U.S. patent application number 15/555451 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-15 for wellbore tubular and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is ABSOLUTE COMPLETION TECHNOLOGIES LTD.. Invention is credited to Liam Patrick HAGEL, Fred HARMAT, Glenn Edward WOICESHYN.
Application Number | 20180045022 15/555451 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56849137 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180045022 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WOICESHYN; Glenn Edward ; et
al. |
February 15, 2018 |
WELLBORE TUBULAR AND METHOD
Abstract
A wellbore tubular comprising: a base pipe including a wall; a
port through the wall providing access between an inner diameter of
the base pipe and an outer surface of the base pipe; a nozzle in
the port, the nozzle including an orifice including a bend therein;
and a diffuser positioned on the outer surface aligned with the
orifice.
Inventors: |
WOICESHYN; Glenn Edward;
(Calgary, CA) ; HARMAT; Fred; (Calgary, CA)
; HAGEL; Liam Patrick; (Calgary, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ABSOLUTE COMPLETION TECHNOLOGIES LTD. |
Calgary |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
56849137 |
Appl. No.: |
15/555451 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
March 1, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2016/050215 |
371 Date: |
September 1, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62127498 |
Mar 3, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/12 20130101;
E21B 41/0078 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 41/00 20060101
E21B041/00 |
Claims
1. A wellbore tubular comprising: a base pipe including a wall; a
port through the wall providing access between an inner diameter of
the base pipe and an outer surface of the base pipe; a nozzle in
the port, the nozzle including an orifice; and a diffuser tube on
the outer surface to receive fluid exiting the orifice, the
diffuser tube including an inlet port opening to an inner diameter
within a tubular wall of the diffuser tube, a fluid diffusing wall
at a bend within the diffuser tube and a plurality of outlet ports
from the diffusing tube.
2. The wellbore tubular of claim 1 wherein the inlet port is spaced
from the nozzle orifice.
3. The wellbore tubular of claim 1 further comprising a shield
connected over the outer surface of the base pipe and forming a
fluid chamber between the shield and the outer surface and wherein
the orifice opens into the fluid chamber and the diffuser tube is
positioned in the fluid chamber.
4. The wellbore tubular of claim 3 wherein the inlet port and the
plurality of outlet ports are positioned in the fluid chamber.
5. The wellbore tubular of claim 3 wherein the shield is an annular
sleeve and a gap between an end of the annular sleeve and the outer
surface forms an exit opening from the fluid chamber an exterior of
the wellbore tubular, and the outlet ports are positioned on a side
of the diffuser tube facing away from the exit opening.
6. The wellbore tubular of claim 1 wherein the plurality of outlet
ports open towards an outlet port on a second diffuser such that
the plurality of outlet ports are configured to expel fluid into a
counter or cross flowing fluid path exiting from the second
diffuser.
7. The wellbore tubular of claim 3 wherein at least some of the
plurality of outlet ports are angled up toward the shield.
8. The wellbore tubular of claim 1 wherein the orifice includes a
main aperture extending radially out from the inner diameter and a
lateral aperture extending at an angle from the main aperture bend
that changes the direction of fluid passing through the orifice and
a long axis through the lateral aperture is substantially parallel
to the outer surface and wherein the lateral aperture has an inner
end closest to the main aperture and an outer end opposite the
inner end and the lateral aperture has a larger diameter at the
outer end than the inner end.
9. The wellbore tubular of claim 1 wherein the nozzle includes a
second lateral aperture and a second diffuser tube on the outer
surface to receive fluid exiting the second lateral aperture.
10. The wellbore tubular of claim 1 wherein the inlet port has a
diameter larger than an individual diameter of each individual
outlet port.
11. The wellbore tubular of claim 1 wherein the diffuser tube
includes an elbow between the inlet port and the plurality of
outlet ports.
12. The wellbore tubular of claim 11 wherein the elbow creates a
wall in the inner diameter, the wall being substantially
orthogonally oriented relative to an axis of the orifice as it
exits the nozzle.
13. The wellbore tubular of claim 11 wherein the diffuser tube
includes an inlet portion with the inlet port at one end and the
elbow at the other end and a first arm portion extending from the
elbow and a second arm portion extending from the elbow, the
plurality of outlet ports being on the first and second arm
portions and the diffuser tube is T-shaped in plan view.
14. The wellbore tubular of claim 13 wherein the inlet portion is
substantially aligned with a long axis through the base pipe and
the first and second arm portions are curved to substantially
follow a circumferential curvature of the base pipe outer
surface.
15. The wellbore tubular of claim 1 wherein the inlet port includes
a conical, flaring extension.
16. The wellbore tubular of claim 1 further comprising a bypass
opening between the nozzle and the inlet port configured to permit
fluid to bypass the diffuser tube and enter the nozzle without
first passing through the diffuser tube.
17. The wellbore tubular of claim 1 wherein the diffuser tube is
constructed of a material more durable to erosion than a material
from which the base pipe is constructed.
