U.S. patent application number 09/754521 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-05 for utilization of energy from flowing fluids.
This patent application is currently assigned to Seimic Recovery, LLC. Invention is credited to Brett, James Ford.
Application Number | 20010006108 09/754521 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26714014 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010006108 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brett, James Ford |
July 5, 2001 |
Utilization of energy from flowing fluids
Abstract
A fluid powered downhole vibration tool used in a well bore
having fluids under pressure. The tool includes a fluid powered
motor located within the well bore, the fluid powered motor is in
communication with the fluids under pressure. An actuator coupling
is rotated by the fluid powered motor. A seismic mass is rotated in
the well bore by the actuator coupler, the seismic mass engaging
the well bore and causing vibration of the well bore.
Inventors: |
Brett, James Ford; (Tulsa,
OK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark G. Kachigian
HEAD, JOHNSON & KACHIGIAN
228 West 17th Place
Tulsa
OK
74119
US
|
Assignee: |
Seimic Recovery, LLC
Tulsa
OK
|
Family ID: |
26714014 |
Appl. No.: |
09/754521 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09754521 |
Jan 4, 2001 |
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09563281 |
May 3, 2000 |
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09563281 |
May 3, 2000 |
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09037307 |
Mar 9, 1998 |
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6059031 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
166/177.6 ;
166/249; 166/65.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 41/0085 20130101;
E21B 28/00 20130101; G01V 1/153 20130101; G01V 11/002 20130101;
G01V 1/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/177.6 ;
166/65.1; 166/249 |
International
Class: |
E21B 028/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fluid powered downhole vibration tool used in a well bore
having produced fluids under pressure, which tool comprises: a
downhole turbine in fluid communication with said fluids under
pressure; a fluid powered turbine motor in said well bore in
communication with said turbine, wherein said motor generates
electricity; and means to vibrate said well bore with said
electricity produced by said motor.
2. A fluid powered downhole vibration tool as set forth in claim 1
wherein said means to vibrate said well bore with said electricity
produced by said motor includes a seismic eccentric mass rotated in
said well bore by said electricity, said seismic mass engaging said
well bore causing vibration of said well bore.
3. A fluid powered downhole vibration tool as set forth in claim 2
wherein said means to vibrate further includes a bearing assembly
coupled to said seismic eccentric mass.
4. A fluid powered downhole vibration tool as set forth in claim 1
wherein said means to vibrate said well bore with said electricity
further includes a piezoelectric bender bar.
5. A fluid powered downhole vibration tool as set forth in claim 4
wherein said a piezoelectric bender bar is in communication with
said well bore.
6. A fluid powered downhole vibration tool as set forth in claim 1
wherein said motor further includes a control mechanism to control
flow of said fluids under pressure through said motor.
7. A fluid powered downhole vibration tool as set forth in claim 6
wherein said control mechanism further includes a shut-off valve to
shut off fluid flow through said turbine.
8. A fluid powered downhole vibration tool as set forth in claim 6
wherein said control mechanism further includes a bypass shunt
valve to divert a portion of said fluid away from said motor.
9. A fluid powered downhole vibration tool used in a well bore
having produced fluids under pressure, which tool comprises: a
resonant chamber with a through passage located in said well bore
in communication with said fluids under pressure, wherein said
chamber vibrates as said fluids pass said through passage; and
means to couple said resonant chamber to said well bore, causing
vibration of said bore as said chamber vibrates.
10. A fluid powered downhole vibration tool as set forth in claim 9
wherein said means to couple said resonant chamber to said well
bore further includes a bypass valve to allow a bypass of a portion
of said fluids from entering said through passage of said resonant
chamber.
11. A fluid powered downhole vibration tool as set forth in claim 9
wherein said resonant chamber further includes a control mechanism
to control flow of said fluids under pressure through said
chamber.
12. A fluid powered downhole vibration tool as set forth in claim
11 wherein said control mechanism further includes a shut-off valve
to shut off fluid flow through said chamber and a bypass shunt
valve to divert a portion of said fluid away from said chamber.
