, engagement part 62 may comprise a polished bore receptacle 64 designed to receive a corresponding seal assembly 66 of the second completion assembly 34 when the completion assemblies are engaged. However, the first completion assembly 32 may comprise a variety of additional components, such as a jacketing section 68 extending from the engagement part 62. In the specific example illustrated, the jacketing section 68 is connected with a reduced diameter jacketing 70 that supports, for example, insulation devices 42. As described above, the insulation device 42 may comprise a plug, such as a plug formed with expandable material 44, to allow selective isolation of the well bore. In this example, the insulation device 42 is designed to isolate regions of the well hole in the vicinity of the sandy face 52.

The first completion assembly 32 may comprise several other components, such as one or more flow control devices 72, for example, inlet flow control devices, for controlling the flow of fluid through well completion 28. In the example shown, the flow control device 72 is generally arranged in the vicinity of the isolation device 42 along the interior of a reduced diameter casing 70. The one or more flow control devices 72 can be connected to appropriate control lines, such as a hydraulic control line 58 and / or electrical control line 60. In some applications, hydraulic control line 58 can be used to actuate the flow control device 72, while the electrical control line 60 can be used to communicate data related to the flow control device 72 to the control system 38 (see Figure 1). As illustrated, segments of the hydraulic control line 58 and electrical control line 60 can be adjacent to or formed as part of the first completion assembly 32. These segments of the control line can be operatively engaged with the corresponding segments of the control line of the second completion assembly 34 by means of signal communication system 36 when the second completion assembly 34 is seated on the first completion assembly 32.

As also illustrated in Figure 3, completion assembly 28 may comprise one or more devices within the well, including sensors 74 for perceiving a variety of parameters related to the well, such as temperature or pressure, among others. As an example, sensors 74 may be arranged in a sensor arrangement implemented along the length of the sandy face 52. If the insulation device 42 is formed with a possible expansion material 44 the possible expansion material 44 can facilitate the passage of the electrical control line 58 between the sensors 74 on opposite sides of the insulation device 42. In some applications, electrical control lines 58, hydraulic control line 60, and / or other control lines can be routed to other types of devices 76 within the well to provide data, energy and / or actuation energy communication. It should be noted that well completion 28 can be constructed or used in cooperation with other devices, such as a plug 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug 78 serves as an isolation device between the first completion assembly 32 and the casing 50 to seal the sandy face area 52. As an example, the plug 78 can be a plug provided with passages to allow the passage of the control lines 48.

The signal communication system 36 can also be constructed in a variety of ways with many types of components. In the illustrated example, the signal communication system provides a wet-fit connector 80, such as a hydraulic line wet-fit connector, and an inductive coupler 82 to allow two-way transmission of electrical signals, for example, communication and / or power, between the first completion assembly 32 and the second completion assembly 34. Wet plug connector 80 can be arranged above inductive coupler 82. In the illustrated embodiment, inductive coupler 82 comprises an inductive coupling component 84 positioned in the first completion assembly 32 and a corresponding inductive coupling component 86 located in the second completion assembly.

For example, the inductive coupling component 84 can be mounted on a housing section 88 of the first completion assembly 32 in a position provided above the polished bore receptacle 64. The corresponding inductive coupling component 86 can be mounted on a housing section 90 of the second assembly of completion 34 in a position provided above the sealing assembly 66. 0 the first segment of the electrical control line 60 can be connected to the inductive coupling component 84, and the second segment of the electrical control line 60 can be connected to the corresponding inductive coupling component 86. When the second completion assembly 34 is moved towards engagement with the first completion assembly 32, the corresponding inductive coupling component 86 is moved in the vicinity with the inductive coupling component 84 without requiring substantial positional accuracy. Substantially simultaneously, other segments of the control line, for example, segments of the hydraulic control line 58 can be joined via the wet connector 80.

Depending on the arrangement of components and the type of wet plug connector used, mechanical positioning may be required in some applications. Due to stacking tolerance issues, the present system benefits from the properties of inductive coupler 82 and polished bore receptacle 64 / seal assembly 66 by providing a certain amount of tolerance. As a result, the inductive coupler 82 and the polished bore receptacle 64 simplify the conjugation for engaging the completion mounts in the well.

In some applications, frame 88, which serves as a communication coupling structure, may be attached to an additional length of jacketing 68 to allow relative positioning of inductive coupler 82 and other various components in the well, for example, safety valves , as wished. In one embodiment, the communication component or frame 90 may comprise additional sensors 74 to provide measurements, such as pressure and temperature, among others. An example of a sensor system that can be incorporated into the completion assembly in this way is the WellNet Station available from Schlumberger Corporation. Such a station can also act as a telemetry cube inside the well to combine the parametric data from the well collected from the sandy face region 52 with other sensor data collected along the second completion assembly 34. This type of station can also serve as the modem for passing data and communication power through the inductive coupler 82. Up and down can be performed using various telemetry protocols, including amplitude modulation to send communication up and modulation of the frequency to send the communication down.