18. A method for handling fluid in a wellbore comprising: forcing
fluid flows through a nozzle orifice which extends from an inner
diameter of a tubular to an outer surface of the tubular; and
directing the fluid flowing from the nozzle orifice along the outer
surface and into a diffuser tube to diffuse energy of the fluid
flowing from the nozzle orifice before the fluid exits the
tubular.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: handling produced
fluid flows by permitting produced fluid to enter the nozzle
orifice from adjacent the outer surface and flowing towards the
inner diameter, the nozzle orifice configured to generate a back
pressure on the produced fluid flows such that the pressure is
higher at the outer surface than in the inner diameter.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein handling produced fluid flows
permits the produced fluid flows to flow into the nozzle orifice
while bypassing the diffuser tube.
21. The method of claim 18 wherein directing the fluid flowing from
the nozzle orifice at the outer surface into a diffuser tube
includes introducing the fluid through an inlet port into an inner
diameter of the diffuser tube, impinging the fluid against a wall
in the inner diameter to change direction of the flow and
permitting flow out of the diffuser tube through an outlet
port.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein permitting flow out of the
diffuser tube directs the flow into a flow path of fluids exiting
another diffuser tube.
23. The method of claim 18 wherein the tubular includes an exit
opening from the tubular and wherein the fluid exits the tubular
through the exit opening.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein after passing from the diffuser
tube, changing a flow direction of the fluid before the fluid
passes through the exit opening.
25. The method of claim 23 wherein directing the fluid flows
includes impinging the fluid flows exiting from the diffuser tube
against a redirecting surface before passing through the exit
opening.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to wellbore structures and, in
particular, nozzles and tubulars for wellbore fluid control.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various wellbore nozzles and tubulars are known and serve
various purposes. Tubulars are employed to both inject fluids into
and conduct fluids from a wellbore. In some cases, nozzles are
employed to control the flow and pressure characteristics of the
fluid moving through the wellbore.
[0003] Wellbore tubulars with nozzles have failed in some
challenging wellbore conditions, such as in steam or acid injection
operations. Improved nozzled tubulars are of interest.
SUMMARY
[0004] In accordance with another broad aspect, there is a wellbore
tubular comprising: a base pipe including a wall; a port through
the wall providing access between an inner diameter of the base
pipe and an outer surface of the base pipe; a nozzle in the port,
the nozzle including an orifice; and a diffuser tube on the outer
surface to receive fluid exiting the orifice, the diffuser tube
including an inlet port opening to an inner diameter within a
tubular wall of the diffuser tube, a fluid diffusing wall at a bend
within the diffuser tube and a plurality of outlet ports from the
diffusing tube.
[0005] In accordance with another broad aspect, there is a method
for handling fluid in a wellbore comprising: forcing fluid flows
through a nozzle orifice which extends from an inner diameter of a
tubular to an outer surface of the tubular; and directing the fluid
flowing from the nozzle orifice along the outer surface and into a
diffuser tube to diffuse energy of the fluid flowing from the
nozzle orifice before the fluid exits the tubular.
[0006] It is to be understood that other aspects of the present
invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from the following detailed description, wherein various
embodiments of the invention are shown and described by way of
illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable for
other and different embodiments and its several details are capable
of modification in various other respects, all without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly the
drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Drawings are included for the purpose of illustrating
certain aspects of the invention. Such drawings and the description
thereof are intended to facilitate understanding and should not be
considered limiting of the invention. Drawings are included, in
which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wellbore tubular;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a section along line I-I of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a section through line II-II of FIG. 2;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an enlarged section through a nozzle installed in
the wall of a tubular;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the components of
a nozzle to be installed in the wall of a tubular;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a nozzle seat;
[0014] FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of a nozzle;
[0015] FIG. 8 is an enlarged section through a nozzle installed in
the wall of a tubular;
[0016] FIG. 9 is an axial sectional view through a tubular with a
diffuser therein;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a section along of FIG. 9;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a section along IV-IV of FIG. 10;
[0019] FIG. 12 is sectional view of another tubular, the sectional
view being similar to that of FIG. 10, but passing through the
nozzle;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the diffuser and nozzle
arrangement of the tubular of FIG. 12 with the shield removed;
and
[0021] FIG. 14 is a section along V-V of FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0022] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of various
embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to
represent the only embodiments contemplated by the inventor. The
detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of
providing a comprehensive understanding of the present invention.
However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
present invention may be practiced without these specific
details.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a wellbore tubular 10 is shown.
The wellbore tubular is for conveying fluid into or out of a well
and for permitting fluid to pass between its inner diameter and its
outer surface. The tubular has a durable construction and may even
accommodate the significant rigors presented by handling steam
flows. The wellbore tubular may be formed using various
constructions. For example, the ends 10a of the wellbore tubular
may be formed for connection to adjacent wellbore tubulars. As will
be appreciated, while the tubular's ends are shown as blanks, they
may be formed in various ways for connection end to end with other
tubulars to form a string of interconnected tubulars, such as, for
example, by formation at one or both ends as threaded pins,
threaded boxes or other types of connections.
