U.S. patent application number 14/561510 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-09 for degradable anchor device with inserts.
This patent application is currently assigned to BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED. The applicant listed for this patent is YingQing Xu, Zhiyue Xu, Zhihui Zhang. Invention is credited to YingQing Xu, Zhiyue Xu, Zhihui Zhang.
Application Number | 20160160591 14/561510 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56092519 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160160591 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Xu; YingQing ; et
al. |
June 9, 2016 |
DEGRADABLE ANCHOR DEVICE WITH INSERTS
Abstract
In one aspect, an anchoring device is disclosed, including: a
degradable substrate with a first hardness; and a plurality of
gripping inserts associated with the outer extent of the degradable
substrate, wherein the plurality of gripping inserts have a second
hardness greater than the first hardness. In another aspect, a
method to anchor a downhole device is disclosed, including:
providing a degradable substrate with a first hardness; and
inserting a plurality of gripping inserts to the outer extent of
the degradable substrate, wherein the plurality of gripping inserts
have a second hardness greater than the first hardness.
Inventors: |
Xu; YingQing; (Tomball,
TX) ; Xu; Zhiyue; (Cypress, TX) ; Zhang;
Zhihui; (Katy, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Xu; YingQing
Xu; Zhiyue
Zhang; Zhihui |
Tomball
Cypress
Katy |
TX
TX
TX |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
56092519 |
Appl. No.: |
14/561510 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/382 ;
166/237 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 23/06 20130101;
E21B 23/01 20130101; E21B 33/129 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 23/01 20060101
E21B023/01; E21B 23/06 20060101 E21B023/06 |
Claims
1. An anchoring device, comprising: a degradable substrate with a
first hardness; and a plurality of gripping inserts associated with
the outer extent of the degradable substrate, wherein the plurality
of gripping inserts have a second hardness greater than the first
hardness.
2. The anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
gripping inserts are degradable.
3. The anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the degradable
substrate comprises at least one of: a magnesium alloy, a magnesium
silicon alloy, a magnesium aluminum alloy, a magnesium zinc alloy,
a magnesium manganese alloy, a magnesium aluminum zinc alloy, a
magnesium aluminum manganese alloy, a magnesium zinc zirconium
alloy, and a magnesium rare earth element alloy.
4. The anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
gripping inserts comprises at least one of: an oxide, a carbide, a
nitride, a magnesium alloy, an aluminum alloy, a zinc alloy, and a
manganese alloy.
5. The anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
gripping inserts are smaller than an intended flow path.
6. The anchoring device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of receptacles associated with the plurality of gripping inserts to
transmit an insert pressure, wherein the insert pressure less than
a contact pressure.
7. The anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
gripping inserts are ordered.
8. The anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the degradable
substrate includes at least one crack initiation point.
9. The anchoring device of claim 1, further comprising a binder
associated with the plurality of gripping inserts and the
degradable substrate.
10. The anchoring device of claim 9, wherein the binder is
degradable.
11. The anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
gripping inserts comprise at least one of cubic gripping inserts
and polygonal gripping inserts.
12. A method to anchor a downhole device, comprising: providing a
degradable substrate with a first hardness; and inserting a
plurality of gripping inserts to the outer extent of the degradable
substrate, wherein the plurality of gripping inserts have a second
hardness greater than the first hardness.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of gripping
inserts are degradable.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the degradable substrate
comprises at least one of: a magnesium alloy, a magnesium silicon
alloy, a magnesium aluminum alloy, a magnesium zinc alloy, a
magnesium manganese alloy, a magnesium aluminum zinc alloy, a
magnesium aluminum manganese alloy, a magnesium zinc zirconium
alloy, and a magnesium rare earth element alloy.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of gripping
inserts comprises at least one of: an oxide, a carbide, a nitride,
a magnesium alloy, an aluminum alloy, a zinc alloy, and a manganese
alloy.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of gripping
inserts are smaller than an intended flow path.
