U.S. patent application number 10/223048 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-02 for expandable liner and associated methods of regulating fluid flow in a well.
This patent application is currently assigned to Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gano, John C..
Application Number | 20030000709 10/223048 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24256781 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030000709 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gano, John C. |
January 2, 2003 |
Expandable liner and associated methods of regulating fluid flow in
a well
Abstract
A method of regulating flow through a first tubular structure in
a well provides flow control by use of an expandable second tubular
structure inserted into the first tubular structure and deformed
therein. In a described embodiment, a liner has sealing material
externally disposed thereon. Expansion of the liner within a screen
assembly may be used to sealingly engage the liner with one or more
well screens of the screen assembly, and may be used to regulate a
rate of fluid flow through one or more of the well screens.
Inventors: |
Gano, John C.; (Carrollton,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KONNEKER SMITH
660 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
SUITE 230
PLANO
TX
75074
|
Assignee: |
Halliburton Energy Services,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
24256781 |
Appl. No.: |
10/223048 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10223048 |
Aug 16, 2002 |
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09565000 |
May 4, 2000 |
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6478091 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
166/380 ;
166/207; 166/384 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/108 20130101;
E21B 43/12 20130101; E21B 43/103 20130101; E21B 33/12 20130101;
E21B 43/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/380 ;
166/384; 166/207 |
International
Class: |
E21B 019/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of controlling fluid flow through a first tubular
structure positioned in a well, the method comprising the steps of:
positioning a second tubular structure within the first tubular
structure in the well; and deforming the second tubular structure,
thereby altering a flowpath for flow of fluid through a first
sidewall of the first tubular structure.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the positioning step
the second tubular structure is in a radially contracted
configuration, and in the deforming step the second tubular
structure is deformed to a radially enlarged configuration
thereof.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deforming step
further comprises radially retracting the second tubular structure,
thereby increasing a flow area of the flowpath.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deforming step
further comprises sealingly engaging the second tubular structure
with the first tubular structure.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the deforming step
further comprises radially extending the second tubular
structure.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the extending step
comprises contacting the first tubular structure with an outer
sealing material of the second tubular structure.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the contacting step
comprises decreasing a flow area disposed between adjacent portions
of the sealing material.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deforming step
comprises increasing a flow area of the flowpath disposed between
portions of a sealing material of the second tubular structure.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deforming step
comprises changing a flow area of the flowpath disposed externally
on the second tubular structure.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein in the changing step,
a width of a longitudinal channel in fluid communication with an
opening formed through a second sidewall of the second tubular
structure is changed.
11. The method according to claim 9, wherein in the changing step,
a depth of a longitudinal channel in fluid communication with an
opening formed through a second sidewall of the second tubular
structure is changed.
12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the flowpath includes
at least one restriction of the flow area, and wherein the changing
step further comprises changing a resistance to fluid flow through
the restriction.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the restriction is
formed externally on the second tubular structure.
14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the restriction is
formed between portions of sealing material on the second tubular
structure.
15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the restriction is
formed in a channel formed externally on the second tubular
structure.
16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first tubular
structure comprises a well screen, and wherein the deforming step
further comprises sealingly engaging the second tubular structure
at opposite ends of the well screen.
17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deforming step
further comprises outwardly extending the second tubular
structure.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the extending step
further comprises compressing a member within the second tubular
structure.
19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the extending step
further comprises displacing a swaging tool in the second tubular
structure.
20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the extending step
further comprises inflating a membrane within the second tubular
structure.
21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the first tubular
structure includes a well screen, and wherein the inflating step
further comprises sealingly engaging portions of the second tubular
structure with opposite ends of the well screen, thereby
constraining fluid flow through the well screen to also flow
through the second tubular structure.
22. The method according to claim 17, wherein the extending step
further comprises extending only selected portions of the second
tubular structure.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein in the extending
step, the selected portions are configured so that they are less
resistant to extension thereof than unselected portions of the
second tubular structure.
24. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deforming step
further comprises altering a flow area disposed radially between
the second tubular structure and the first tubular structure.
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein in the deforming
step, the flow area is disposed axially between an opening formed
through a sidewall of the second tubular structure and an inflow
area of the first tubular structure.
26. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second tubular
structure includes a flow control device disposed between external
seals, and wherein the extending step further comprises extending
the seals into contact with the first tubular structure.
27. The method according to claim 1, wherein the flowpath is a
tortuous path formed on the second tubular structure, and wherein
the deforming step further comprises engaging the tortuous path
with the first tubular structure.
28. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps
of positioning a sensor within the second tubular structure after
the deforming step and sensing a parameter of fluid flowing through
the flowpath.
29. A method of controlling fluid flow through multiple well
screens of a screen assembly positioned in a wellbore, the method
comprising the steps of: positioning a tubular structure within the
screen assembly; and deforming the tubular structure, thereby
altering at least one flowpath for flow of fluid through at least
one of the well screens.
30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the deforming step
further comprises altering multiple flowpaths for flow of fluid
through corresponding respective ones of the well screens.
31. The method according to claim 29, wherein the deforming step
further comprises altering first and second flowpaths for flow of
fluid through first and second well screens.
32. The method according to claim 31, wherein in the altering step,
the first flowpath is altered to restrict fluid flow therethrough
differently from restriction to fluid flow through the second
flowpath.
33. The method according to claim 29, further comprising the step
of sealingly engaging the screen assembly with the wellbore between
adjacent ones of the well screens.
34. The method according to claim 29, wherein in the positioning
step the tubular structure is in a radially contracted
configuration, and in the deforming step the tubular structure is
deformed to a radially enlarged configuration thereof.
35. The method according to claim 29, wherein the deforming step
further comprises radially retracting the tubular structure,
thereby increasing a flow area of the flowpath.
36. The method according to claim 29, wherein the deforming step
further comprises sealingly engaging the tubular structure with the
screen assembly.
37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the deforming step
further comprises radially extending the tubular structure.
38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the extending step
comprises contacting the screen assembly with an outer sealing
material of the tubular structure.
39. The method according to claim 38, wherein the contacting step
comprises decreasing a flow area disposed between adjacent portions
of the sealing material.
40. The method according to claim 29, wherein the deforming step
comprises increasing a flow area of the flowpath disposed between
portions of a sealing material of the tubular structure.
41. The method according to claim 29, wherein the deforming step
comprises changing a flow area of the flowpath disposed externally
on the tubular structure.