13. A fluid powered downhole vibration tool used in a well bore
wherein fluids are pumped from the surface into said well bore,
which comprises: a downhole turbine in fluid communication with
said fluids pumped from said surface; a fluid powered turbine motor
in said well bore in communication with said turbine, wherein said
turbine generates electricity; and means to vibrate said well bore
with said electricity produced by said motor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is related to a fluid powered downhole
vibration tool which will be used in a subterranean well bore
having fluids under pressure. In particular, the present invention
is directed to a fluid powered downhole vibration tool powered by
fluid flow from the formation itself in order to drive a seismic
source.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] The concept of generating a vibrational signal underground
which is used for seismic purposes is known. The vibrational signal
may be used for a variety of purposes, such as in gas wells where
condensation has built up in the formation near the well bore and
has been limiting production. Vibrational energy from a downhole
seismic source would improve the mobility of the fluids trapped in
the formation and, therefore, increase well productivity.
[0005] An underground vibrational signal can also be used to allow
investigation of subterranean structures. The downhole vibrational
signal is used as a seismic energy source for generating
information as to geology surrounding the borehole.
[0006] The seismic signals radiate in the earth. Much information
can be procured at the earth's surface or in adjacent boreholes as
to the rate of travel and the reflection of seismic signals. Upon
analysis of the receipt of the seismic signals, much can be learned
about the structure of the earth surrounding the borehole and the
structure of the earth in the area between the borehole and the
point where the seismic signals are generated and the earth's
surface or the adjacent well bore. Analysis of the received signals
resulting from the seismic signals can be carried out at the site
or remotely. The seismic source has many applications. For example,
the seismic signal makes it possible to more effectively obtain
critical seismic profiles of the earth surrounding a borehole.
Improved crosswell tomography geophysical techniques can be
practiced using the high energy vibrational source.
[0007] Many types of cementing and production enhancement
techniques can be improved when combined with downhole vibrational
energy sources. As an example, cementing and gravel packing can be
improved with the use of downhole vibrational energy source.
[0008] The use of vibrational energy in a subterranean borehole is
shown in Applicant's prior patents, such as U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,159,160; 5,309,405; 5,210,381; and 5,515,918, which spin a shaft
to create rotational energy which is used to create vibrational
energy in the borehole. Each of these is incorporated herein by
reference. In Applicant's prior disclosures, however, an energy
source from the surface is used, such as an electric, hydraulic or
mechanical motor.
[0009] By having the well bore fluids power the vibrational source,
cost could be reduced compared with having a power source at the
surface.
[0010] Accordingly, it is a principal object and purpose of the
present invention to provide a downhole vibrational tool which is
primarily powered by produced fluids under pressure in the well
bore.
[0011] Fluid powered motors are also known. Fluid powered motors
accept fluid power and convert it into mechanical power output.
Various types of fluid powered motors are known. For example, the
motors known as Moineau motors. Examples are shown in Moineau (U.S.
Pat. No. 2,085,115; 1,892,217 and 2,483,370). In these motors, at
least a pair of helical members, disposed one within the other,
includes an inner member having an exterior that is constantly in
contact with an outer member. At least one of the gears is
rotatable about the longitudinal axis. Other types of fluid powered
motors include gear type motors, rotary vane motors and
reciprocating motors.
[0012] It is a further object and purpose of the present invention
to provide a downhole vibrational tool having a fluid powered motor
which rotates a seismic source within the well bore.
[0013] It is an additional object and purpose of the present
invention to provide a downhole vibrational tool for generating
vibration in a well bore wherein the vibrational energy may be
controlled and regulated.
[0014] It is an additional object and purpose of the present
invention to provide a downhole vibrational tool having a fluid
powered motor with at least a pair of helical members disposed one
within the other, each rotatable about a longitudinal axis.
[0015] It is also known to utilize a fluid oscillator within a
subterranean well bore. Examples include Galle et al. (U.S. Pat.