17. A downhole system, comprising: a casing string; and an
anchoring device associated with the casing string, comprising: a
degradable substrate with a first hardness; and a plurality of
gripping inserts associated with the outer extent of the degradable
substrate, wherein the plurality of gripping inserts have a second
hardness greater than the first hardness and the second hardness is
greater than a hardness of an inner diameter of the casing
string.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of gripping
inserts are degradable.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the anchoring device is
associated with a packer or a bridge plug.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the anchoring device is
associated with a wedge.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to degradable slip rings
and systems that utilize same for downhole applications.
[0003] 2. Background of the Art
[0004] Wellbores are drilled in subsurface formations for the
production of hydrocarbons (oil and gas). Hydrocarbons are trapped
in various traps or zones in the subsurface formations at different
depths. In many operations, such as fracturing, it is required to
anchor devices (such as packers, bridge plugs, etc.) in a downhole
location to facilitate production of oil and gas. After such
operations, anchoring devices must be removed or destroyed before
following operations can begin. Such removal operations may be
costly and/or time consuming. It is desired to provide an anchoring
device that can provide sufficient anchoring performance while
providing desired and predictable degradation characteristics.
[0005] The disclosure herein provides controlled degradable slip
rings and systems using the same for downhole applications.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect, an anchoring device is disclosed, including:
a degradable substrate with a first hardness; and a plurality of
gripping inserts associated with the outer extent of the degradable
substrate, wherein the plurality of gripping inserts have a second
hardness greater than the first hardness.
[0007] In another aspect, a method to anchor a downhole device is
disclosed, including: providing a degradable substrate with a first
hardness; and inserting a plurality of gripping inserts to the
outer extent of the degradable substrate, wherein the plurality of
gripping inserts have a second hardness greater than the first
hardness.
[0008] In another aspect, a downhole system is disclosed,
including: a casing string; and an anchoring device associated with
the casing string, including: a degradable substrate with a first
hardness; and a plurality of gripping inserts associated with the
outer extent of the degradable substrate, wherein the plurality of
gripping inserts have a second hardness greater than the first
hardness and the second hardness is greater than a hardness of an
inner diameter of the casing string.
[0009] Examples of certain features of the apparatus and method
disclosed herein are summarized rather broadly in order that the
detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood.
There are, of course, additional features of the apparatus and
method disclosed hereinafter that will form the subject of the
claims appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The disclosure herein is best understood with reference to
the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals have generally been
assigned to like elements and in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary drilling
system that includes downhole elements according to embodiments of
the disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary downhole
device for use in a downhole system, such as the one shown in FIG.
1, according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3A shows a view of an exemplary anchoring device for
use with a downhole device, such as the downhole device shown in
FIG. 2 for use with a downhole system, according to one embodiment
of the disclosure; and
[0014] FIG. 3B shows a partial cross sectional view of the
anchoring device shown in FIG. 3A.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0015] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a downhole system to
facilitate the production of oil and gas. In certain embodiments,
system 100 allows for fracturing operations to facilitate
production of oil and gas. System 100 includes a wellbore 106
formed in formation 104 with casing 108 disposed therein.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, a wellbore 106 is drilled from a
surface 102 to a downhole location 110. Casing 108 may be disposed
within wellbore 106 to facilitate production. In an exemplary
embodiment, casing 108 is disposed through multiple zones of
production Z1 . . . Zn in a downhole location 110. Wellbore 106 may
be a vertical wellbore, a horizontal wellbore, a deviated wellbore
or any other suitable type of wellbore or any combination
thereof.
[0017] To facilitate downhole operations, such as fracturing
operations, bridge plugs 116a, packers 116b, or other suitable
downhole devices are utilized within casing string 108. In certain
embodiments, such downhole devices 116a,b are anchored to casing
string 108 via an anchor assembly 118. In certain embodiments,
bridge plugs 116a utilize an anchor assembly 118 and frac balls 120
to isolate zones Z1 . . . Zn for fracturing operations. In certain
embodiments, frac balls 120 are disposed at a downhole location 110
to obstruct and seal fluid flow in local zone 112 to facilitate
flow to perforations 114 in conjunction with frac plugs 116a. In
certain embodiments, packers 116b are utilized in conjunction with
anchor assembly 118 to isolate zones Z1 . . . Zn for fracturing
operations.
