U.S. patent application number 15/289315 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-12 for system and method for component centering.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schlumberger Technology Corporation. Invention is credited to Rod W. Shampine.
Application Number | 20180100358 15/289315 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61829994 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180100358 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shampine; Rod W. |
April 12, 2018 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPONENT CENTERING
Abstract
A technique facilitates positively centering a well component,
e.g. a downhole tool and/or coiled tubing, inside a pressure
barrier, e.g. a riser. A centering device is positioned along the
pressure barrier to move the well component toward a center of the
pressure barrier. The centering device has a movable member, e.g. a
plurality of movable members, selectively shiftable between a
radially outward position and a radially inward position within the
pressure barrier component. The well component is moved toward the
center of the pressure barrier during shifting of the movable
member(s) toward the radially inward position.
Inventors: |
Shampine; Rod W.; (Houston,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schlumberger Technology Corporation |
Sugar Land |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61829994 |
Appl. No.: |
15/289315 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 17/01 20130101;
E21B 19/22 20130101; E21B 33/064 20130101; E21B 33/035 20130101;
E21B 17/1078 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 17/10 20060101
E21B017/10; E21B 19/22 20060101 E21B019/22; E21B 17/01 20060101
E21B017/01; E21B 33/035 20060101 E21B033/035 |
Claims
1. A system for positive centering during a well operation,
comprising: a pressure barrier component through which a
non-rotating well component is deployed; and a centering device
positioned along the pressure barrier component for selective
engagement with the well component to move the well component
toward a center of the pressure barrier component, the centering
device having a plurality of movable members selectively shiftable
between a radially outward position and a radially inward position
within the pressure barrier component, the movable members being
oriented to engage the well component and to move the well
component within the pressure barrier component when the movable
members are shifted to the radially inward position.
2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the pressure barrier
component comprises a riser.
3. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein the non-rotating well
component is selected from the group consisting of coiled tubing
and a downhole well tool.
4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
movable members are sized and positioned to prevent the passage of
the well component between any two of the plurality of movable
members.
5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the movable members
comprise pins oriented for movement in a radial direction.
6. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein the pins are pressure
balanced between internal pressure and external pressure acting on
the pressure barrier component.
7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the movable members
comprise centering arms mounted on pivot pins.
8. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein the pins are
collectively actuated.
9. The system as recited in claim 5, where the pins are actuated by
a cam mechanism.
10. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the movable members
comprise at least one expandable element.
11. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the at least one
expandable element comprises a compressible elastomeric
element.
12. A system, comprising: a centering device having a mounting
structure configured for mounting along a riser extending above a
wellbore, the centering device comprising a centering member
selectively shiftable between a radially outward position and a
radially inward position, the centering member being oriented to
engage and move a non-rotating well component toward a center of
the riser while the well component is deployed through the
centering device.
13. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the centering member
comprises a plurality of pins oriented in a radial direction.
14. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the centering member
comprises a plurality of centering arms mounted on pivot pins.
15. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the centering member
comprises a radially expandable elastomeric element.
16. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein the pins have outer
ends engaged by a cam mechanism operable to shift the pins between
the radially outward position and the radially inward position.
17. A method, comprising: providing a centering device with a
plurality of movable members; mounting the centering device along a
riser; deploying a coiled tubing into the riser; and centering the
well component toward an axis of the riser by selectively actuating
the movable members against the well component.
18. (canceled)
19. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein centering comprises
actuating radially oriented pins in a radially inward direction to
engage and move the coiled tubing.
20. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein centering comprises
collectively moving the movable members to a radially inward
position within the riser.
21. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein centering
facilitates coupling the coiled tubing to a downhole tool.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] In many types of oilfield applications, downhole tools are
conveyed downhole via conveyance systems, e.g. coiled tubing, and
used to perform measurements and services in wells. The downhole
tools and conveyance systems tend to be relatively long, thin
components deployed downwardly into a wellbore. To facilitate
deployment downhole, the downhole tools may be placed in a long
riser via the coiled tubing. The downhole tools enter through the
top of the riser and are either pulled to the bottom of the riser
or assembled into the riser. The riser is then attached to the well
and pressure tested so the downhole tools may be run downhole into
the wellbore. However, the coiled tubing is not straight and often
has a residual bend which can produce thousands of pounds of radial
force that effectively moves the downhole tools and/or coiled
tubing off the well center.
