• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    PRESSURE INTEGRITY TEST SYSTEM. The present invention relates to an annular barrier system (1) to provide an analyzable annular barrier arranged between a first metal coating (2) or well bore and a second metal coating (3). The annular barrier system comprises a first annular barrier (4) and second annular barrier (5), each barrier comprising a tubular part (6) made of metal, an expandable metal sleeve (7) surrounding and connected with the tubular part and defining an annular barrier space (13), and a first fluid passage (11) in the tubular part to let the fluid within the annular barrier space expand the sleeve. The annular barrier system comprises a sensor (9), and when the expandable sleeves are expanded to touch the first metal liner or well hole, the first annular space (12) is defined between the annular barriers, the sensor arranged to determine the condition of the annular space in order to test the isolation capacity of at least one of the annular barriers. The present invention also relates to a method of testing well pressure integrity using an annular barrier system as described above.
    公开号:BR112014011867B1
    申请号:R112014011867-1
    申请日:2012-11-29
    公开日:2020-12-22
    发明作者:Paul Hazel；Jørgen Hallundbæk
    申请人:Welltec Oilfield Solutions Ag；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Field of invention
    [001] The present invention relates to an annular barrier system to provide an analyzable annular barrier arranged between a first metal coating or well bore and a second metal coating, the second metal coating having an outer face. The present invention also relates to a method of testing the pressure integrity of a well using an annular barrier system as described above. Background Technique
    [002] When an intermediate liner is arranged in a conductive tube, or when a production liner is arranged in an intermediate liner, an expandable annular insulation packer is fitted in the annular space to prevent the fluid surrounding the formation from flowing into the space cancel. The integrity of the pressure between the two tubes is very important and the ring between them is tested on a regular basis. If the integrity of the pressure is broken, the operator can no longer prove control of the well, and the well is closed.
    [003] Therefore, it is very important that the said expandable annular packers seal the pressure of formation. However, it is very difficult to test for leakage in the expandable packer without at the same time breaking the pressure integrity, as the formation or cement is on one side, and thus, the injection of a tracer in the formation of the fluid will break the integrity as the coating is then also penetrated. Summary of the Invention
    [004] It is the aim of the present invention to totally or partially overcome the disadvantages and drawbacks above the prior art. More specifically, it is an objective to provide an improved annular expandable packaging system that can be leak tested without at the same time breaking the pressure integrity.
    [005] The above objectives, together with numerous other objectives, advantages, and characteristics, which will become evident from the description below, are realized by a solution according to the present invention by an annular barrier system to provide an annular barrier analyzable disposed between a first metal coating or well bore and a second metal coating, the second metal coating having an outer face, the annular barrier system comprising: - a first annular barrier and a second annular barrier, each barrier comprising : - a tubular part made of metal that extends in a longitudinal direction for mounting the parts of the second metal coating, - an expandable metal sleeve surrounding and being connected with the tubular part and defining an annular barrier space, and - an first passage of fluid in the tubular part to let the fluid within the annular barrier space expand the sleeve, and the system of ba annular barrier additionally comprising a sensor disposed in connection with the tubular part, and when the expandable sleeves are expanded to touch the first metal liner or well hole, a first annular space is defined between the annular barriers, in which the sensor is disposed to determine the condition of the annular space in order to test the isolation capacity of at least one of the annular barriers.
    [006] Annular barriers can be arranged adjacent to each other.
    [007] In addition, the sensor can measure a fluid property to determine the condition of the annular space, the property being temperature, pressure, the presence of gas, or the presence of a chemical tracer.
    [008] In one mode, the sensor can be arranged in the annular space.
    [009] In another mode, the sensor can be arranged in at least one of the annular barriers or be connected with at least one of the annular barriers.
    [0010] In a third mode, the sensor can be arranged in a tool arranged opposite the annular space within the second metal coating.
    [0011] In another mode, the sensor can be arranged on an external face of the expandable sleeve.
    [0012] In yet another embodiment, the sensor can be arranged on the outside of the expandable sleeve.
    [0013] Additionally, the sensor can be a strain gauge or a piezo crystal.
    [0014] The said tension gauge can be fixed on the outside of the expandable sleeve, measuring an extension of the expandable sleeve.
    [0015] Also, the tension gauge can be electrically connected with the reading unit and / or the communication unit by means of wire that is adhered to the outer face of the expandable sleeve in a sinuous way, so that the wire is long enough to extend from the strain gauge to the unit without breaking, also after the expandable sleeve has been expanded.