No. 3,405,770), Bodine (U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,315), Fast et al. (U.S.
Pat. No. 3,743,017) and Barnard (U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,016).
[0016] It would be desirable to power a fluid oscillator with the
differential pressure of the fluid in the subterranean well bore.
Accordingly, it is another object and purpose of the present
invention to provide a downhole vibrational tool having a fluid
oscillator within the well bore which engages the well bore to
cause vibration of the well bore.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention provides a downhole vibration tool as
well as a system to utilize energy from flowing fluids in a well
bore. Within a well bore is an elongated cylindrical mass having an
external cylindrical surface. The cylindrical mass has a diameter
less than the well bore and/or casing. The cylindrical mass would
be rotated by a mechanism utilizing energy from fluids moving into
the well bore from the subterranean formation because of the
pressure differential. Fluid would flow from the subterranean
reservoir into the well bore, up the well bore and toward the
surface. A fluid powered motor is placed within the well bore so
that the motor is in fluid communication with the flowing fluids.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a Moineau-type motor
is employed. A pair of helical members are disposed one within the
other. Each helical member is rotatable about a longitudinal axis.
The longitudinal axes are parallel to each other but are spaced
from each other are not coincident. As fluid passes into and
through the fluid motor, the inner helical member would be caused
to rotate about its axis. Rotation of the inner helical member
causes rotation of an actuator coupling. Rotation of the actuator
coupling, in turn, causes rotation of the seismic cylindrical mass.
Due to the frictional contact of the mass with the casing, the
center of the mass will migrate or backward whirl in a direction
opposite of the rotation provided by the motor. The whirling mass
will contact each point on the casing at a known frequency rate to
provide a vibration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view of a subterranean well
bore with a cylindrical mass of the present invention as it is
rotated in the borehole. The mass being in contact with the
borehole or the well casing so that as it is rotated, the mass
migrates in a direction opposite of rotation to create centrifugal
force;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along section line
2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the cylindrical mass in cross section and
illustrating how the cylindrical mass whirls within the borehole to
create centrifugal force;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a subterranean borehole
showing one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a subterranean well bore
showing an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for utilization of
the energy from flowing fluids to create a seismic source.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a subterranean well bore
showing an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for utilization of
the energy from flowing fluids using a turbine to produce
electrical current to power a seismic source.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a subterranean well bore
showing another alternate embodiment of an apparatus for
utilization of the energy from flowing fluids using a turbine to
create an electrical current to power a seismic source with an
eccentric mass driven by an electrical motor.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a subterranean well bore
showing an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for utilization of
the energy from flowing fluids using a turbine to create an
electrical current to power a seismic source with a piezoelectric
bender bar for creating a seismic source.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a subterranean well bore
showing an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for utilization of
the energy from flowing fluids using a turbine to create an
electrical current to power a seismic source with a magneto
restrictive material.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a subterranean well bore
showing an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for utilization of
the energy from flowing fluids to create a seismic source utilizing
a resonant chamber.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Referring to the drawings in detail, FIGS. 1, 2 and 3
illustrate one preferred embodiment 10 of the present invention
which is directed to a downhole tool and a method of using energy
from flowing fluids produced from a formation. Referring to FIG. 1,
a borehole 12 extends downward from the earth's surface and may be
drilled in a well known manner, such as for oil or gas wells. A
portion of the borehole is shown in FIG. 1. The well bore may
include a cylindrical casing 14. It will be understood that the
present invention will work with or without the cylindrical casing.
For example, a housing may be fixably attached to the well bore
wall or casing.
[0028] Positioned within the cylindrical casing 14 is an elongated
cylindrical mass 16 having an external cylindrical surface 18. The
cylindrical mass 16 has a diameter less than the internal diameter
of casing 14. The external surface 18 of the mass might have rough
edges, ribs, gear teeth or other non-cylindrical features.
