U.S. patent application number 15/830254 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-06 for selectively expandable screen for a resource exploration and recovery system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ramon Garza, Hoi Yin Leung, Gbenga Osunjaye, Zhiyue Xu, Chengjiao Yu. Invention is credited to Ramon Garza, Hoi Yin Leung, Gbenga Osunjaye, Zhiyue Xu, Chengjiao Yu.
Application Number | 20190169963 15/830254 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66658954 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-06 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190169963 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leung; Hoi Yin ; et
al. |
June 6, 2019 |
SELECTIVELY EXPANDABLE SCREEN FOR A RESOURCE EXPLORATION AND
RECOVERY SYSTEM
Abstract
A selectively expandable screen system including a tubular
having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a flow path.
A screen assembly is mounted at the outer surface of the tubular.
The screen assembly is formed from a compressible metal material. A
selectively releasable compression device is coupled to the screen
assembly. The selectively releasable compression device selectively
maintains the compressible metal material in a compressed
configuration.
Inventors: |
Leung; Hoi Yin; (Missouri
City, TX) ; Osunjaye; Gbenga; (Katy, TX) ;
Garza; Ramon; (Pearland, TX) ; Xu; Zhiyue;
(Cypress, TX) ; Yu; Chengjiao; (Houston,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Leung; Hoi Yin
Osunjaye; Gbenga
Garza; Ramon
Xu; Zhiyue
Yu; Chengjiao |
Missouri City
Katy
Pearland
Cypress
Houston |
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Baker Hughes, a GE company,
LLC
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
66658954 |
Appl. No.: |
15/830254 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/084 20130101;
E21B 43/103 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 43/08 20060101
E21B043/08 |
Claims
1. A selectively expandable screen system comprising: a tubular
having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a flow path;
a screen assembly mounted at the outer surface of the tubular, the
screen assembly being formed from a compressible metal material;
and a selectively releasable compression device coupled to the
screen assembly, the selectively releasable compression device
selectively maintaining the compressible metal material in a
compressed configuration.
2. The selectively expandable screen system according to claim 1,
wherein the selectively releasable compression device comprises a
plurality of wires extending about the tubular and the compressible
metal material.
3. The selectively expandable screen system according to claim 2,
wherein the plurality of wires are formed from a degradable
material.
4. The selectively expandable screen system according to claim 1,
wherein the selectively releasable compression device comprises a
tubular.
5. The selectively expandable screen system according to claim 4,
wherein the tubular is formed from a degradable material.
6. The selectively expandable screen system according to claim 1,
wherein the compressible metal material comprises a plurality of
intermeshed metal fibers.
7. A resource exploration and recovery system comprising: a first
system; a second system coupled to the first system through one or
more tubulars, at least one of the one or more tubulars comprising:
an outer surface and an inner surface defining a flow path; a
screen assembly mounted at the outer surface of the tubular, the
screen assembly being formed from a compressible metal material;
and a selectively releasable compression device coupled to the
screen assembly, the selectively releasable compression device
selectively maintaining the compressible metal material in a
compressed configuration.
8. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
7, wherein the selectively releasable compression device comprises
a plurality of wires extending about the tubular and the
compressible metal material.
9. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
8, wherein the plurality of wires are formed from a degradable
material.
10. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
7, wherein the selectively releasable compression device comprises
a tubular.
11. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
10, wherein the tubular is formed from a degradable material.
12. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
7, wherein the compressible metal material comprises a plurality of
intermeshed metal fibers.
13. A method of deploying a screen formed from a metal material
mounted to an outer surface of a tubular, the method comprising:
compressing the metal material toward the outer surface of the
tubular; restraining the metal material with a selectively
releasable compression device; moving the screen into a selected
position; and releasing the selectively releasable compression
device allowing the metal material to expand radially outwardly of
the outer surface.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein releasing the selectively
releasable compression device includes degrading the selectively
releasable compression device.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein releasing the selectively
releasable compression device includes breaking one or more
retaining wires.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] In the resource exploration and recovery industry, tubulars
are run into boreholes for the purpose of extracting formation
fluids. Often times, a tubular may support one or more expandable
seal members or packers. The packers, when activated, may separate
the borehole into one or more production zones. An inflow device
may be arranged on the tubular at each zone. A screen may be
provided at the inflow device to filter formation fluids entering
into the tubular. In some cases, expandable screens are employed.