[0024] Wellbore tubular 10 includes a base pipe 12 with one or more
ports 14 through the base pipe wall. Fluids may pass through ports
14 between the base pipe's inner diameter ID defined by inner
surface 12a and its outer surface 12b. Depending on the mode of
operation intended for the wellbore tubular, fluid flow can be
inwardly through the ports toward inner diameter ID or outwardly
through the ports from inner diameter ID to the outer surface
12b.
[0025] The inner diameter generally extends from end to end of the
tubular such that the tubular can act to convey fluids from end to
end therethrough and be used to form a length of a longer fluid
conduit through a plurality of connected tubulars.
[0026] The tubular may include a shield 16 mounted to base pipe 12.
The shield may be positioned to overlap the ports. Shield 16 may be
spaced from outer surface 12b such that an annular space 18 is
provided between the shield and outer surface 12b.
[0027] There are openings from space 18 to the exterior of the
tubular, which is the outer surface 12b exposed beyond the shield.
For example, there may be openings 18a through the shield or at the
end edges 16a of shield 16 where fluid can flow into or out of
space 18. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, shield 16 is
spaced at at least some edges 16a from outer surface 12b such that
there are openings 18a through which space 18 can be accessed at
those edges. In some embodiments, as shown, the shield may be
positioned to encircle base pipe 12 at the ports 14 and, therefore,
may be shaped as a sleeve, as shown with space 18 formed as an
annulus and with annular access openings 18a at both ends of the
sleeve.
[0028] The openings may take other forms in other embodiments,
depending on the form of the base tubular, sleeve, and mode of
operation. For example, in one embodiment, the 118a openings may be
formed in whole or in part by grooves 119 in the outer surface 112b
of the base pipe (FIG. 8).
[0029] Shield 16 may serve a number of purposes including, for
example, protecting the ports from abrasion and diverting flow for
fluid velocity control. For example, shield 16 diverts flow between
the exterior of the tubular and ports 14, such that it must pass
along outer surface 12b of base pipe. Flow, therefore, cannot pass
directly radially between the exterior of the tubular and inner
diameter ID. In particular, because shield 16 overlaps the ports,
ports 14 open into space 18, flow between exterior of the tubular
and the inner diameter changes direction at least once: at the
intersection of port 14 and space 18. While flow through the ports
14 is radial relative to the long axis xb of the tubular, flow
between the ports and the exterior of the tool is through space 18
and that flow is substantially orthogonal relative to the radial
flow through ports 14.
[0030] Each port 14 has a nozzle assembly 20 installed therein. The
nozzle assembly permits flow control through the port in which it
is installed. With reference also to FIG. 4, nozzle assembly 20
includes at least a nozzle 22 and may include an installation
fitting 24.
[0031] Nozzle 22 includes an orifice 26 extending through the
nozzle body through which fluid passes through the nozzle and
therefore through the port. In particular, a nozzle 22 is installed
in each port such that flow through the port is controlled by the
shape and the configuration of orifice 26.
[0032] Nozzle 22 is formed of a material that can withstand the
erosive rigors experienced down hole such as via abrasive flows,
high velocity flows, corrosive flows with acid and/or steam passing
through orifice 26. Nozzle 22 may, for example, be formed of a
material different, for example, harder than the material forming
base pipe 12. The base pipe is, for example, usually formed of
steel such as carbon steel and nozzle 22 may be formed of a
material harder than the carbon steel of base pipe 12. In some
embodiments, for example, nozzle 22 may be formed of tungsten
carbide, stainless, hardened steel, filled materials, etc.
[0033] Orifice 26 may be shaped to allow non-linear flow through
nozzle 22. In particular, orifice 26 defines a path through the
nozzle, through which fluid flows, and the path from its inlet end
to its outlet end is non-linear, including at least one bend or
elbow that causes at least one change in direction of the fluid
flowing through the orifice. This bend may affect fluid flows in a
number of ways to redirect the flow to a more favorable direction,
to cause impingement of the fluid against a nozzle surface or
another flow to diffuse energy from the flow, to mitigate erosive
damage to certain surfaces and/or to create an extra back pressure
to slow or otherwise control flows of certain fluids autonomously
through the nozzle. For example, the geometry of the nozzle orifice
26 can be selected to choke selectively gas, water, steam or
oil.
[0034] For example with reference also to FIG. 7, orifice 26 may
include a diverting bend at y that diverts flow through the nozzle
from a first direction to a second direction which is offset, out
of line from the first direction. With reference to the direction
of flow depicted through the nozzle of FIG. 7, the first direction
is shown by arrow Fa and the second direction is shown by arrow Fb.
In one embodiment, the second direction is substantially orthogonal
to the first direction.
[0035] Nozzle 22 is positioned in a port and will have one end open
to the inner diameter ID of the tubular and the other end open to
the outer surface 12b. Generally, the nozzle is installed so that a
base end 22a is installed adjacent and open to inner surface 12a
and an opposite end 22b is installed adjacent and open to outer
surface 12b. Orifice 26 may be formed, therefore, to avoid straight
through flow between base end 22a and opposite end 22b. Orifice 26,
for example, may include a portion defining a main aperture 26a and
a portion defining a lateral aperture 26b. Main aperture 26a
extends from an opening 26a' at a base end 22a of nozzle 22 to an
end wall 26a'' at an opposite end 22b of the nozzle. Lateral
aperture 26b extends from the main aperture and connects main
aperture 26a to another opening 26b' adjacent opposite end 22b.