    [0016] The piezo crystal can be embedded in the expandable sleeve.
    [0017] The annular barrier system as described above can additionally comprise the reading unit arranged on the outer face of the tubular part and in electrical communication with the sensor.
    [0018] Additionally, the annular barrier system as described above can additionally comprise the communication unit arranged on the outer face of the tubular part for communicating data from the sensor to a reader.
    [0019] Said reader can be arranged in the tool opposite to the annular space.
    [0020] Furthermore, the communication unit can be connected to the reading unit.
    [0021] Additionally, the communication unit can be connected with a processor.
    [0022] Said sensor can be connected with an amplifier.
    [0023] Also, the sensor can be a hydrostatic switch.
    [0024] In another embodiment, the annular barrier system may additionally comprise a gas chamber having an outlet in fluid communication with the annular space when the valve arranged at the outlet is opened to leave gas inside the gas chamber and within the annular space .
    [0025] By having a gas chamber disposed between two annular barriers, one of the annular barriers can be tested for pressure, this is tested for any leaks through that annular barrier and thus as to whether the integrity of the well pressure is satisfactory and intact.
    [0026] In one embodiment, the first communication unit can be arranged in a first ring disposed between the second metal coating and the first metal coating or the well hole.
    [0027] In another embodiment, the expandable sleeve of the first annular barrier can be connected with the tubular part by means of two connection parts.
    [0028] Additionally, the gas chamber can be an annular chamber.
    [0029] Also, the gas chamber can be arranged in the disconnecting part.
    [0030] In addition, the gas chamber can be arranged surrounding the second metal coating.
    [0031] Additionally, the gas chamber may comprise a gas comprising a chemical tracer.
    [0032] Additionally, the valve can be remotely controllable, for example, by means of a magnet.
    [0033] The annular barrier system as described above may additionally comprise a submersible leak detection tool within the second metal coating.
    [0034] Said leak detection tool may comprise a gas detection unit.
    [0035] Also, the leak detection tool can comprise a pressure measurement unit. The pressure measurement unit can use acoustics, such as ultrasound, or electromagnetic radiation.
    [0036] Additionally, the leak detection tool may comprise a temperature unit, such as a laser.
    [0037] Additionally, the expandable sleeve of each annular barrier may have two ends being fixedly connected with the tubular part.
    [0038] By having both ends fixedly connected, the sealing connection between the expandable sleeve and the tubular part can be produced extremely tight compared to having sealing elements, typically gasket seals or o-rings to provide a sliding connection , at the connection between the tubular part and the expandable sleeve.
    [0039] Also, the communication unit can comprise a wireless sending unit that sends data from the communication unit to the reader by means of inductance, Wlan, zigbee, radio frequency etc.
    [0040] In addition, the first fluid passage can be arranged in the tubular part providing the communication of fluid with the inner part of the tubular part and the expandable space.
    [0041] In one embodiment, the first fluid passage can be arranged in the connection part that connects the expandable sleeve with the tubular part.
    [0042] The annular space can be at least partially filled with cement.
    [0043] Additionally, the expandable sleeve can be connected to the tubular part by means of a connection part comprising the pressure amplification unit having an opening in fluid communication with the inner part of the tubular part, and a first chamber and a first piston moving in the first chamber when the pressure in the tubular part increases, the first piston being connected to a second piston moving in the gas chamber, forcing the gas into the annular space when the first piston moves.
    [0044] The annular barrier system described above may additionally comprise a second metal coating, a third metal coating disposed within the second metal coating, a third annular barrier and a fourth annular barrier, the tubular part of the third and fourth annular barriers extending in a longitudinal direction for mounting the parts of the third metal shell, and a second sensor arranged in connection with the tubular part, and when the expandable sleeves of the third and fourth annular barriers are expanded to touch the second metal shell , a second annular space can be defined between the third and fourth annular barriers, where the second sensor can be arranged to determine the condition of the second annular space, in order to test the isolation capacity of at least one of the third or fourth barriers annular.
    [0045] The annular barrier system may additionally comprise a second communication unit connected with the third metal coating and / or the second sensor to receive information from the sensor disposed in the first annular space.
    [0046] The communication unit can also communicate information from the second sensor to the top of the well or to the tool arranged in the third metal coating
    [0047] In one embodiment, the second communication unit can be arranged in a second ring disposed between the second metal coating and the third metal coating.
    [0048] Additionally, the fifth sensor can be arranged in a second ring disposed between the second metal coating and the third metal coating.