[0029] Power or energy is inherent in the flow of fluids from the
subterranean formation into and through the well bore because of
the pressure differential.
[0030] The mass 16 will be rotated by a mechanism utilizing energy
from fluids moving into and through the well bore in a manner to be
described herein so that the mass is rotated as shown in arrow 20.
The cylindrical surface 18 of the mass will come into contact with
the casing 14 of the borehole 12.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagrammatic view taken along
section line 2-2 of FIG. 1. When the cylindrical mass 16 is rotated
clockwise in the direction indicated by arrow 20, the seismic
cylindrical mass, due to its frictional contact with the casing 14,
will migrate or backward whirl in a counterclockwise direction.
That is, the center of the mass 16 will move in a direction
opposite that of the rotation of the mass, creating centrifugal
force. After an incremental period, the mass will take the position
as indicated by 22. The seismic mass will continue to rotate in a
counterclockwise direction, whirling about the interior of the
borehole.
[0032] Returning to a consideration of FIG. 1, the mass 16 is in
connection with and driven and rotated by an actuator coupling
24.
[0033] The whirling mass 16 will contact each point on the casing
at a known frequency rate given the diameter of the mass, the
diameter of the borehole and the revolutions per minute of the
mass. Additionally, the contact force of the cylindrical mass 16
against each point of contact with the casing may be expressed
according to a known formula.
[0034] Frictional enhancing surfaces may be added to the mass or a
flexible elastomeric member may be added to the surface of the mass
16.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates one preferred embodiment of the present
invention utilizing energy from flowing fluids produced from a
formation. The well bore 12 is in fluid communication with a
subterranean formation 30 which contains fluids, such as oil and
gas. Because of differential pressure, fluid would flow from the
subterranean reservoir into the well bore 12 and up the well bore
toward the surface because of the differential pressure. This
movement of fluid is illustrated by arrows 32 and 34. A fluid
powered motor 36 would be placed within the well bore so that the
fluid powered motor 36 is in fluid communication with the fluids
under pressure. The fluid powered motor 36 is powered by flow from
the formation itself.
[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a Moineau-type
motor is employed. It will be understood that other types of fluid
powered motors, such as turbines, reciprocating or other types of
fluid motors might also be employed. In the embodiment shown, a
pair of helical members 38 and 40 are disposed one within the
other. Each member is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The
longitudinal axes are parallel to each other but are not coincident
with each other. The inner member 40 has an outline such that every
thread constantly engages the outer member 38. As fluid passes into
and through the fluid motor, the inner member 40 will be caused to
rotate about its axis. In particular, fluid would enter end 42 and
thereafter exit from end 44 of the fluid powered motor 36. Fluid
pressure passing through the motor would cause the inner member 40
to rotate. Rotation of the inner helical member 40 causes rotation
of the actuator coupling 24. This rotation, in turn, causes
rotation of the mass and the backward whirling of the mass 16 as
illustrated by arrow 44.
[0037] The backward whirling mass is used as a source of
vibrational energy.
[0038] The fluid powered motor 36 may be held within the well bore
by packer element 46 to retain the motor in place. The packer
element 46, which can create a seal, may either be a permanent
installation or may be retrievable.
[0039] The fluid powered motor 36 may include a shut-off valve 50
or other valving device to shut off, restrict or control fluid flow
through the fluid powered motor 36. When the shut-off valve 50 is
closed, fluid will be prohibited from passing through the motor and
the mass 16 will cease its rotation.
[0040] The downhole vibration tool 10 may also include a bypass
shunt valve 52 (illustrated in diagrammatic form) which in the
present embodiment is built into the packer element. A portion of
the fluid flow from the formation could be diverted through the
bypass mechanism. This bypass valve 52 could be active, therefore
changing in response to the fluid flow in the well bore, or it
could be passive, such as a choke or other similar device.
[0041] As an alternate to the configuration shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and
3, the fluid powered motor 36 might be used as an energy source to
power a downhole electric powered shaking device.