Expandable screens may be formed from synthetic material that
engages with side walls of the borehole. The synthetic material has
a limited operating temperature, burst rating and collapse rating.
Therefore, the art would appreciate an expandable screen that may
withstand higher temperatures and pressures.
SUMMARY
[0002] Disclosed is a selectively expandable screen system
including a tubular having an outer surface and an inner surface
defining a flow path. A screen assembly is mounted at the outer
surface of the tubular. The screen assembly is formed from a
compressible metal material. A selectively releasable compression
device is coupled to the screen assembly. The selectively
releasable compression device selectively maintains the
compressible metal material in a compressed configuration.
[0003] Also disclosed is a resource exploration and recovery system
including a first system, and a second system coupled to the first
system through one or more tubulars. At least one of the one or
more tubulars includes an outer surface and an inner surface
defining a flow path, and a screen assembly mounted at the outer
surface of the tubular. The screen assembly is formed from a
compressible metal material. A selectively releasable compression
device is coupled to the screen assembly. The selectively
releasable compression device selectively maintains the
compressible metal material in a compressed configuration.
[0004] Further disclosed is a method of deploying a screen formed
from a metal material mounted to an outer surface of a tubular. The
method includes compressing the metal material toward the outer
surface of the tubular, restraining the metal material with a
selectively releasable compression device, moving the screen into a
selected position, and releasing the selectively releasable
compression device allowing the metal material to expand radially
outwardly of the outer surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting
in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like
elements are numbered alike:
[0006] FIG. 1 depicts a resource exploration and recovery system
including a selectively expandable screen, in accordance with an
aspect of an exemplary embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the selectively
expandable screen of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of an
exemplary embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of a selectively
expandable screen, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplary
embodiment, in a run-in configuration;
[0009] FIG. 4 depicts the selectively expandable screen of FIG. 3
being deployed;
[0010] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of a selectively
expandable screen, in accordance with another aspect of an
exemplary embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the selectively
expandable screen of FIG. 5 after being deployed;
[0012] FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of a selectively
expandable screen prior to being compressed, in accordance with an
aspect of an exemplary embodiment; and
[0013] FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the selectively
expandable screen of FIG. 7 after being compressed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the
disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of
exemplification and not limitation with reference to the
Figures.
[0015] A resource exploration and recovery system, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment, is indicated generally at 10, in FIG.
1. Resource exploration and recovery system 10 should be understood
to include well drilling operations, resource extraction and
recovery, CO.sub.2 sequestration, and the like. Resource
exploration and recovery system 10 may include a first system 14
which, in some environments, may take the form of a surface system
16 operatively and fluidically connected to a second system 18
which, in some environments, may take the form of a downhole
system. First system 14 may include a control system 23 that may
provide power to, monitor, communicate with, and/or activate one or
more downhole operations as will be discussed herein. Surface
system 16 may include additional systems such as pumps, fluid
storage systems, cranes and the like.
[0016] Second system 18 may include a tubular string 30 formed from
a plurality of tubulars, one of which is indicated at 32 that is
extended into a wellbore 34 formed in formation 36. Wellbore 34
includes an annular wall 38 which may be defined by a surface of
formation 36, or a casing tubular (not shown). A first expandable
member which may take the form of a first packer 44 is arranged on
tubular 32. First packer 44 may be selectively expanded into
contact with annular wall 38. A second expandable member which may
take the form of a second packer 46 is arranged on tubular 32
spaced from first packer 44 along tubular string 30. First and
second packers 44 and 46 may collectively define a first zone 48, a
second zone 49 and a third zone 50 along tubular string 30. The
number, size and location of each zone 48-50 may vary.
