U.S. patent application number 12/814177 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-16 for routing an electrical signal past a downhole connection used for semi stiff wellbore intervention rod.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ziebel US, Inc.. Invention is credited to Henning Hansen, Kaj Stokkeland.
Application Number | 20100314096 12/814177 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43305404 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100314096 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hansen; Henning ; et
al. |
December 16, 2010 |
Routing an electrical signal past a downhole connection used for
semi stiff wellbore intervention rod
Abstract
An electrically-enabled semi-stiff wellbore rod and guide nose
system is provided, the system including at least one electrical
cable disposed in a semi stiff wellbore intervention rod, a
termination housing having one end connected to the end of the rod,
the termination housing containing fiber optic sensors and the at
least one electrical cable, a crossover connected to the other end
of the termination housing, a ported coupling connected to the end
of the crossover on one end of the ported coupling and having a
lower termination for connection to devices on the other end of the
ported coupling, where the at least one electrical cable extends
through the interior of the crossover from the termination housing
and to the ported coupling, one or several pressure-tight tubing(s)
surrounding the at least one electrical cable in the interior of
the crossover, where the at least one electrical cable is not in
pressure communication with the interior of the interior of the
crossover, the at least one electrical cable terminating for
electrically connectable reception by devices at the lower
termination.
Inventors: |
Hansen; Henning; (Dolores,
ES) ; Stokkeland; Kaj; (Sirevag, NO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARNOLD & KNOBLOCH, L.L.P.
4900 Woodway Dr., Suite 900
HOUSTON
TX
77056
US
|
Assignee: |
Ziebel US, Inc.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
43305404 |
Appl. No.: |
12/814177 |
Filed: |
June 11, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61186286 |
Jun 11, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/65.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 17/003 20130101;
E21B 47/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/65.1 |
International
Class: |
E21B 47/01 20060101
E21B047/01 |
Claims
1. A system for providing an electrical path from an intervention
rod to the end of a tool, the system comprising: a semi stiff
wellbore intervention rod; a tool mechanically attached to an end
of the intervention rod; wherein the intervention rod further
comprises an electrical wire emplaced within the rod, providing an
electrical path, and an optical fiber emplaced within the rod;
wherein the electrical wire extends continuously out of the end of
the rod into the tool; and wherein the electrical path extends to
an electrical connector at the end of the tool, providing access to
the electrical path on the exterior side proximate to the end of
the tool.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the optical fiber extends into the
tool.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the tool further comprises a first
chamber and a ported chamber, and wherein the electrical wire
extends into the first chamber of the tool.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the electrical path extends
through the ported chamber to the electrical connector at the end
of the tool.
5. The system of claim 3 wherein the ported chamber is isolated
from the first chamber.
6. The system of claim 3 wherein the pressure in the ported chamber
is isolated from the first chamber.
7. The system of claim 3 wherein the optical fiber is optically
connected to a sensor in communication with the ported chamber.
8. A system for providing an electrical path from an intervention
rod to the end of a tool, the system comprising: a semi stiff
wellbore intervention rod; a tool mechanically attached to an end
of the intervention rod; wherein the intervention rod further
comprises an electrical wire emplaced within the rod, providing an
electrical path, and an optical fiber emplaced within the rod;
wherein the tool further comprises a first chamber and a ported
chamber; wherein the electrical wire extends continuously out of
the end of the rod into the first chamber of the tool; wherein the
optical fiber extends to a sensor in communication with the ported
chamber; wherein the pressure in the ported chamber is isolated
from the first chamber; and wherein the electrical path extends
through the ported chamber to an electrical connector at the end of
the tool, providing access to the electrical path on the exterior
side proximate to the end of the tool.
9. An electrically-enabled semi-stiff wellbore rod and guide nose
system, the system comprising: at least one electrical cable
disposed in a semi stiff wellbore intervention rod; a termination
housing having one end connected to the end of the rod, the
termination housing containing fiber optic sensors and the at least
one electrical cable; a crossover connected to the other end of the
termination housing; a ported coupling comprising: a first end
connected to the end of the crossover, and a lower termination
disposed on a second end of the ported coupling for connection to
devices; wherein the at least one electrical cable extends through
the interior of the crossover from the termination housing and to
the ported coupling, and one or more pressure-tight tubes surround
the at least one electrical cable in the interior of the crossover;
and wherein the at least one electrical cable is not in pressure
communication with the interior of the crossover, and the at least
one electrical cable terminates for electrically connectable
reception by devices at the lower termination.