As illustrated, some modalities of the well system 20 may use reduced diameter jacketing 70 along the length of the sandy face region 52. The reduced diameter jacketing 70 can facilitate the positioning of multiple insulation devices 42, for example, multiple devices expansion possibilities along the length of the outer part of the casing 70. The corresponding inlet flow control devices 72 can be placed along the length of the interior part of the casing 70 and activated via, for example, the hydraulic control line 58. In some applications, various data related to flow control they are communicated upwards through the signal communication system 36, through the electrical control line 60.

Similarly, data from sensors 74, for example, a sensor array, can be sent upwards through signal communication system 36 via inductive coupler 82. It should be noted that a variety of sensors 7 4 can be used to obtain data related to the well taken along the length of the sandy face 52; however, one modality uses platinum resistive devices to provide temperature measurements. By obtaining temperature measurements from a sensor array 74 along the length of the sandy face 52, interference can be made with respect to the flow of fluid from the surrounding reservoir. Regardless of the sensor type, the signal communication system 36 allows the flow of a variety of signals, for example, electrical power signals, electrical data signals, hydraulic signals, and / or other signals via an inductive coupler 82 and / or wet plug connector 80.

Referring generally to Figure 4, a modality of a communication system that implements inductive coupler 82 is illustrated. In that embodiment, inductive coupler 82 comprises an electric cartridge 92 having a first inductive communication device 94 coupled to inductive component 84. The electric cartridge 92 is connected to a plurality of devices 76 contained in the well, which may comprise an array of sensors 74 and / or other devices contained in the well. The plurality of devices in the well 76 can be arranged along the length of the sandy face 52 to provide a plurality of measurements, for example, temperature measurements, pressure measurements, and / or flow measurements. In addition, a telemetry bus 95 can be implemented along the length of the sandy face to carry signals, for example, of data or energy, between the devices 76 contained in the well and the electric cartridge 92.

Within a second completion assembly 34, the corresponding inductive component 86 is positioned to allow two-way communication via the signal communication system. The corresponding inductive component 86 is coupled to a second inductive communication device 96 that can be part of a communication hub 98 inside the well, such as the Schlumberger WellNet Station referenced above. The communication hub 98 inside the well can comprise a variety of meters and other types of sensors 100 and can be configured to transfer signals to / from the sensors 100 and / or devices 76 contained in the well.

In the illustrated example, the communication hub 98 is designed to communicate with an electronic device module 102 via a communication line 104, such as a twisted pair of communication lines. If the signal communication system 36 is implemented in an underwater well, the electronic device module 102 can be an electronic device module on the seabed. In this last example, the electronic device module 102 can communicate with the controller 38 on the surface via an appropriate communication line 106, such as an umbilical.

The communication system 36 illustrated in Figure 4 can be isolated from the well bore fluids and airborne contaminants. For example, oxygen and water are known to degrade the permanent components contained in the well and thereby limit their useful life. However, the inductive coupler 82 allows the communication system to be hermetically sealed even when implemented through a completion that is applied to the well in a plurality of completion assemblies, as described above. The inductive coupling also protects the components inside the well against the creation of galvanic currents that could otherwise cause corrosion at the interface of the contact component.

The well system 20 as a whole and the signal communication system 36 can be arranged in a variety of configurations. For example, various combinations of inductive coupling, bore seal assembly, and wet fitting components (e.g., wet fitting hydraulic components) can be arranged. The inductive coupling can be rotationally invariant and tolerant to certain amounts of axial displacement, and the same is true of the polished holes used in conjunction with seal assemblies. Consequently, both components can be included in a completion column without disturbing the fitting of a third component that does not require precise seating or rotational alignment.

The combination of such aspects provides a fitting fitting process that provides pressure sealing, electric power transmission, data communication, and a hydraulic duct. The hydraulic duct can also provide hydraulic power and activation of devices inside the well, such as control valves positioned at the bottom of the bore. The hydraulic line can also act as a fluid route through which available pump equipment is implemented. For example, the available pump equipment may comprise an optical fiber that is pumped down through a control line in order to have a continuous optical path from the wellhead to a lower point at completion, for example, the region sandy face 52 (see Figure 1). Several fiber optic technologies can be used to measure well pit bottom parameters, such as temperature, stresses, pressure, noise, seismic energy, water cut, and other parameters.

The communication system can be incorporated into a variety of systems and completion to facilitate the implementation of a multi-stage completion. Depending on the well application, the size and configuration of both the completion of the well and its signal communication system may vary. For example, the size, number and arrangement of the signal communication components can be selected according to the needs of an application planned for the interior of the well. Also, inductive coupling can be used in cooperation with one or more of a variety of other lines of communication boxes.

For example, wet-fit connectors can be used to join hydraulic lines, power lines, optical lines and other types of signal communication lines.

In addition, many types of signals can be transferred to a variety of devices inside the well; and many types of signals can be transferred from devices inside the well, for example, overhead, for example, to a control system located on the surface.

Consequently, although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those ordinarily skilled in the art will easily realize that many modifications are possible without departing materially from the orientations of that invention.

Such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of that invention as defined in the claims.