In a variety of well applications, gravel packing operations are performed across multiple well zones along a wellbore. Gravel packing equipment is deployed downhole via a suitable well string to facilitate gravel packing along the wellbore between the well string and the surrounding casing along the wellbore wall. Prior to the gravel packing operation, it is sometimes useful to perform a well stimulation operation in the form of an acid stimulation or other selected stimulation treatment to facilitate subsequent production operations. Certain types of gravel packing equipment and techniques enable performance of multizone gravel pack operations. However, these techniques do not permit the well stimulation operation over all of the well zones during a single trip downhole. Instead, the operational sequence is limited to performance of, at most, a stimulation job over a single zone, e.g. the uppermost well zone, prior to commencing pumping of the gravel pack job.
In general, a system and methodology enable stimulation of the multiple well zones along a multilayered reservoir. The technique utilizes equipment constructed to enable performance of the stimulation job along the multiple well zones, i.e. two or more well zones, prior to gravel packing the multiple well zones. Effectively, the technique and equipment simplify well operations by enabling performance of the multizone stimulation job during a single trip downhole and then allowing subsequent actuation of the equipment to also enable a multizone gravel packing operation during the same trip downhole and with a single pumping treatment.
However, many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.
Certain embodiments of the disclosure will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood, however, that the accompanying figures illustrate the various implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of various technologies described herein, and:
In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the system and/or methodology may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments may be possible.
The disclosure herein generally involves a system and methodology for enabling stimulation of the multiple well zones along a multilayered reservoir. Tools and techniques are constructed and selected to enable stimulation of more than one well zone in a single trip downhole prior to performing a gravel packing job. According to an embodiment, the technique utilizes equipment constructed to enable performance of the stimulation job along all of the well zones, i.e. two or more well zones, prior to gravel packing. In this example, the well equipment enables performance of the multizone stimulation job during a single trip downhole and then allows subsequent actuation of the well equipment to further enable a multizone gravel packing operation during the same trip downhole and with a single pumping treatment.
Referring generally to
According to an embodiment, well system 20 may comprise various types of equipment arranged in a well string to enable both a multizone well stimulation and multizone gravel packing operation during the same trip downhole and prior to production. By way of example, well string/equipment may comprise a sand screen assembly 38 having sand screens 40 which may be positioned for use at each of the well zones 26. The sand screen assembly 38 may be used in cooperation with other components, such as packers 42 which provide zonal isolation within casing 24 and between the well zones 26. In some embodiments, the sand screen assembly 38 may be carried downhole via suitable tubing 44 which extends up into engagement with a gravel pack packer 46. Other components may be positioned along tubing 44, such as an isolation valve 48 and a shear out safety joint 50.
Referring again to
Various components may be positioned along tubing 62. For example, a plurality of nozzle subs 64 may be positioned along tubing 62 proximate corresponding sand screens 40. Each of the nozzle subs 64 may comprise an appropriate nozzle or nozzles 66 selected and sized to control injection of stimulation fluid into the surrounding well zones 26. For example, the nozzles 66 may be selected so that the injected volume of fluid between the well zones 26 is balanced.
Other components which may be positioned along tubing 62 include seal units 68 which may be positioned to form seals with the surrounding tubing 44 or with other surrounding components, e.g. with the interior of isolation packers 42, so as to enable isolated injection of stimulation fluid into the appropriate, corresponding well zones 26. The tubing 62 also may be coupled with a lower seal unit 70 sized for receipt in a polished bore receptacle 72. The polished bore receptacle 72 may be coupled with tubing 44 proximate a lower coupling mechanism 74 received in lower packer 32 as illustrated. In some embodiments, the tubing 62 also may comprise or work in cooperation with a check valve sub 76.
In an operational example, the well string/equipment is run in hole via tubing 78, e.g. drill pipe, to a treatment depth and the bottom hole assembly 34/lower coupling mechanism 74 is coupled into the lower packer 32 where depth may be confirmed. It should be noted the I-slot set down module 58 is initially locked in an open position and later activated to a closed position prior to commencing gravel pack operations down through the interior of gravel pack service tool 52. Once the proper depth is confirmed, a rig up of surface lines and a pressure test of the lines may be performed. At this stage, a setting sequence may be started for gravel pack packer 46 by blocking fluid flow down through the interior of gravel pack service tool 52 to enable pressuring up for setting of packer 46.