42. The method according to claim 41, wherein in the changing step,
a width of a longitudinal channel in fluid communication with an
opening formed through a sidewall of the tubular structure is
changed.
43. The method according to claim 41, wherein in the changing step,
a depth of a longitudinal channel in fluid communication with an
opening formed through a sidewall of the tubular structure is
changed.
44. The method according to claim 41, wherein the flowpath includes
at least one restriction of the flow area, and wherein the changing
step further comprises changing a resistance to fluid flow through
the restriction.
45. The method according to claim 44, wherein the restriction is
formed externally on the tubular structure.
46. The method according to claim 44, wherein the restriction is
formed between portions of sealing material on the tubular
structure.
47. The method according to claim 44, wherein the restriction is
formed in a channel formed externally on the tubular structure.
48. The method according to claim 29, wherein the deforming step
further comprises sealingly engaging the tubular structure with the
screen assembly straddling at least one of the well screens.
49. The method according to claim 29, wherein the deforming step
further comprises outwardly extending the tubular structure.
50. The method according to claim 49, wherein the extending step
further comprises displacing a swaging tool in the tubular
structure.
51. The method according to claim 49, wherein the extending step
further comprises compressing a member within the tubular
structure.
52. The method according to claim 49, wherein the extending step
further comprises inflating a membrane within the tubular
structure.
53. The method according to claim 52, wherein the extending step
further comprises extending selected portions of the tubular
structure.
54. The method according to claim 53, wherein in the extending
step, the selected portions are configured so that they are less
resistant to extension thereof than unselected portions of the
tubular structure.
55. The method according to claim 52, wherein the inflating step
further comprises sealingly engaging portions of the tubular
structure straddling at least one of the well screens, thereby
constraining fluid flow through the well screen to also flow
through the tubular structure.
56. The method according to claim 29, wherein the deforming step
further comprises altering a flow area disposed radially between
the tubular structure and the screen assembly.
57. The method according to claim 56, wherein in the deforming
step, the flow area is disposed axially between an opening formed
through a sidewall of the tubular structure and an inflow area of
the screen assembly.
58. The method according to claim 29, wherein the tubular structure
includes a flow control device disposed between external seals, and
wherein the extending step further comprises extending the seals
into contact with the screen assembly.
59. The method according to claim 29, wherein the flowpath is a
tortuous path formed on the tubular structure, and wherein the
deforming step further comprises engaging the tortuous path with
the screen assembly.
60. The method according to claim 29, further comprising the steps
of positioning a sensor within the tubular structure after the
deforming step and sensing a parameter of fluid flowing through the
flowpath.
61. The method according to claim 29, further comprising the step
of outwardly deforming the screen assembly, so that the well
screens contact the wellbore.
62. The method according to claim 61, wherein the step of outwardly
deforming the screen assembly is performed prior to the step of
positioning the tubular structure within the screen assembly.
63. A system for controlling fluid flow in a wellbore, the system
comprising: a well screen in the wellbore; and a tubular structure
received in the well screen, the tubular structure being deformed
after reception within the well screen, thereby altering a flowpath
for flow of fluid through the well screen.
64. The system according to claim 63, further comprising a sensor
positioned within the tubular structure, the sensor sensing a
parameter of fluid flowing through the flowpath.
65. The system according to claim 63, wherein the flowpath is a
tortuous path formed on the tubular structure, and wherein the
tortuous path is engaged with the well screen.
66. The system according to claim 63, wherein the tubular structure
includes a flow control device disposed between external seals, the
seals being sealingly engaged straddling the well screen.
67. The system according to claim 63, wherein the deformed tubular
structure alters a flow area disposed radially between the tubular
structure and the well screen.
68. The system according to claim 67, wherein the flow area is
disposed axially between an opening formed through a sidewall of
the tubular structure and an inflow area of the well screen.
69. The system according to claim 63, wherein the tubular structure
is deformed so that it is outwardly extended relative to a
configuration of the tubular structure prior to its reception
within the well screen.
70. The system according to claim 69, wherein the tubular structure
includes selected portions thereof which are less resistant to
outward extension thereof than unselected portions of the tubular
structure.
71. The system according to claim 70, further comprising a membrane
received within the tubular structure, the membrane being inflated
and thereby outwardly extending the selected tubular structure
portions greater than the unselected tubular structure
portions.
72. The system according to claim 70, wherein the selected tubular
structure portions straddle the well screen.
73. The system according to claim 70, wherein the selected portions
are sealingly engaged straddling the well screen, thereby
constraining fluid flow through the well screen to also flow
through the tubular structure.
74. The system according to claim 63, wherein a flow area disposed
radially between the tubular structure and the well screen is
altered by deformation of the tubular structure after reception
within the well screen.
75. The system according to claim 63, wherein the tubular structure
includes at least one selected portion thereof which is less
resistant to radial displacement than unselected portions of the
tubular structure.
76. The system according to claim 75, wherein the flowpath extends
across the selected tubular structure portion.
77. The system according to claim 76, wherein an area of the
flowpath is decreased by radial extension of the selected tubular
structure portion.
78. The system according to claim 76, wherein an area of the
flowpath is increased by radial retraction of the selected tubular
structure portion.
79. The system according to claim 63, wherein the flowpath is
disposed externally on the tubular structure.
80. The system according to claim 63, wherein the flowpath is
disposed at least partially in an external sealing material of the
tubular structure.
81. The system according to claim 80, wherein the flowpath is
disposed between portions of the sealing material.
82. The system according to claim 80, wherein the flowpath is
disposed at least partially in a channel formed in the sealing
material, the channel being in fluid communication with an opening
formed through a sidewall of the tubular structure.
83. A tool for radially deforming a tubular structure within a
subterranean well, the tool comprising: a housing; axially spaced
apart seals carried externally on the housing; and a pressure
generating device configured for generating a pressure differential
across a portion of the tubular structure when the seals are
sealingly engaged with the tubular structure axially straddling the
tubular structure portion.
84. The tool according to claim 83, wherein the pressure generating
device increases fluid pressure between the seals.
85. The tool according to claim 84, wherein the pressure generating
device includes a piston responsive to a first fluid pressure in an
internal passage of the housing to generate a second fluid pressure
between the seals, the second fluid pressure being greater than the
first fluid pressure.
86. The tool according to claim 83, wherein the pressure generating
device decreases fluid pressure between the seals.
