The present embodiments relate generally to a completion system for a well.
A need exists for an intelligent completion system for use inside a multi-zone hydrocarbon well.
There further exists a need for a completion system that uses a pin connector with seal assembly that can be pulled after use, taken apart, cleaned, and reused.
The present embodiments meet these needs.
The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:
a depicts a cross sectional view of an embodiment of an upper tubular body with at least one alignment groove that is usable with the embodiments of well completion system.
b is a perspective view of the upper tubular body with the alignment groove usable with the well completion system.
The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.
Before explaining the present embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the particular embodiments and that they can be practiced or carried out in various ways.
The embodiments of the invention generally relate to a completion system for a well.
A first embodiment of the well completion system can include an upper production tubing disposed with in a wellbore. An upper packer can engage the upper production tubing. A top pin connector with seal assembly can engage the upper packer.
The pin connector can be formed from a tubular having an upper tubular portion and a lower tubular portion.
The lower tubular portion has an upper tubular body and a lower tubular body with a lower tubular body face.
A first pin engages the wet connect assembly. The first pin has a first pin outer surface, which can be connected to the wet connect assembly.
In a second embodiment, a double pin is in the lower tubular portion. The double pin engages the wet connect assembly. In the double pin embodiment, a second pin concentrically surrounds the first pin forming a double pin connector. The double pin connector is particularly useful in packers such as those adapted for multi zone gravel packing in hydrocarbon wells.
In either the single pin or double pin version of the pin connector with seal assembly, a control line connector, such as a jam nut, is used on the first pin outer surface and the lower tubular body face.
At least one alignment key is formed in at least a part of the tubular body. The alignment key can be disposed on an inner diameter of the tubular body and can extend from a top portion of the lower tubular body toward a mid section of the lower tubular body. The alignment key, in an embodiment, is formed at an angle from the top, sloping in a curve, such as a sine curve along the lower tubular body. The alignment key extends no more than 10% the length of the lower tubular body.
In an alternative embodiment of the pin connector with seal assembly, the at least one alignment key can be disposed on an interior wall of the tubular body portion. Multiple alignment keys can be used on one tubular body portion for a secure locking engagement.
The lower tubular body has a lower hydraulic flow path formed within the lower tubular body for flowing controlled hydraulic fluids. This lower hydraulic flow path communicates on one end with a hydraulic wet connector.
Additionally, a two part locking mechanism can be used to connect the upper tubular portion to the lower tubular portion. In an embodiment, one part of the locking mechanism has a collar. The collar can be threaded or force fit to the second part of the locking mechanism. Additionally, a lower tubular seal can be disposed between the collar and the lower tubular portion to ensure a snug, leak-tight fit.
The two part locking mechanism can be used to secure the upper tubular portion or the seal assembly to another piece of well equipment.
The second part of the locking mechanism is a locking key. The locking key is engaged by a shear pin. The shear pin further engages a lower key retainer. The locking key is also engaged using an upper key retainer. The upper key retainer engages the upper tubular portion. The upper portion of the locking mechanism has at least one fastener, such as a screw, to secure the upper portion of the locking mechanism. A force is exerted on the upper tubular portion and the locking key by a mechanism, such as a coiled spring, a wave spring, or similar force applying mechanism.
The upper tubular portion is removeably connected to the lower tubular portion, such as with force fit connection or stabbed in connection. It is also contemplated that the upper tubular portion can be stabbed into the lower tubular portion for a secure connection, such as a body lock ring.
The upper tubular portion has a receiving hydraulic wet connector, which removably engages the extending hydraulic wet connector of the lower tubular portion.
In an embodiment, the receiving hydraulic wet connector is a quick release hydraulic wet connector, which is particularly useful in an emergency, such as when there is an excessive pressure build up and there is a need for a fast release.
An intermediate hydraulic flow path is also formed in the upper tubular body. The intermediate hydraulic flow path fluidly engages the lower hydraulic flow path.
At least one alignment groove is formed on the upper tubular body. The alignment groove is for receiving at least one alignment key. At least one alignment key is formed in the upper tubular body, and an alignment groove is formed in the lower tubular portion for receiving the at least one alignment key.