Description
REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/186,286, filed Jun. 11th, 2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to wellbore intervention rods and, in
a particular example, providing electrical communication from the
semi-stiff intervention rod to the lower end of a guide nose.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A semi-stiff, spoolable "carbon" rod (commercialized by
Ziebel AS of Norway) is deployable into a wellbore. The semi-stiff,
spoolable characteristic of the rod enables the rod to be pushed
into a wellbore in a manner similar to deployment of coiled tubing.
A guide nose is typically attached to the lower, deployed, end of
the rod.
[0004] Fiber optic sensing is incorporated in the rod and into the
guide nose that is connected to the lower end of the rod. The fiber
optic sensing typically measures various environmental parameters,
such as distributed temperature sensing (DTS). Distributed
temperature sensing (DTS) is typically measured along substantially
the entire rod length. Point measurements are also taken at and in
the guide nose. These point measurements typically include
environmental parameters such as temperature, pressure, and
vibration.
[0005] While fiber optic sensing has been successfully incorporated
in the rod and into the guide nose, at least one of the inventors
has recognized a need to add electrically-powered devices,
including logging tools and intervention tools, unto the lower end
of the guide nose. At least one of the inventors has recognized
that these electrically-powered devices need to have electrical
power made available to them, the electrical power made available
from the lower end of the guide nose or an otherwise proximate
location.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one example, a device is provided having means for
routing one or several electrical cables past one or several fiber
optic sensors within a connection coupled to a semi stiff wellbore
intervention rod.
[0007] In one example, a device is provided incorporating an
electrical connection below a tool having one or several fiber
optic sensors incorporated. In a further example, one or several
fiber optic connectors are incorporated in a lower connection of a
tool. In a further example, one or several fiber optic connectors
and one or several electrical connectors are implemented in a lower
connection of a tool. In another example, a hydraulic coupling is
implemented in a lower connection of a tool.
[0008] In one set of examples, a system for providing an electrical
path from an intervention rod to the end of a tool is provided. The
system includes: a semi stiff wellbore intervention rod; and a tool
mechanically attached to an end of the intervention rod. The
intervention rod further includes an electrical wire emplaced
within the rod, providing an electrical path, and an optical fiber
emplaced within the rod. The electrical wire extends continuously
out of the end of the rod into the tool. The electrical path
extends to an electrical connector at the end of the tool,
providing access to the electrical path on the exterior side
proximate to the end of the tool.
[0009] In another example, the optical fiber extends into the tool.
In a further example, the tool further includes a first chamber and
a ported chamber, and the electrical wire extends into the first
chamber of the tool. In another example, the electrical path
extends through the ported chamber to the electrical connector at
the end of the tool. In another example, the ported chamber is
isolated from the first chamber. In another example, the pressure
in the ported chamber is isolated from the first chamber. In
another example, the optical fiber is optically connected to a
sensor that is in communication with the ported chamber.
[0010] In another example, a system for providing an electrical
path from an intervention rod to the end of a tool is provided. The
system includes: a semi stiff wellbore intervention rod; and a tool
mechanically attached to an end of the intervention rod. The
intervention rod further includes an electrical wire emplaced
within the rod, providing an electrical path, and an optical fiber
emplaced within the rod. The tool further comprises a first chamber
and a ported chamber. The electrical wire extends continuously out
of the end of the rod into a first chamber of the tool. The optical
fiber extends to a sensor that is in communication with the ported
chamber. The pressure in the ported chamber is isolated from the
first chamber. The electrical path extends through the ported
chamber to an electrical connector at the end of the tool,
providing access to the electrical path on the exterior side
proximate to the end of the tool.
[0011] In one example, an electrically-enabled semi-stiff wellbore
rod and guide nose system is provided, the system including at
least one electrical cable disposed in a semi stiff wellbore
intervention rod, a termination housing having one end connected to
the end of the rod, the termination housing containing fiber optic
sensors and the at least one electrical cable, a crossover
connected to the other end of the termination housing, a ported
coupling having a first end connected to the end of the crossover,
and a lower termination disposed on a second end of the ported
coupling for connection to devices, where the at least one
electrical cable extends through the interior of the crossover from
the termination housing and to the ported coupling, one or several
pressure-tight tubing(s) surrounding the at least one electrical
cable in the interior of the crossover, where the at least one
electrical cable is not in pressure communication with the interior
of the interior of the crossover, the at least one electrical cable
terminating for electrically connectable reception by devices at
the lower termination.