[0018] In certain embodiments, frac fluid 124 is pumped from a frac
fluid source 122 to a downhole location 110 to flow through
perforations 114 in a zone 112 isolated by downhole device 116a,b.
Advantageously, fracturing operations allow for more oil and gas
available for production.
[0019] After desired operations (such as fracturing operations) and
before following operations, anchoring devices 118 are often
removed or otherwise destroyed to allow the flow of oil and gas
through casing 108. In an exemplary embodiment, anchoring devices
118 are configured to anchor against casing 108 of local zone 112
until a predetermined time at which anchoring devices 118 dissolve
or degrade to facilitate the production of oil and gas.
Advantageously, in an exemplary embodiment, the anchoring devices
118 herein are formed of multiple materials to have predictable and
adjustable degradation characteristics while allowing for suitable
anchoring characteristics.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a downhole device 216, such as a bridge plug,
packer, or any other suitable downhole device, for use downhole
systems such as the system 100 shown in FIG. 1. In an exemplary
embodiment, downhole system 200 includes downhole device 216
interfacing with casing 208 via anchor assembly 218 to anchor a
downhole device 216. In certain embodiments, a frac ball 220 is
used with downhole device 216 to isolate frac fluid flow within the
wellbore.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, anchor assembly 218 includes a
wedge 224 and a slip ring 228. In certain embodiments, wedge 224 is
forced downhole to force slip ring 228 outward against casing 208
to anchor against casing 208. In certain embodiments, slip ring 228
can crack or otherwise separate as it is driven against casing 208.
In certain embodiments, wedge 224 is forced via a setting tool,
explosives, or any other suitable means. In certain embodiments,
downhole device 216 further utilizes a sealing member 226 to seal
downhole device 216 against casing 208 and further resist movement.
Sealing member 226 may similarly be driven toward casing 208 via
wedge 224.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, a substrate of a slip ring 228
is formed of a degradable material to allow slip ring 228 to
dissolve or degrade after a desired anchoring function is
performed. In certain embodiments, a secondary material is used in
conjunction with the substrate of the slip ring 228 to anchor the
slip ring 228 against casing 208. Typically, a secondary material
is harder than casing 208 to allow slip ring 228 to partially embed
in casing 208. In certain embodiments, the downhole temperature
exposure to downhole device 216 and slip ring 228 varies from 100
to 350 degrees Fahrenheit at a particular downhole location for a
given area. Advantageously, slip ring 228 as described herein may
allow for degradation after a desired time in certain downhole
environments, while allowing suitable anchoring performance. In
certain embodiments, portions of slip ring 228 can degrade or
otherwise not prevent further downhole operations or restrict flow
within a wellbore.
[0023] FIGS. 3A and 3B shows an exemplary embodiment of slip ring
328. In an exemplary embodiment, slip ring 328 includes a substrate
331 and a plurality of inserts 330. In certain embodiments, slip
ring 328 is used with downhole devices as shown in FIG. 2 to anchor
the downhole devices against a casing. Advantageously, slip ring
328 is a degradable device, allowing slip ring 328 to degrade
without any secondary removal or destruction operations.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, substrate 331 is a degradable
material. Advantageously, by forming substrate 331 of slip ring 328
from a degradable material, a downhole device may be anchored by
slip ring 328 for the desired period of time, and then the slip
ring 328 may be disintegrated to allow further operations without
any obstructions. In certain embodiments, substrate 331 is formed
from a corrodible metal such as a controlled electrolytic metallic,
including but not limited to Intallic. Substrate 331 materials may
include: a magnesium alloy, a magnesium silicon alloy, a magnesium
aluminum alloy, a magnesium zinc alloy, a magnesium manganese
alloy, a magnesium aluminum zinc alloy, a magnesium aluminum
manganese alloy, a magnesium zinc zirconium alloy, and a magnesium
rare earth element alloy. Rare earth elements may include, but is
not limited to scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium,
neodymium, and erbium. In certain embodiments, substrate materials
331 are further coated with aluminum, nickel, iron, tungsten,
copper, cobalt. In certain embodiments, substrate 331 materials are
consolidated and forged. In certain embodiments, the elements can
be formed into a powder and a substrate can be formed form pressed
powder. In an exemplary embodiment, the material of substrate 331
is selected based on desired degradation characteristics of slip
ring 328.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, substrate 331 forms a generally
cylindrical shape with an inner extent 336 and an outer extent 334.