In the present embodiment of the pin connector with seal assembly, the upper tubular portion removably engages a seal assembly. The seal assembly can include a tubular seal assembly body. In the tubular seal assembly an upper hydraulic flow path can be formed which fluidly engages the intermediate hydraulic flow path.
Between the tubular seal assembly body and the upper tubular body there can be a plurality of upper hydraulic flow path seals. The hydraulic flow path seals are contemplated to be non-elastomeric, such as metal to metal seals. The hydraulic flow path seals can have different diameters from each other. In another embodiment, the hydraulic flow path seals are all the same diameter.
A plurality of upper concentric seals can be positioned, such that they form a sealing engagement around the upper hydraulic flow path seals. A sealing engagement can be formed in the upper hydraulic flow path by using a plurality of seal assembly fasteners to apply a force to the upper hydraulic flow path seals. An example of a seal assembly fastener is a snap ring. The seal assembly fasteners can be made from any alloy steel readily available from Smalley Spring Company, Chicago, Ill.
In an embodiment at least one seal ring can be used for supporting, such as rigidly supporting, at least one upper hydraulic flow path seal. The seal ring can be made from a plastic or alloy steel.
A hydraulic flow path plug can be used to provide a sealing engagement with the upper hydraulic flow path and the tubular seal assembly body. The plug can have a diameter of between 0.032 inches and 0.500, and a length of between 0.125 and 0.562.
The pin connector with seal assembly can be used within a packer to form an integrated wet connect assembly. The integrated wet connect assembly preferably engages a valve and production tubing on one end and another seal assembly on the other end of the integrated wet connect assembly.
The embodiments of the pin connector with seal assembly reduce installation time and the costs associated with downhole hydrocarbon production.
An embodiment of the pin connector with seal assembly provides downhole well equipment that is more efficient because there is no field assembly required.
An embodiment of the pin connector with seal assembly can be assembled at a remote location, and can be ready for immediate use upon reaching the field.
An embodiment of the pin connector with seal assembly is a well containment feature because the downhole assembly is stung in or engaging the well. Thereby, isolating the well and preventing well bore fluid from leaking into the annulus above the packer, preventing a well control situation. The seal assembly prevents fluid from leaking into the environment and contaminating water tables.
The present embodiment of the well completion system can include a first intermediate production tubing engaging the top pin connector with seal assembly and a top hydraulically operated tool. A top control line can be secured to a power source and the top pin connector with seal assembly.
The first intermediate production tubing intermediate can be secured to a bottom pin connector with seal assembly and the top hydraulically operated tool.
A second intermediate production tubing is disposed between the top hydraulically operated tool and an intermediate packer. A third control line can be in fluid communication with the top hydraulically operated tool and an upper tubular portion of an intermediate pin connector with seal assembly. The intermediate pin connector with seal assembly engages the intermediate packer.
A fourth control line is secured to the lower tubular portion of the intermediate pin connector and the bottom hydraulically operated tool.
In the present embodiment of the completion system for a well a first bottom production tubing can engage the bottom hydraulic operated tool and the intermediate pin connector with seal assembly.
A second bottom production tubing engages the bottom hydraulically operated tool and a lower sealing means.
It is contemplated that the present embodiment of the invention can be adapted to accommodate a well having more zones by placing a plurality of pin connectors with seal assemblies between the top pin connector with seal assembly and the bottom pin connector with seal assembly.
In a second embodiment of the completion system for a well the completion system can be adapted for use with a gravel pack.
The completion system for the gravel pack well can include an upper production tubing engaging an upper packer. An upper pin connector with seal assembly can engage the upper packer.
In the present embodiment the pin connectors with seal assembly are adapted for use with the gravel pack by having a second pin the concentrically surrounds the first pin.
In the present embodiment of the well completion system for a gravel pack well the upper tubular portion of the top pin connector with seal assembly can be connected to the upper packer. A top external blank pipe and a top internal blank pipe can also connect to the lower tubular portion of the top pin connector with seal assembly.
A first control line can be in communication with a power source and a upper tubular portion of a top pin connector with seal assembly. The lower portion of the top pin connector is secured to a second control line.