Lateral aperture 26b extends at an angle from the long axis of main
aperture 26a. The angular intersection of the axis of lateral
aperture relative to the main aperture may be substantially
orthogonal (+/-45.degree.) and in one embodiment, for example, the
apertures 26a, 26b intersect at y at substantially 90.degree..
[0036] The nozzle may be substantially cylindrical with ends 22a,
22b and substantially cylindrical side walls extending between the
ends. In such an embodiment, the main aperture portion opens at an
end and the pair of lateral aperture portions opens on the
cylindrical side walls.
[0037] End wall 26a'', which can be flat (planar) or domed
(concave), prevents straight through flow through the nozzle and
acts to divert flow from the first direction in the main aperture
to the lateral direction through lateral aperture 26b. Impingement
of fluid flows against wall 26a'' dissipates energy from the flow
and concentrates erosive energy against wall 26a'' rather than
surfaces beyond the nozzle. Orifice 26 is formed through the
material of the nozzle and, thus, walls 26a'' and the other walls
defining orifice 26 are of erosion-resistant material. Thus, the
diverting bend and in particular end wall 26a'', can reliably
accommodate the passage therethrough of erosive flows including
that of steam. This foregoing description focuses on flow in only
one direction through apertures 26a, 26b, but it is to be
understood that flow can be from opening 26b' to opening 26a' (i.e.
with the flow moving in the opposite directions of arrows Fa and
Fb), if desired. See for example, FIG. 8 wherein flow arrows F
through nozzle 122 pass in the opposite direction: from outer
lateral aperture portions 126b to main aperture portion 126a of
orifice 126.
[0038] Orifice 26 may be further configured to control the flow
characteristics of fluid passing therethrough. In one embodiment,
apertures 26a, 26b may be sized to limit the volume of fluid
capable of passing therethrough. For example, apertures 26b may be
smaller diameter openings, sized to allow less flow, than aperture
26a. For example, the total cross sectional area of apertures 26b
may be less than the total cross sectional area of aperture 26a,
such that a back pressure is created when flow is in the direction
of arrows Fa, Fb. Stated another way, the pressure drop is mainly
across 26b. The primary flow control through the nozzle is at
lateral aperture 26b, more so than 26a.
[0039] Alternately or in addition, apertures 26a, 26b may be shaped
to impart desired flow rate and/or pressure on the fluid passing
therethrough. For example, lateral aperture 26b, as shown, has
internal shape with a jetting constriction to impart a jet effect,
which generally includes a fluid acceleration and pressure change
(i.e. drop), in the fluid passing therethrough. The shape of
apertures 26a may change depending on whether the flow is intended
to be with arrows Fb or against them or a bidirectional jetting
shape may be employed with a symmetrical constriction similar to an
hour glass.
[0040] In addition or alternately, there may be more than one main
and/or lateral aperture. For example, as shown, orifice 26 may take
the form of a T-shaped conduit with at least two lateral apertures
26b extending from the main aperture. However, while two lateral
apertures 26b are shown, there may be only one or more than two
such apertures. Generally, there will be an even number of lateral
apertures with pairs substantially diametrically opposed across the
circumference of the main aperture 26a. The diametric positioning,
with one lateral aperture 26b opening into main aperture 26a at a
position substantially opposite another lateral aperture 26b (as
shown in FIG. 7), allows fluid impingement when flow is inwardly
from apertures 26b to aperture 26a. This impingement may create a
desired back pressure on the flow through nozzle.
[0041] Nozzle 22 conveys fluid between openings 26a' and 26b'
across the wall of the base pipe. One opening is exposed in the
inner diameter of the base pipe and the other opening is exposed on
outer surface 12b. If shield 16 is employed, fluid when exiting
from nozzle 22, enters annulus 18. The position of orifice 26b' of
lateral aperture 26b causes some fluid movement parallel to outer
surface 12b, rather than straight radially out from port 14.
[0042] Nozzle 22 may be installed in any of various ways in its
port 14. If desired, nozzle assembly 20 may include installation
fitting 24 to hold nozzle 22 in its port 14. For example, if the
material of nozzle 22 prevents reliable engagement to base pipe or
is formed of a material different than the material of the base
pipe, a fitting 24 may be employed to ensure a good fit of the
nozzle in its port and may, for example, reduce the risk of nozzle
22 falling out of the port.
[0043] Installation fitting 24 may be formed to fit between the
nozzle and the port. For example, the installation fitting may
include a portion for being engaged in the port and a portion for
securing nozzle. The portion for being engaged in the port may vary
depending on the form and the shape of the port and the desired
mode of installation in port 14. In the illustrated embodiment, for
example, installation fitting 24 includes a threaded portion 28 as
that portion engageable in the port. The port may also include
threads 30 into which fitting 24 may be threaded.