87. The tool according to claim 86, wherein the pressure generating
device includes a piston responsive to a first fluid pressure in an
internal passage of the housing to generate a second fluid pressure
between the seals, the second fluid pressure being less than the
first fluid pressure.
88. The tool according to claim 83, wherein the housing has an
exterior and extends on opposite sides of the seals, and further
comprising a bypass passage permitting fluid flow through the
housing from the exterior of the housing on one opposite side of
the seals to the exterior of the housing on the other opposite side
of the seals when the seals are sealingly engaged with the tubular
structure.
89. The tool according to claim 83, further comprising a stop
member carried externally on the housing, the stop member limiting
radial deformation of the tubular structure when the pressure
generating device generates the pressure differential across the
tubular structure portion.
90. The tool according to claim 89, wherein the stop member limits
radially inward deformation of the tubular structure when the
pressure generating device generates the pressure differential
across the tubular structure portion.
91. The tool according to claim 89, wherein the stop member is
extended outwardly when the pressure generating device generates
the pressure differential across the tubular structure portion.
92. The tool according to claim 91, further comprising a piston
carried externally on the housing, the piston displacing the stop
member when the pressure generating device generates the pressure
differential across the tubular structure portion.
93. A tool for radially deforming a tubular structure within a
subterranean well, the tool comprising: a generally tubular mandrel
having an internal fluid passage; an annular member carried
externally on the housing, the member extending radially outward
when the member is axially compressed; and a piston responsive to
fluid pressure in the fluid passage to axially compress the
member.
94. The tool according to claim 93, wherein the tool has an
exterior and extends on opposite sides of the member, and further
comprising a bypass passage permitting fluid flow through the tool
from the exterior of the tool on one opposite side of the member to
the exterior of the tool on the other opposite side of the
member.
95. The tool according to claim 93, further comprising axially
spaced apart external seals carried on a housing attached to the
mandrel.
96. The tool according to claim 95, wherein an opening formed
through a sidewall of the housing between the seals is in fluid
communication with the mandrel fluid passage.
97. The tool according to claim 96, further comprising a check
valve permitting fluid flow from the opening to the mandrel fluid
passage, but preventing fluid flow from the mandrel fluid passage
to the opening.
98. The tool according to claim 96, further comprising a sensor,
the sensor sensing a property of fluid flowing from the opening
through the mandrel fluid passage.
99. The tool according to claim 98, wherein the sensor is a
flowmeter.
100. A method of controlling fluid flow through a first tubular
structure positioned in a well, the method comprising the steps of:
installing a line externally on a second tubular structure having a
sealing material carried externally thereon, the line extending
across the sealing material; positioning the second tubular
structure within the first tubular structure in the well; and
sealingly engaging the sealing material with the first tubular
structure.
101. The method according to claim 100, wherein in the installing
step, the line is installed in a channel formed externally on the
sealing material.
102. The method according to claim 100, wherein in the sealingly
engaging step, the line is sealingly engaged with the sealing
material.
103. The method according to claim 100, wherein in the sealingly
engaging step, the line is compressed between the sealing material
and the first tubular structure.
104. The method according to claim 100, wherein in the installing
step, the sealing material is part of a flow regulating portion of
the second tubular structure, the sealing material having
deformable flow channels formed thereon for adjusting a flow area
therethrough.
105. The method according to claim 104, wherein the installing step
further comprises installing the line in an external channel
positioned between adjacent ones of the flow channels.
106. The method according to claim 100, wherein the installing step
further comprises interconnecting the line with a sensor external
to the second tubular structure, and further comprising the step of
establishing communication via the line between a remote location
and the sensor on opposite sides of the sealing material after the
sealingly engaging step.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to operations
performed in conjunction with a subterranean well and, in an
embodiment described herein, more particularly provides an
expandable liner and associated methods of regulating flow through
tubular structures in a well.
[0002] A wellbore may intersect multiple formations or zones from
which it is desired to produce fluids. It is common practice to
utilize well screens and gravel packing where the formations or
zones are unconsolidated or poorly consolidated, in order to
prevent collapse of the wellbore or production of formation sand.
Thus, fluid production from one zone may flow through one well
screen while production from another zone may pass through another
well screen.
[0003] It is frequently desirable to be able to individually
control the rate of production from different zones. For example,
water encroachment or gas coning may prompt a reduction or
cessation of production from a particular zone, while production
continues from other zones.
[0004] Conventional practice has been to use a valve, such as a
sliding sleeve-type valve, or a downhole choke to regulate fluid
flow from a particular zone. However, where well screens are also
utilized, it is often impractical, costly and inconvenient to use
conventional valves or chokes to regulate fluid flow through the
screens. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an improved method of regulating fluid flow through well
screens. It is a further object of the present invention to provide
methods and apparatus for regulating fluid flow through various
tubular structures in a well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in
accordance with an embodiment thereof, a specially configured
expandable liner is utilized in regulating fluid flow through a
tubular structure in a wellbore. The flow regulating systems and
methods described herein also permit economical, convenient and
accurate control of production through individual well screens and
screen assemblies.
[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a screen assembly
including multiple well screens is installed in a wellbore. An
expandable liner is then inserted into the screen assembly. The
liner is expanded by any of various methods (e.g., inflation,
swaging, etc.), so that the liner is sealingly engaged with the
interior of the screen assembly. For example, the liner may be
sealingly engaged straddling a well screen, so that fluid flow
through the well screen must also pass through an opening formed
through a sidewall of the liner.
[0007] Expansion of the liner may also be used to control the rate
of fluid flow through the screen assembly. For this purpose, a
sealing material may be disposed externally on the liner between an
inflow area of a well screen and the opening formed through the
liner sidewall. By squeezing the sealing material between the liner
and the screen assembly, a flow area formed between portions of the
sealing material is reduced.
[0008] By retracting the liner inwardly away from the screen
assembly, the flow area may also be increased, thereby increasing
the rate of fluid flow through the well screen. Thus, the flow rate
through the screen may be increased or decreased as desired by
retracting or expanding the liner within the screen assembly.
[0009] The exterior of the liner which contacts the interior of the
screen assembly may be configured to provide further regulation of
fluid flow. For example, the sealing material may have one or more
channels formed therein or therethrough. The channels may be
tortuous to provide flow choking. Plugs may be provided to reduce
the number of channels through which fluid may flow.