The blocking of flow along the interior of gravel pack service tool 52 may be achieved via a setting ball allowed to gravitate and reach an appropriate ball seat, e.g. a ball seat in crossover module 56, or via other mechanisms able to temporarily seal off the interior of service tool 52. An example of a gravel pack packer setting sequence comprises pressuring up at increments, e.g. 500 psi increments, to a predetermined set pressure and then holding the set pressure for a predetermined time period, e.g. 15 minutes. A pull push test may then be performed to ensure the gravel pack packer 46 has been properly set. A packer back side pressure test also may be performed.
At the next stage, the gravel pack service tool 52 may be released from gravel pack packer 46 by pressuring up to an increased pressure level within the gravel pack service tool 52. By way of example, the pressure level may be increased to 2800 psi or other suitable pressure and held for a predetermined time period, e.g. five minutes, before bleeding off the pressure. This sequence releases the gravel pack service tool 52 and the release may be confirmed by pulling up on the service tool 52. It should be noted that the various pressure levels and time periods for setting the packer, testing the packer, releasing the service tool, or performing other tasks are provided merely as examples and other pressure levels and time periods may be utilized depending on various parameters of the equipment and operation.
In
When in the reverse flow position, a stimulation fluid or fluids, e.g. acid-based stimulation fluids, may be pumped into an annulus 80 above the gravel pack packer 46. The appropriate amount of stimulation fluid(s) may be selected according to the volume to be squeezed into the different well zones 26. The gravel pack service tool 52 may then be actuated into a blank position which allows the stimulation fluid(s) to be pumped down annulus 80, through gun drill ports of crossover module 56, and into the interior of tubing 62, as indicated by arrows 82. As further indicated by arrows 84, the stimulation fluid(s) may then be discharged to the multiple well zones 26 via nozzles 66 at the respective nozzle subs 64. The nozzles 66 effectively ensure the stimulation fluid(s) is directed out through the sand screen assembly 38; and the isolation packers 42 and seals 68 ensure the stimulation fluid(s) flow out through ports 30 into the corresponding well zones 26. It should be noted that flow through the bottom of tubing 62 may be blocked by a suitable mechanism 85, such as a ball and ball seat or other appropriate mechanism.
Subsequently, the gravel pack service tool 52 may be prepared for gravel packing by shifting the service tool 52 to a set down circulation position and actuating the I-slot set down module 58 to the closed position. The I-slot set down module 58 may be actuated by, for example, slacking off weight on tubing/drill pipe 78, as illustrated in
Referring generally to
In an operational example utilizing the embodiment of
The blocking of flow along the interior of gravel pack service tool 52 may be achieved via a setting ball, e.g. a plug, allowed to gravitate and reach an appropriate ball seat located in ball seat sub 92 or at another suitable location. An example of a gravel pack packer setting sequence comprises pressuring up at increments, e.g. 500 psi increments, to a predetermined set pressure and then holding the set pressure for a predetermined time period, e.g. 15 minutes. A pull push test may then be performed to ensure the gravel pack packer 46 has been properly set. A packer back side pressure test also may be performed.
At the next stage, the gravel pack service tool 52 may be released from gravel pack packer 46 by pressuring up to an increased pressure level within the gravel pack service tool. By way of example, the pressure level may be increased to 2800 psi or other suitable pressure and held for a predetermined time period, e.g. five minutes, before bleeding off the pressure. This sequence releases the gravel pack service tool 52 and the release may be confirmed by pulling up on the service tool 52. It should be noted that the various pressure levels and time periods for setting the packer, testing the packer, releasing the service tool, or performing other tasks are again provided merely as examples and other pressure levels and time periods may be utilized depending on the various parameters of the equipment and operation.
In
At this stage, the ball valve 90 of dual valve system 86 is closed and the circulation valve 88 is opened to facilitate displacement of stimulation fluid down along the interior of tubing 62. Subsequently, the circulation valve 88 is closed and the ball valve 90 is opened to enable squeezing of the stimulation fluid, e.g. acid-based fluid, to be pumped into the multiple well zones 26 via nozzles 66 at the respective nozzle subs 64. The nozzles 66 effectively ensure the stimulation fluid(s) is directed out through the sand screen assembly 38; and the isolation packers 42 and seals 68 ensure the stimulation fluid(s) flow out through ports 30 into the corresponding well zones 26. The pressure may then be increased to blow the ball seat on the last nozzle sub 64 and to thus allow the ball 94 to gravitate downhole.