    [0049] The annular barrier system may additionally comprise a fourth sensor disposed in the first ring disposed between the first metal coating and the second metal coating.
    [0050] Furthermore, the annular barrier system may additionally comprise a fourth metal coating disposed within the third metal coating, the fifth annular barrier and the sixth annular barrier, the tubular part of the fifth and sixth annular barrier that extends in one direction longitudinal for mounting parts of the fourth metal cladding, and a third sensor arranged in connection with the tubular part, and when the expandable sleeves of the fifth and sixth annular barriers are expanded to touch the third metal cladding, the third annular space can be defined between the fifth and sixth annular barriers, where the third sensor can be arranged to determine the condition of the third annular space, in order to test the isolation capacity of at least one of the fifth and sixth annular barriers.
    [0051] Additionally, the annular barrier system may additionally comprise a third communication unit connected with the fourth metal cladding and / or a third sensor to receive information from the second sensor disposed in the second annular space.
    [0052] In one embodiment, the third communication unit can be arranged in the third ring disposed between the second metal coating and the third metal coating.
    [0053] The annular barrier system may additionally comprise a sixth sensor disposed in the third ring disposed between the second metal coating and the third metal coating.
    [0054] The present invention also relates to a method of detesting the pressure integrity of a well using a system as described above, the method comprising the steps of: - expanding the expandable sleeves of the first and second annular barriers, thereby providing a annular space, - create a greater property of the fluid in the annular space, and - measure the property by the sensor.
    [0055] This increased property can be created by trapping fluid within the annular space when expanding expandable sleeves.
    [0056] Said method can additionally comprise the step of lowering the tool comprising the sensor inside the well to measure the property of the fluid in the annular space.
    [0057] Also, said method can comprise the steps of leaving the gas within the annular space and testing for gas from the gas chamber within the liner.
    [0058] Finally, said method can additionally comprise the step of opening the valve. Brief Description of Drawings
    [0059] The present invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting modalities in which Fig. 1 shows an annular barrier system arranged at the conclusion , Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of one modality of the annular barrier system, Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another modality of the annular barrier system, Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the annular barrier system, Fig. 5 shows a view of yet another embodiment of the annular barrier system, Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an annular barrier system, Fig. 7 shows a view in cross section of another modality of the annular barrier system, Fig. 8 shows a cross section view of yet another modality of the annular barrier system, Fig. 9 shows a view in section tr ansversal of yet another modality of the annular barrier system, Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of part of the annular barrier system, Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of yet another modality of the annular barrier system, the system having four annular barriers, and Fig. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of yet another modality of the annular barrier system, the system having six annular barriers.
    [0060] All figures are highly schematic and are not necessarily to scale, and they show only the parts that are necessary in order to elucidate the present invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested. Detailed Description of the Invention
    [0061] Fig. 1 shows an annular barrier system 1 to provide an analyzable annular barrier arranged between a first metal coating 2 and a second metal coating 3. The annular barrier system 1 comprises a first annular barrier 4 and a second annular barrier 5 spaced apart. As shown in Fig. 2, each barrier comprises the tubular part 6 and an expandable sleeve 7 made of metal surrounding the tubular part 6 and being connected to the tubular part, the expandable sleeve 7 defining a barrier space 13, and the annular barriers 4, 5 additionally comprise a first fluid passage 11 to leave fluid within the barrier space 13 to expand the metal sleeve 7. The tubular part 6 extends in a longitudinal direction for mounting the parts of the second metal coating 3, and annular barriers 4, 5 are arranged adjacent to each other. When the expandable sleeves 7 are expanded to touch the first metal liner 2, the sleeves form an annular space 12 between the annular barriers, the first metal liner 2 and the second metal liner 3. The annular barrier system 1 additionally comprises a sensor 9 connected to the tubular part to test the insulation capacity of at least one of the annular barriers. When expanding annular barriers to provide insulation between a first coating 2 and a second coating 3, as shown in Fig. 1, the sealing properties of the annular barrier need to be confirmed. The sensor is therefore arranged to measure the condition of the annular space, such as the pressure of the fluid within the annular space. When the annular barriers expand, the pressure in the annular space increases, and if the annular barriers are tight, the pressure increase is measured in the sensor for a period of time from the expansion of the annular barriers. If the sensor measures an immediate reduction in pressure in the annular space after expansion of the sleeves, the annular barriers are unable to keep the fluid within the annular space, and thus, at least one of the annular barriers is not sufficiently tight.
