U.S. patent application number 17/544004 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-23 for well abandonment system.
This patent application is currently assigned to DynaEnergetics Europe GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is DynaEnergetics Europe GmbH. Invention is credited to Thomas Ryan Brady, Russell Ord, Thilo Scharf.
Application Number | 20220195824 17/544004 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220195824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scharf; Thilo ; et
al. |
June 23, 2022 |
WELL ABANDONMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
A well abandonment system includes a jet cutter assembly. The
jet cutter assembly includes a first sub including a first bulkhead
and a jet cutter tool. The jet cutter tool includes a radial shaped
charge and a detonator to detonate the radial shaped charge. A
first end of the jet cutter tool is connected to the first sub and
a second end of the jet cutter tool is connected to the second sub.
The jet cutter assembly may include bulkheads that facilitate
electrical communication along a length of the jet cutter assembly.
A shock absorber is connected to the jet cutter tool in order to
mitigate or prevent shock from impacting the jet cutter upon
activation of a perforating gun or components of a tool string that
is connected to the jet cutter. The shock absorber may include at
least one of a sleeve, biasing member, or wireline.
Inventors: |
Scharf; Thilo; (Letterkenny,
IE) ; Ord; Russell; (Aberdeen, GB) ; Brady;
Thomas Ryan; (Katy, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DynaEnergetics Europe GmbH |
Troisdorf |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
DynaEnergetics Europe GmbH
Troisdorf
DE
|
Appl. No.: |
17/544004 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63128810 |
Dec 21, 2020 |
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International
Class: |
E21B 29/00 20060101
E21B029/00; E21B 33/13 20060101 E21B033/13; E21B 43/116 20060101
E21B043/116; E21B 17/02 20060101 E21B017/02; E21B 29/02 20060101
E21B029/02 |
Claims
1. A well abandonment system comprising: a first wireline; a
cutting tool operably coupled to the first wireline; a perforating
gun operably connected to the cutting tool on a downhole side of
the cutting tool; and a plug tool operably connected to the
perforating gun on a downhole side of the perforating gun, wherein
the perforating gun is operably connected to the wireline through
the cutting tool, and the plug tool is operably connected to the
wireline through the perforating gun and the cutting tool.
2. The well abandonment system of claim 1, further comprising a
shock absorber provided between the cutting tool and the
perforating gun.
3. The well abandonment system of claim 2, wherein the shock
absorber comprises a spring provided between the cutting tool and a
cross-over sub provided on a downhole side of the cutting tool.
4. The well abandonment system of claim 2, wherein the cutting tool
is provided in a sleeve, and a gap is provided between the cutting
tool and an inner surface of the sleeve in a radial direction.
5. The well abandonment system of claim 1, further comprising a
second wireline operably connected between the cutting tool and the
perforating gun.
6. The well abandonment system of claim 1, wherein the cutting tool
further comprises a wireless detonator, the wireless detonator
comprises an electrically conductive detonator shell accessible
from the downhole side of the cutting tool.
7. The well abandonment system of claim 1, wherein the perforating
gun further comprises: a through wire configured to provide an
electrical connection between an uphole side of the perforating gun
and the downhole side of the perforating gun.
8. A method of abandoning a wellbore having a tubular wellbore
casing, the method comprising: providing a well abandonment system
comprising: a first wireline; a cutting tool operably coupled to
the first wireline; a perforating gun operably connected to the
cutting tool on a downhole side of the cutting tool; and a plug
tool operably connected to the perforating gun on a downhole side
of the perforating gun, wherein the perforating gun is operably
connected to the wireline through the cutting tool, and the plug
tool is operably connected to the wireline through the perforating
gun and the cutting tool; lowering the well abandonment system into
the wellbore; activating the plug tool to set a plug in place;
activating the perforating gun to create circulation holes;
circulating the well clean via the circulation holes; and
activating the cutter tool to cut the tubular wellbore casing.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the well abandonment system
further comprises a shock absorber provided between the cutting
tool and the perforating gun, the shock absorber comprising at
least one of a spring, and a second wireline.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the well abandonment system
further comprises: a second wireline operably connected between the
cutting tool and the perforating gun.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the cutting tool further
comprises a wireless detonator, and wherein the wireless detonator
comprises an electrically conductive shell accessible from the
downhole side of the cutting tool.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the perforating gun further
comprises a through wire providing an electrical connection between
an uphole side of the perforating gun and the downhole side of the
perforating gun.
13. The method of claim 8, further comprising repositioning the
well abandonment system after activation of the plug.
14. The method of claim 8, further comprising repositioning the
well abandonment system after activation of the perforating
gun.
15. The method of claim 8, further comprising retrieving the first
wireline after activation of the cutting tool.