In certain embodiments, inner extent 336 has a reducing or reduced
radius portion to allow a downhole device to be retained within the
slip ring 328. In an exemplary embodiment, the material of
substrate 331 is chosen with respect to the relative hardness of
the downhole device to prevent damage to the downhole device. In an
exemplary embodiment, outer extent 334 of slip ring 328 is
configured to interface with a casing. In an exemplary embodiment,
outer extent 334 includes inserts 330 designed to interface with
casing.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, slip ring 328 can be configured
to break in to several sections when expanded. In certain
embodiments, slip ring 328 can be expanded by a wedge as previously
shown in FIG. 2. In order to facilitate fracturing of slip ring 328
certain embodiments of slip ring 328 include crack initiation
points 332 disposed on outer extent 334. Crack initiation points
332 include, but are not limited to cuts, grooves, slits,
perforations, etc. Crack initiation points 332 may serve as a
stress concentration point to initiate cracking, fracturing, or
separation along the longitudinal axis of slip ring 328 as slip
ring 328 is expanded. In certain embodiments, crack initiation
points 332 are formed via electrical discharge machining substrate
331.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, outer extent 334 includes
inserts 330 configured to interface with a casing or other suitable
anchor medium. In an exemplary embodiment, the material of insert
330 is selected to be harder than the interfacing casing. Casing
may have a hardness of approximately 120 ksi. Casing grades may
range from L80 to Q125. Advantageously, a relatively harder anchor
insert 330 allows for insert 330 to firmly anchor the downhole
device to casing or other suitable anchor medium. In certain
embodiments, anchor insert 330 is formed of a harder material than
substrate 331. Advantageously, materials, particularly degradable
materials, may not have a suitable hardness to adequately anchor to
a casing or other suitable anchor material, requiring the use of a
harder anchor insert 330 as described herein. Materials selected
for substrate 331 and insert 330 may be carefully selected to
ensure insert 330 embeds further into a casing or anchor medium
compared to substrate 331.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, inserts 330 are arranged in an
ordered pattern. In other embodiments, inserts 330 are disposed in
a random arrangement. In an exemplary embodiment, inserts 330 can
be cubic shaped, polygonal shaped or any other geometric shape. In
an exemplary embodiment, inserts 330 are configured to allow for
sufficient anchoring force against an anchoring medium such as a
casing. Advantageously, by utilizing granular gripping materials
330, a substrate 331 can be formed with a lower strength material
to allow for greater ductility of slip ring 328. Advantageously,
inserts 330 may be configured to be sized and shaped to allow
passage through intended flow paths and to allow operations to
continue after a substrate 331 has dissolved.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, inserts 330 are formed from
degradable materials. Inserts 330 can be formed of any suitable
material, including, but not limited to oxides, carbides, and
nitrides. In certain embodiments, inserts 330 are formed from
aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, zirconium
dioxide, and silicon nitride. In certain embodiments, inserts 330
contain 50-90% of the previously described materials, with the
balance including magnesium, aluminum, zinc, and manganese
alloys.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, inserts 330 are disposed in
receptacles 338 formed in substrate 331. During anchoring
operations, inserts 330 may experience a contact pressure as
inserts 330 interface with an anchor medium, such as a casing.
