U.S. patent application number 13/661710 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-01 for rfid actuated gravel pack valves.
This patent application is currently assigned to Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.. Invention is credited to John P. Broussard, Christopher A. Hall.
Application Number | 20140116713 13/661710 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50545926 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140116713 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Broussard; John P. ; et
al. |
May 1, 2014 |
RFID Actuated Gravel Pack Valves
Abstract
A device and method that, on a command from the surface, a seat
in a tubular may be moved into the bore of a tubular so that a ball
of the appropriate size may be caught. The seat may also be moved
out of the bore on command so that a ball of the appropriate size
will not be caught by the seat.
Inventors: |
Broussard; John P.;
(Kingwood, TX) ; Hall; Christopher A.; (Cypress,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
50545926 |
Appl. No.: |
13/661710 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/316 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 34/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/316 |
International
Class: |
E21B 34/06 20060101
E21B034/06 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A downhole releasable valve seat, comprising: a housing having
an interior; a valve seat located in the interior, the valve seat
having at least two segments, the segments having a first position
and a second position; and a receiver receiving a signal and moving
the segments, upon receipt of the signal, between the first
position and the second position.
22. The seat of claim 21, wherein the segments move radially
between the first position and the second position.
23. The seat of claim 21, wherein the segments in the first
position allow a plug to pass through the interior; and wherein the
segments in the second position catch the plug.
24. The seat of claim 23, wherein the segments in the second
position form a seal with the caught plug.
25. The seat of claim 21, wherein the receiver actuates a lock, the
lock moving the segments between the first position and the second
position.
26. The seat of claim 21, wherein the receiver receives the signal
communicated by a radio frequency identification device.
27. The seat of claim 21, wherein the receiver receives the signal
communicated by a pressure pulse.
28. A downhole releasable valve seat, comprising: a housing having
an interior; a valve seat located in the interior, the valve seat
including a collet having at least two fingers, the fingers having
a first position and a second position; and a receiver receiving a
signal and moving, upon receipt of the signal, the fingers between
the first position and the second position.
29. The seat of claim 28, wherein the fingers move radially between
the first position and the second position.
30. The seat of claim 28, wherein the fingers in the first position
allow a plug to pass through the interior; and wherein the fingers
in the second position catch the plug.
31. The seat of claim 30, wherein the fingers in the second
position form a seal with the caught plug.
32. The seat of claim 28, wherein the receiver actuates a lock, the
lock moving the fingers between the first position and the second
position.
33. The seat of claim 28, wherein the receiver receives the signal
communicated by a radio frequency identification device.
34. The seat of claim 28, wherein the receiver receives the signal
communicated by a pressure pulse.
35. A downhole valve, comprising: a housing having an interior; a
valve located in the interior, the valve having at least two
segments, the segments having a first position and a second
position; and a receiver receiving a signal and moving, upon
receipt of the signal, the segments between the first position and
the second position.
36. The valve of claim 35, wherein the segments move radially
between the first position and the second position.
37. The valve of claim 35, wherein the segments in the first
position allow fluid to pass through the interior; and wherein the
segments in the second position block fluid flow through the
interior.
38. The valve of claim 37, wherein the segments in the second
position form a seal.
39. The valve of claim 35, wherein the receiver actuates a lock,
the lock moving the segments between the first position and the
second position.
40. The valve of claim 35, wherein the receiver receives the signal
communicated by a radio frequency identification device.
41. The valve of claim 35, wherein the receiver receives the signal
communicated by a pressure pulse.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Hydrocarbon wells, horizontal wells in particular, typically
have sections of wellscreens having a perforated inner tube with an
overlying screen portion. The purpose of the screen is to block the
flow of particulate matter into the interior of the production
tubing. Despite the wellscreen some contaminants and other
particulate matter still enter the production tubing. The
particulate matter usually occurs naturally or is part of the
drilling and production process. As the production fluids are
recovered the particulate matter is also recovered at the surface.
The particulate matter causes a number of problems in that the
material is usually abrasive reducing the life of any associated
production equipment. By controlling and reducing the amount of
particulate matter that is pumped to the surface overall production
costs are reduced.