16. A jet cutter assembly for a well abandonment system,
comprising: a first sub comprising a first bulkhead providing
electrical connectivity through the first sub; a jet cutter tool
provided downstream of the first sub, the jet cutter tool
comprising: a radial shaped charge; a detonator configured to
detonate the radial shaped charge, the detonator being in
electrical communication with the first bulkhead; and a second
bulkhead in electrical communication with the detonator; a second
sub provided downstream of the jet cutter tool, the second sub
comprising a third bulkhead providing electrical connectivity
through the second sub, the third bulkhead being in electrical
communication with the second bulkhead; a spring provided between
the jet cutter tool and the second sub; and a sleeve surrounding
the jet cutter tool in a radial direction.
17. The jet cutter assembly of claim 16, wherein the sleeve is a
shock-absorbing sleeve formed of a metal or metal composite.
18. The jet cutter assembly of claim 16, wherein the detonator
comprises: a detonator head formed of a non-conductive material; a
shell formed of a conductive material and extending from the
detonator head; a signal-in connector provided on the detonator
head; and an explosive provided within the shell, wherein the
explosive is positioned to detonate the radial shaped charge when
the explosive is initiated by the detonator, and the shell is in
electrical communication with the signal-in connector.
19. The jet cutter assembly of claim 16, wherein the first sub is
configured to be operably connected to a wireline.
20. The jet cutter assembly of claim 16, wherein the second sub is
configured to be operably connected to a perforating gun.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 63/128,810 filed Dec. 21, 2020, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] When a hydrocarbon well is abandoned, the operating company
may try to retrieve as much downhole tubing and equipment as
possible before the well is permanently closed and sealed. The
removal of the tubing may involve three distinct steps. First, a
tool string with a plug may be lowered down the wellbore via
wireline past the point where the tubing is to be cut. The plug is
set and then the wireline is retrieved. Second, a tool string
including a perforating gun may be lowered down the wellbore via a
wireline proximate to the plug. The perforating gun may be
activated to create holes in the tubing to establish circulation.
The wellbore may then be circulated clean. Lastly, a tool string
including a tubing cutter such as a jet cutter may be lowered down
the wellbore via a wireline to the point where the tubing is to be
cut. The tubing cutter may include a shaped charge that creates a
jet in a full 360 degrees around the circumference of the tubing,
allowing the tubing to be removed.
[0003] Repeatedly lowering a tool string via wireline is an
expensive and time-consuming process. However, conventional tubing
cutters and plug tools are both devices that typically need to be
run at the very bottom of a tool string and therefore cannot be
combined on a single tool string. Additionally, shock from
activation of the plug tool and/or the perforating gun may damage a
tubing cutter provided on a same tool string. Additionally, present
selective initiation technology does not allow for a plug,
perforating gun, and tubing cutter to be provided on a single tool
string.
[0004] Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a well
abandonment tool string in which the plug, the perforating gun, and
the cutter may all be provided on a same tool string to minimize
the time and expense of lowering a tool string during the well
abandonment process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0005] According to an aspect, the exemplary embodiments of the
disclosure include a well abandonment system. The well abandonment
system includes a first wireline, a cutting tool operably coupled
to the first wireline, a perforating gun operably connected to the
cutting tool on a downhole side of the cutting tool, and a plug
tool operably connected to the perforating gun on a downhole side
of the perforating gun. According to an aspect, the perforating gun
is operably connected to the wireline through the cutting tool, and
the plug tool is operably connected to the wireline through the
perforating gun and the cutting tool.
[0006] In another aspect, the exemplary embodiments include a
method of abandoning a wellbore having a tubular wellbore casing.
The method includes providing a well abandonment system that
includes a first wireline, a cutting tool operably coupled to the
first wireline, a perforating gun operably connected to the cutting
tool on a downhole side of the cutting tool and a plug tool
operably connected to the perforating gun on a downhole side of the
perforating gun. According to an aspect, the perforating gun is
operably connected to the wireline through the cutting tool, and
the plug tool is operably connected to the wireline through the
perforating gun and the cutting tool. The method may further
include lowering the well abandonment system into the wellbore,
activating the plug tool to set a plug in place, and activating the
perforating gun to create circulation holes. The method may further
include circulating the well clean via the circulation holes and
activating the cutter tool to cut the tubular wellbore casing.
[0007] In a further aspect, the exemplary embodiments include a jet
cutter assembly for a well abandonment system. The jet cutter
assembly includes a first sub comprising a first bulkhead providing
electrical connectivity through the first sub, and a jet cutter
tool provided downstream of the first sub. According to an aspect,
the jet cutter tool includes a radial shaped charge, and a
detonator configured to detonate the radial shaped charge. The
detonator is in electrical communication with the first bulkhead.