[0010] Tools for expanding and retracting the liner are also
provided by the present invention. One such tool includes a sensor
sensing a parameter, such as flow rate, temperature, pressure,
etc., of the fluid flowing through a well screen. This permits the
effect of expansion or retraction of the liner to be evaluated
downhole for an individual well screen, or for multiple
screens.
[0011] These and other features, advantages, benefits and objects
of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art upon careful consideration of the detailed
description of representative embodiments of the invention
hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIGS. 1A-E are schematic views of successive steps in a
method of regulating flow through well screens, the method
embodying principles of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an enlarged scale schematic view of a first method
of expanding a tubular structure in the method of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIGS. 3A&B are enlarged scale schematic views of a
second method of expanding a tubular structure in the method of
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first system
for regulating flow through well screens, the system embodying
principles of the present invention;
[0016] FIGS. 5A&B are schematic cross-sectional views of the
system of FIG. 4, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first tool
used to expand a liner, the tool embodying principles of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second tool
used to expand a liner, the tool embodying principles of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second
system for regulating flow through well screens, the system
embodying principles of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic elevational view of a first expandable
liner embodying principles of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic elevational view of a second
expandable liner embodying principles of the present invention;
[0022] FIGS. 11A&B are schematic cross-sectional views of a
tool for retracting a liner, the tool embodying principles of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternate
configuration of the tool of FIGS. 11A&B;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tool for
expanding a liner, the tool embodying principles of the present
invention; and
[0025] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a method of regulating flow
through casing, the method embodying principles of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1A-E is a method 10
which embodies principles of the present invention. In the
following description of the method 10 and other apparatus and
methods described herein, directional terms, such as "above",
"below", "upper", "lower", etc., are used only for convenience in
referring to the accompanying drawings. Additionally, it is to be
understood that the various embodiments of the present invention
described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as
inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various
configurations, without departing from the principles of the
present invention.
[0027] Referring initially to FIG. 1A, in the method 10, a screen
assembly 12 including multiple well screens 14, 16, 18 is conveyed
into a wellbore 20. The wellbore 20 intersects multiple formations
or zones 22, 24, 26 from which it is desired to produce fluids. The
screens 14, 16, 18 are positioned opposite respective ones of the
zones 22, 24, 26.
[0028] The wellbore 20 is depicted in FIGS. 1A-E as being uncased,
but it is to be clearly understood that the principles of the
present invention may also be practiced in cased wellbores.
Additionally, the screen assembly 12 is depicted as including three
individual screens 14, 16, 18, with only one of the screens being
positioned opposite each of the zones 22, 24, 26, but it is to be
clearly understood that any number of screens may be used in the
assembly, and any number of the screens may be positioned opposite
any of the zones, without departing from the principles of the
present invention. Thus, each of the screens 14, 16, 18 described
herein and depicted in FIGS. 1A-E may represent multiple
screens.
[0029] Sealing devices 28, 30, 32, 34 are interconnected in the
screen assembly 12 between, and above and below, the screens 14,
16, 18. The sealing devices 28, 30, 32, 34 could be packers, in
which case the packers would be set in the wellbore 20 to isolate
the zones 22, 24, 26 from each other in the wellbore. However, the
sealing devices 28, 30, 32, 34 are preferably expandable sealing
devices, which are expanded into sealing contact with the wellbore
20 when the screen assembly 12 is expanded as described in further
detail below. For example, the sealing devices 28, 30, 32, 34 may
include a sealing material, such as an elastomer, a resilient
material, a nonelastomer, etc., externally applied to the screen
assembly 12.
[0030] Referring additionally now to FIG. 1B, the screen assembly
12 has been expanded radially outward. The sealing devices 28, 30,
32 and 34 now sealingly engage the wellbore 20 between the screens
14, 16, 18, and above and below the screens.
[0031] Additionally, the screens 14, 16, 18 preferably contact the
wellbore 20 at the zones 22, 24, 26. Such contact between the
screens 14, 16, 18 and the wellbore 20 may aid in preventing
formation sand from being produced. However, this contact is not
necessary in keeping with the principles of the present
invention.
[0032] The use of an expandable screen assembly 12 has several
benefits. For example, the radially reduced configuration shown in
FIG. 1A may be advantageous for passing through a restriction
uphole, and the radially expanded configuration shown in FIG. 1B
may be advantageous for providing a large flow area and enhanced
access therethrough. However, the use of an expandable screen
assembly is not required in keeping with the principles of the
present invention.
[0033] Referring additionally now to FIG. 1C, an expandable tubular
structure or liner assembly 36 is received within the screen
assembly 12. The liner assembly 36 includes sealing devices 38, 40,
42, 44 straddling flow control devices 46, 48, 50. Note that the
sealing devices 38, 40, 42, 44 are similar to the sealing devices
28, 30, 32, 34 in that they are radially expandable, but they may
alternatively be conventional devices, such as packers, etc.
[0034] The flow control devices 46, 48, 50 are shown schematically
in FIG. 1C, and are described in further detail below. Each of the
flow control devices 46, 48, 50 is used to regulate fluid flow
through one of the screens 14, 16, 18. Production of the fluid to
the surface is accomplished through the liner assembly 36, and the
fluid passes inwardly through an inflow area of each screen
(typically, a series of openings 52 formed through a base pipe of
each screen), thus, each of the flow control devices 46, 48, 50
regulates fluid flow between the inflow area of one of the screens
14, 16, 18 and the interior of the liner assembly.
[0035] A series of sensors 11, 13, 15 is carried externally on the
liner assembly 36. The sensors 11, 13, 15 may be any type of
sensors, such as, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, water cut
sensors, flowmeters, etc., or any combination of sensors. The
sensors 11, 13, 15 are interconnected by one or more lines 17,
which are preferably fiber optic, but which may be any type of
line, such as hydraulic, electrical conductor, etc.
[0036] If the lines 17 are fiber optic, then the lines may extend
to the earth's surface, or they may terminate at a downhole
junction 19. The junction 19 may be a converter and may transform
an optical signal on the lines 17 to an electrical signal for
transmission to a remote location. Alternatively, the junction 19
may be an item of equipment known to those skilled in the art as a
wet connect or inductive coupling, whereby a tool (not shown)
conveyed on wireline or another conveyance may be placed in
communication with the sensors 11, 13, 15, via the lines 17. As
another alternative, the lines 17 may enter the interior of the
liner assembly 36 at the junction 19, and extend uphole through the
liner assembly to a remote location.