[0044] The portion for securing the nozzle may also vary, for
example, depending on the form and shape of nozzle 22 and the
desired mode of installation of nozzle 22. For example, in one
embodiment, nozzle 22 can be held rigidly by the fitting and in
another embodiment, nozzle 22 may be installed to have some degree
of movement relative to the fitting, while being held against
becoming entirely free of the fitting. Thus, as an example, fitting
24 in the illustrated example includes a passage 32 into which
nozzle 22 fits. Passage 32 passes fully through the fitting such
that it is open at both ends of the fitting and, in other words,
the fitting is formed as a ring. When nozzle 22 is installed in
passage 32, opening 26a' is exposed at one end of the passage and
opening 26b' is exposed at the other end of the passage.
[0045] In this embodiment, nozzle 22 is secured rigidly into
passage 32. For example, nozzle 22 may be press fit and possibly
mechanically shrunk fit, into passage 32. In one embodiment,
fitting 24 may be heated to cause thermal expansion thereof that
enlarges the diameter across passage 32, nozzle 22 may be fit
therein and fitting 24 cooled to contract about the nozzle and,
thereby, firmly engage it. In such an embodiment, fitting 24 may
include features to modify the hoop stresses about the ring to best
accommodate heating expansion for press fitting. For example,
passage 32 and nozzle 22 may have a tapering diameter from end to
end to facilitate press fitting these parts together. For example,
nozzle 22 may have a tapering outer diameter from one end to the
other and passage 32 may have a tapering inner diameter from one
end to the other end. The nozzle 22 may then be inserted and forced
into passage 32 with the narrow end of the nozzle wedged into the
narrow end of the passage and the tapering sides of the parts in
close contact. In addition or alternately, for modification of hoop
strength, passage 32 may include notches 34 in the otherwise
substantially circular sectional shape (orthogonal to the center
axis x of passage 32).
[0046] In some embodiments, the material of nozzle 22 may have
thermal expansion properties different than the material of base
pipe 12. As such, if nozzle 22 was installed directly into base
pipe 12, it may tend to become dislodged or damaged in use such as
when in a high temperature (i.e. steam) environment. Generally, the
materials most useful for the nozzle may have a low coefficient of
thermal expansion, while the materials most useful for the base
pipe 12 may have a reasonably high coefficient of thermal expansion
and most often a nozzle firmly installed in a port at ambient
temperatures may tend to fall out of a base pipe at elevated
temperatures. To address issues caused by thermal expansion,
installation fitting 24 may be formed of a material having a
coefficient of thermal expansion selected to work well with both
the nozzle and the base pipe. In one embodiment, installation
fitting 24 is formed of a material having a coefficient of thermal
expansion between those of the materials of the base pipe and the
nozzle. In another embodiment, the coefficient of thermal expansion
of fitting 24 is greater than that of base pipe 12. As such, when
undergoing thermal stress, fitting 24 will undergo thermal
expansion ahead of base pipe 12 and fitting 24 stays firmly engaged
in port. In such an embodiment, nozzle 22 and fitting 24 can be
connected when the fitting is thermally expanded.
[0047] Shield 16, if employed, may overlap the nozzle assembly to
hold nozzle 22 in the port 14. In one embodiment, nozzle 22 is fit
in the port such that any movement to fall out of port is radially
out towards outer surface 12b. A controlled installation that tends
to allow nozzle 22 to only move outwardly towards the outer surface
may be achieved, for example, by tapering of the nozzle and the
port/passage in which it is installed to have their wider ends
radially outwardly positioned, for example closer to the outer
surface of the base pipe. Shield 16 includes a plug 36 in a hole 38
that substantially radially aligns with port 14. Plug 36 is
removable to allow opening of hole 38 and access to port 14 and,
thereby, installation of nozzle assembly 20 to port 14 through hole
38. After nozzle 22 is installed, plug 36 may be reinstalled in
hole 38 to overlie the nozzle. Plug 36 and hole 38, for example,
may be threaded to facilitate removal and reinstallation of the
plug.
[0048] Plug 36 can ensure that nozzle 22 remains in position in
port 14 even if nozzle 22 comes loose. For example, plug 36 can be
formed to penetrate into hole 38 sufficiently to bear down on end
22b of the nozzle. If there are tolerances that may prevent
reliable fitting of the plug against end 22b of the nozzle, a
flexible spacer may be employed. For example, as shown, there may
be a spring 40 between plug 36 and nozzle 22.
[0049] Nozzle assembly 20, in this embodiment including nozzle 22
and fitting 24 in port 14, allows fluid to move between inner
diameter ID and outer surface 12b through orifice 26. The lateral
orifice 26b directs fluid flows that are adjacent opening 26b' to
pass substantially parallel to outer surface 12b through annulus
18. To facilitate flows through the annulus with minimal erosive
damage to shield 16, aperture 26b may be positioned such that flows
therethrough pass somewhat parallel to the long axis xb of base
pipe. For example, the nozzle 22 can be installed such that the
axis xa of aperture 26b is within 60.degree. and perhaps within
45.degree. of long axis xb. In the illustrated embodiment, axis xa
of aperture 26b is substantially aligned with long axis xb.