According to an aspect, the jet cutter assembly further includes a
second bulkhead in electrical communication with the detonator. A
second sub is provided downstream of the jet cutter tool and
includes a third bulkhead providing electrical connectivity through
the second sub. According to an aspect, the third bulkhead is in
electrical communication with the second bulkhead. A spring may be
provided between the jet cutter tool and the second sub. According
to an aspect, a sleeve surrounds the jet cutter tool in a radial
direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] A more particular description will be rendered by reference
to exemplary embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying
figures. Understanding that these drawings depict exemplary
embodiments and do not limit the scope of this disclosure, the
exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a partial, cut-away view of a well abandonment
system according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of a well
abandonment system according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a well
abandonment system according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion of a well
abandonment system according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a jet cutter tool
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a jet cutter tool
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a jet cutter tool
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a jet cutter tool
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a jet cutter tool
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment
of a well abandonment method according to an exemplary embodiment;
and
[0019] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a jet cutter assembly
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0020] Various features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary
embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed
description, along with the accompanying drawings in which like
numerals represent like components throughout the figures and
detailed description. The various described features are not
necessarily drawn to scale in the drawings but are drawn to
emphasize specific features relevant to some embodiments.
[0021] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes
only and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure or the
claims. To facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been
used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the
figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments.
Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as
a limitation and does not constitute a definition of all possible
embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a well abandonment system 100 according to an
exemplary embodiment. The well abandonment system 100 may include a
wireline 128, a cutting tool 102 such as a jet cutter operably
connected to the wireline 128, a perforating gun 104, and a plug
tool 106.
[0024] The cutting tool 102 may include an uphole side of cutting
tool 110 and a downhole side of cutting tool 108. The perforating
gun 104 may include an uphole side of perforating gun 112 and a
downhole side of perforating gun 114. According to an aspect, the
uphole side of perforating gun 112 is operably connected to the
downhole side of cutting tool 108.
[0025] The plug tool 106 may be operably connected to the
perforating gun 104 on the downhole side of perforating gun 114.
The well abandonment system 100 may further include a through wire
138 and/or wireless electrical contacts such that electrical
conductivity is provided from the wireline 128, through the cutting
tool 102, through the perforating gun 104, and to the plug tool
106. Additionally, selective initiation circuits may be employed
such that the cutting tool 102, the perforating gun 104, and the
plug tool 106 may each be independently and selectively activated
based on a signal transmitted down the wireline 128. For example,
the plug tool 106 may include an igniter 116 that may be separately
and independently activated from a detonator housed in the
perforating gun 104.
[0026] In FIG. 1, the plug tool 106 is represented as a
self-setting bridge plug. However, it will also be understood that
a separate setting tool/bridge plug configuration may be used in
place of the self-setting bridge plug illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0027] As seen in FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of a cutting tool
102 may include a detonator 208 and a radial shaped charge 130. The
radial shaped charge 130 may be shaped so as to create a jet in a
360-degree arc around an axis of the radial shaped charge 130 when
detonated. For example, the radial shaped charge 130 may include a
contiguous full-circle distribution of explosive, that creates a
substantially radial full-circle cutting jet that cuts a pipe or
wellbore casing that is provided in a wellbore.
[0028] The radial shaped charge 130 includes an explosive load 212
extending around/along a central axis of a body 214 (such as, a
metal housing/metal body) of the radial shaped charge 130. The
explosive load 212 may include pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN),
cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX),
octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine/cyclotetramethylene-tetr-
anitramine (HMX), hexanitrostibane (HNS),
diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide (LLM-105),
pycrlaminodinitropyridin (PYX), and triaminotrinitrobenzol (TATB).
The explosive load 212 may include any standard explosive material
that is used in shaped charges (such as conical or slotted shaped
charges), as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art. According to an aspect, the explosive load 212 is retained or
otherwise secured within the body 214 of the radial shaped charge
130 by a circumferential liner 210. According to an aspect, the
circumferential liner 210 of the radial shaped charge 130 includes
various powdered metal components. The circumferential liner 210
may extend around the explosive load 212 of the radial shaped
charge 130. The radial shaped charge 130 may be directly initiated
by the detonator 208. Upon initiation, the radial shaped charge 130
produces a radial explosive force that initiates the explosive load
212 of the radial shaped charge 130 and expels the circumferential
liner 210 so that a radial cutting jet cuts the pipe or wellbore
casing.
[0029] The detonator 208 may include an electrically conductive
detonator shell 302 (FIG. 3, for example), which allows an
electrical signal to be transmitted through the cutting tool
102.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a perforating gun
104. The perforating gun 104 may include a plurality of shaped
charges 120 oriented at various angles around an axis of the
perforating gun 104. The shaped charges 120 may be
slot-shaped/slotted shaped charges. As would be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art, slotted shaped charges produce
rectangular and/or linear perforations ("slots") in a wellbore
casing. The linear perforations may overlap each other in a helical
pattern, and thereby perforate a cylindrical target (i.e., the
wellbore casing) around all 360.degree. of the target. Such a
pattern may be useful during abandonment of a well, where concrete
is pumped into the well and must reach and seal substantially all
areas of the wellbore.