A top hydraulically operated tool can be in communication with the second control line. The second control line can periodically control the top hydraulically operated tool. The top hydraulically operated tool can be connected to the top external blank pipe.
A top well screen can be secured to the top external blank pipe. A top external seal assembly can engage the top external blank pipe and a top intermediate packer.
A first intermediate blank pipe is connected to the top hydraulically operated tool. The upper tubular portion of an intermediate pin connector with seal assembly can engage the intermediate packer.
A third control line connects to the top hydraulically operated tool and the upper tubular portion of the intermediate pin connector with seal assembly.
The lower tubular portion of the intermediate pin connector with seal assembly is connected to a first intermediate external blank pipe and a second intermediate internal blank pipe connected to a bottom hydraulically operated tool.
A bottom internal blank pipe connects to the bottom hydraulically operated tool and a bottom isolation seal assembly.
A fourth control line can connect to the lower tubular portion of the intermediate pin connector and the bottom hydraulically operated tool.
A lower well screen is secured to the first intermediate external blank pipe. A seal assembly with a polished bore is secured to the lower well screen and secured within a lower sealing means.
In a contemplated embodiment the well completion system can be adapted for use with a gravel pack well having an infinite number of zones by disposing a plurality of pin connectors with seal assembly between the top pin connector with seal assembly and the bottom pin connector with seal assembly.
The embodiments of the invention can be best understood with reference to the figures.
Referring now to
The tubular seal assembly body 4 can be made from alloy steel, and can have a length ranging from 10 inches to 36 inches, a diameter ranging from 2.688 inches to 6 inches. The seal assembly body 4 is depicted having the hydraulic flow path plug 6, such as a lee plug from Lee Company in Connecticut. The hydraulic flow path plug 6 provides a seal for the upper hydraulic flow path 10.
The hydraulic flow path can have a volumetric flow rate equivalent to the capacity of a 0.25 inch control line. The hydraulic flow path can be formed into the tubular seal assembly by inserting a hydraulic line with a diameter ranging from 0.25 inches to 0.5 inches.
The first seal ring 16a can support a first hydraulic flow path seal 12a and be made from an alloy steel or non elastomeric material, such as a rigid polyethylene seal ring or rigid polyethylene/polypropylene copolymers.
The second seal ring 16b can support the second hydraulic flow path seal 12b. The first seal ring 16a and the second seal ring 16b provide support to the hydraulic flow path seals 12a and 12b.
The first hydraulic flow path seal 12a and the second hydraulic flow path seal 12b can be similar to each other or in the alternative the first and second hydraulic flow path seals 12a and 12b can be different. The first and second hydraulic flow path seals 12a and 12b can have a diameter ranging from 1.9 inches to 6.75 inches. The flow path seals can be made from non elastomeric materials, such as polymer plastics, including poly ethyl ketone (PEEK), or other materials.
The first seal ring 16a, the second seal ring 16b, and the third seal ring 16c can be similar in design or in the alternative each seal ring can be made from a different material. The diameters of each seal ring can be similar or different.
The first seal assembly fastener 14a can be a threaded cap. The second seal assembly fastener 14b, which can be similar to the first seal assembly fastener 14a. The fasteners are adapted to retain the second upper hydraulic flow path seal 12b.
The third seal assembly fastener 14c, which can be similar to the second seal assembly fastener 14b, which can be similar to the first seal assembly 14a.
It is possible to have an embodiment wherein the first seal assembly fastener, the second seal ring fastener, the third seal ring fastener can be made from steel.
The first, second and third concentric seals 8a, 8b, and 8c can be an elastomeric or non-elastomeric seal. Greene Tweed from Houston Tex. supplies usable concentric seals for this embodiment. The first concentric seal 8a, the second concentric seal 8b, and the third concentric seal 8c can be similar to each other.
Turning now to
Returning to
The intermediate hydraulic flow path 29 and the upper hydraulic flow path 10 are coupled together, for example using the seals.
Referring now to
A locking key 32 is machined as part of the overall pin and seal assembly in to the upper tubular of the lower tubular portion or both. The locking key is a combination of grooves and projections that interlock together.