    [0062] The sensor 9 of Fig. 1 is arranged in the first annular space 12 and measures the property, such as pressure, of the fluid to determine the condition of at least one of the annular barriers in order to test the insulation capacity of at least one of the annular barriers. A pressure sensor is attached to an external face 18 of the tubular part of one of the annular barriers. The sensor is a transducer measuring pressure for a period of time while expanding the sleeves of the annular barriers and for a predetermined period of time after expansion. The sensor is powered by a battery, and since the measurement takes place shortly after the annular barriers are triggered inside the well bore, the battery can be a small commercially available battery.
    [0063] In another embodiment, sensor 9 is a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the fluid present in the annular space. The temperature rises momentarily when pressure increases, and thus, by measuring the temperature, the insulation capacity of at least one of the annular barriers can be tested. If the temperature does not increase at the same time as the sleeves expand, the annular barriers are not tight. The temperature sensor is arranged on the outer face of the tubular part.
    [0064] In another embodiment, the sensor is a piezo-crystal strain gauge attached to an external face of the expandable sleeve and measuring an extension of the expandable sleeve or embedded in the expandable sleeve. Since the distance between the first and second coatings is well defined and predetermined, the expansion of the expandable sleeve can be calculated accurately, and by measuring the extent of the expandable sleeve, it can be determined whether the expandable sleeve has been expanded sufficiently to provide a sufficient seal.
    [0065] In Figs. 2 and 3, the sensor 9 is electrically connected with the reading unit 34 in Fig. 3 and / or the communication unit 17 in Fig. 2, respectively, by means of wire. If sensor 9 is a strain gauge or piezo crystal, the wire is adhered to the outer face of the expandable sleeve in a sinuous way so that the wire is long enough to extend from the strain gauge to the unit without rupture during expansion of the expandable sleeve.
    [0066] To retrieve the measured data from the sensor, a communication unit is arranged on the outer face 18 of the tubular part 6 for data communication from the sensor 9 to a reader 26, as shown in Fig. 2, whose reader it is arranged in the tool 33 submerged inside the well, as shown in Fig. 3. In another embodiment, the communication unit communicates with a processor 19 arranged in the top of the well as shown in Fig. 1 through intermediate communication units that are wirelessly (not shown). The reading unit 34 can also be connected with the communication unit 17 to communicate the data received by the reading unit to, for example, the tool disposed opposite the communication unit 17 in the second coating 3.
    [0067] As shown in Fig. 4, the communication unit 17 is connected with a processor 35 disposed on the outer face 18 of the tubular part. Sensor 9 measuring the property, for example, of the fluid sends the measured data to the reading unit 34 which sends it additionally to processor 35 and additionally to communication unit 17. Processor 35 converts the data into a signal representing whether the annular barrier is tight or not, and not representing the current data measured by the sensor.
    [0068] In Fig. 5, sensor 9 is arranged on tool 33, measuring pressure or a temperature increase in the annular space if the annular barriers are sufficiently tightened after expansion. Tool 33 is disposed opposite the annular space within the second metal coating 3, in order to read the fluid's property. The sensor is an acoustic transceiver that emits an acoustic signal, such as ultrasonic waves, and the transceiver receives the high frequency undulating sound waves in order to determine the fluid's property, and thus if the annular barriers provide a sufficient isolation zone . Tool 33 comprises anchors 36, in order to press the tool wall and thus the sensor 9 against the wall of the second coating to obtain an improved measurement of the fluid property in the annular space, such as pressure or temperature.
    [0069] The sensor disposed in the tool can also emit electronic radiation, such as laser, in order to determine the insulating capacity of the annular barriers.
    [0070] The sensors are thus able to determine whether both annular barriers are able to keep the fluid within the annular space and thus provide insulation between the first and the second metal coatings.
    [0071] In Fig. 6, the annular barrier system 1 additionally comprises a gas chamber 14 having an outlet 15 in fluid communication with the annular space when valve 16 disposed at outlet 15 is opened to let gas into the gas chamber 14 within the annular space 12. When gas is allowed to exit the gas chamber 14 into the annular space 12, the first barrier 4 can be tested for leakage by investigating the fluid flowing into the well if any gas in the gas chamber can be identified. The gas may contain some type of chemical tracer in order to more easily identify whether the first barrier is leaking or not. By placing an additional sensor in the wellhead or inserting it in the first ring above the first annular barrier, said sensor is able to detect any chemicals in the fluid, mainly gas, in the annular space above the first annular barrier. If no chemicals are detected by the sensor, the first annular barrier has sufficient insulating capacity to keep the fluid within the annular space between the two expanded sleeves, and thus, the annular barrier system provides an insulating barrier between the first and the second coating. By having a gas chamber within the annular space provided by the expandable sleeves, the insulation capacity of the first annular barrier can be tested.