[0031] FIG. 1 further shows that the perforating gun 104 may
include an initiator holder 122 configured to hold an initiator
such as the detonator 208. The detonator 208 may activate a
detonating cord 136, which in turn detonates the shaped charges 120
secured in the perforating gun 104. The perforating gun 104 my
further include a through wire 138 that provides electrical
conductivity between the detonator 208 and a downhole side of
perforating gun 114. While the perforating gun 104 is illustrated
as including a carrier 140 configured as a cylindrical/tubular
body, it is contemplated that the carrier 140 may be configured
with any other shape that receives, secures and arranges shaped
charges 120 in the perforating gun 104. The carrier 140 may be
formed from a metal. It is contemplated that the carrier 140 may be
formed from a plastic material. According to an aspect, the carrier
140 may be formed from a material that allows the carrier to be
disposable. One or more components of the perforating gun 104 may
be disposable such that the remains of the perforating gun 104 may
be left in the well following activation of the cutting tool
102.
[0032] FIG. 1 further shows an exemplary embodiment of a plug tool
106. The plug tool 106 may be configured as a self-setting plug
that does not require a setting tool. Alternatively, the plug tool
106 may be a micro set plug. Alternatively, the plug tool 106 may
be an eliminator bridge plug.
[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plug tool 106 may
be a ballistically actuated plug. The ballistically actuated plug
includes an outer carrier having a first end and a second end
opposite the first end, and a hollow interior chamber within the
outer carrier and defined by the outer carrier. The hollow interior
chamber may extend from the first end to the second end of the
outer carrier. An initiator, such as the detonator 208, is
positioned within the hollow interior chamber and one or more
ballistic components are also housed within the hollow interior
chamber. The initiator and the one or more ballistic components are
relatively positioned for the initiator to initiate the one or more
ballistic components, and the one or more ballistic components
include an explosive charge for expanding the outer carrier from an
unexpanded form to an expanded form upon initiation of the one or
more ballistic components. An exemplary embodiment of a ballistic
instantaneous setting plug is described in International
Application No. PCT/EP2020/070291 filed Jul. 17, 2020, published as
WO 2021/013731 on Jan. 28, 2021, the entire contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein. Other suitable types of plugs may
be used as appropriate. The plug tool 106 may be disposable such
that the remains of the plug tool 106 may be left in the wellbore
following activating of the cutting tool 102.
[0034] FIG. 1 further shows an exemplary embodiment of how the
various components may be connected together in a well abandonment
system 100. For example, a shock absorber 124 (which may include a
spring or other shock absorbing mechanism) may be provided between
the cutting tool 102 and the perforating gun 104. The shock
absorber 124 may be designed to absorb, attenuate, or otherwise
dissipate shock from activation of the plug tool 106 or the
perforating gun 104 from reaching the cutting tool 102. Shock to
the cutting tool 102 could damage or displace the radial shaped
charge 130, thereby preventing a clean cut of the wellbore casing.
The shock absorber 124 may be configured as a tubular structure
with a biasing member housed therein. It is contemplated that the
biasing member may be a part of a bulkhead 134 housed in a modified
top sub 202 (FIG. 2), a combination of a first cable head 404,
wireline cable 406 and a second cable head 408 (FIG. 4), or a
spring 1136 (FIG. 11). While FIG. 1 illustrates that the shock
absorber 124 may be connected to a sub 132, it is contemplated that
the shock absorber 124 may be directly connected to the perforating
gun 104.
[0035] Communication along the length of the well abandonment
system 100 may be facilitated by electrical connectors. For
example, the shock absorber 124 may further include an electrical
connector 126 (FIG. 1) or bulkhead 134 (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3)
configured to provide electrical conductivity between the cutting
tool 102 and the perforating gun 104. Additionally, an electrical
connector configured as a bulkhead 118 (FIG. 1) may be provided
between the perforating gun 104 and the plug tool 106 to provide
electrical conductivity between the perforating gun and the plug
tool 106.
[0036] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show an exemplary embodiment of a cutting
tool 102 of a well abandonment system 200 and a modified top sub
202 configured to be connected to a downhole side of cutting tool
108. The modified top sub 202 includes a first connector end 216
and a second connector end 218. An opening 220 extends between the
first connector end 216 and the second connector end 218. A
bulkhead 134 is positioned in the opening 220. The bulkhead 134
includes a first contact pin 204 and a second contact pin 206. The
first contact pin 204 and the second contact pin 206 may help to
facilitate electrical conductivity through the modified top sub
202. According to an aspect, the first contact pin 204 and the
second contact pin 206 may help allow an electrical signal to be
passed down from the electrical connector 126 to a detonator
positioned in an initiator holder 122.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the well
abandonment system 200. As illustrated, the cutting tool 102
includes a detonator 208. The detonator 208 may include a selective
electronic ignition circuit that will activate the cutting tool 102
only in response to a certain predetermined signal. The detonator
208 may include a detonator head 304 and a detonator shell 302. The
detonator head 304 may include a line-in portion, a ground portion,
and an insulator extending at least partially between the line-in
portion and the ground portion. The ground portion is located at an
underside of the detonator head 304, while the line-in portion is
located at an upper side of the detonator head 304. The detonator
shell 302 may be adjacent the ground portion. The detonator shell
may include a metal and may be configured with a line-out portion
that facilitates transfer of an electrical signal to the bulkhead
134. The detonator shell 302 may be accessible from a downhole side
of cutting tool 108. According to an aspect, the detonator shell
302 is electrically conductive. As seen, for instance, in FIG. 3,
the first contact pin 204 may be in contact with the detonator
shell 302.