[0012] In at least some examples, one of the advantages of using
such a tubing encased-cable solution, is that the cables will not
be subjected to any wellbore fluids, and it also simplifies the
construction and manufacturing of the mechanical housing system for
the tool. Standard industry tube couplings, as for example the
well-known "Swagelok", can provide a seal tight connection for the
tubing to the housing, cross-over's and similar.
[0013] In one example, the small diameter tubing is placed in the
available area within the tool housing.
[0014] In one example, the same method as herein described is used
to route one or several fiber optic cables, and/or hydraulic lines
for operation of tools below, past a termination housing. In a
further example, the connector in the lower tool end contains one
or several fiber optic couplers, and, in a still further example,
one or several hydraulic couplers.
SUMMARY OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a 2-D cut-away view and example of a
standard method of terminating a semi-stiff wellbore intervention
rod.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a 2-D cut-away view and example of an
electrically-enabled semi-stiff wellbore rod and termination.
TABLE-US-00001 1: termination housing 2: semi stiff wellbore
intervention rod 3: pressure sensor 4, 5, 6: sensors 7: support
material 8: epoxy or glue 9: injection port 10: crossover 11:
crossover threads 12: ported coupling 12A: lower termination 12B:
electrical connection 13: pressure-tight tubing 14: tools 15:
electric cable 16: oil filled buffer tube
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Ziebel AS of Norway has deployed and commercialized a
semi-stiff, spoolable, rod system containing sensing fibers and/or
electrical cable(s) for sensing. Ziebel uses the spoolable rod to
provide services under the service mark "ZipLog". The system is
based on pushing the spoolable rod into producing and/or fluid
injection wellbores. The spoolable rod is typically pushed inside a
tubing string (production tubing) which is inserted into the well
coaxially to the wellbore casing. The sensing elements incorporated
into the spoolable rod make it possible to provide real time data
to the surface about well conditions during production, injection
and shut-in.
[0018] The intervention rod can be described as semi stiff,
spoolable rod made from glass, carbon or other fiber reinforced
plastic. In some examples, an intervention rod includes one or more
insulated electrical conductors, one or more fluid conduits (steel
tube or other tube) and/or optical fibers embedded therein. In some
examples, the optical fibers are enclosed in a steel tube. In one
example, the optical fiber includes spaced-apart Bragg gratings
along its length at selected intervals to perform as a distributed
temperature or pressure sensor.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a 2-D cut-away view and example of a
standard method of terminating a semi stiff wellbore intervention
rod. FIG. 1 illustrates a standard method of terminating the semi
stiff rod (2), where sensors (4, 5 and 6) are built into the
termination housing (1), often referred to as "guidenose" or
"bullnose". The version illustrated contains fiber optic sensing
only.
[0020] In one example, the device contains a pressure sensor (3),
coupled to oil filled buffer tube (16) where this buffer tube is
used to protect the pressure sensor element from direct contact
with corrosive well fluids. The buffer tube (16) is housed within a
crossover (10) that is coupled to the termination housing (1) by
threads (11). The wellbore pressure reaches the sensor through a
ported coupling (12) connected to the lower end of the tool system.
In one example, sensors (4, 5 and 6) within the termination housing
(1) are being supported to protect from impact and vibration by a
support material (7).
[0021] In one example, the tool is secured onto the semi stiff rod
(2). In one example, epoxy or glue (8) is injected between the rod
(2) and the termination housing (1) via an injection port (9). In
one example, injection port (9) is plugged off upon completion of
installation. In other examples, other methods of securing the rod
(2) to the termination housing (1) are be used, as for example
mechanical gripping.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a 2-D cut-away view and example of an
electrically-enabled semi-stiff wellbore rod and termination. FIG.
2 incorporates the components as illustrated in FIG. 1, and
additionally a lower termination (12A) for the semi stiff rod (2)
is introduced. In this termination (12A), an electric cable (15) is
incorporated. In one example, electrical cable is routed past the
standard layout in the tool, and is then fed past the wellbore
fluid exposed area, where the buffer tube (16) is located, within a
pressure-tight tubing (13). In the lowermost end of the guidenose a
dry mateable type electrical connection (12B) is incorporated. In
one example, this connection provides the contact for tools (14)
that are mounted into the lower end of the guidenose.
[0023] In one example, termination housing (1) and crossover (10)
and ported coupling (12) form a tool that is mechanically attached
to one end of the semi stiff wellbore intervention rod (2).
Intervention rod (2) carries at least one electrical wire or cable
(15) that is incorporated, integrated into, disposed within or
otherwise emplaced within the fibrous composition of the rod. This
electrical wire or cable (15) provides an electrical path within
the rod (2). Intervention rod (2) carries at least one optical
fiber {for example, as connecting pressure sensor (3) and sensors
(4, 5, and 6)} that is incorporated, integrated into, disposed
within or otherwise emplaced within the mechanically fibrous
composition of the rod.