[0037] If the lines 17 are fiber optic, then the lines themselves
may be used to sense temperature downhole. It is well known that
light passing through a fiber optic line or cable is changed in a
manner indicative of the temperature of the fiber optic line.
[0038] Referring additionally now to FIG. 1D, the liner assembly 36
has been expanded radially outward, so that the sealing devices 38,
40, 42, 44 are in sealing contact with the interior of the screen
assembly 12. The sealing devices 38, 40 straddle the screen 14,
thereby constraining fluid flow through the screen 14 to also flow
through the flow control device 46.
[0039] The sealing devices 40, 42 straddle the screen 16, thereby
constraining fluid flow through the screen 16 to also flow through
the flow control device 48. The sealing devices 42, 44 straddle the
screen 18, thereby constraining fluid flow through the screen 18 to
also flow through the flow control device 50.
[0040] Note that the sensors 11, 13, 15, lines 17 and junction 19
are not shown in FIG. 1D.
[0041] Referring additionally to FIG. 1E, an alternate
configuration of the liner assembly 36 is depicted, in which only
portions of the liner assembly have been radially expanded. In this
case, the sealing devices 38, 40, 42, 44 have been expanded into
sealing contact with the screen assembly 12.
[0042] This result may be accomplished by utilizing a tool
(described below) which is capable of individually expanding
portions of the liner assembly 36. Alternatively, selected portions
of the liner assembly 36 which are desired to be expanded may be
made less resistant to expansion than the remainder of the liner
assembly. For example, the sealing devices 38, 40, 42, 44 may have
a thinner cross-section, may be made of a more readily expandable
material, may be initially configured at a larger radius, thereby
producing greater hoop stresses, etc. In this manner, an inflation
pressure may be applied to the liner assembly 36 and the portions
less resistant to expansion will expand at a rate greater than the
remainder of the liner assembly. A tool for applying an inflation
pressure to the liner assembly 36 is shown in FIGS. 3A&B and is
described below, but it should be understood that such an inflation
pressure could also be applied directly to the liner assembly, for
example, at the surface.
[0043] Expansion of selected portions of the liner assembly 36 may
also be used to regulate fluid flow through the screens 14, 16, 18.
For example, if the flow control devices 46, 48, 50 are made less
resistant to radial expansion, so that flow regulating portions
thereof (described in further detail below) are radially compressed
when the inflation pressure is applied to the liner assembly 36,
this compression of the flow regulating portions may be used to
restrict fluid flow through the screens 14, 16, 18. The manner in
which compression of a flow regulating portion of a flow control
device may be used to alter a flowpath thereof and thereby regulate
fluid flow therethrough is described below.
[0044] Note that the sensors 11, 13, 15 may now be used to
individually measure characteristics of fluid flow between the
respective zones 22, 24, 26 and the interior of the liner assembly
36. Of course, other parameters and characteristics may be sensed
by the sensors 11, 13, 15, without departing from the principles of
the present invention.
[0045] Referring additionally now to FIG. 2, a swaging tool 54 is
shown being displaced through a tubular structure 56. The tubular
structure 56 may be the screen assembly 12 or the liner assembly 36
described above. As the swaging tool 54 is displaced through the
tubular structure 56, the tubular structure is radially
expanded.
[0046] Referring additionally now to FIGS. 3A&B, a tubular
membrane or inflation tool 58 is used to radially expand a tubular
structure 60. The tubular structure 56 may be the screen assembly
12 or the liner assembly 36 described above. In FIG. 3A, the
inflation tool 58 is received within the tubular structure 60, with
the inflation tool being in a deflated configuration. In FIG. 3B,
the inflation tool 58 has been inflated, for example, by applying a
fluid pressure to the interior thereof, thereby causing the tubular
structure to be expanded radially outward.
[0047] Referring additionally now to FIG. 4, a flow control device
62 embodying principles of the present invention is
representatively illustrated. The flow control device 62 may be
used for the flow control devices 46, 48, 50 in the method 10, or
it may be used in other methods. As depicted in FIG. 4, the flow
control device 62 is positioned within a well screen 64 of a screen
assembly 66. Sealing devices 68, 70 constrain fluid flowing
inwardly through the screen 64 to also pass through the flow
control device 62 before entering an internal axial flow passage 72
of a tubular structure 74 in which the flow control device is
interconnected.
[0048] The flow control device 62 includes a flow regulating
portion 76, which operates in response to a degree of compression
thereof. Note that the flow regulating portion 76 is positioned
radially between the tubular structure 74 and the screen assembly
66. When the tubular structure 74 is radially expanded, the flow
regulating portion 76 is compressed between the tubular structure
and the screen assembly 66. Conversely, when the tubular structure
74 is radially retracted, the flow regulating portion 76 is
decompressed. This degree of compression of the flow regulating
portion 76 is used to control the rate of fluid flow between the
inflow area 78 of the screen 64 and openings 80 formed through a
sidewall of the flow control device 62.
[0049] Referring additionally to FIGS. 5A&B, the manner in
which the flow regulating portion 76 controls the rate of fluid
flow therethrough is representatively illustrated. Note that the
flow regulating portion 76 includes multiple longitudinal flowpaths
or channels 82 formed between circumferentially distributed
longitudinal strips 84 of sealing material.
[0050] In addition, the flow regulating portion 76 includes a
semicircular longitudinal channel 81 in which lines 83 are
received. The lines 83 may be similar to the lines 17 in the method
10 described above. In this manner, the lines 83 may be easily and
conveniently attached to the exterior of the tubular structure 74
while it is being run into the well. That is, the lines 83 are
snapped into the longitudinal channel 81 as the tubular structure
74 is lowered into the well.
[0051] As depicted in FIG. 5A, the tubular structure 74 has been
radially expanded sufficiently for the strips 84 of sealing
material to contact the interior of the screen assembly 66. Flow
area for fluid flow between the screen inflow area 78 and the
openings 80 is provided by the channels 82.
[0052] As depicted in FIG. 5B, the tubular structure 74 has been
further radially expanded. The sealing material has been compressed
between the tubular structure 74 and the screen assembly 66, so
that the channels 82 are now reduced in height and width, thereby
reducing the flow area therethrough. Still further expansion of the
tubular structure 74 may completely close off the channels 82,
thereby preventing fluid flow therethrough.