[0038] The detonator shell 302 includes an open end and a closed
end opposite and spaced apart from the open end. According to an
aspect, the detonator shell 302 houses an explosive 1130 adjacent
the closed end. A non-mass explosive (NME) body (not shown) may be
positioned adjacent the explosive 1130, and an electronic circuit
board (ECB) may be disposed between the NME body and the open end
of the detonator shell 302. The ECB may be configured with contact
points that facilitates the upper portion of the detonator head 304
including the line-in portion and the detonator shell 302 including
the line-out portion. The ECB is configured for receiving an
ignition signal, which results in the activation/initiation of the
explosive 1130.
[0039] The NME body may be configured to house a primary explosive
including at least one of lead azide, silver azide, lead styphnate,
tetracene, nitrocellulose and BAX. According to an aspect, the NME
body separates the explosive 1130 from the ECB. The NME body may be
formed of an electrically conductive, electrically dissipative, or
electrostatic discharge (ESD) safe synthetic material. According to
an aspect, the NME body includes a metal, such as cast-iron, zinc,
machinable steel or aluminum. The NME body may be formed using any
conventional CNC machining or metal casting processes.
Alternatively, the NME body is formed from an injection-molded
plastic material.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows an assembled view of the well abandonment
system 200 of FIG. 2. The cutting tool 102 includes a first cutter
housing 222 and a second cutter housing 224. The first cutter
housing 222 includes the detonator 208 and the second cutter
housing 224 includes the radial shaped charge 130. The first and
second cutter housings are threadingly connected to each other so
that the detonator 208 is in ballistic communication with the
radial shaped charge 130.
[0041] The shock absorber 124 may include a first end 306 and a
second end 308. According to an aspect, the second cutter housing
224 is connected to the first end 306 of the shock absorber 124,
while the modified top sub 202 is connected to the second end 308
of the shock absorber 124. The modified top sub 202 includes the
bulkhead 134, which is equipped with shock absorbing elements
(e.g., springs or biasing members) to prevent or reduce shock to
the cutting tool 102 from activation of the plug tool 106 or
perforating gun 104.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a well
abandonment system 400. The well abandonment system 400 includes a
cutting tool 102 connected to a first cable head 404. The first
cable head 404 includes a contact pin 402 in communication with the
detonator 208. The first cable head 404 is connected to a first
wireline end 414 of a wireline cable 406, while a second wireline
end 416 of the wireline cable 406 is connected to a second cable
head 408. The second cable head 408 may include a contact pin 410
configured to communicate with a contact pin of a bulkhead 134 when
the second cable head 408 is attached, via a connector 412, to a
modified top sub 202 (shown in FIG. 2 and described hereinabove).
The first connector end 216 of the modified top sub 202 may be
threadingly connected to a downhole end portion of the connector
412. The second connector end 218 of the modified top sub 202 is in
turn connected to the perforating gun 104, which is connected to
the plug tool 106 (not shown). The wireline cable 406 shown in FIG.
4 allows for a space to be provided between the cutting tool 102
and the perforating gun 104 or plug tool 106 in order to help
prevent or reduce shock to the cutting tool 102, which may be
generated upon activation of the plug tool 106 or the perforating
gun 104.
[0043] FIGS. 5-9 show non-limiting examples of cutting tool
structures that may be used in conjunction with the well
abandonment systems described above. For example, a coil tubing jet
cutter 502 (FIG. 5), a tubing jet cutter 602 (FIG. 6), a drill pipe
jet cutter 702 (FIG. 7), a packer mandrel jet cutter 802 (FIG. 8)
or a casing jet cutter 902 (FIG. 9) may be included in a well
abandonment system 100, well abandonment system 200, or a well
abandonment system 400.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows an example of a coil tubing jet cutter 502. The
coil tubing jet cutter 502 may be configured to cut wellbore
casings with various outer diameters. For example, the coil tubing
jet cutter 502 may be configured to cut wellbore casings with outer
diameters ranging from about 41/2 inches to about 75/8 inches.
According to an aspect, the coil tubing jet cutter 502 cuts
wellbore casings with an outer diameter of about 5 inches, about
51/2 inches, about 6 inches, about 65/8 inches and about 75/8
inches.