Turbine
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention utilizing energy from flowing fluid illustrated
by arrows 32 from a productive formation 30 to generate electricity
to produce a seismic source. One such embodiment uses turbine 70
where flowing fluid 32 from the formation 30 passes through opening
72 of turbine 70. As fluid 32 passes into and through the turbine
70, the inner member 74 will be caused to rotate about its axis
which in turn spins shaft 76 of a DC or AC generator 78 (shown in
diagrammatic form) creating an electrical voltage and current. The
electricity is transported via line 80. In particular, fluid 32
would enter end 72 and thereafter exit from end 86 of turbine 70.
The electrical voltage/current 80 is transmitted by electrical
connection to power seismic vibrator 84, which is discussed in
greater detail below, can be a piezoelectric vibrator, electric
motor with eccentric mass, a terfenol, a magneto restrictive
material, or other mechanical means.
[0043] A further embodiment includes a control mechanism such as
but not limited to a shut-off valve or other valving device 88
(shown in diagrammatic form) to shut off, restrict or control fluid
flow through turbine 70. When the shut-off valve 88 is closed,
fluid 32 will be prohibited from passing through turbine 70 and
inner member 74 will cease its rotation.
[0044] The turbine 70 may also include a bypass shunt valve 90
(illustrated in diagrammatic form) which in the present embodiment
is built into the packer element 46. A portion of the fluid flow 32
from the formation 30 could be diverted through the bypass
mechanism. This bypass valve 90 could be active, therefore changing
in response to the fluid flow 32 in the well bore 12, or it could
be passive, such as a choke or other similar device.
Turbine with Eccentric Mass for Vibrator
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of electrically driven
vibrator 84 powered by the electric current 80 produced by turbine
70. An eccentric mass 92 is driven by electrical motor 94
(illustrated in diagrammatic form). Electric motor 94 rotates
eccentric mass 92 held by a bearing assembly 96. The eccentric mass
92 creates a seismic vibration source as it spins at a known
frequency rate.
Turbine with Piezoelectric Bender for Vibrator
[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of electrically driven
vibrator 84 powered by the electric current 80 produced by turbine
70. Piezoelectric bender bar 98 utilizes the electrical current 80
to bend causing vibration for a seismic source. The impact of the
piezoelectric bender bar 98 causes a seismic source.
Turbine with Magneto Restrictive Material for Vibrator
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of electrically
driven vibrator 84 powered by the electric current 80 produced by
turbine 70 using a magneto restrictive material 100. The seismic
vibrational signal is transmitted via fluid 32 to well bore 12.
Resonant Chamber embodiment
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the
present invention utilizing energy from flowing fluid 32 from a
productive formation 30. A resonant chamber 102 channels the
pressurized fluid 32 through passageway 104 creating a seismic
noise/vibration such as an organ pipe or whistle. Pressurized fluid
32 travels through an opening 106 in the chamber 102 and passes
through via passageway 104 to an exit 108. The vibration is passed
along to the well bore 12.
[0049] The resonant chamber 102 may include a shut-off valve 110
(illustrated in diagrammatic form) or other valving device to shut
off, restrict or control fluid flow through resonant chamber 102.
When the shut-off valve 110 is closed, fluid 32 will be prohibited
from passing through the chamber 102 which will cease its seismic
signal.
[0050] The resonant chamber 102 may also include a bypass shunt
valve 112 (illustrated in diagrammatic form) which in the present
embodiment is built into packer element 46. A portion of the fluid
flow 32 from the formation 30 could be diverted through the bypass
mechanism. This bypass valve 112 could be active, therefore
changing in response to the fluid flow in the well bore, or it
could be passive, such as a choke or other similar device.
[0051] Finally, a further embodiment of the invention might entail
pumping fluids from the surface, such as water or other fluids back
down the well bore. The force of the fluids moving back down the
well bore creates an energy force that may be utilized as described
above.
[0052] Whereas, the present invention has been described in
relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood
that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or
suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this
invention.
* * * * *