[0002] Even though the particulate matter may be too large to be
produced the particulate matter may cause problems at the downhole
wellscreens. As the well fluids are produced the larger particulate
matter is trapped in the filter element of the wellscreens. Over
the life of the well as more and more particulate matter is trapped
in the filter elements the filter elements will become clogged and
restrict flow of the well fluids to the surface.
[0003] A method of reducing the inflow of particulate matter before
it reaches the wellscreens is to pack gravel or sand in the annular
area between the wellscreen and the wellbore. Packing gravel or
sand in the annulus provides the producing formation with a
stabilizing force to prevent any material around the annulus from
collapsing to produce particulate matter and it also provides a
pre-filter to stop the flow of particulate matter before it reaches
the wellscreen.
[0004] In typical gravel packing operations a screen and packer are
run into the wellbore together. Once the screens and packer are
properly located the packer is set so that it forms a seal between
wellbore and the screen isolating the region above the packer from
the region below the packer. The screen is also attached to the
packer so that it hangs down in the wellbore forming an annular
region around the exterior portion of the screen. The bottom of the
screen is sealed so that any fluid that enters the screen should
pass through the screening or filtering material. The upper end of
the screen is usually referred to as the heel and the lower end of
the screen is usually referred to as the toe of the well.
[0005] Typically a washpipe subassembly is put together on the
surface and then run into the wellbore where it stings through the
packer and then run into the screen. The run in continues until the
crossover tool lands on an internal seal in the packer.
[0006] Once the crossover tool lands on internal seal in the packer
a ball is pumped downhole. The ball lands on one of two seats in
the crossover tool. Once the ball lands on the second seat pressure
is applied from the surface across the ball and seat to shift the
sleeve in the crossover tool so that fluid, typically gravel
slurry, may be pumped down the well through the washpipe. When the
slurry reaches the crossover tool the gravel slurry is blocked by
the ball and seat that was previously landed in the crossover tool.
The ball and seat causes the gravel slurry to exit the crossover
tool through a port that directs all fluid flow from inside of the
washpipe that is above the packer to the outside of the washpipe
and screens below the packer and into the annular space created on
the outside of the screen.
[0007] As the slurry travels from the heel of the well toward the
toe along the outside of the screen, and alpha wave begins that
deposits gravel from the heel towards the toe, all the while the
transport fluid that carries the gravel drains to the inside of the
screen. As the fluid drains into the interior of the screen it
becomes increasingly difficult to pump the slurry down the
wellbore. Once a certain portion of the screen is covered the
gravel will start building back from the toe towards the heel, the
beta wave, to completely pack off the screen from approximately its
furthest point of deposit towards the heel. As the sand fills back
towards the heel the pressure in the formation is increasing.
[0008] The crossover tool has a second port that allows fluid to
flow from the interior area of the screen below the packer to an
annular area around the exterior of the washpipe but above the
packer.
[0009] After the annular area around the screen has been packed
with gravel a second ball may be pumped down the well to land in a
second ball seat in the crossover tool. After the ball has seated
pressure is applied from the surface to shift the sleeve in the
crossover tool a second time as well as seal off the internal the
sleeve in a second location. Once the sleeve is shifted and is
sealed in a second location wellbore fluid from the surface flowing
through the washpipe may be directed into an internal flowpath
within the crossover tool and then back into the interior of the
washpipe thereby bypassing both the first and the second balls and
seat. Once the fluid has been redirected to stay in the washpipe
the operator may reposition the washpipe and begin to acidize or
otherwise treat the wellbore.
[0010] In the current system fluid flow through the interior is
limited by forcing the fluid to travel through the micro-annulus,
the only path available in crossover tool. The only alternative is
to reverse the washpipe and crossover tool completely out of the
hole and run in with an unobstructed washpipe. The additional trip
out of the hole and then back in leads to additional time and
expense in completing the well.
[0011] When typical seals, as described above, are used care must
be taken so that each lower seal and seat has a diameter that is
smaller than the seal and seat above it. Such an inverted wedding
cake arrangement helps to insure that the operator does not attempt
to force a device through a seal that is too small thereby damaging
the seal.