[0053] Note that the lines 83 remain in the channel 81 and do not
affect, or only minimally affect, the amount of flow area through
the channels 82. No fluid flow is permitted through the channel 81
due to the compression of the strip 84 of sealing material on which
the channel is formed. As depicted in FIG. 5B, the lines 83 are
compressed in the channel 81 between the sealing material and the
screen assembly 66. Of course, the lines 83 could be sealingly
installed in the channel 81 initially, if desired, in which case
compression of the strip 84 of sealing material may not be used to
seal the lines 83 in the channel 81.
[0054] Alternatively, the tubular structure 74 may be radially
retracted from its configuration as shown in FIG. 5B to its
configuration as shown in FIG. 5A. In this manner, restriction to
fluid flow through the flow regulating portion 76 may be decreased
if it is desired to increase the rate of fluid flow through the
screen 64.
[0055] It will, thus, be readily appreciated that the flow control
device 62 provides a convenient means of regulating fluid flow
through the well screen 64. Expansion of the tubular structure 74
restricts, or ultimately prevents, fluid flow through the channels
82, and retraction of the tubular structure decreases the
restriction to fluid flow through the channels, thereby increasing
the rate of fluid flow through the screen 64.
[0056] Referring additionally now to FIG. 6, a tool 86 which may be
used to expand selected portions of the tubular structure 74 is
representatively illustrated received within the flow control
device 62. The tool 86 may be used to expand the sealing devices
68, 70 into sealing contact with the screen assembly 66, may be
used in the method 10 to expand portions of the liner assembly 36,
etc.
[0057] The tool 86 includes a set of axially spaced apart seals 88,
such as cup seals, and a tubular housing go. The tool 86 may be
conveyed on a coiled tubing string 94 or other type of tubular
string. Pressure is applied to the tubing string 94 to cause an
expansion portion 96 of the tool 86 to expand, thereby expanding a
portion of the tubular structure 74 opposite the expansion portion
of the tool. Note that it is not necessary for the tool 86 to be
conveyed on the tubing string 94, since pressure for expansion of
the tubular structure 74 may be delivered by a downhole pump
conveyed on wireline, etc.
[0058] In conjunction with use of the tool 86 to expand portions of
the tubular structure 74, the seals 88 and openings 92 in the
housing go are used to monitor fluid flow through the screen 64.
Specifically, when it is desired to monitor fluid flow through the
screen 64, the seals 88 are positioned straddling the openings 80.
Fluid flowing inwardly through the openings 80 between the seals 88
is thus constrained to flow inwardly through the openings 92 and
into the tool 86.
[0059] The tool 86 includes a check valve or float valve 98 and a
sensor 100. The check valve 98 prevents fluid pressure applied to
the tool 86 to expand the expansion portion 96 from being
transmitted through the openings 92 to the area between the seals
88. The sensor 100 is used to indicate a parameter of the fluid
flowing through the tool 86. For example, the sensor 100 is
schematically represented in FIG. 6 as a flowmeter, but it is to be
clearly understood that the sensor may sense temperature, pressure,
water cut, etc., or any other parameter of the fluid in addition
to, or instead of, the flow rate.
[0060] In operation, the tool 86 is conveyed into the tubular
structure 74 and positioned so that the expansion portion 96 is
opposite the portion of the tubular structure to be expanded. As
depicted in FIG. 6, the expansion portion 96 is positioned opposite
the flow regulating portion 76 of the flow control device 62.
Pressure is applied to the tubular string 94, causing the expansion
portion 96 to expand radially outward, and thereby causing the
expansion portion to contact and radially expand the tubular
structure 74. As depicted in FIG. 6, radial expansion of the
expansion portion 96 would cause radial compression of the flow
regulating portion 76, thereby increasing the restriction to fluid
flow therethrough.
[0061] The effectiveness of this operation may be verified by
repositioning the tool 86 so that the seals 88 straddle the
openings 80. Fluid flowing inwardly through the openings 80 will
flow into the openings 92, and parameters, such as flow rate, may
be measured by the sensor 100. If the flow rate is too high, the
tool 86 may again be repositioned so that the expansion portion 96
is opposite the flow regulating portion 76 and the operation may be
repeated until the desired flow rate is achieved. Note that a
bypass passage 101 may be provided in the tool 86, so that
production from the well below the flow control device 62 may be
continued during the expansion and flow rate measuring
operations.
[0062] It will be readily appreciated that the tool 86 provides a
convenient and effective means for individually adjusting the rate
of fluid flow through well screens downhole. This result is
accomplished merely by conveying the tool 86 into the tubular
structure 74, positioning it opposite the structure to be expanded,
applying pressure to the tool, and repositioning the tool to verify
that the flow rate is as desired. While the fluid flow rate is
being adjusted and verified, the bypass passage 101 permits
production from the well below the tool 86 to continue.
[0063] Referring additionally now to FIG. 7, an enlarged scale
cross-sectional view of the expansion portion 96 of the tool 86 is
representatively illustrated. The expansion portion 96 includes an
annular-shaped resilient member 102 carried on a generally tubular
mandrel 104. A piston 106 is also carried on the mandrel 104.
[0064] The piston 106 is in fluid communication with an internal
fluid passage 107 of the mandrel 104 by means of openings 108
formed through a sidewall of the mandrel. Pressure applied
internally to the tubing string 94 is communicated to the passage
107 and is, thus, applied to the piston 106, biasing the piston
downwardly and thereby axially compressing the member 102. When the
member 102 is axially compressed, it also expands radially outward.
Such radially outward expansion of the member 102 may be used to
radially expand portions of the tubular structure 74 as described
above.
[0065] Note that the tool 86 may be used to individually regulate
fluid flow through multiple well screens. For example, in the
method 10 as depicted in FIG. 1E, the tool 86 may be used to expand
the flow control devices 46, 48, 50 so that a flow rate through the
screen 18 is less than a flow rate through the screen 16, and the
flow rate through the screen 16 is less than a flow rate through
the screen 14. This result may be accomplished merely by using the
tool 86 to expand a flow regulating portion of the flow control
device 50 more than expansion of a flow regulating portion of the
flow control device 48, and to expand the flow regulating portion
of the flow control device 48 more than expansion of a flow
regulating portion of the flow control device 46. Thus, the flow
rate through each of the screens 14, 16, 18 may be individually
controlled using the tool 86.