A lower key retainer 34 is a machined part used for holding the locking key in either the locked or unlocked position. In an embodiment, the lower key retainer can be a circular part with a diameter larger than the annulus of the bore of the tool. The retainer can be a segment, such as a “D” shape or an open “D” shape.
An upper key retainer 38 can be similar to the lower key retainer. In an embodiment, the upper key retainer can be a circular part with a diameter larger than the annulus of the bore of the tool. The upper key retainer can be a segment, such as a “D” shape or an open “D” shape.
The mechanism for providing force 42 can be a coiled spring, a wave spring, or a similar force providing mechanism. If a coiled spring is used, it can be one provided by Suhm of Houston, Tex.
The shear pin 36 engages the locking key 32 and the lower key retainer 34. The shear pin 36 can be a solid cylinder with a centrally aligned through hole. The shear pin 36 can be made from steel, stainless steel, or similar materials.
The upper key retainer 38 can have a channel, with a depth ranging from 0.5 inches to 1 inches adapted for receiving the locking key 32.
The upper portion 30 is secured to upper tubular portion 26 by the first fastener 40a and the second fastener 40b. The first fastener 40a and the second fastener 40b can be planarly aligned with each other. It is possible to use more than two fasteners to secure the upper locking mechanism to the upper tubular portion 26.
The mechanism for exerting force 42 interacts with the locking key 32 and the upper tubular portion 26.
The interaction of the mechanism for exerting force 42 with the locking key 32 and the upper tubular portion 26 provides the benefit of providing retraction in and out, an axial force when the lower tubular portion is driven into the well, in a ratcheting unidirectional motion.
Returning to
The fastener 23 can be a collar for engaging a locking mechanism, such as the upper portion 30 and anchoring the upper tubular portion to another piece of well equipment.
The upper tubular portion has a receiving hydraulic wet connector 27, for example, a wet connect; such as a SEAPORT™ wet connects made by Diamould from the United Kingdom; can be used. The receiving hydraulic wet connector 27 removeably engages an extending hydraulic wet connector 22, which can also be made by Diamould. The receiving hydraulic wet connector 22 is supported by the upper tubular body 28.
The upper tubular body 28 supports the receiving hydraulic wet connector 22 by creating a threaded engagement with the receiving hydraulic wet connector 22.
Although the embodiment in
Turning now to
The first alignment groove 44a and the second alignment groove 44b can have a depth ranging from 0.30 inches to 0.05 inches. The alignment grooves can be molded, machined, or forged into the upper tubular body 28.
Turning now to
A lower hydraulic flow path 20 is formed into the lower tubular body 15. The lower hydraulic flow path 20 fluidly engages the intermediate hydraulic flow path 29. The fluid engagement is enabled by a coupling.
The lower hydraulic flow path 20 can be a port machined into the lower tubular body 15.
In a typical embodiment of the invention each of the hydraulic flow paths have the same hydraulic fluid and the same flow rate.
The lower tubular body has a lower tubular body face 13. The lower tubular body face 13 can have a flange angle ranging from 30 degrees to 90 degrees. The lower tubular body face 13 can be made from a metal adapted to survive a highly corrosive environment.
The lower tubular portion further has a first pin 16. The pin 16 can be manufactured by Pertroquip Energy Services of Broussard La. and Houston Tex. The first pin 16 can have a length ranging from 3 inches to 9 inches. The first pin 16 can have a cylindrical shape and can be solid or hollow.
The first pin 16 has a first pin outer surface 17. The first pin outer surface can be a metal, a composite, or a similar material. The first pin outer surface 17 in a typical embodiment will be made form the same material of the first pin 16.
In the embodiment depicted in
The method further includes step 102 attaching the first half of the bottom pin connector to at least one first hydraulically operated tool. The first half of the top pin connector can be attached to the hydraulically operated tool using a port, a quick connect, a control line, or similar means of connecting to a hydraulically operated tool.
In step 104 the method is depicted including attaching a first packer with a bore to the first half of the bottom pin connector. The packer can be attached to the first half of the bottom pin connector by using fasteners or other removable securing means.
The first half of the bottom pin connector with the attached first packer is run into the well downhole in step 106.