[0017] In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment,
second system 18 includes a selectively expandable screen system 60
coupled to tubular 32 at second zone 49. It should be understood
that additional selectively expandable screen systems may be
arranged in first and third zones 48 and 50 or in second zone 49.
Referring to FIG. 2, selectively expandable screen system 60
includes a tubular 70 having an outer surface 72 and an inner
surface 74 that defines a flow path 76. A screen assembly 80 is
provided at outer surface 72.
[0018] Screen assembly 80 is formed from a compressible metal
material 84. in an embodiment, compressible metal material 84 is
resiliently compressible. That is, after being compressed, and
after being released, screen assembly 80 returns to an uncompressed
state due to intrinsic material properties of compressible metal
material 84. in an embodiment, compressible metal material 84 may
take the form of intermeshed metal fibers (not separately labeled).
Once compressed, compressible metal material 84 may be secured by a
selectively releasable compression device 94. In an embodiment,
selectively releasable compression device 94 may take the form of a
plurality of wires, one of which is indicated at 100.
[0019] In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment,
plurality of wires 100 are made from a degradable material (not
separately labeled) that may degrade when exposed to a selected
fluid, for example, fluid in wellbore 34. The fluid may take the
form of formation fluids or, fluids that are introduced from first
system 14. In another embodiment, plurality of wires 100 may be
frangible. Referring to FIG. 3 -4, tubular 70 may be formed from an
expandable material. An expansion tool 106 may be directed into
flow path 76 toward selectively expandable screen system 60 as
shown in FIG. 3. A tapered end 108 of expansion tool 106 may be
guided into tubular 70. Expansion tool 106 drives tubular 70
radially outwardly, causing plurality of wires 100 to sever or
break, thereby releasing compressible metal material 84 as shown in
FIG. 4, Compressible metal material 84 resiliently expands into
contact with annular wall 38.
[0020] Reference will now follow to FIGS. 5 and 6 with continued
reference to FIG. 1 in describing a selectively expandable screen
system 130 in accordance with another aspect of an exemplary
embodiment. Selectively expandable screen system 130 includes a
tubular 134 having an outer surface 136 and an inner surface 138
that defines a flow path 140. A screen assembly 144 is arranged at
outer surface 136. Screen assembly 144 is formed from a
compressible metal material 148. In an embodiment, compressible
metal material 148 is resiliently compressible. That is, after
being compressed, and after being released, screen assembly 144
returns to an uncompressed state due to intrinsic material
properties of compressible metal material 148. In an embodiment,
compressible metal material 84 may take the form of intermeshed
metal fibers (not separately labeled).
[0021] In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a
selectively releasable compression member 160 maintains
compressible metal material 148 in a compressed state as shown in
FIG. 5. Selectively releasable compression member 160 may take the
form of a tubular member 161 formed from a degradable material 162.
Degradable material 162 may degrade when exposed to a selected
fluid, for example, fluid in wellbore 34. The fluid may take the
form of formation fluids or, fluids that are introduced from first
system 14, Tubular member 161 is configured to degrade after a
selected time period, thereby releasing compressible metal material
148. Compressible metal material 148 resiliently expands into
contact with annular wall 38 as shown in FIG. 6.
[0022] Reference will now follow to FIGS. 7 and 8 in describing a
method of compressing compressible metal material 148 in accordance
with an exemplary aspect. Compressible metal material 148 is
positioned on outer surface 136 of tubular 134 as shown in FIG. 7.
Tubular 134 and compressible metal material 148 are inserted into a
compression tool 170. Specifically, tubular 134 and compressible
metal material 148 are inserted into a tapered or conical end 173
of compression tool 170. Tubular 134 and compressible metal
material 148 are shifted towards a compression portion 176 having a
selected diameter. Tubular 134 and compressible metal material 148
may then be inserted into selectively releasable compression member
160. It should be understood that compression tool 170 may also be
employed to compress compressible metal material 84 of selectively
expandable screen system 60.