    [0072] An annular barrier system comprising not only a gas chamber, but also a sensor disposed within the annular space provided by the expandable sleeves is able to test whether the first annular barrier is sufficiently tight, although the sensor within the annular space has already tested if the annular space is leaking. Thus, the combination of a gas chamber and a sensor within the annular space makes it possible to test that the first annular barrier is sufficiently tight, although the second annular barrier is not tight.
    [0073] As can be seen in Fig. 6, the second barrier 5 comes into contact with the cement 20 in the cemented part on one side of the sleeve 7, and on the other side the second barrier 5 comes into contact with the first annular space 12. The second annular barrier can therefore not be leak tested by identifying the gas in the fluid flowing in the second metal coating, since the gas leaking over the second annular barrier will enter the cemented part.
    [0074] The expandable sleeve of the first annular barrier is connected to the tubular part by means of two connecting parts 8. In Fig. 6, the connecting parts 8 securely connect the expandable sleeves to the tubular parts of the annular barriers. In this way, the integrity of the pressure is not compromised by leaking sealing elements located between the connecting parts and the tubular parts. The only potential leak on the first annular barrier may be in the case where the expandable sleeve does not completely seal against the inner face of the first metal coating.
    [0075] The gas chamber is an annular chamber surrounding the second metal coating. The outlet of the chamber is arranged on the wall of the chamber housing, and the valve is fixed to the outlet by means of a screw connection or a similar connection. When the expandable sleeves of the annular barriers expand, the pressure in the annular space increases to the pressure above the pressure within the metal lining. The valve can be activated pressure to open at that pressure increase, or the valve can be activated wirelessly from a signal from the surface or otherwise remotely controllable without penetrating the second metal coating and thus compromising the pressure integrity. In another embodiment, the valve comprises a magnet and when inducing a magnetic field within the liner, the magnet can be moved to open the valve.
    [0076] In Fig. 7, the gas chamber is arranged in one of the connecting parts of one of the annular barriers in which, in this case, it is one of the connecting parts of the first annular barrier facing the annular space 12. This part of the connection is thus extended to comprise the gas chamber as shown, and the outlet 15 faces the second barrier. When the valve is opened, the gas enters the annular space.
    [0077] The annular space can also be substantially filled with cement or a similar material, so that the sleeve of the second annular barrier is expanded in the cement. The gas can still penetrate the space and penetrate the cement, if this is not providing a sealing connection itself, thus testing for leakage the first annular barrier.
    [0078] The annular barrier system additionally comprises a leak detection tool 21, as shown in Fig. 9, submersible within the second metal coating by means of a steel cable 22 to test whether the gas has already been able to pass through one of the annular barriers. The leak detection tool comprises the gas detection unit 23, the pressure measurement unit 24 and / or the temperature unit 41, such as laser. The pressure test unit is using acoustics, such as ultrasound, or electromagnetic radiation. When the expandable sleeves of the annular barriers are expanded, the pressure in the annular space increases and becomes relatively greater than in the well pressure or the formation pressure. The leak detection tool having the pressure measurement unit 24 thus measures the pressure within the annular space over time, and if the pressure within the annular space drops to the surrounding pressure either in the well or in the formation, at least one of the annular barriers are leaking. If no gas 40 from the gas chamber is identified in the fluid in the liner, the leak comes from a leak through the second annular barrier and not the first. In this case, the pressure integrity is still intact, however, if the gas in the gas chamber is identified in the fluid, the first annular barrier is leaking and the pressure integrity cannot be guaranteed.
    [0079] The leak detection tool can basically comprise the gas detection unit 23, and thus, the gas leaking through the first annular barrier can be detected, thereby allowing leakage testing of the first annular barrier.
    [0080] Thus, the property can be the temperature, the pressure, the presence of gas or the presence of a chemical tracer. If the property to be measured does not vary much, the sensor is connected with an amplifier.
    [0081] The sensor can also be a hydrostatic switch that switches when it reaches a predetermined pressure increase.