The present embodiment of the method includes forming a second half of a bottom pin connector in step 108. The second half of the bottom pin connector is formed by securing a bottom pin connector receiving hydraulic wet connector to an upper tubular portion with a seal assembly. The upper tubular portion with seal assembly is depicted in
The second half of the bottom pin connector is secured to production tubing in step 110. The production tubing can have a length ranging from 30 feet to 20,000 feet. A first control line having an inside diameter ranging from 0.125 to 0.475 inches is secured to the second half of the bottom pin connector in step 112.
In step 114 the production tubing the second half of the bottom pin connector, and the connected first control line is run into the well downhole. The bottom pin connector receiving hydraulic wet connector is connected to the bottom pin connector extending hydraulic wet connector in step 116. The bottom pin connector receiving wet connector and the top pin connector extending hydraulic wet connector can be quick release wet connectors.
The present embodiment of the method includes step 117, aligning the bottom pin connector hydraulic extending wet connector and the bottom pin connector receiving hydraulic wet connector. The alignment can be accomplished using at least one alignment key and one alignment groove.
The second half of the bottom pin connector is anchored to another piece of well equipment in step 118. The anchoring can be performed using a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be similar to the one depicted in
In step 120 a first half of a top pin connector is formed by securing a second extending hydraulic wet connector to a top pin connector lower tubular portion. The top pin connector lower tubular portion is similar to the lower tubular portion of the bottom pin connector.
The first half of the top pin connector is attached to at least one second hydraulically operated tool, the second half of the bottom pin connector, or combinations thereof in step 122. In step 124 a second packer with a bore is attached to the first half of the top pin connector.
In step 126 the first half of the top pin connector with the attached second packer is ran into the well downhole.
In step 128 a second half of a top pin connector is formed by securing a top pin connector extending hydraulic wet connector to a top pin connector upper tubular portion. The top pin connector upper tubular portion is similar to the bottom pin connector upper tubular portion.
The first control line fluidly communicates with the first half of the top pin connector, the first hydraulically operated tool, and the second hydraulically operated tool.
A second control line is connected to the second half of the top pin connector to for connecting to a hydraulic source in step 130. The hydraulic source can be a hydraulic tank located on a surface, remote from the well. The second control line is in fluid communication with the bottom pin connector, the first hydraulically operated tool, and the second hydraulically operated tool, and the power source.
A second production tubing is secured to the second half of the top pin connector in step 132. The second production tubing can be similar to the first production tubing. In Step 134 the production tubing with the connected second half of the top pin connector and the connected second control line is ran into the well.
The top pin connector receiving hydraulic wet connector can be connected to the top pin connector extending hydraulic wet connector in step 136. The present embodiment of the method includes step 138 aligning the top pin connector hydraulic extending wet connector and the top pin connector receiving hydraulic wet connector. The alignment can be accomplished using at least one alignment key and one alignment groove.
In step 139 the second half of the top pin connector is anchored to another piece of well equipment.
each of the upper hydraulic flow paths and intermediate hydraulic flow paths can be sealed using a plurality of upper hydraulic flow path seals between each tubular seal assembly body and each upper tubular body.
A means for retaining the upper hydraulic flow path seals can be provided. The retaining can be accomplished by using a plurality of seal assembly fasteners.
The method can further include supporting at least one of the hydraulic flow path seals using at least one seal ring.
The present embodiment of the method can include preventing hydraulic fluid from escaping each of the hydraulic flow paths using at least one hydraulic flow path plug for each pin connector with seal assembly.
In step 140 the above steps can be repeated to adapt the method for use with a multi-zone well having more than two zones.
The present embodiment of the invention includes step 142 which is controlling the well, using the control lines, on a periodic basis. The periodic basis is defined as activating the well for a time ranging form 2 minutes to 120 minutes. The batch basis is equivalent to the periodic basis.
The present embodiment of the method can be adapted for use with a gravel pack using a second pin surrounding the first pin in each lower tubular portion forming a double pin connecter.
The upper packer 206 can be engaged by a top pin connector with seal assembly 210. An example of the top pin connector with seal assembly 210 can be seen in
The top pin connector can engage an intermediate production tubing 212a. The intermediate production tubing 212a can be similar to the top production tubing.