[0024] The electrical wire or cable (15) extends continuously out
of the end of the rod (2) and into the tool. In one example,
electrical wire or cable (15) extends continuously out of the end
of the rod (2) and into a first chamber, such as the interior of
termination housing (1). An electrical connector is not required as
the protrusion of the wire or cable from the mechanically fibrous
portion of the rod eliminates the need for an electrical connector.
Upon exit from the mechanically fibrous portion of the rod, in one
example, the electrical path of wire or cable (15) is extended by
soldering additional wire or cable to reach along the length of the
tool or otherwise forming an electrical connection to the end of
the tool.
[0025] In one example, the interior of crossover (10) forms a
ported chamber. At least one optical fiber extends out of the rod
(2) and into the tool to a sensor, such as pressure sensor (3). The
optical fiber is optically connected to a sensor that is in
communication with the ported chamber. In one example, pressure
sensor (3) is in communication with the ported chamber by the
connection between pressure sensor (3) to oil filled tube buffer
tube (16).
[0026] In one example, means are provided to isolate the first
chamber from the ported chamber, as in one example, crossover (10)
from termination housing (1). In one example, means are provided to
isolate the pressure in the ported chamber from the first chamber,
as in one example, pressure tight tubing (13) or buffer tube
(16).
[0027] The electrical path of wire or cable (15) extends through
the first chamber and the ported chamber to an electrical connector
at the end of the tool, such as electrical connection (12B) that is
connected to lower termination (12A). Access is therefore provided
to the electrical path of wire or cable (15) on the outside (the
exterior side) of the tool, approximately at the end of the
tool.
[0028] In an example where no such tools are attached, the
connection is sealed off using a blank plug. In another example,
where tools are to be attached to the lower end that do not require
electrical power, the connection to the first tool attached is
sealed off from the connection by pressure-tight o-rings.
[0029] In one example, the device bypasses of one or several
electrical cables within one or several tubes, and, therefore,
provides an electrical connection in the lower end of the tool. To
our knowledge, no tools having the combination of fiber optic
sensing and electrical connection as herein described exist.
[0030] Other examples of the device are not dependent on: the rod
diameters illustrated in these examples, how the guidenose is
attached to the rod, or the design of the guidenose. One familiar
with the technology will understand that various solutions for
these attributes are possible.
[0031] In one example, a means is provided for routing one or
several electrical cables past one or several fiber optic sensors
within a connection coupled to a semi stiff wellbore intervention
rod.
[0032] In one example, a device is provided incorporating an
electrical connection below a tool having one or several fiber
optic sensors incorporated.
[0033] In one example, a device is provided incorporating an
electrical connection below a tool having one or several fiber
optic sensors incorporated, where one or several fiber optic
connectors are incorporated in a lower connection of a tool.
[0034] In one example, a device is provided incorporating an
electrical connection below a tool having one or several fiber
optic sensors incorporated, where one or several fiber optic
connectors and one or several electrical connectors are
incorporated in a lower connection of a tool.
[0035] In one example, a device is provided incorporating an
electrical connection below a tool having one or several fiber
optic sensors incorporated, where one or several fiber optic
connectors are incorporated in a lower connection of a tool, and
where a hydraulic coupling is implemented in a lower connection of
a tool.
[0036] In one example, a device is provided incorporating an
electrical connection below a tool having one or several fiber
optic sensors incorporated, where one or several fiber optic
connectors and one or several electrical connectors are
incorporated in a lower connection of a tool, where a hydraulic
coupling is implemented in a lower connection of a tool.
[0037] Various aspects of the invention, including alternative
embodiments and the various functionalities associated therewith,
are disclosed with particularity in the attached drawing sheets,
FIGS. 1 & 2. The inventors submit that those of ordinary skill
in the art will recognize and be able to appreciate the advantages
of the apparatus, along with its associated methods and/or
resulting systems.
[0038] Thus, the foregoing description is presented for purposes of
illustration and description, and is not intended to limit the
invention to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations
and modifications commensurate with the above teachings and the
teaching of the relevant art are within the spirit of the
invention. Such variations will readily suggest themselves to those
skilled in the relevant structural or mechanical art. Further, the
embodiments described are also intended to explain the best mode
for practicing the invention, and to enable others skilled in the
art to utilize the invention and such or other embodiments and with
various modifications required by the particular applications or
uses of the invention.
* * * * *