    [0082] In Figs. 6 to 8, the first fluid passage 11 is arranged in the tubular part 6, providing fluid communication with the inner part 25 of the tubular part and the barrier space 13. In another embodiment, the first fluid passage is also arranged in the part connecting connection connecting the expandable sleeve with the tubular part, and the fluid expanding the sleeve is thus left from the inside 25 of the tubular part through the connection part within the barrier space 13.
    [0083] As shown in Fig. 10, the connection part 8 comprises the pressure amplification unit 27 having an opening 28 being in fluid communication with the inner part 25 of the tubular part 6 and a first chamber 29 and a first piston 30 moving in the first chamber 29, when the pressure in the tubular part 6 increases, the first piston 30 being connected to a second piston 31 by means of an axis 32 moving in the gas chamber 14, forcing the gas into the annular space 12 when the first piston moves. In this way, the pressure inside the liner can be used to press the gas in the gas chamber into the annular space 12 for the leak test of the annular barrier.
    [0084] During the completion of the well, mud, water, sand, gas or paste can enter the first ring 61, and before proceeding with the conclusion, it can be very useful to know what type of fluid is present in the first ring. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 1, the fourth sensor 57 is disposed in the first ring 61 which is disposed between the first metal coating 2 and the second metal coating 3. This sensor can continuously communicate with the top of the well.
    [0085] Instead of pressurizing the first ring 61 to verify that the first and second annular barriers 4, 5 are providing the barrier, the fourth sensor 57 can be used for this purpose.
    [0086] In Fig. 11, the annular barrier system further comprises a third metal lining 51 disposed within the second metal lining 3. The third annular barrier 53 and the fourth annular barrier 54 are arranged so that their tubular parts meet extending in a longitudinal direction are mounted as part of the third metal coating. The expandable sleeves of the third annular barrier 53 and the fourth annular barrier 54 are expanded to touch the second metal coating 3. The system additionally comprises a second sensor 55 that is connected to the outer face of the tubular part, and when the sleeves expandables are expanded, a second annular space 52 is defined between the third and fourth annular barriers 53, 54 and the second and third metal liners 3, 51. The second sensor 55 is arranged in the space to determine the condition of the second annular space 52 , in order to test the insulation capacity of at least one of the third or fourth annular barriers 53, 54. By providing a third metal coating 51, a second ring 58 is provided that can be tested to verify that the third and fourth barriers ring 53, 54 provide a second barrier 5. Said test is performed by pressurizing the second ring 58 from above, which is performed on the wellhead at the top from the well, and so the ring can maintain a certain pressure, the third and fourth annular barriers provide a second barrier.
    [0087] The annular barrier system additionally comprises a second communication unit 56 connected with the third metal coating 51 and also connected with the second sensor 55 to receive information from the sensor arranged in the first annular space 12. For having said unit For intermediate communication, the tool can be lowered into the third liner 51 and load information from both the first 9 and the second sensor 55 in one round. The second communication unit can also communicate information from the second sensor 55 to the top of the well.
    [0088] As shown in Fig. 12, the second communication unit 56 can also be arranged on the second ring 58 which is arranged between the second metal coating 3 and the third metal coating 51. In this way, the communication unit is more near the first sensor.
    [0089] The annular barrier system shown in Fig. 11 additionally comprises a fifth sensor 59 disposed in the second ring 58 which is disposed between the second metal coating 3 and the third metal coating 51. Said fifth sensor 59 can be used to check the integrity of the annular barriers and / or what type of fluid is present in the second ring 58.
    [0090] In another embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the annular barrier system additionally comprises a fourth metal coating 61 disposed within the third metal coating 51, creating a third ring 68 between them. The fifth annular barrier 65 and the sixth annular barrier 66 are arranged so that their tubular parts extend in the longitudinal direction and are mounted as part of the fourth metal coating 61. The system additionally comprises a third sensor 63 which is connected with the tubular part, and when the expandable sleeves of the fifth and sixth annular barriers 65, 66 are expanded to touch the third metal lining 51, the third annular space 64 is defined between them. The third sensor 63 is similarly arranged to determine the condition of the third annular space 64, in order to test the insulation capacity of at least one of the fifth and sixth annular barriers 65, 66. A third ring 58 can be tested to verify that the fifth and sixth annular barriers provide a second barrier. This test is performed by pressurizing the third ring 68 from above, which is performed on the wellhead at the top of the well, and if the third ring 68 can maintain a certain pressure, the fifth and sixth annular barriers provide the third barrier.