[0023] It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments
describe a selectively deployable screen formed from a compressible
metal material. The compressible metal material may be selectively
deployed through the use of degradable materials or tools designed
for the purpose. The compressible metal material may provide an
increased operating temperatures and burst ratings over those
achieve by expandable screen assemblies formed from synthetic
materials.
[0024] Set forth below are some embodiments of the foregoing
disclosure:
[0025] Embodiment 1: A selectively expandable screen system
comprising a tubular having an outer surface and an inner surface
defining a flow path, a screen assembly mounted at the outer
surface of the tubular, the screen assembly being formed from a
compressible metal material, and a selectively releasable
compression device coupled to the screen assembly, the selectively
releasable compression device selectively maintaining the
compressible metal material in a compressed configuration.
[0026] Embodiment 2: The selectively expandable screen system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the selectively
releasable compression device comprises a plurality of wires
extending about the tubular and the compressible metal
material.
[0027] Embodiment 3: The selectively expandable screen system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the plurality of wires
are formed from a degradable material.
[0028] Embodiment 4: The selectively expandable screen system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the selectively
releasable compression device comprises a tubular.
[0029] Embodiment 5: The selectively expandable screen system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the tubular is formed
from a degradable material.
[0030] Embodiment 6: The selectively expandable screen system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the compressible metal
material comprises a plurality of intermeshed metal fibers.
[0031] Embodiment 7: A resource exploration and recovery system
comprising a first system, a second system coupled to the first
system through one or more tubulars, at least one of the one or
more tubulars comprising an outer surface and an inner surface
defining a flow path, a screen assembly mounted at the outer
surface of the tubular, the screen assembly being formed from a
compressible metal material, and a selectively releasable
compression device coupled to the screen assembly, the selectively
releasable compression device selectively maintaining the
compressible metal material in a compressed configuration.
[0032] Embodiment 8: The resource exploration and recovery system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the selectively
releasable compression device comprises a plurality of wires
extending about the tubular and the compressible metal
material.
[0033] Embodiment 9: The resource exploration and recovery system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the plurality of wires
are formed from a degradable material.
[0034] Embodiment 10: The resource exploration and recovery system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the selectively
releasable compression device comprises a tubular.
[0035] Embodiment 11: The resource exploration and recovery system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the tubular is formed
from a degradable material.
[0036] Embodiment 12: The resource exploration and recovery system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the compressible metal
material comprises a plurality of intermeshed metal fibers.
[0037] Embodiment 13: A method of deploying a screen formed from a
metal material mounted to an outer surface of a tubular, the method
comprising compressing the metal material toward the outer surface
of the tubular, restraining the metal material with a selectively
releasable compression device, moving the screen into a selected
position, and releasing the selectively releasable compression
device allowing the metal material to expand radially outwardly of
the outer surface.
[0038] Embodiment 14: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein
releasing the selectively releasable compression device includes
degrading the selectively releasable compression device.
[0039] Embodiment 15: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein
releasing the selectively releasable compression device includes
breaking one or more retaining wires.
[0040] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. Further, it should further be
noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like herein do not
denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to
distinguish one element from another. The modifier "about" used in
connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has
the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree
of error associated with measurement of the particular
quantity).
[0041] The teachings of the present disclosure may be used in a
variety of well operations. These operations may involve using one
or more treatment agents to treat a formation, the fluids resident
in a formation, a wellbore, and/or equipment in the wellbore, such
as production tubing. The treatment agents may be in the form of
liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof.
Illustrative treatment agents include, but are not limited to,
fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, anti -corrosion
agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drilling muds, emulsifiers,
demulsifiers, tracers, flow improvers etc. Illustrative well
operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing,
stimulation, tracer injection, cleaning, acidizing, steam
injection, water flooding, cementing, etc.
[0042] While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the
scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made
to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Also, in
the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed
exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms
may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a
generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of
limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so
limited.
* * * * *