[0050] To install a nozzle assembly in such an embodiment, plug 36
can be removed from hole 38, the nozzle assembly including at least
nozzle 22 but possibly also fitting 24 can be inserted through hole
38 and installed in port 14 with openings 26a' and 26b' exposed in
inner diameter ID and annulus 18, respectively, and with axis xa of
aperture 26b directed in a selected direction, for example toward
the open edges 16a of shield 16. Then plug 36 can be installed in
hole 38 over nozzle 22. If there is a spacer, such as spring 40, it
is positioned between nozzle 22 and plug 36. In an embodiment where
the nozzle assembly includes fitting 24 and nozzle 22, these parts
can be installed separately or may be connected ahead of
installation.
[0051] Tubulars according to the present invention can take other
forms as well. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, tubular 110
includes a screening apparatus 150. Tubular 110 is primarily useful
for handling inflows, since screening apparatus 150 removes
oversize particles from the flows to opening 118a. Grooves 119 in
outer surface 112b extend under apparatus 150, through openings
118a under an edge of the shield and into space 118 between outer
surface 112b and shield 116. Space 118 opens to nozzle. It is noted
that tubular 110 illustrates a nozzle 122 without an additional
installation fitting and, instead, nozzle 122 is secured directly
into the material of base pipe.
[0052] During use of the tubular, fluid may pass through nozzle
orifice 26 between inner diameter ID and outer surface 12b. Nozzle
22 diverts flow such that it passes in a non-linear fashion between
inner diameter ID and outer surface 12b. Orifice 26 causes fluid
flows to change direction as they pass through the nozzle including
both: (i) substantially radially relative to the long axis xb of
the base pipe and (ii) substantially parallel to the outer surface,
which is possibly somewhat parallel to the long axis of the base
pipe. This may direct flows through space 18 between outer surface
12b and shield 16 spaced from the outer surface. The fluid may flow
through space 18, along outer surface 12b through an opening 18a,
118a to the annulus about the tubular.
[0053] Flows outwardly tend not to cause formation damage, as the
fluid jetting through the nozzle is diverted from a radially
outward direction (through aperture 26a) to a lateral direction
through aperture 26b and along the outer surface of the base pipe,
which is parallel to the wellbore wall. As such, the force of the
fluid passing from the tubular is dissipated at end wall 26a'' of
the orifice, where the flow path diverts laterally.
[0054] In use, nozzle 22 may control fluid flows by accommodating
and avoiding erosion through ports and controlling velocity and
pressure characteristics of the flow.
[0055] For example, a method for accepting inflow of steam or
produced fluids in a paired, heavy oil (such as oil sand), gravity
drainage well may employ a tubular such as is depicted in FIGS. 1
to 3 or FIG. 7. In paired well steam production, it is desirable
that introduced steam create a steam chamber in the formation that
heats the heavy oil and mobilizes it as produced fluids. The
produced fluids are intended to flow into a producing well.
Sometimes steam from an adjacent well may break through and seek to
enter the producing well. Using a tubular, as described, steam may
be restricted from passing into the tubular due to the form of the
nozzle and the configuration of the nozzle in the tubular. In
particular, the limited entry size of the apertures first limits
the volume of produced fluids that can pass into the tubular. Also,
the impingement of flows from the diametrically opposed apertures
26b tends to resist flows through the orifice 26 and creates a back
pressure that limits flows through the nozzle. Also, the diverted
flow path from aperture 26b to aperture 26a dissipates fluid force
so that the tubular tends not to problematically erode. As such, a
steam chamber may form outwardly of the tubular, even if a break
through occurs from the steam injection well to the producing
well.
[0056] During use, while forces may tend to act to dislodge nozzle
from its position, the method may include holding the nozzle in
place against the forces tending to move the nozzle into an
inactive position. For example, the method may include holding the
nozzle down into the port, for example, by a shield thereover.
Alternately, or in addition, the method may include holding the
nozzle against dislodgement by differences in thermal expansion,
for example, by use of a fitting. A fitting may act between the
nozzle and the base pipe to hold the nozzle in place. For example,
the fitting may prevent the nozzle from passing into the inner
diameter due to a taper in the parts and the nozzle may have a
thermal expansion that holds the nozzle in place.
[0057] While the embodiment is described wherein nozzle 22 is
rigidly installed in fitting 24, the nozzle in some embodiments can
be slidably mounted in the fitting. For example, nozzle can slide
into and out of the fitting depending on the pressures against
openings 26a' and 26b'. As such, nozzle 22 can operate as a form of
valve.
[0058] A nozzle, as described hereinbefore, may have an orifice
shaped to restrict flow in one direction, but such an orifice may
not restrict flow as much in the opposite direction. For example,
with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13, a nozzle 222 may be installed in a
tubular 212 intended to handle produced fluid flow, which is flow
inwardly from the base pipe's outer surface 212b through the
orifice of the nozzle. Specifically, with reference back to FIG. 8,
inward, produced fluid flow may be through a lateral aperture 126b
of the orifice and then into a main aperture 126a of the orifice,
before entering the inner diameter ID of the tubular. In such an
embodiment, each orifice lateral aperture 126b has a smaller
diameter inner end (the end closer to main aperture 126a) and a
larger diameter outer end (the end closer to space 118) and a
flaring diameter from the inner end to the outer end. This orifice
shape creates back pressure on the fluid passing therethrough in
the direction of arrows F.