    [0091] As shown, the annular barrier system further comprises a third communication unit 67 disposed in the third ring 68 which is disposed between the second metal coating 3 and the third metal coating 51. The third communication unit is connected with the fourth metal coating 61 and a sixth sensor 62 for receiving information from the second sensor 55 disposed in the second annular space 52. The sixth sensor 62 can also be disposed in connection with the third sensor 63 in the third annular space 64.
    [0092] The sixth sensor 62 can also be used to confirm the integrity of the fifth and sixth annular barriers 65, 66 after the expansion of the barrier sleeves. The sixth sensor 62 can additionally be used to detect what type of fluid is present in the third ring during completion.
    [0093] As can be seen in Fig. 6, the expandable sleeve can be surrounded by a sealing means 10, in order to provide a better seal against the first metal coating 2.
    [0094] As can be seen in figures 6 to 9, the tubular parts of the annular barriers are connected by means of a threaded connection and are spaced apart by an intermediate tube, all forming part of the second metal coating 3.
    [0095] The pressurized fluid used to expand the annular barrier can either be pressurized from the top of the well and fed through the casing 2, or be pressurized in a locally sealed zone in the tubular structure of the well. An expansion fluid is applied until the expandable sleeve 7 contacts the inner wall of the first coating 2.
    [0096] When the expandable sleeve 7 of the annular barrier 4, 5 is expanded, the diameter of the sleeve is expanded from its initial unexpanded diameter to a larger diameter. The expandable sleeve 7 has an outer diameter D and is capable of expanding to a diameter at least 10% larger, preferably a diameter at least 15% larger, and more preferably a diameter at least 30% larger than that of the unexpanded sleeve.
    [0097] Additionally, the expandable sleeve 7 has a wall thickness t that is thinner than the length L of the expandable sleeve, the thickness preferably being less than 25% of the length, more preferably less than 15% of the length, and even more preferably less than 10% of the length.
    [0098] The expandable sleeve 7 of the annular barrier 4, 5 can be produced from metal, polymers, an elastomeric material, silicone, or natural or synthetic rubber.
    [0099] In order to increase the thickness of the sleeve 7, additional material can be applied (not shown) on the expandable sleeve, for example, by adding the welded material on the outer face. In another embodiment, the thickness of the sleeve 7 is increased by attaching a ring-shaped portion to the sleeve (not shown). In yet another embodiment, the greater thickness of the sleeve 7 is facilitated by using the sleeve 7 by varying in thickness (not shown). To obtain the sleeve of varying thickness, techniques such as rolling, extrusion or die casting can be used.
    [00100] An expansion tool can be used to expand the annular barrier and may comprise an isolation device to isolate a first section outside the passage or valve between an external wall of the tool and the inner wall of the tubular structure of the well. Pressurized fluid is obtained by increasing the fluid pressure in the isolation device. When the section of the tubular structure of the well outside the passage of the tubular part is isolated, it is not necessary to pressurize the fluid in the entire tubular structure of the well, since no additional plug is necessary, as is the case in prior art solutions. When the fluid has been injected into the space, the passage or valve is closed.
    [00101] The tool can also use spiral tubes to expand the expandable sleeve 7 of an annular barrier 4, 5 or two annular barriers at the same time. The spiral tube tool can pressurize the fluid in the tubular structure of the well without having to isolate the section of the tubular structure of the well. However, the tool may need to plug the tubular structure of the well further down into the well hole from the two annular barriers or barriers 1 to be operated. The annular barrier system of the present invention can also employ a drill pipe or steel wire tool to expand the sleeve.
    [00102] In one embodiment, the tool comprises a reservoir containing the pressurized fluid, for example when the fluid used to expand the sleeve 7 is cement, gas or a two-component compound.
    [00103] The valve can be any type of valve capable of controlling the flow, such as a ball valve, butterfly valve, restriction valve, control valve or non-return valve, diaphragm valve, expansion valve, valve valve, globe valve, knife valve, needle valve, piston valve, pinch valve or plug valve.
    [00104] The expandable tubular metal sleeve 7 can be a cold drawn or heat drawn tubular structure. The sleeve can be seamless or welded.
    [00105] The expandable tubular metal sleeve 7 can be extruded, cast or rolled, for example heat rolled, cold rolled, folded rolled etc., and subsequently welded.
    [00106] The fluid used to expand the expandable sleeve 7 can be any type of well fluid present in the well bore surrounding the tool and / or the tubular structure of the well. Also, the fluid can be cement, gas, water, polymers, or a two-component compound, such as powder or particles that mix or react with the bonding or curing agent. Part of the fluid, such as the curing agent, may be present in the space before injecting a subsequent fluid into the space.