[0002] Consequently, attempts have been made to center the downhole
tools and/or coiled tubing by, for example, a combination of
approximately straightening the coiled tubing using brute force and
pulling on the downhole tool by hand or via come-alongs. When using
coiled tubing, connection of the coiled tubing with the downhole
tool may be made with a coiled tubing injector hanging from a crane
above the downhole tool, thus providing some flexibility. However,
neither the crane nor the injector is able to provide precise
positioning. The pulling force on the coiled tubing from the coiled
tubing reel produces substantial torque which causes the entire
system to hang at a slant. Even with the use of a riser, such
forces tend to tilt or move the downhole tool and/or coiled tubing
off-center with respect to the well.
SUMMARY
[0003] In general, the present disclosure provides a system and
methodology for positively centering a well component, e.g. a
downhole tool and/or coiled tubing, inside a pressure barrier
component, e.g. a riser. A centering device is positioned along the
pressure barrier component to center the well component with
respect to the pressure barrier and the well. The centering device
has a movable member, e.g. a plurality of movable members, which
may be selectively shifted between a radially outward position and
a radially inward position with respect to the pressure barrier
component. The movable members are oriented to engage the well
component and to move the well component toward a center of the
pressure barrier as the movable members are shifted radially
inward.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Certain embodiments 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 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 well
system utilizing a centering device in combination with a pressure
barrier, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the centering
device taken generally along line 2-2 in FIG. 1, according to an
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of another example of a
well system utilizing a centering device in combination with a
pressure barrier, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken generally
along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of another example of a
well system utilizing a centering device in combination with a
pressure barrier, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken generally
along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of another example of a
well system utilizing a centering device in combination with a
pressure barrier, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of another example of a
well system utilizing a centering device in combination with a
pressure barrier, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration similar to that of FIG. 8
but with the centering device in a different operational position,
according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of another example of a
well system utilizing a centering device, according to an
embodiment of the disclosure; and
[0015] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration similar to that of FIG.
10 but with the centering device in a different operational
position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] In the following description, numerous details are set forth
to provide an understanding of some illustrative 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.
[0017] The disclosure herein generally relates to a system and
methodology for positively centering a well component inside a
pressure barrier to facilitate assembly and/or deployment of a well
string into a well. By way of example, the well component may
comprise a downhole tool and/or coiled tubing and the pressure
barrier component may comprise a riser of the type used in helping
transition downhole tools from a supply vehicle to the inside of a
wellbore. Deployment into the wellbore is facilitated by a
centering device positioned along the pressure barrier component
and arranged to center the well component with respect to the
pressure barrier component and the well.
[0018] The centering device may comprise various mechanisms by
which it is mounted along the pressure barrier component, e.g.
riser. Additionally, the centering device comprises a movable
member, e.g. a plurality of movable members, selectively shiftable
between a radially outward position and a radially inward position
within the pressure barrier component. The movable members are
oriented to engage the well component, e.g. downhole tool and/or
coiled tubing, and to move the well component toward a center of
the pressure barrier. The movable member(s) may be selectively
shifted to engage the well component and to move the well component
to a desired radially inward position.
[0019] Depending on the type of deployment operation, the centering
device may be constructed for use with a variety of well
components. Additionally, the centering device may be utilized
according to techniques which facilitate coupling and/or deployment
of well components downhole. In oilfield applications, a wide
variety of tools may be utilized and the length of such tools
depends on the function or functions they are to perform. The tools
often have substantial length which presents challenges with
respect to installing the downhole tool while maintaining well
control.
[0020] Some well operations use a riser in combination with a
blowout preventer (BOP) to facilitate deployment of the desired
downhole tools while also maintaining a pressure barrier for well
control. For example, in coiled tubing, wireline, and slick line
services, downhole tools are transferred from a supply vehicle to
the wellbore by using a relatively long riser and by deploying the
downhole tool into a top of the riser by a conveyance, e.g. coiled
tubing. The downhole tools may be pulled into the bottom of the
riser or assembled into it, and then the riser is attached to well
equipment, e.g. to a blowout preventer, at the top of a wellbore.
Once attached, the riser may be pressure tested and the downhole
tools may be run into the well. In this technique and others, a
centering device or devices (as described herein) facilitates
alignment of the downhole tool and/or coiled tubing with the
wellbore. As a result, the centering device or devices also
facilitate deployment and/or movement of the downhole tool/coiled
tubing along the riser and the wellbore.