A top hydraulically operated tool 214 is depicted engaging the intermediate production tubing 212a. The top hydraulically operated tool 214 can be a single line sleeve, a valve, or a similar downhole tool.
A top control line 216a is secured to a power source 218. The power source 218 can be a remote hydraulic tank, a pressurized tank, a fluid reservoir, or a similar fluid containment device. The upper tubular portion of the top pin connector with seal assembly 210 is in fluid communication with the top control line 216a.
The first intermediate production tubing 212a is secured to the lower tubular portion of the top pin connector with seal assembly 210 and the top hydraulically operated tool 214. A second control line 216b is connected to the lower tubular portion of the top pin connector with seal assembly 210 and the top hydraulically operated tool 214.
An intermediate packer 222 is depicted engaging the second intermediate production tubing 212b.
A third control line 216c is in fluid communication from the top hydraulically operated tool 214 to a upper tubular portion of the intermediate pin connector with seal assembly 228. A fourth control line 216d is in communication with the lower tubular portion of the intermediate pin connector with seal assembly 228 and a bottom hydraulically operated tool 229. The second bottom control line 216d can be used to periodically operate the bottom hydraulically operated tool 229. A first bottom production tubing 212c is disposed between the intermediate pin connector with seal assembly and the bottom hydraulically operated tool 229.
A second bottom production tubing 212d is depicted engaging the bottom hydraulically operated tool 229 and a lower sealing means 226. The lower sealing means 226 can be a packer, a plug, or similar sealing means.
A top pin connector with seal assembly 210 is depicted engaging the upper gravel packer 207.
The lower tubular portion of the top pin connector with seal assembly 210 is connected to a top external blank pipe 230a; and a top internal blank pipe 239a.
The lower portion of the top pin connector with seal assembly 210 can be connected to the top internal blank pipe 239a and the external blank pipe 230a by a threaded connection. The top internal blank pipe 239a can be similar to the production tubing. The top external blank pipe 230a can be similar to the production tubing.
A first control line 216a is connected to the upper tubular portion of the top pin connector 210 and a power source 218. The lower tubular portion of the top pin connector with seal assembly is secured to a second control line 216b.
A top hydraulically operated tool 214 is connected to the top blank pipe and is in communication with the second control line 216b communicating with the power source 218 for periodically controlling the top hydraulically operated tool 214.
A top well screen 232a is secured to the top external blank pipe 230a. The top well screen 232a can be slotted or ribbed.
First intermediate internal blank pipe 239b is connected to the top hydraulically operated tool 214 and the top portion of the intermediate pin connector with seal assembly 250. A third control line 216c connects the top hydraulically operated tool 214 with the upper tubular portion of the intermediate pin connector with seal assembly 250.
A top external seal assembly 234 engages an intermediate gravel packer 238 and a bottom of the top well screen 232a. The top external seal assembly 234 can be a polished bore seal assembly.
The lower portion of the intermediate pin connector with seal assembly 250 is connected to a first intermediate external blank pipe 230b; and a second intermediate internal blank pipe 239c.
The lower portion of the intermediate pin connector with seal assembly 250 can be connected to the second intermediate internal blank pipe 228c and the first intermediate external blank pipe 230b by a threaded connection. The second Intermediate internal blank pipe 239c can be similar to the production tubing. The first intermediate external blank pipe 230b can be similar to the production tubing.
The bottom hydraulically operated tool 215 is connected to a second intermediate internal blank pipe 239c and is in communication with a fourth control line 216d communicating with the lower tubular portion of the intermediate pin connector 250 and the bottom hydraulically operated tool 215.
A lower well screen 232b is secured to the first intermediate external blank pipe 230b. The lower well screen 232b can be slotted or ribbed. The lower well screen 232b is connected to a seal assembly with polished bore 235, that is stung into a lower sealing means 226.
A bottom internal blank pipe 230d is connected to the bottom hydraulically operated tool 215 and a bottom isolation seal assembly 242.
The embodied system is repeatable to accommodate additional zones.
While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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6983796 | Bayne et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |