U.S. patent application number 14/606869 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-28 for subsurface deployment for monitoring along a borehole.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schlumberger Technology Corporation. Invention is credited to Sarmad Adnan, John R. Lovell.
Application Number | 20160215578 14/606869 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56432404 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160215578 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adnan; Sarmad ; et
al. |
July 28, 2016 |
Subsurface Deployment for Monitoring Along a Borehole
Abstract
A technique facilitates deployment of a communication line in a
borehole, e.g. a wellbore, to enable monitoring of parameters along
the borehole. A communication line is coupled with an anchor and
conveyed into the borehole from a surface location. The anchor is
then released at a desired location along the borehole with the
communication line. The communication line is deployed from the
anchor so as to extend along the borehole until reaching a desired
uphole location, e.g. a location proximate the surface.
Inventors: |
Adnan; Sarmad; (Sugar Land,
TX) ; Lovell; John R.; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schlumberger Technology Corporation |
Sugar Land |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56432404 |
Appl. No.: |
14/606869 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 23/14 20130101;
E21B 23/01 20130101; E21B 33/072 20130101; E21B 47/135
20200501 |
International
Class: |
E21B 23/01 20060101
E21B023/01; E21B 47/12 20060101 E21B047/12; E21B 47/00 20060101
E21B047/00 |
Claims
1. A method enabling monitoring of a well, comprising: deploying an
optical fiber downhole with a conveyance into a wellbore to a
desired location; anchoring the optical fiber at the desired
location; and retracting the conveyance from the wellbore while
deploying the optical fiber along the wellbore from the desired
location.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein deploying comprises
deploying the optical fiber with a tractor.
3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein anchoring comprises
deploying an anchor coupled to the optical fiber at the desired
location and wherein retracting comprises deploying the optical
fiber from a spool coupled to the anchor.
4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein retracting comprises
deploying the optical fiber with a flat tape which is folded over
the optical fiber.
5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein retracting comprises
deploying the optical fiber with a flat tape formed of a metallic
material.
6. The method as recited in claim 5, further comprising forming the
flat tape of metallic material to enclose the optical fiber.
7. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein forming comprises
enclosing the optical fiber as the tractor is retracted.
8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein retracting comprises
deploying the optical fiber while in a protective tube.
9. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising routing the
optical fiber through a wellhead.
10. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising obtaining
data on conditions downhole in the wellbore via the optical
fiber.
11. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising securing
the optical fiber along a casing.
12. A method, comprising: coupling a communication line with an
anchor; conveying the communication line and the anchor into a
borehole extending downhole from a surface; releasing the anchor at
a desired location along the borehole; and deploying the
communication line from the anchor to an uphole location proximate
the surface.
13. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising forming
the communication line with optical fiber, and moving the optical
fiber and the anchor downhole via a tractor.
14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein deploying comprises
releasing the optical fiber along the borehole by retracting the
tractor.
15. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein deploying comprises
unspooling the optical fiber from a spool while retracting the
tractor.
16. The method as recited in claim 13, further comprising enclosing
the optical fiber in a tape as the optical fiber is released along
the borehole.
17. The method as recited in claim 13, further comprising enclosing
the optical fiber in a tube.
18. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising using the
communication line to facilitate monitoring of conditions downhole
in the wellbore.
19. A system, comprising: a tractor sized to move along a borehole;
a tool coupled to the tractor, the tool having a releasable anchor
which may be selectively released in the borehole; and a spool of
communication line coupled to the tool, an end of the communication
line being coupled so the communication line is deployed as the
tractor is moved away from the releasable anchor.
20. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein the spool is mounted
to a portion of the tool which remains coupled to the tractor upon
release of the anchor, and wherein the spool of communication line
comprises a spool of optical fiber.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] In many types of well applications, sensor systems are used
to monitor downhole parameters. Optical fibers or other types of
communication lines may be routed along a wellbore for carrying
signals along the wellbore. For example, the communication lines
may be used to carry signals from downhole sensors to a surface
location. In some types of wells, the deployment of communication
lines can encounter difficulties. For example, in long horizontal
wells and in wells utilizing a tractor or tractors, the deployment
of communication lines may be challenging.
SUMMARY
[0002] In general, a methodology and system are provided for
facilitating use of a communication line in a borehole, e.g. a
wellbore. A communication line is conveyed into the borehole from a
surface location. The communication line may be coupled with an
anchor, which is then released at a desired location along the
borehole with the communication line. The communication line is
deployed from the anchor so as to extend along the borehole until
reaching a desired uphole location, e.g. a location proximate the
surface.
[0003] However, many modifications are possible without materially
departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this
disclosure as defined in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Certain embodiments of the disclosure will hereafter be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like
reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood,
however, that the accompanying figures illustrate the various
implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the
scope of various technologies described herein, and:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of a
communication line deployment system positioned downhole in a
borehole, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration similar to that of FIG. 1
but showing the communication line deployment system in a different
operational position, according to an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration similar to that of FIG. 2
but showing the communication line deployment system in a different
operational position, according to an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an example of a tool
for carrying the communication line and for spooling out the
communication line along the borehole, according to an embodiment
of the disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an example of a
communication line combined with a protective tape, according to an
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an example of a
communication line disposed within a metallic enclosure which may
be fastened to a surrounding casing, according to an embodiment of
the disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example of a system by which
the communication line is routed through a wellhead, according to
an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 8 is an illustration of another example of a system by
which the communication line is routed through a wellhead,
according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example of a combined
communication line and production tubing extending through a
wellhead, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and
[0014] FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example of a combined
communication line and production tubing extending through a
wellhead, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] In the following description, numerous details are set forth
to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present
disclosure. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art that the system and/or methodology may be
practiced without these details and that numerous variations or
modifications from the described embodiments may be possible.
[0016] The present disclosure generally relates to a methodology
and system which facilitate placement and use of a communication
line in a borehole, e.g. a wellbore. For example, the technique is
useful in deploying a communication line in a horizontal borehole
where, due to the use of a tractor, the communication line is not
readily deployed from the surface. The communication line may
comprise a variety of communication lines including optical fiber
lines, electrical cables, control lines, other types of
communication lines, and/or combinations of various types of
communication lines.
[0017] In an embodiment, a method comprises deploying an optical
fiber downhole with a conveyance into a wellbore to a desired
location, anchoring the optical fiber at the desired location, and
retracting the conveyance from the wellbore while deploying the
optical fiber along the wellbore from the desired location. In an
embodiment, the communication line is coupled with an anchor and
conveyed into the borehole from a surface location. The anchor is
then released at a desired location along the borehole with the
communication line. The communication line is deployed from the
anchor so as to extend along the borehole until reaching a desired
uphole location, e.g. a location proximate the surface. For
example, a spool of the communication line may be mounted to the
anchor or to a tool component which is moved away from the anchor
as it is withdrawn from the borehole. In either embodiment, the
communication line is spooled out from the anchor and deployed
along the borehole from the downhole location.
[0018] The communication line may be used in a variety of
subterranean applications, including a variety of well related
applications. For example, the communication line may be used in
monitoring various subterranean parameters. In well related
applications, the communication line may be used to monitor the
production of a subsurface source of liquid minerals, e.g. oil or
natural gas.
[0019] Referring generally to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a
subterranean system 20, e.g. well system, is illustrated. In this
embodiment, the subterranean system 20 comprises a wellbore 22
drilled into or through a subterranean formation 24 containing
liquid minerals, e.g oil and/or natural gas. The wellbore 22 may
comprise a vertical borehole section 26 and at least one deviated,
e.g. horizontal, borehole section 28. The present methodology
facilitates monitoring along the wellbore 22 including monitoring
along relatively lengthy deviated borehole sections 28. For
example, the methodology facilitates monitoring production of the
subsurface source of liquid minerals, e.g. oil and/or natural
gas.
[0020] As illustrated, the subterranean system 20 comprises a tool
30 constructed to deploy a communication line 32 along the wellbore
22, as further illustrated in FIG. 2. The tool 30 carries the
communication line 32 and comprises a releasable anchor 34 and a
retrievable tool portion 36. The communication line 32 may comprise
a variety of types of communication lines including optical fiber
lines, electrical cables, control lines, other types of
communication lines, and/or combinations of different communication
line types. The communication line 32 also may comprise or be
coupled with various types of sensors 38, e.g. pressure sensors,
temperature sensors, resistivity sensors, and/or a variety of other
types of sensors. In some applications, the communication line 32
itself may have a parameter sensing capability which enables
monitoring of the parameter along the wellbore 22. For example, the
communication line 32 may comprise an optical fiber employed as a
distributed sensor or other type of sensor for detecting and
monitoring specific parameters along the wellbore. In an
embodiment, the anchor 34 may comprise an additional and/or
alternate method(s) or apparatus(es) for maintaining the
communication line and/or optical fiber 32 substantially stationary
at a desired location within the wellbore 22. In an embodiment or
embodiments, the anchor 34 may comprise a portion of epoxy or
similar adhesive; gravity (especially in a non-horizontal wellbore
22); an adhesive tape; attaching, embedding and/or snagging the end
of the fiber 32 in a casing thread(s); inserting the fiber 32 in a
perforation and holding the fiber 32 in place with proppant or with
fluid flow; a capstan effect; a magnet; a venturi effect; friction
between the fiber 32 and the wellbore 22 and combinations
thereof.
[0021] The tool 30 may be deployed downhole into wellbore 22 and
along deviated borehole section 28 via tubing or by a variety of
other devices. In the example illustrated, the tool 30 is delivered
downhole and moved along deviated borehole section 28 by a downhole
tractor 40. The downhole tractor 40 traverses along the wellbore 22
and may be powered via hydraulic or electrical power supplied by a
wireline tether 42. In an embodiment, a conveyance, a deployment
device or devices other than a tractor may be utilized to deploy
the tool 30 downhole such as, but not limited to, coiled tubing or
discrete lengths of tubing, composite carbon rods and other stiff,
semi-stiff or flexible apparatus or other deployment devices or
apparatuses known in the art.
[0022] According to an operational example, the downhole tractor 40
is employed to move tool 30 and communication line 32, e.g. optical
fiber, into wellbore 22 and along deviated borehole section 28 to a
desired location/depth. At the desired location/depth, the tool 30
is actuated to release anchor 34. An end of the optical fiber or
other communication line 32 is tied to the releasable anchor 34 so
that as the retrievable tool portion 36 is retrieved uphole the
communication line 32 is deployed along the wellbore, as
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0023] Continued retrieval of the retrievable tool portion 36
continues the deployment of communication line 32, as further
illustrated in FIG. 3. The communication line 32 may be deployed
along the entire wellbore 22 to a surface location or to another
suitable location.
[0024] Depending on the application, the retrievable tool portion
36 may be pulled uphole or otherwise transported along the
wellbore. For example, the downhole tractor 40 may be used to move
retrievable tool portion 36 away from releasable anchor 34.
Depending on the application, a variety of releasable anchors 34
may be employed. By way of example, the releasable anchor 34 may be
released and actuated hydraulically, electromechanically,
mechanically, or by other suitable techniques and mechanisms.
Release of anchor 34 from retrievable tool portion 36 may be
accomplished by various latches, collets, or other suitable release
mechanisms. Additionally, the anchor 34 may be anchored at the
desired location/depth via expandable seal mechanisms, slips, or
other mechanisms able to engage the surrounding wellbore wall or
otherwise able to secure the anchor.
[0025] Referring generally to FIG. 4, an example of tool 30 is
illustrated as containing the communication line 32. In this
example, the communication line 32 is spooled on a spool 44. As the
retrievable tool portion 36 is moved away from the released anchor
34, the communication line 32, e.g. optical fiber, is unspooled
from the spool 44 and deployed along wellbore 22, as illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 4. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the spool 44 may be
mounted on retrievable tool portion 36 and an end of the
communication line 32 may be attached to anchor 34 so that the
communication line 32 is automatically deployed along the wellbore
as the tool portion 36 is moved uphole. In an embodiment, the spool
44 may be mounted on anchor 34, as indicated by dashed lines, and
an end of the communication line 32 may be attached to tool portion
36 so that the communication line 32 is automatically deployed
along the wellbore as the tool portion 36 is moved away from the
released anchor 34. In some applications, the wellbore 22 may be
lined with a casing 45.
[0026] In an embodiment, the communication line 32, e.g. optical
fiber, is deployed along wellbore 22 as described above with
reference to FIGS. 1-4 but a separate flat tape 46 also is
deployed. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the separate flat tape 46 may
be deployed simultaneously with the communication line 32. In some
embodiments, the tape 46 is folded over the communication line 32
as it is unspooled or otherwise distributed from tool 30. In the
embodiment illustrated, the tape is folded or bent around the
communication line 32 during deployment to form a tube 48. The tube
48 protects the internal optical fiber or other communication line
32 and may be sealed or may remain unsealed along an axial edge
interface 50.
[0027] Referring generally to FIG. 6, an embodiment is illustrated
in which the communication line 32, e.g. optical fiber, is deployed
while positioned within a thin enclosure 52, such as a tube. The
enclosure/tube 52 may be formed from a metal tape or other material
that is readily formed to enclose the communication line 32. In
some applications, the communication line 32 comprises an optical
fiber fully encased within the surrounding tube 52.