[0021] In another application, an easier-to-run conveyance, e.g.
wireline or slick line, is used to place the downhole tools in the
well and then a harder conveyance, e.g. coiled tubing, is used to
run the downhole tool farther into the wellbore. In this latter
methodology, the downhole tools may be deployed with the aid of an
additional part in the form of a deployment bar. The deployment bar
provides a surface which is readily gripped and sealed against by
the blowout preventer. Generally the diameter of the deployment bar
is selected to match the diameter of the coiled tubing used to
deploy the tool downhole. To enable closure of master valves while
the downhole tool or tools are hanging in the blowout preventer and
without opening the well to atmosphere, the deployment bar is
sheareable by shear rams in the blowout preventer. After shearing,
the slip and pipe rams of the blowout preventer can be opened and
the downhole tool may be dropped into the well.
[0022] Because the coiled tubing has residual bend which can apply
substantial radial force, difficulties arise in connecting the
coiled tubing or other hard service to the downhole tool hanging in
the blowout preventer. However, by using a centering device or
devices as described herein, the downhole tools and/or coiled
tubing may be centered to facilitate coupling, alignment with the
wellbore, deployment, and/or movement of the downhole tool/coiled
tubing along the riser and the wellbore.
[0023] Referring generally to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a well
system 20 is illustrated as comprising a centering device 22 used
in combination with a pressure barrier component 24. By way of
example, the pressure barrier component 24 may be a riser 26 or
other tubular string. The centering device 22 may be mounted along
the tubing string/riser 26, and a well component 28, e.g. a
downhole well component, may be deployed down through an interior
30 which extends along the interior of pressure barrier component
24 and centering device 22. In a variety of applications, the
interior 30 may be an extension of a wellbore 32 which extends into
a geological formation beneath a wellhead or other well equipment
34.
[0024] Depending on the application, the well equipment 34 may
comprise various types of equipment and/or may be used in
combination with other devices, such as a blowout preventer 36. In
the illustrated example, blowout preventer 36 comprises a plurality
of blowout preventer rams 38. The rams 38 may be constructed in
various configurations and may be utilized for sealing against well
component 28 and/or cutting through well component 28. By way of
example, well component 28 may comprise various tools and/or
conveyances, such as slick line, wireline, or tubing. In the
embodiment illustrated, well component 28 comprises tubing 40, e.g.
coiled tubing, having a hollow interior passage 42.
[0025] Referring again to FIG. 1, the centering device 22 also may
be constructed in various configurations with components selected
for a given application. In the example illustrated, the centering
device 22 comprises a mounting structure or block 44 through which
a plurality of movable members or centering elements 45 is mounted.
In the embodiment illustrated, centering elements 45 are in the
form of pins 46. The pins 46 may be oriented in a generally radial
direction for selective engagement with the well component 28, e.g.
coiled tubing 40, to enable centering of the well component 28
within interior 30 of pressure barrier component 24.
[0026] By way of example, the pins 46 may be threadably engaged
with mounting structure 44 via threaded regions 48. This allows
individual pins 46 to be moved radially inward and into engagement
with well component 28 via rotation of the pins. Continued rotation
of pins 46 forces the well component 28 to a desired position, e.g.
a centered position, within interior 30.
[0027] Additionally, various structures may be used to mount
centering device 22 along the pressure barrier component 24. In the
illustrated example, the mounting structure 44 is shaped as a ring
and is positioned between flanges 50 of adjacent sections of the
riser 26. The flanges 50 may have appropriate grooves and seals
oriented to seal against mounting structure 44 as the flanges 50
are tightened against mounting structure 44 by suitable fasteners.
Suitable fasteners comprise threaded fasteners extending in a
generally axial direction through the flanges 50 and mounting
structure 44.
[0028] The number of centering pins 46 may vary depending on the
parameters of a given application. As illustrated in the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, for example, four pins 46 may be
used to center well component 28. However, other numbers of pins
46, e.g. 3-8 pins, may be used depending on, for example, the
relative diameters of interior 30 and coiled tubing 40 or other
well component 28. A minimum number of pins 46 may be selected such
that the spacing between adjacent pins is close enough to enable
centering of the well component 28 without trapping the well
component 28 between pins 46. By way of example, centering a well
component 28 may comprise positioning component 28 along a
centerline of pressure barrier component 24.
[0029] In some applications, the pins 46 may be controlled
hydraulically by a suitable hydraulic system 52, as illustrated by
dashed lines in FIG. 2. In this type of embodiment, the pins 46 may
be driven linearly by, for example, hydraulic pistons rather than
being threadably engaged with mounting block 44. The hydraulic
system 52 may be constructed to actuate pins 46 independently
and/or collectively. In some applications, the pins 46 may be
pressure balanced versus wellbore pressure by providing a suitably
sized annular shoulder having an area equal to the pin area exposed
to wellbore pressure on one side and atmospheric pressure on the
other side. Additionally, the pins 46 may each have grooves, tail
rods, or other indicia to provide a visual indication as to the
extent of their radial movement into interior 30.