[0045] FIG. 6 shows an example of a tubing jet cutter 602. The
tubing jet cutter 602 is configured for use with the well
abandonment system 100.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows an example of a drill pipe jet cutter 702. The
drill pipe jet cutter 702 is configured for use with the well
abandonment system 100.
[0047] FIG. 8 shows an example of a packer mandrel jet cutter 802.
The packer mandrel jet cutter 802 is configured for use with the
well abandonment system 100.
[0048] FIG. 9 shows an example of a casing jet cutter 902. The
casing jet cutter 902 is configured for use with the well
abandonment system 100.
[0049] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method 1000 for
abandoning a well/wellbore. In block 1002, a well abandonment
system (WAS) is provided. The well abandonment system may be any of
the embodiments described herein with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG.
9, and FIG. 11. In block 1004, the well abandonment system may be
lowered down the well to a first position. The first position in
the well may be a position at which the plug tool may be set in the
wellbore. In block 1006, the plug tool is activated. Activation of
the plug tool may include, for example, activation of the igniter
positioned in the plug tool. One potential problem that may occur
when activating the plug tool and the perforating gun is that the
shock impulse of these two events may cause damage to the cutting
tool. One possible solution to this potential problem is to
separate the jet cutter tool mechanically from the shock impact via
a wireline cable as shown in FIG. 4.
[0050] In block 1008, the well abandonment system may be moved to a
second position. The second position may be selected, at least in
part, based on the desired perforating location. However, it will
be noted that in at least an exemplary embodiment, the well
abandonment system may be configured such that no movement of the
well abandonment system is necessary after activation of the plug
tool.
[0051] At block 1010, the perforating gun may be activated, thereby
creating perforation or circulation holes in the wellbore
casing/wellbore tubing. The perforation holes may be slot-shaped
perforations. At block 1012, the wellbore may be circulated until
the wellbore is clean, i.e., free of hydrocarbons. Circulation of
the wellbore may include, for example, injecting or pumping
drilling fluid in the wellbore to fracture the underground
formation. During the injecting process, the slot-shaped
perforations are eroded by the fluid, which leads to larger
perforation holes. Since erosion takes place where fluid flow is
the highest, and the slot-shaped perforations are elongated
openings, the slot-shaped perforations formed by this method are
flow optimized and ideal for fracturing applications. Drilling
fluid may help to control the formation pressure and remove
cuttings from the wellbore. According to an aspect, drilling fluid
may help to seal permeable formations that may be encountered while
drilling. The drilling fluid may also help to maintain wellbore
stability and well control.
[0052] At block 1014, the well abandonment system may be moved to a
third position. However, it will be noted that in at least an
exemplary embodiment, the well abandonment system may be configured
such that no movement is necessary after activation of the
perforating gun. In block 1016, the cutting tool may be activated
so that the wellbore casing is severed. In block 1018, any
components of the well abandonment system may be retrieved from the
wellbore--such retrieval may be done using a wireline. In block
1020, the wellbore tubing cut by the cutting tool is retrieved from
the wellbore.
[0053] FIG. 11 shows an additional and/or alternative exemplary
embodiment of a jet cutter assembly 1102 that includes an
integrated mechanism for mitigating the impact of shock that may be
generated from activation of a plug tool or a perforating gun
connected to the jet cutter assembly 1102.
[0054] The jet cutter assembly 1102 includes a top 1104 and a
bottom 1106. The top 1104 of the jet cutter assembly 1102 may
include a first sub 1108, while the bottom 1106 of the jet cutter
assembly 1102 may include a second sub 1138. According to an
aspect, the first sub 1108 is configured as a converter 1110 or an
adapter that is able to connect to a wireline (not shown). The
first sub 1108 may be coupled and/or attached to a casing collar
locator (CCL)/cable head. The first sub 1108 may include a first
bulkhead 1112 configured to provide electrical connectivity through
a length of the first sub 1108. The first bulkhead 1112 includes a
first electrical connector 1150 and a second electrical connector
1114. The first electrical connector 1150 may be configured to
receive information from a wireline, CCL or cable head. According
to an aspect, the second electrical connector 1114 may be
configured to facilitate communication with other electrical
components in the jet cutter assembly 1102.
[0055] A cutting tool 102 may be positioned in a cutting tool sub
1158. The cutting tool sub 1158 is positioned between the first sub
1108 and the second sub 1138. According to an aspect, the cutting
tool 102 is provided downstream of the first sub 1108. The cutting
tool 102 may include a radial shaped charge 130, and a detonator
1120 configured to detonate the radial shaped charge 130. The
detonator 1120 may be positioned in a detonator sub 1156 that is
connected to the first sub 1108 and a cutting tool sub 1158. The
detonator 1120 may include a detonator head 1118, and a detonator
shell 1128 formed of a conductive material and extending from the
detonator head 1118. According to an aspect, a signal-in connector
1116 is provided on the detonator head 304. The signal-in connector
1116 may be in electrical communication with the second electrical
connector 1114 of the first bulkhead 1112 via direct physical
contact. Electronic circuitry (not shown) may be provided within
the detonator head 1118 for controlling initiation of an explosive
1130 provided within the detonator shell 1128. According to an
aspect, the electronic circuitry may be configured to output a
through signal to the detonator shell 1128.