[0012] Such an arrangement may limit the diameter of the bore
through the tubular. Also, typically once a device seals on a
particular seat the seat cannot be reused. When several seal and
seats are needed in close proximity the utility of the tool or
tools may be limited.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In the new system neither a second trip into and out of the
well is necessary to treat the well while greatly improved fluid
flow through the interior of the casing thereby potentially
allowing a larger diameter screen and consequently a larger
washpipe may be used with the same technique allowing greater flow
through the washpipe, even when no increase in washpipe diameter is
achieved.
[0014] The fluid flow may be improved by replacing the seal in the
packer and the balls and seats in the washpipe with variable
diameter seats that may be operated on demand such as by pressure
pulses or a radio frequency identification device.
[0015] A variable diameter seat has utility in any device where a
seat diameter is a limiting factor when compared to the bore
diameter and when the seat and seal are only required on
demand.
[0016] One embodiment of the variable diameter seal has a seat that
is a combination of several portions. When the seat is not
necessary the portions may be held radially outward so that an
increased diameter of the bore may be accessed, such as when a
large diameter tool, dart, or ball is required to pass through.
However, when the seat is required for a ball or dart to seal upon
it, then, on command from the surface, the seat may move radially
inward so that the various pieces combine to form at least a seat
and possibly even a seal against fluid flow through the bore and
past the seat.
[0017] When the operator determines that the seat is no longer
necessary then the operator may send a second signal to unlock the
seat and move it radially outward once again. The command from the
surface may be radio, low frequency radio, pressure pulse, a fiber
optic line, an electric line, or a radio frequency identification
device.
[0018] Another embodiment of this invention is to utilize a collet
and sleeve. The sleeve could be removed from the collet fingers so
that any tool, dart, or ball, when reaching the collet fingers
could pass by without interacting with the collets finger. In the
potential instance where the tool, ball, or dart does interact with
the collet fingers the tool would merely push the collet fingers
radially outward, with a minimal resistance, and continue
downhole.
[0019] Once the operator determines that the seat is required a
signal may be sent for the surface to move the sleeve into position
over the collet so that the fingers are moved radially inward or
are at least held in a radially inward position so that the collet
fingers will no longer allow an appropriately sized tool, ball, or
dart to pass. Further once the appropriately sized tool, ball, or
dart lands on the seat a seal across the bore may be formed.
[0020] In a further embodiment at least the seals mentioned may be
constructed so that they have an open condition as described above,
however, when the signal is sent from the surface to move radially
inward the seats are constructed so that once they have moved
radially inward they completely obstruct the bore without the need
of a ball, tool, or dart landing upon the seat. Each seal forms a
complete seal by itself upon a command from the surface.
[0021] Such seals may be used in many different areas. They may be
used to open and close gravel pack paths or to provide seats in
sliding sleeves to open and close the sliding sleeve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts a collet type radial movable seat operable
from the surface in its catching condition.
[0023] FIG. 2 depicts a collet type radial movable seat operable
from the surface in its released condition.
[0024] FIG. 3 depicts the collet type segmented seat in its
radially unlocked condition.
[0025] FIG. 4 depicts the collet type segmented seat in its
radially locked condition.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a top view of a segmented seal in the open
position.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a top view of a segmented seal in the closed
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] FIG. 1 depicts a collet 10 in its radially locked condition
in a housing 11 so that a ball, dart, or other tool, of the
appropriate size, will be caught by the collet 10. To operate the
collet 10 a receiver 12 will receive a signal communicated from the
surface by a radio frequency identification device, a pressure
pulse, or by other means known in the industry. When the receiver
12 receives the appropriate signal the receiver 12 causes the
actuator 14 to move the lock 16 upwards or downwards, in this case
the lock is shown in its downward position, in channel 18. In the
radially locked condition the collet 10, at the collet fingers 42,
has a diameter 22 that is less than the main bore diameter 20 such
that a ball, dart, or tool that could pass through the main bore 24
will be caught by the collet fingers 42. The collet 10 could be
attached to a sliding sleeve or other device where force needs to
be applied across a ball and seat.