[0030] Referring generally to FIGS. 3 and 4, another embodiment of
a well system 20 and centering device 22 is illustrated. In this
example, the well component 28, e.g. coiled tubing 40, is centered
within interior 30 via centering elements 45 in the form of a
plurality of centering arms 54. The centering arms 54 may be
pivoted inwardly to engage the well component 28 and to shift the
well component 28 to a desired position, e.g. a position aligned
with a center axis of interior 30. In some embodiments, the
centering arms 54 may be staggered to provide a non-trapping
closure similar to a camera iris.
[0031] By way of example, the centering arms 54 are mounted on
pivot pins 56 which may be collectively or individually rotated to
shift their corresponding centering arms 54 to a desired position
with respect to interior 30. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the pivot
pins 56 may be oriented in a generally axial direction with respect
to riser 26 and rotatably received in a housing 58 of centering
device 22. The housing 58 may be connected to pressure barrier
component 24 by suitable flanges, threaded engagement, or other
suitable connection devices and techniques. Additionally, seals 60,
e.g. O-ring seals, may be positioned between housing 58 and each
pivot pin 56.
[0032] As illustrated by arrows 62 in FIG. 4, rotation of pivot
pins 56 causes the corresponding centering arms 54 to pivot in a
radially inward direction into interior 30. Continued rotation of
pivot pins 56 moves the centering arms 54 into contact with well
component 28 so as to shift the well component 28 to a desired
position. Depending on the application, the pivot pins 56 may be
rotated manually or with a suitable hydraulic or electro-mechanical
actuator.
[0033] Referring generally to FIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment of
a well system 20 and centering device 22 is illustrated. This
embodiment is similar to the embodiment described above with
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 in that the well component 28, e.g.
coiled tubing 40, is again centered within interior 30 via a
plurality of centering arms 54. Similar to the previously described
embodiment, the centering arms 54 may be pivoted inwardly to engage
the well component 28 and to shift the well component 28 to a
desired position. However, the centering arms 54 are mounted on
pivot pins 56 which are oriented in a generally lateral direction
(see FIG. 6), e.g. generally perpendicular to riser 26, rather than
a generally axial direction.
[0034] The pivot pins 56 may be collectively or individually
rotated to shift their corresponding centering arms 54 to a desired
position with respect to interior 30. As illustrated by arrows 64
in FIG. 5, rotation of pivot pins 56 causes the corresponding
centering arms 54 to pivot along the length of well component 28
and into engagement with well component 28. Continued pivoting of
centering arms 54 effectively shifts the well component 28 to a
desired position. Depending on the application, the pivot pins 56
may be rotated manually or with an actuator, e.g. a suitable
hydraulic or electro-mechanical actuator.
[0035] Referring generally to FIG. 7, another embodiment of well
system 20 is illustrated with centering device 22 positioned along
pressure barrier component 24. In this embodiment, the centering
elements 45 again comprise pins 46 oriented generally radially
toward well component 28. However, the pins 46 are hydraulically
actuated via corresponding hydraulic pistons 66. Each hydraulic
piston 66 may be located at an outlying end of the corresponding
pin 46 and positioned within a hydraulic cylinder 68.
[0036] By way of example, each hydraulic piston 66 may be sealed
with respect to an internal surface of the hydraulic cylinder 68
via a piston seal member 70. Additionally, the corresponding pin 46
may be sealed with respect to the centering device housing 58 via a
seal member 72. Hydraulic actuating fluid may be introduced into
hydraulic cylinders 68 under the control of hydraulic system 52 so
as to enable the desired radial shifting of corresponding pins 46
with respect to interior 30 and well component 28.
[0037] In some embodiments, a rolling element 74, e.g. a wheel or
roller, may be rotatably mounted at an opposite end of each pin 46
relative to the hydraulic piston 66. The rolling elements 74 may be
oriented for engagement with the well component 28, e.g. coiled
tubing 40, when the pins 46 are actuated inwardly via hydraulic
pistons 66. As illustrated, the rolling elements 74 may be
positioned so as to roll as well component 28 moves axially along
interior 30. This type of arrangement facilitates axial movement of
the well component 28 while engaged and centered via pins 46 of
centering device 22. As with other embodiments described herein,
the pins 46 may be actuated individually and/or collectively.