[0059] With such a tubular, flow in the opposite direction,
outwardly from the inner diameter, ID through nozzle 122 to outer
surface 112b may not be slowed by the orifice and may, in fact, be
accelerated such that the fluid passing from nozzle 122, out
through lateral aperture 126b along outer surface 112b may have a
high velocity and may be damaging to structures in the fluid path,
especially if the fluid is steam or acid.
[0060] For example if it is desired to use tubular 110, that is
intended to control and slow inflow of produced fluids into the
tubular inner diameter, instead to pump fluids through from the
tubular into the formation (in a direction opposite arrows F), the
fluids passing from nozzle 122 may damage structures including
parts of the tubular such as shield 116, base pipe outer surface
112b, screening materials 150, or the formation. Fluids, such as
water, gas, steam or acid, passing from the nozzle orifice 126b may
cause erosion-corrosion.
[0061] A tubular 210 that provides both controlled, low stress
inflow and controlled, low stress outflow through a nozzle 222 may
include an outflow diffuser 260 positioned to accept flow from the
nozzle. The outflow diffuser 260 accepts flow and dissipates some
of the energy therefrom before releasing the flow to exit and flow
away from the tubular. The diffuser includes a wall positioned out
of alignment, for example substantially orthogonally, to the axis
xa (see FIG. 7) of the orifice's lateral apertures 226b.
[0062] The diffuser may be installed on outer surface 212b of the
tubular wall to receive impingement from an outward flow from
nozzle 222, which will be through the orifice's lateral apertures
226b. There may be a diffuser for each lateral aperture of the
nozzle. The diffuser is positioned adjacent the nozzle and
generally in a space such as an exterior fluid chamber 218 such as
one defined between a shield 216 and outer surface 212b. The
exterior fluid chamber has an opening 218a to the exterior of the
tool through which fluid enters or exits the chamber. When fluid is
passing outwardly through nozzle 222, it follows an exit path from
nozzle to opening 218a where the fluid passes out from under the
shield 216 to the exterior of the shield. Opening is part of the
exit path for the fluid. The opening 218a may open directly to the
exterior of the tool. Alternately, a filtering material 250 may be
disposed across opening 218a to filter fluid passing through
opening 218a.
[0063] In one embodiment, the diffuser is a tube positioned and
configured to accept fluids exiting the nozzle at lateral apertures
226b and redirect and slow the fluids before releasing them to
continue along the exit path and flow from the tubular. The
diffuser tube has a tubular construction with a tubular wall
defining there within an inner diameter that provides a conduit for
fluids to flow between an inlet port 262 to the tube and a
plurality of outlet ports 264 from the tube. The inlet port may
have a diameter larger than the diameter of each individual outlet
port 264. The diffuser tube may be formed with an elbow 266 along
its conduit length such that flow passing therethrough is
redirected and does not pass straight through. The elbow creates
the wall positioned out of alignment, for example substantially
orthogonally, to the axis xa (see FIG. 7) of the orifice's lateral
aperture 226b. The tube in one embodiment is L or T-shaped with an
inlet portion 270, which is a length of the tube having the inlet
port 262 at one end thereof and elbow 266 at the other end and one
or more, such as for example two, arm portions 272 extending from
the inlet portion at the elbow. Outlet ports 264 are positioned in
the arm portions 272, but are spaced from elbow 266. The outlet
ports may be holes through the tubular wall forming the arm
portions and/or may be holes at the end of the arm portions. The
inner diameter of the inlet portion opens at the elbow into the
inner diameters of the arm portions. Thus, fluid passing through
the conduit of the tube enters through the inlet port and impinges
against an end wall 266a at the bend of elbow 266. The end wall
266a causes the fluid to change direction and flow down arm
portions 272.
[0064] In one embodiment, the diffuser tube is T-shaped with inlet
portion 270 connected to two arm portions at a T-shaped elbow. The
diffuser tube may be substantially symmetrical about the inlet
portion.
[0065] The diffuser is positioned on the outer surface of the wall
of the tubular 212 adjacent the orifice of nozzle 222 to receive
the fluid passing from lateral aperture 226b. In one embodiment,
inlet port 262 is positioned substantially aligned with lateral
aperture 226b. For example, inlet port 262 may be positioned such
that its center point is axially aligned with axis xa of the
nozzle's lateral aperture 226b. Inlet port 262 may be flared and
may taper across its inner diameter with depth into the inlet port.
This flare causes the inlet port opening of the diffuser to be
conically formed and creates a wider entry site to the diffuser.
This ensures that most if not all of the fluid passing from lateral
aperture 226b passes into the diffuser conduit 260.
[0066] The arm portions 272 extend from inlet portion 270. Since
the diffuser is positioned on the wall of tubular 212, arm portions
272 may be curved to substantially follow the circumferential
curvature of the tubular's wall. In one embodiment, the long axis
of inlet portion 270 extends substantially in alignment with long
axis xb of the tubular body 212 and arms 272 are attached to the
inlet portion and are curved to extend around the circumferential
curvature orthogonal to the long axis xb of the tubular body.