Similarly, inserts 330 may also experience an insert pressure as
inserts 330 interface with substrate 331. In certain embodiments,
inserts 331 are received in receptacles 338 configured to reduce
the insert pressure inserts 330 experience compared to the contact
pressure inserts 330 experience as they interface with an anchor
medium. In certain embodiments, receptacles 338 can offer a greater
insert contact area to create a lower insert pressure compared to
the contact area utilized between inserts 330 and the anchor
medium.
[0031] Inserts 330 may be attached to substrate 331 via a binder or
any other suitable adhesive. In certain embodiments, the binder
utilizes is degradable. Binders include, but are not limited to
toughened acrylics, epoxy, low metal point metals (such as
aluminum, magnesium, zinc, and their alloys), etc. In other
embodiments, receptacle 338 can retain inserts 330 without any
additional components.
[0032] Therefore in one aspect, an anchoring device is disclosed,
including: a degradable substrate with a first hardness; and a
plurality of gripping inserts associated with the outer extent of
the degradable substrate, wherein the plurality of gripping inserts
have a second hardness greater than the first hardness. In certain
embodiments, the plurality of gripping inserts are degradable. In
certain embodiments, the degradable substrate includes at least one
of: a magnesium alloy, a magnesium silicon alloy, a magnesium
aluminum alloy, a magnesium zinc alloy, a magnesium manganese
alloy, a magnesium aluminum zinc alloy, a magnesium aluminum
manganese alloy, a magnesium zinc zirconium alloy, and a magnesium
rare earth element alloy. In certain embodiments, the plurality of
gripping inserts includes at least one of: an oxide, a carbide, a
nitride, a magnesium alloy, an aluminum alloy, a zinc alloy, and a
manganese alloy. In certain embodiments, the plurality of gripping
inserts are smaller than an intended flow path. In certain
embodiments, further including a plurality of receptacles
associated with the plurality of gripping inserts to transmit an
insert pressure, wherein the insert pressure less than a contact
pressure. In certain embodiments, the plurality of gripping inserts
are ordered. In certain embodiments, the degradable substrate
includes at least one crack initiation point. In certain
embodiments, further including a binder associated with the
plurality of gripping inserts and the degradable substrate. In
certain embodiments, the binder is degradable. In certain
embodiments, the plurality of gripping inserts comprise at least
one of cubic gripping inserts and polygonal gripping inserts.
[0033] In another aspect, a method to anchor a downhole device is
disclosed, including: providing a degradable substrate with a first
hardness; and inserting a plurality of gripping inserts to the
outer extent of the degradable substrate, wherein the plurality of
gripping inserts have a second hardness greater than the first
hardness. In certain embodiments, the plurality of gripping inserts
are degradable. In certain embodiments, the degradable substrate
includes at least one of: a magnesium alloy, a magnesium silicon
alloy, a magnesium aluminum alloy, a magnesium zinc alloy, a
magnesium manganese alloy, a magnesium aluminum zinc alloy, a
magnesium aluminum manganese alloy, a magnesium zinc zirconium
alloy, and a magnesium rare earth element alloy. In certain
embodiments, the plurality of gripping inserts includes at least
one of: an oxide, a carbide, a nitride, a magnesium alloy, an
aluminum alloy, a zinc alloy, and a manganese alloy. In certain
embodiments, the plurality of gripping inserts are smaller than an
intended flow path.
[0034] In another aspect, a downhole system is disclosed,
including: a casing string; and an anchoring device associated with
the casing string, including: a degradable substrate with a first
hardness; and a plurality of gripping inserts associated with the
outer extent of the degradable substrate, wherein the plurality of
gripping inserts have a second hardness greater than the first
hardness and the second hardness is greater than a hardness of an
inner diameter of the casing string. In certain embodiments, the
plurality of gripping inserts are degradable. In certain
embodiments, the anchoring device is associated with a packer or a
bridge plug. In certain embodiments, the anchoring device is
associated with a wedge.
[0035] The foregoing disclosure is directed to certain specific
embodiments for ease of explanation. Various changes and
modifications to such embodiments, however, will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. It is intended that all such changes and
modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims be
embraced by the disclosure herein.
* * * * *