[0038] Referring generally to FIGS. 8 and 9, another embodiment of
well system 20 is illustrated with centering device 22 positioned
along pressure barrier 24. In this example, however, the centering
elements 45 are in the form of an expandable element 76, e.g.
expandable elastomeric elements. The expandable element 76 may be
in the form of, for example, inflatable elements or compressible
elements. In some embodiments, the expandable element 76 may be a
single ring or other structure which is selectively inflated or
compressed in a manner which causes it to act against well
component 28.
[0039] In the specific embodiment illustrated, the expandable
element 76 may comprise a single element or a plurality of elements
disposed between compression rings 78 contained within an internal
recess 80 of centering device 22. At least one of the compression
rings 78 is oriented for engagement with a piston 82. By way of
example, the piston 82 may be in the form of a hydraulic piston
positioned in a corresponding hydraulic piston cylinder 84 and
sealed along the cylinder 84 via a plurality of seals 86. The
element or elements 76 may each comprise elastomer materials, or at
least one of the elements may comprise an elastomer material and
other elements may comprise metallic or plastic materials. Such a
combination of elastomer elements with metallic and/or plastic
elements can alter the way the elements move under load, improving
the durability, or reducing the friction.
[0040] The piston 82 may be oriented for movement in a generally
axial direction into engagement with the adjacent compression ring
78. As the piston 82 is moved against compression ring 78 and
toward the expandable element 76, the expandable element 76 is
compressed in an axial direction. The axial compression forces the
expandable element 76 to bulge or expand in a radially inward
direction and into engagement with well component 28, as
illustrated in FIG. 9. Continued compression of the expandable
element or elements 76 forces the well component 28 to a more
centralized position within interior 30. As illustrated, the
expandable element 76, compression rings 78, and piston 82 may be
constructed to allow linear movement of well component 28
therethrough. Movement of piston 82 may again be controlled by a
suitable hydraulic system 52 or other actuation system which
enables selective actuation of the piston 82.
[0041] Referring generally to FIGS. 10 and 11, another embodiment
of centering device 22 is illustrated. In this example, centering
elements 45 are again in the form of pins 46 oriented through
mounting structure 44 for engagement with well component 28. The
pins 46 may be oriented in a generally radial direction with
respect to interior 30 and controlled via a cam mechanism 88. In
the embodiment illustrated, cam mechanism 88 has an internal cam
profile 90 engaged by cam followers 92, e.g. rollers, disposed at
the outlying ends of pins 46. As the cam mechanism 88 is rotated,
the cam profile 90 forces pins 46 to slide in a radially inward
direction and into engagement with well component 28, e.g. coiled
tubing 40. Continued rotation of cam mechanism 88 effectively
causes pins 46 to force the well component 28 toward a centered
position within interior 30, as illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0042] In the embodiment illustrated, cam mechanism 88 is in the
form of a cam ring which is rotated to shift pins 46 to a desired
radial position. The cam ring 88 may be rotated by a suitable
actuator, such as a hydraulic piston actuator, a worm gear, a
solenoid, or another suitable actuator. The cam profile 90 as well
as the cam followers 92 may be adjusted to achieve desired movement
of pins 46.
[0043] Accordingly, centering device 22 may comprise a variety of
centering element(s) 45 able to move the well component 28 to a
desired position at or toward the center of interior 30. The
centering element(s) 45 may comprise radially oriented pins, arms
mounted on pivot pins, inflatable elements, compressible elements,
or other suitable elements that may be selectively actuated.
Additionally, the centering elements may be actuated hydraulically,
mechanically, electro-mechanically, or by other suitable
techniques. The pins 46 or other types of centering elements 45 may
comprise various end configurations to facilitate engagement with
the tool component 28. Examples of such end configurations comprise
V-blocks, V-shaped rollers, wheels, curved ends, expanded ends,
and/or other suitable end configurations which facilitate
non-trapping engagement with well component 28.
[0044] Additionally, the overall well system 20 may have a variety
of configurations for use in many types of well operations.
Similarly, the size and configuration of the centering device 22 as
well as the pressure barrier component 24 may be selected according
to the parameters of a given operation. For example, the pressure
barrier component 24 may comprise various types of risers 26 or
other components mounted for cooperation with various blowout
preventers or other well equipment. The well component 28 may be in
the form of coiled tubing, other types of tubing, cable, downhole
tools, or other well components disposed in an/or passed through
the pressure barrier component 24.
[0045] Although a few embodiments of the system and methodology
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.
* * * * *