[0067] As noted above, outlet ports 264 are positioned in the arm
portions 272. Ports 264 may be positioned in the end of the arm
portions 272 and/or may be positioned spaced apart along the length
of each arm portion. In one embodiment, the ports 264 are
positioned to direct the fluid passing therethrough into a
particular area of the tubular. In one embodiment, for example,
ports 264 are positioned in arm portions 272 such that fluid
exiting therefrom cannot flow directly along a straight line to the
exit opening 218a on the tubular. For example, ports 264 can be
positioned in arm portions 272 such that fluid passing from the
ports must change direction to reach the exit opening 218a. The
ports, for example, may be oriented to face towards a blocking
structure such as towards the outer surface, the shield or another
diffuser. Alternately, the ports may be positioned to expel fluid
into counter or cross flowing fluid path or along a path not
directly parallel to the exit path leading to exit opening 218a.
For example, if there are two diffuser tubes in the tubular, they
may be positioned such that their outlet ports 264 face each other.
In the illustrated embodiment, for example, ports 264 are
positioned in arm portions 272 on a side that faces away from the
exit path of the fluid. The ports open towards another diffuser
and, in particular, toward ports 264 on that other diffuser.
Additionally, at least some ports are angled up toward shield 216
and/or angled down toward surface 212b, which are the walls that
define the upper and lower limits, respectively, of the exterior
fluid chamber 218. As such, ports 264 in the illustrated
embodiment, are positioned to expel fluid away from opening 218a
into a counter flowing fluid path generated by fluid expelled from
the opposite diffuser and upwardly or downwardly at an angle to
impinge against the upper or lower limits of the chamber in which
they are installed.
[0068] While, the diffuser may be installed in the tubular to
receive an outward flow from nozzle 222, a bypass opening may be
provided to permit produced fluid to bypass the diffuser and enter
the nozzle without first passing through the diffuser. The fluid
may, therefore, enter the nozzle directly to flow inwardly into the
inner diameter without flowing through the diffuser. In the
illustrated embodiment, diffuser conduit 260 is spaced from the
nozzle such that there is an open space 280 between the nozzle and
the inlet portion 270 of the diffuser. Produced fluid may flow
through opening 218a, into open space 280 and then enter nozzle
directly to thereby flow inwardly into the inner diameter, while
bypassing at least the arm portions and elbow, and possibly the
entirety, of the diffuser. The bypass opening may take other forms
such as large holes through the inlet portion, if the diffuser if
attached directly adjacent the nozzle.
[0069] In addition, if desired, the diffuser may be mounted in
chamber 218 with gaps 282 between the upper and/or lower surfaces
of the arm portions 272 and the shield 216 and/or surface 212b such
that produced fluid can pass above and below the diffuser to enter
the nozzle's orifice without flowing through the diffuser.
[0070] In spite of these gaps 282 and open space 280, diffuser 260
is installed to be held firmly in its position adjacent the nozzle.
In one embodiment, there is a mounting block 286 that secures the
diffuser in position between shield 216 and base pipe 212. In FIG.
11, mounting block 286 is sandwiched and secured between the shield
and the base pipe and in the tubular of FIG. 12, mounting block 286
is installed in a recess 288 in the shield. In any event, the mode
of installation such as the use of mounting block 286 maintains
gaps 282 and spacing at open space 280, to secure the diffuser
against being pushed away from the nozzle by the force of the fluid
flow.
[0071] Diffuser 260, especially at inlet port 262, outlet ports 264
and elbow 266, must withstand a lot of erosive fluid force. As
such, diffuser 260 may be constructed of a durable material similar
to those used for the nozzle. While the use of such material may be
costly, the amount of this material required for nozzle 222 and
diffuser 260, may be small compared to the overall material
requirements of the tubular. These parts, the nozzle and the
diffuser can be installed in a tubular formed of standard
construction materials.
[0072] The spacing between the diffuser and the nozzle may
determine how much of the nozzle's flow is treated via the diffuser
and the force at which the fluid enters the inlet portion. This
spacing may be varied as desired in the construction of the
tubular.
[0073] The tubulars of FIGS. 10 and 13 differ in a few respects
including the shape and mode of installation of the mounting
portion 286. These two embodiments also show two different
installations for nozzle 222, wherein FIG. 10 shows the nozzle
formed as an integral component of the base pipe and FIG. 13 shows
the nozzle as an insert installed through a capped port, such as is
described in FIG. 3.
[0074] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the
present invention. Various modifications to those embodiments will
be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
the present invention is not intended to be limited to the
embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope
consistent with the claims, wherein reference to an element in the
singular, such as by use of the article "a" or "an" is not intended
to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but
rather "one or more". All structural and functional equivalents to
the elements of the various embodiments described throughout the
disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of
ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the
elements of the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is
intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such
disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. For US patent
properties, it is noted that no claim element is to be construed
under the provisions of 35 USC 112, sixth paragraph, unless the
element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or "step
for".
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