[0066] Referring additionally now to FIG. 8, an alternate
configuration of a flow control device 110 embodying principles of
the present invention is representatively illustrated. The flow
control device 110 is similar in many respects to the flow control
device 62 described above, and it is depicted in FIG. 8 received
within the screen assembly 66 shown in FIG. 4. Portions of the flow
control device 110 which are similar to those of the flow control
device 62 are indicated in FIG. 8 using the same reference
numbers.
[0067] The flow control device 110 differs from the flow control
device 62 in part in that the flow control device 110 has the
openings 80 axially separated from the flow regulating portion 76.
Thus, as viewed in FIGS. 5A&B, the openings 80 of the flow
control device 110 are not located at the bottoms of the channels
82 but are instead positioned between the flow regulating portion
76 and the sealing device 68.
[0068] Referring additionally now to FIG. 9, a flow regulating
portion 112 which may be used for the flow regulating portion 76 in
the flow control device 62 or 110 is representatively illustrated.
The flow regulating portion 112 includes channels 114 formed
thereon in sealing material 116. The channels 114 undulate, so that
they are at some points more restrictive to fluid flow therethrough
than at other points. This channel configuration may provide a
desired restriction to flow through the flow regulating portion 112
when the material 116 is radially compressed.
[0069] A plug 118 may be installed in one or more of the channels
114 to further restrict fluid flow through the flow regulating
portion 112. In this manner, the flow regulating portion 112 may be
set up before it is installed, based on information about the
particular zone from which fluid will be produced through the flow
regulating portion, to provide a desired range of flow restriction.
This is readily accomplished by selecting a number of the channels
114 in which to install the plugs 118.
[0070] Referring additionally now to FIG. 10, another alternate
configuration of a flow regulating portion 120 is representatively
illustrated. The flow regulating portion 120 has channels 122
formed thereon, which follow tortuous paths across the flow
regulating portion. The tortuous shape of the channels 122 provides
restriction to fluid flow through the channels. One or more of the
channels 122 may be plugged, if desired, to provide further
restriction to flow, for example, by using one or more of the plugs
118 as described above.
[0071] The channels 122, 114, 82 have been described above as if
they are formed with an open side facing outwardly on the flow
regulating portions 76, 112, 120. However, it is to be clearly
understood that the channels 122, 114, 82 may be otherwise-shaped
and may be differently positioned on the flow regulating portions
76, 112, 120, without departing from the principles of the present
invention. For example, the channels 122, 114, 82 could be formed
internally in the flow regulating portions 76, 112, 120, the
channels could have circular cross-sections, etc.
[0072] Referring additionally now to FIGS. 11A&B, a tool 126
used to radially retract portions of a tubular structure 128 is
representatively illustrated. The tool 126 is preferably conveyed
on a tubular string 130, such as a coiled tubing string, but it
could also be conveyed by wireline or any other conveyance.
[0073] The tool 126 is inserted into the tubular structure 128 and
seals 131 carried externally on the tool are positioned straddling
a portion 132 of the tubular structure to be retracted. In the
example depicted in FIGS. 11A&B, the portion 132 corresponds to
a flow regulating portion 134 of a flow control device 136.
Pressure is then applied to the tool 126, which causes a pressure
decrease to be applied in the area between the seals 131.
[0074] The tool 126 includes a piston 138 reciprocably received
within a generally tubular outer housing 140 of the tool. Openings
142 are formed through the piston 138 and provide fluid
communication with an axial passage 144, which is in fluid
communication with the interior of the tubing string 130. Openings
146 are formed through the housing 140, providing fluid
communication with the exterior thereof.
[0075] When pressure is applied to the passage 144 via the tubing
string 130, the differential between the pressure in the passage
and the pressure external to the housing 140 causes the piston 138
to displace upwardly, thereby creating a pressure decrease in the
area between the seals 131. This creates a pressure differential
across the portion 132 of the tubular structure 128, causing the
portion 132 to radially retract inwardly toward the tool 126. Thus,
the piston 138 and associated bores of the housing 140 in which the
piston is sealingly engaged are a pressure generator for producing
a decreased pressure between the seals 131.
[0076] Referring specifically now to FIG. 11B, the tool 126 and
tubular structure 128 are depicted after the portion 132 has been
radially retracted. Note that the flow regulating portion 134 is
decompressed as compared to that shown in FIG. 11A and, therefore,
flow therethrough should be less restricted. A bypass passage 147
permits production of fluids from the well below the tool 126
during use of the tool, since the bypass passage interconnects the
well below the tool with an annulus 149 formed between the tool and
the tubular structure 128 above the seals 131.
[0077] Referring additionally now to FIG. 12, an alternate
configuration of the retraction tool 126 is representatively
illustrated. Only a lower portion of the alternately configured
retraction tool 126 is shown in FIG. 12, it being understood that
the remainder of the tool is similar to that described above in
relation to FIGS. 11A&B.
[0078] The alternately configured retraction tool 126 differs
substantially from the retraction tool depicted in FIGS. 11A&B
in that, instead of the seals 131, the retraction tool depicted in
FIG. 12 includes two annular pistons 150 sealingly and reciprocably
disposed on the housing 140. The pistons 150 have seals 152 carried
externally thereon for sealing engagement straddling the portion
132 of the tubular structure 128 to be retracted.
[0079] Additionally, a series of annular stop members 154 are
positioned between the pistons 150. Each of the stop members 154 is
generally C-shaped, so that the stop members may be radially
expanded as depicted in FIG. 12. When radially expanded, the stop
members 154 are inherently biased radially inwardly, due to the
resiliency of the material (e.g., steel) from which they are
made.
[0080] The stop members 154 are radially expanded when the pistons
150 displace toward each other and the stop members are "squeezed"
between the pistons and wedge members 156 positioned between the
stop members. The pistons 150 and wedge members 156 have inclined
surfaces formed thereon so that, when the pistons displace toward
each other, the stop members 154 are radially expanded.
[0081] The pistons 150 are made to displace toward each other when
the piston 138 displaces upwardly as described above, that is, when
fluid pressure is applied to the passage 144. It will be readily
appreciated that a reduced pressure in the area between the pistons
150 (due to upward displacement of the piston 138) will bias the
pistons 150 toward each other. When fluid pressure is released from
the passage 144, the pistons 150 are no longer biased toward each
other, and the resiliency of the stop members 154 will bias the
pistons 150 to displace away from each other, thereby permitting
the stop members to radially retract.