[0028] The communication line 32 and surrounding enclosure 52 may
be deployed in a manner similar to the methodology described above
with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4. In an embodiment, the
enclosure 52 and communication line 32 are spooled on a
non-circular spool 54 mounted in tool 30 within, for example,
retrievable tool portion 36. By way of example, the non-circular
spool may be constructed in the form of a tank tread or other
suitable shape able to mechanically deploy the enclosure 52 and
communication line 32 as retrievable tool portion 36 is moved away
from anchor 34. In an embodiment, the enclosure 52, e.g. metallic
tube, may be secured to an inside wall of casing 45 by a suitable
fastener or fasteners 56. Depending on the application, the
fastener or fasteners 56 may comprise adhesive, welds, or other
suitable fasteners. In some applications, tool 30 or a separate
tool may utilize a welder, such as a laser spot welder, to
facilitate creation of fasteners 56 able to secure the enclosure 52
along the interior of casing 45.
[0029] The selection of a specific communication line deployment
methodology may be affected by a variety of well related
parameters, including well conditions, fluid flow rates, and/or
other factors. Regardless of the specific embodiment of
subterranean system 20 involved in a given application, the
communication line 32 may be deployed along the wellbore 22 and
coupled with a suitable processing system 58, such as the
surface-based data processing system 58 illustrated in FIG. 7.
Depending on the application and the type of communication line 32,
the processing system 58 may comprise a distributed temperature
sensor system, spectrometer system, or other type of processing
system to evaluate data and to determine conditions downhole.
[0030] In a variety of well applications, the system 20 may
comprise surface equipment 60, such as a wellhead and/or other
surface equipment. According to an embodiment, the optical fiber or
other type of communication line 32 may be brought through the
wellhead 60 and connected with the processing system 58. A suitable
seal mechanism 62 may be used to form a seal between the wellhead
60 and the communication line 32. For example, an optical fiber
type communication line 32 may be sealed within a wellhead outlet
via a fixed fiber glass/metal seal 62.
[0031] As illustrated, system 20 also may comprise a communication
line tension mechanism 64 constructed to maintain the communication
line 32 in tension. By way of example, tension mechanism 64 may be
in the form of a spring-loaded spool 66. The tension mechanism 64
is useful in applications in which the communication line 32 is
deployed at least partially along an interior of production tubing
68 positioned along at least a portion of wellbore 22 within casing
45. In this example, the communication line 32 exits the production
tubing 68 via a window 70 and tension mechanism 64 pulls back, e.g.
winds back, the communication line 32 to maintain the communication
line in tension near the exit window 70.
[0032] A similar embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 8. However, the
tension mechanism 64 in this embodiment comprises an external spool
72 which is mounted in an annulus 74 between production tubing 68
and casing 45. In this manner, the placement of tension mechanism
64 may be used to reduce twisting of the communication line 32. As
illustrated in FIG. 9, the production tubing 68 may extend
partially down into wellbore 22. In this embodiment, the
communication line 32 and corresponding sensors 38 may be deployed
below the production tubing 68 in cased and/or open hole sections
of wellbore 22. This allows the communication line 32 to provide
monitoring data on a variety of well related parameters. In
production applications, for example, the communication line 32 may
be used to monitor parameters of a well fluid 76 as it enters
wellbore 22 through a plurality of perforations 78.
[0033] In some applications, a variety of deflectors 80, or other
suitable mechanisms, may be positioned to shape the fluid flow as
it flows from perforations 78 into production tubing 68, as
illustrated in FIG. 10. The deflectors 80 (or other suitable
mechanisms) may be coupled with production tubing 68 or otherwise
mounted within wellbore 22. In some applications, the mechanisms 80
may be structured to help support the communication line 32 and to
inhibit twisting of the communication line 32. However, a variety
of features, mechanisms and techniques may be employed to secure or
otherwise optimize use of the communication line 32 in providing
data from deviated wellbores or other types of wellbores depending
on the environment and the specifics of a given application.
[0034] As described herein, the overall system 20, including tool
30, communication line 32, sensors 38, and processing system 58,
may be used in a variety of well applications and non-well
applications involving monitoring along boreholes. The system and
methodology are useful in deviated boreholes, such as horizontal
wellbores, that span a substantial distance. If tractors or other
deployment devices are used for deployment of various structures
downhole, tool 30 facilitates an efficient and dependable technique
for deploying monitoring equipment, such as communication lines and
sensors.
[0035] Additionally, the equipment used in combination with tool 30
and communication line 32 may vary substantially from one
application to another. For example, the communication line
deployment technique may be used to facilitate many different types
of monitoring related to production fluids, formation attributes,
equipment operation, and/or other systems and processes. In well
applications, the monitoring equipment and methodology may be
combined with many types of well equipment, including many types of
casing, production tubing, completions, flow control equipment,
other sensing equipment, and/or other devices and systems used to
facilitate a well production, servicing, and/or testing
operation.
[0036] Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been
described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will
readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without
materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure.
Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within
the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.
* * * * *