[0029] FIG. 2 depicts the collet 10 in its radially unlocked
condition. In the radially unlocked condition the collet fingers 26
are not able to catch a ball, dart, or other tool. To change the
condition of the collet 10 from the locked condition to the
unlocked condition the receiver 12 receives a signal communicated
from the surface by a radio frequency identification device, a
pressure pulse, or by other means known in the industry. When the
receiver 12 receives the appropriate signal the receiver 12 causes
the actuator 14 to move the lock 16 upwards in channel 18. By
moving the lock 16 upwards the collet fingers 26 are allowed to
move radially outwards into channel 18. In the radially unlocked
condition the collet 10, at the collet fingers 26, has a diameter
28 that is sufficient to allow a ball, dart, or tool that could
pass through the main bore 24 to pass through collet 10.
[0030] FIG. 3 depicts the collet type segmented seat 40 in its
radially unlocked condition. In the radially unlocked condition the
segmented seat 40 is not able to catch a ball, dart, or other tool.
To change the condition of the segmented seat 40 from the locked
condition to the unlocked condition the receiver 42 receives a
signal communicated from the surface by a radio frequency
identification device, a pressure pulse, or by other means known in
the industry. When the receiver 42 receives the appropriate signal
the receiver 42 causes the actuator 44 to move the lock 46 upwards
in channel 48. In the radially unlocked condition the segmented
seat 40 has a diameter 58 that is sufficient so that a ball, dart,
or tool that could pass through the main bore 56 is able to pass
through segmented seat 40.
[0031] FIG. 4 depicts a segmented seat 40 in its radially locked
condition. In the radially locked condition a ball, dart, or other
tool, of the appropriate size, will be caught by the segments 50 of
the segmented seat 40. To operate the segmented seat 40 a receiver
42 will receive a signal communicated from the surface by a radio
frequency identification device, a pressure pulse, or by other
means known in the industry. When the receiver 42 receives the
appropriate signal, the receiver 42 causes the actuator 44 to move
the lock 46 upwards or downwards. In the view depicted, the lock 46
is shown in its downward position, in channel 48. As the lock 46
moves downward, a first surface 47 on the lock 46 interacts with a
second surface 49 on the segmented seat pieces 50 such that each of
the plurality of segmented seat pieces 50 is forced radially
inwards so that in the radially locked condition the segmented seat
has a diameter 52 that is less than the main bore diameter 54 such
that a ball, dart, or tool that could pass through the main bore 56
will be caught by the segmented seat 40. The segmented seat 40
could be attached to a sliding sleeve (not shown) or other device
where force needs to be applied across a ball and seat.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a top view of a segmented seal 100 that is similar
in operation to the seat depicted in FIG. 3. As shown in radially
unlocked position the flowpath may allow fluid or slurries to pass
through the main bore 116. In some instances, as shown, the main
bore diameter 110 may be restricted. Upon the receiver receiving a
signal from the surface an actuator may move a locking ring
longitudinally with respect to the tubular housing 112 to force
each segment 114 of the segmented seal 100 radially inward.
[0033] FIG. 6 is again a top view of a segmented seal 100 that is
similar in segments 114 operation to the seat depicted in FIG. 3,
however, in the view shown the segments 114 of the segmented seal
100 have been moved radially inward to block all flow through the
main bore 116. The lock 118 will generally fill the annular area
between the interior of the tubular housing 112 and a radially
outward surface of the segments 114. With the lock in position
between the tubular housing 112 and the segments 114 the segments
114 are prevented from unlocking and allowing fluid or slurry to
pass through the main bore 116. The sealing surfaces between each
of the segments 114 may be a metal to metal seal, an elastomeric
seal, or any other seal known in the industry. In certain instances
a less than perfect seal may be acceptable.
[0034] While the embodiments are described with reference to
various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood
that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the
inventive subject matter is not limited to them. Many variations,
modifications, additions and improvements are possible.
[0035] Plural instances may be provided for components, operations
or structures described herein as a single instance. In general,
structures and functionality presented as separate components in
the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined
structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality
presented as a single component may be implemented as separate
components. These and other variations, modifications, additions,
and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject
matter.
* * * * *