Subsequently, the gravel pack service tool 52 may be prepared for gravel packing by shifting the service tool 52 to a set down circulation position and actuating the I-slot set down module 58. The I-slot set down module 58 may be actuated by, for example, slacking off weight on tubing/drill pipe 78, as illustrated in
Referring generally to
In this embodiment, additional components include a sleeve 96 positioned in the crossover module 56 to selectively block or allow crossover flow through the crossover module 56. In some embodiments, the sleeve 96 may be shifted from a flow blocking position to a crossover flow position via a plug or other suitable ball. Additionally, a wash pipe ball drop sleeve 98 is positioned toward the bottom of wash pipe/tubing 62 and is used in place of nozzle subs 64. The ball drop sleeve 98 may be opened by dropping a suitable ball 100 (see
In an operational example utilizing the embodiment of
The blocking of flow along the interior of gravel pack service tool 52 may be achieved via a setting ball allowed to gravitate and reach an appropriate ball seat in ball seat sub 92 or at another suitable location. An example of a gravel pack packer setting sequence comprises pressuring up at increments, e.g. 500 psi increments, to a predetermined set pressure and then holding the set pressure for a predetermined time period, e.g. 15 minutes. A pull push test may then be performed to ensure the gravel pack packer 46 has been properly set. A packer back side pressure test also may be performed.
At the next stage, the gravel pack service tool 52 may be released from gravel pack packer 46 by pressuring up to an increased pressure level within the gravel pack service tool. By way of example, the pressure level may be increased to 2800 psi or other suitable pressure and held for a predetermined time period, e.g. five minutes, before bleeding off the pressure. This sequence releases the gravel pack service tool 52 and the release may be confirmed by pulling up on the service tool 52. It should again be noted that the various pressure levels and time periods for setting the packer, testing the packer, releasing the service tool, or performing other tasks are provided merely as examples and other pressure levels and time periods may be utilized depending on the various parameters of the equipment and operation.
In
At this stage, the ball valve 90 of dual valve system 86 is closed and the circulation valve 88 is opened to facilitate displacement of stimulation fluid down along the interior of tubing 62. Subsequently, the circulation valve 88 is closed and the ball valve 90 is opened to enable squeezing of the stimulation fluid, e.g. acid-based fluid, to the bottom well zone 26 where it is displaced outwardly through the ball drop sleeve 98. Effectively, the stimulation fluid flows out of ball drop sleeve 98 and then out through the sand screen assembly 38 into the bottom well zone 26. The isolation packers 42 and the seals 68 ensure the stimulation fluid(s) flow out through ports 30 into the corresponding bottom well zone 26. The service tool 52 may then be picked up to move the ball drop sleeve 98 to the next sequential well zone 26, as illustrated in
At this stage, the ball valve 90 of dual valve system 86 is again closed and the circulation valve 88 is again opened to facilitate displacement of stimulation fluid down along the interior of tubing 62. Subsequently, the circulation valve 88 is closed and the ball valve 90 is opened to enable squeezing of the stimulation fluid into the next sequential well zone 26, i.e. the well zone 26 directly above the bottom well zone 26, where it is displaced outwardly through the ball drop sleeve 98. The stimulation fluid again flows out of ball drop sleeve 98 and then out through the sand screen assembly 38 into the appropriate next sequential well zone 26. The isolation packers 42 and seals 68 once again ensure the stimulation fluid(s) flow out through ports 30 into the appropriate, next sequential well zone 26. The service tool 52 may then be picked up to move the ball drop sleeve 98 to the next sequential well zone 26 and the process may be repeated until all of the well zones 26 have been treated.
Subsequently, the gravel pack service tool 52 may be prepared for gravel packing by shifting the service tool 52 to a set down circulation position and actuating the I-slot set down module 58. The I-slot set down module 58 may be actuated by, for example, slacking off weight on tubing/drill pipe 78, as illustrated in
Depending on the parameters of a given environment, stimulation operation, and gravel packing operation, the well equipment may comprise a variety of other and/or additional components. Similarly, the size and configuration of components described herein may be adjusted to accommodate such parameters or to provide additional or other functionality. Furthermore, a variety of balls, e.g. plugs, may be used for shifting various components. Similarly, various types of packers and seal elements may be used to provide the desired isolation with respect to the well zones. The techniques described herein may be used to enable single trip stimulation and gravel packing in multiple well zones, and the multiple well zones may comprise two well zones, three well zones, and sometimes substantially larger numbers of well zones. Additionally, acid-based stimulation fluids may be employed or many other types of stimulation fluids depending on the surrounding formation and the goals of the stimulation operation.
Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.
The present application is the National Stage Entry of International Application No. PCT/US2022/012793, filed Jan. 18, 2022, which claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/146,247, filed Feb. 5, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein and should be considered part of this specification.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US2022/012793 | 1/18/2022 | WO |
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WO2022/169588 | 8/11/2022 | WO | A |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20240102370 A1 | Mar 2024 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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63146247 | Feb 2021 | US |