[0056] An insulating sleeve 1144 may at least partially enclose the
detonator 1120. According to an aspect, the insulating sleeve 1144
is configured to prevent the detonator shell 1128 from being
touching the surface of the detonator sub 1156 or from otherwise
being in contact with the material forming the detonator sub 1156.
According to an aspect, the insulating sleeve 1144 is disposed
within the detonator sub 1156 and dimensionally extends around the
detonator shell 1128. The insulating sleeve 1144 may include a
non-conductive material. According to an aspect, the insulating
sleeve 1144 is composed of at least one of an electrically
non-conductive injection molded plastic, a machined non-conductive
material and surface anodized aluminum.
[0057] An insulator 1126 may be disposed around at least a portion
of the detonator shell 1128. The insulator 1126 may be adjacent the
cutting tool 102 and the detonator sub 1156. According to an
aspect, the insulator 1126 is made from a non-conductive material,
which may include the same materials used to make the insulating
sleeve 1144. The insulator 1126 may help to further insulate the
detonator shell 1128 from contacting any metals used to form the
detonator sub 1156, the cutting tool sub 1158 or the cutting tool
102.
[0058] According to an aspect, the detonator shell 1128 may be in
electrical communication with an electrical connector of the second
bulkhead 1134 via direct physical contact so as to pass an
electrical signal through to a lower tool string, which may include
a perforating gun (not shown). The explosive 1130 housed within the
detonator shell 1128 may be arranged so that it is in proximity to
the radial shaped charge 130. Thus, when the electronic circuitry
initiates the explosive 1130, the explosive 1130 in turn detonates
the radial shaped charge 130. The radial shaped charge 130
thereafter generates a radial cutting jet cuts the pipe or wellbore
casing.
[0059] According to an aspect, a second bulkhead 1134 is positioned
in the cutting tool 102. The second bulkhead 1134 includes a first
electrical connector 1132 in contact with the detonator shell 1128
and a second electrical connector 1148 in electrical communication
with a third bulkhead 1140. The third bulkhead 1140 includes a
first electrical connector 1146 in communication with the second
electrical connector 1148 of the second bulkhead 1134, and a second
electrical connector 1152 in communication with the first
electrical connector 1146.
[0060] Exemplary embodiments of the first bulkhead 1112, the second
bulkhead 1134, and the third bulkhead 1140 are described in U.S.
Publication No. US2020/217,635, which is commonly owned and
assigned to DynaEnergetics Europe GmbH, and is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety. The electrical connectors of the
first bulkhead 1112, the second bulkhead 1134, and the third
bulkhead 1140 may be spring-loaded, which may help dampen the shock
to the jet cutter assembly 1102, which may be caused by a lower
tool string that is coupled to the second sub 1138 and includes a
plug tool, a setting tool and/or a perforating gun.
[0061] For example, the first bulkhead 1112, the second bulkhead
1134, and the third bulkhead 1140 may be configured as an
electrical connector. The electrical connector may include a
connector body that extends along a longitudinal axis of the
connector body. The connector body may be formed from thermoplastic
materials or otherwise electrically non-conductive materials.
Alternatively, the connector body may be made of other materials,
such as a metal (e.g., aluminum with a non-conductive coating).
O-rings may be provided on an outer surface of the connector body.
While FIG. 11 shows two o-rings or four o-rings, it will be
understood that the number of o-rings may be varied to suit the
desired application, such as a single o-ring, three o-rings, or
more than four o-rings. The o-rings are an exemplary embodiment of
a sealing member that may be used to help create a pressure barrier
in order for the electrical connector to serve as a
pressure-isolating bulkhead in an exemplary embodiment.
[0062] The electrical connector may include a first electrical
contact (for example, a first contact pin 204) provided at a first
end of the connector body in the longitudinal direction. The first
electrical contact may be biased so as to rest at a first rest
position if no external force is being applied to the first
electrical contact and may be structured so as to move from the
first rest position to a first retracted position in response to an
application of external force against the first electrical contact.
In other words, the first electrical contact may be spring-loaded.
The first electrical contact may have a first electrical contact
diameter and may be dimensioned so that at least a portion of the
first electrical contact is positioned in the connector body. While
FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the first electrical
contacts of the first bulkhead 1112, the second bulkhead 1134 and
the third bulkhead 1140 being formed as a contact pin, it will be
understood that other forms and shapes may be used for the first
electrical contacts as may be required for specific applications,
including, but not limited to, female electrical contacts and plate
contacts.
[0063] According to an aspect, the electrical connector may include
a second electrical contact (for example, a second contact pin 206)
provided at a second end of the connector body. The second
electrical contact may be biased so as to rest at a second rest
position if no external force is being applied to the second
electrical contact and may be structured so as to move from the
second rest position to a second retracted position in response to
an application of external force against the second electrical
contact. In other words, the second electrical contact may be
spring-loaded. The second electrical contact may have a second
electrical contact diameter and may be dimensioned so that at least
a portion of the second electrical contact is positioned in the
connector body. While FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment in
which the second electrical contacts of the first bulkhead 1112,
the second bulkhead 1134 and the third bulkhead 1140 is formed as a
contact pin, it will be understood that other forms and shapes may
be used for the second electrical contacts as may be required for
specific applications, including, but not limited to, female
electrical contacts and plate contacts.
[0064] A spring 1136 is provided between the cutting tool 102 and
the second sub 1138. The spring 1136 may be formed of a conductive
material and may abut with an outer body of the cutting tool 102
and an outer body of the second sub 1138. Thus, the spring 1136 may
be configured to provide a ground contact between the cutting tool
102 and the lower tool string. The spring 1136 may further help to
dampen the shock to the cutting tool 102 caused by the lower tool
string including a plug tool 106 and a perforating gun 104.
[0065] A sleeve 1122 surrounds the cutting tool 102 in a radial
direction. The sleeve 1122 may be formed of a metal or a composite
metal material. According to an aspect, the sleeve 1122 abuts with
and/or couples with the first sub 1108 and the second sub 1138
while surrounding the cutting tool 102 in the radial direction. In
an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 1122 does not conduct an
electrical signal to a bottom tool string assembly (i.e., a tool
string assembly connected to the second sub 1138). Additionally,
there may be a gap 1124 provided between an inner surface of the
sleeve 1122 and an outer surface of the cutting tool 102. In this
way, the sleeve 1122 may help to dampen shock to the cutting tool
102 and help to prevent shock from being applied directly to the
cutting tool 102.
[0066] The second sub 1138 may be provided downstream of the first
sub 1108 and the spring 1136. The second sub 1138 may function as a
cross-over sub 1142 that helps to connect the jet cutter assembly
1102 to a tool string or perforating gun assembly. The second sub
1138 may include a third bulkhead 1140 configured to provide
electrical connectivity through the second sub 1138. The third
bulkhead 1140 may be in electrical communication with the second
bulkhead 1134. It is contemplated that a perforating gun may be
provided downstream of the second sub 1138 and the second
electrical connector 1152 of the third bulkhead 1140 may be in
electrical communication with a detonator of the perforating gun. A
retainer 1154 may be threadingly connected to the second sub 1138
and may be configured to help retain the third bulkhead 1140 within
the second subs 1138.
[0067] This disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations and
aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems, and/or
apparatuses as depicted and described herein, including various
embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. This disclosure
contemplates, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects,
the actual or optional use or inclusion of, e.g., components or
processes as may be well-known or understood in the art and
consistent with this disclosure though not depicted and/or
described herein.
[0068] The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or" are
open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in
operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A,
B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and
C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C" means A alone,
B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, or A, B and C together.
[0069] In this specification and the claims that follow, reference
will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings.
The terms "a" (or "an") and "the" refer to one or more of that
entity, thereby including plural referents unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one
or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.
Furthermore, references to "one embodiment", "some embodiments",
"an embodiment" and the like are not intended to be interpreted as
excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also
incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used
herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to
modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary
without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is
related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as "about" is
not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some
instances, the approximating language may correspond to the
precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as
"first," "second," "upper," "lower" etc. are used to identify one
element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant
to refer to a particular order or number of elements.
[0070] As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate a
possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a
possession of a specified property, characteristic or function;
and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an
ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified
verb. Accordingly, usage of "may" and "may be" indicates that a
modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for
an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into
account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes
not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some
circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other
circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur--this distinction
is captured by the terms "may" and "may be."
[0071] As used in the claims, the word "comprises" and its
grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of
varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited
thereto, "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of." Where
necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are
inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that
the appended claims should cover variations in the ranges except
where this disclosure makes clear the use of a particular range in
certain embodiments.
[0072] The terms "determine", "calculate" and "compute," and
variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and
include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or
technique.
[0073] This disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration
and description. This disclosure is not limited to the form or
forms disclosed herein. In the Detailed Description of this
disclosure, for example, various features of some exemplary
embodiments are grouped together to representatively describe those
and other contemplated embodiments, configurations, and aspects, to
the extent that including in this disclosure a description of every
potential embodiment, variant, and combination of features is not
feasible. Thus, the features of the disclosed embodiments,
configurations, and aspects may be combined in alternate
embodiments, configurations, and aspects not expressly discussed
above. For example, the features recited in the following claims
lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment,
configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby
incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim
standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this
disclosure.
[0074] Advances in science and technology may provide variations
that are not necessarily express in the terminology of this
disclosure although the claims would not necessarily exclude these
variations.
* * * * *