[0082] As depicted in FIG. 12, the piston 138 has displaced
upwardly, thereby creating a reduced pressure in the area between
the pistons 150. The pistons 150 have displaced toward each other,
and the portion 132 of the tubular structure 128 has radially
retracted, in response to the reduced pressure. The stop members
154 have been radially expanded in response to the displacement of
the pistons 150 and serve to prevent further radial retraction of
the portion 132.
[0083] Thus, the stop members 154 are useful in limiting the radial
retraction of the portion 132. For example, the stop members 154
may be dimensioned to prevent the portion 132 from being radially
retracted to such an extent that it prevents retrieval of the tool
126, or the stop members 154 may be dimensioned to cause the
portion 132 to radially retract to a certain position, so that the
flow regulating portion 134 provides a desired restriction to flow
therethrough.
[0084] Referring additionally now to FIG. 13, a tool 160 used to
radially extend portions of a tubular structure 162 is
representatively illustrated. The tool 160 is preferably conveyed
on a tubular string 164, such as a coiled tubing string, but it
could also be conveyed by wireline or any other conveyance.
[0085] The tool 160 is inserted into the tubular structure 162 and
seals 166 carried externally on the tool are positioned straddling
a portion 168 of the tubular structure to be extended. In the
example depicted in FIG. 13, the portion 168 corresponds to a flow
regulating portion 170 of a flow control device 172. Pressure is
then applied to the tool 160, which causes a pressure increase to
be applied in the area between the seals 166.
[0086] The tool 160 includes a piston 174 reciprocably received
within a generally tubular outer housing 176 of the tool. Openings
178 are formed through the piston 174 and provide fluid
communication with an axial passage 180, which is in fluid
communication with the interior of the tubing string 164. Openings
182 are formed through the housing 176, providing fluid
communication with the exterior thereof.
[0087] When pressure is applied to the passage 180 via the tubing
string 164, the differential between the pressure in the passage
and the pressure external to the housing 176 causes the piston 174
to displace downwardly against an upwardly biasing force exerted by
a spring or other bias member 184, thereby creating a pressure
increase in the area between the seals 166. Due to multiple
differential areas formed on the piston 174 and housing 176, the
pressure between the seals 166 is greater than the pressure in the
passage 180, although the use of multiple differential areas and a
pressure between the seals greater than pressure in the passage is
not necessary in keeping with the principles of the present
invention. The piston 174 and the bores of the housing 176 in which
the piston is sealingly received, thus, form a pressure generator
for producing an increased pressure between the seals 166.
[0088] This pressure increase between the seals 166 creates a
pressure differential across the portion 168 of the tubular
structure 162, causing the portion 168 to radially extend outwardly
away from the tool 160. Such outward extension of the portion 168
may be used to decrease a rate of fluid flow through the flow
regulating portion 170.
[0089] When the fluid pressure is released from the passage 180,
the spring 184 displaces the piston 174 upward, and the tool 160 is
ready to radially extend another portion of the tubular structure
162, for example, to regulate flow through another flow control
device, etc. Alternatively, fluid flow through the flow regulating
portion 170 may be checked after the portion 168 is extended, for
example, utilizing the seals 88, housing go and sensor 100 as
described above for the tool 86 depicted in FIG. 6, and the portion
168 may be further extended by applying further fluid pressure to
the passage 180, if needed to further reduce fluid flow through the
flow regulating portion. A bypass passage 186 permits production of
fluid from the well below the tool 160 during the use of the
tool.
[0090] Referring additionally now to FIG. 14, another method 190
embodying principles of the present invention is representatively
illustrated. The method 190 is similar in many respects to the
method 10 described above. However, the method 190 is performed in
a wellbore 192 lined with protective casing 194, and well screens
are not utilized. Instead, fluid flow from a formation or zone 196
intersected by the wellbore 192 enters perforations 198 formed
through the casing 194 and passes through a flow control device 200
interconnected between sealing devices 202 in a liner assembly 204.
In the method 190, the perforations 198 are analogous to the inflow
area (the openings 52) of the each of the well screens 14, 16, 18
in the method 10.
[0091] The sealing devices 202 may be similar to any of the sealing
devices 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 40, 42, 44, 68, 70 described above. The
flow control device 200 may be similar to any of the flow control
devices 46, 48, 50, 62, 110, 136, 172 described above.
[0092] In the method 190, the liner assembly 204 is conveyed into
the wellbore 192 and positioned so that the sealing devices 202
straddle the perforations 198. The liner assembly 204 is expanded
radially outward as described above for the liner assembly 36.
Substantially all of the liner assembly 204 may be expanded, or
only portions thereof (such as the sealing devices 202) may be
expanded. For example, selected portions of the liner assembly 204
may be configured so that they are less resistant to extension
thereof than other portions of the liner assembly, as described for
the liner assembly 36 above in relation to FIG. 1E. Expansion of
the liner assembly 204 causes the sealing devices 202 to sealingly
engage the casing 194 on each side of the perforations 198.
[0093] The flow control device 200 may then be utilized to regulate
a rate of fluid flow into the liner assembly 204. To regulate the
fluid flow, a flow regulating portion of the flow control device
200 may be compressed between the liner assembly 204 and the casing
194 by radially outwardly expanding a portion of the flow control
device, as described above for the flow regulating portions 76,
112, 134, 170. The tools 86, 126, 160 may be used with the liner
assembly 204 to radially expand or retract portions of the liner
assembly to increase or decrease fluid flow through the flow
regulating portion of the flow control device 200.
[0094] Thus, the method 190 demonstrates that the principles of the
present invention may be utilized in cased wellbores and in
situations where a screen assembly is not utilized. In general, the
liner assembly 204 is used to control fluid flow through the casing
194 in the method 190 in a manner similar to the way the liner
assembly 36 is used to control fluid flow through the well screens
14, 16, 18 in the method 10.
[0095] It will now be fully appreciated that the present invention
provides convenient, economical and functionally enhanced
regulation of fluid flow downhole. Additionally, flow through well
screens may be individually controlled and monitored using the
principles of the present invention. This result is accomplished
merely by expanding and retracting portions of a tubular structure
with an associated flow regulating device.
[0096] Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful
consideration of the above description of representative
embodiments of the invention, readily appreciate that many
modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other
changes may be made to these specific embodiments, and such changes
are contemplated by the principles of the present invention.
Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be clearly
understood as being given by way of illustration and example only,
the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited solely
by the appended claims.
* * * * *