    [00107] By fluid or well fluid is meant any type of fluid that may be present in an oil or gas well bottom, such as natural gas, petroleum, petroleum sludge, crude oil, water, etc. gas means any type of gas composition present in a well, completion, or open bore, and oil means any type of oil composition, such as crude oil, a fluid containing petroleum, etc. Gas fluids, oil, and water can thus all comprise other elements or substances in addition to gas, oil, and / or water, respectively.
    [00108] By a coating is meant any type of tube, tubing, tubular, coating, column etc. bottomed in relation to oil or natural gas production.
    [00109] In case the tools are not submersible for the entire length of the liner, a downhole tractor can be used to propel the tools along the entire length and position them in the well. A downhole tractor is any type of guidance tool capable of pushing or pulling tools down a downhole, such as a wellhead tractor.
    [00110] Although the present invention has been described above in connection with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications are conceivable without departing from the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [0001]
    1. Annular barrier system (1) to provide an analyzable annular barrier arranged between a first metal coating (2) or well bore and a second metal coating (3), the second metal coating having an outer face, the annular barrier system comprising: - a first annular barrier (4) and a second annular barrier (5), each barrier comprising: - a tubular part (6) made of metal that extends in a longitudinal direction for assembly as part of the second metal coating (3), and - an expandable sleeve (7) surrounding and being connected with the tubular part and defining an annular barrier space (13), characterized by the fact that the expandable sleeve is made of metal and each barrier comprises: - a first fluid passage (11) in the tubular part to let the fluid within the annular barrier space expand the sleeve, and in which: the annular barrier system additionally comprises a sensor (9) arranged in connection with the part tubular, and when the expandable sleeves are expanded to touch the first metal liner or well hole, a first annular space (12) is defined between the annular barriers, where the sensor (9) is arranged to determine a condition of the space annul in order to test the isolation capacity of at least one of the annular barriers.
    [0002]
    2. Annular barrier system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the sensor measures the property of the fluid to determine the condition of the annular space, the property being a temperature, a pressure, a gas presence or a presence of a chemical tracer.
    [0003]
    3. Annular barrier system, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the sensor is arranged in the annular space.
    [0004]
    4. Annular barrier system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the sensor is disposed in at least one of the annular barriers or is connected with at least one of the annular barriers.
    [0005]
    5. Annular barrier system, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the sensor is arranged on an external face of the expandable sleeve.
    [0006]
    6. Annular barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a reading unit (34) arranged on the outer face of the tubular part and in electrical communication with the sensor.
    [0007]
    An annular barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises a first communication unit (17) arranged on the outer face of the tubular part for the communication of data from the sensor to a reader (26).
    [0008]
    An annular barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises a gas chamber (14) having an outlet (15) being in fluid communication with the annular space when a valve (16 ) arranged at the outlet is open to let gas into the gas chamber and into the annular space.
    [0009]
    An annular barrier system according to claim 7, characterized in that the first communication unit (17) is arranged in a first ring (61) which is arranged between the second metal coating and the first metal coating metal or the borehole.
    [0010]
    10. Annular barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the annular space is at least partially filled with cement (20).
    [0011]
    An annular barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises: - the second metal coating, - a third metal coating (51a) disposed within the second metal coating, - a third annular barrier (53) and a fourth annular barrier (54), the tubular part of the third and fourth annular barriers extends in a longitudinal direction for mounting as part of the third metal coating, and - a second sensor (55) arranged in connection with the tubular part, and when the expandable sleeves of the third and fourth annular barriers are expanded to touch the second metal lining, a second annular space (52) is defined between the third and fourth annular barriers, in which the second sensor it is arranged to determine a condition of the second annular space in order to test the isolation capacity of at least one of the third or fourth annular barriers.
    [0012]
    An annular barrier system according to claim 11, characterized in that it additionally comprises: - a fourth metal coating (51b) disposed within the third metal coating, - a fifth annular barrier (65) and a sixth annular barrier (66), the tubular part of the fifth and sixth annular barriers extends in a longitudinal direction for assembly as part of the fourth metal cladding (51b), and - a third sensor (63) arranged in connection with the part tubular, and when the expandable sleeves of the fifth and sixth annular barriers are expanded to touch the third metal lining, a third annular space (64) is defined between the fifth and sixth annular barriers, in which the third sensor (63) is arranged to determine a condition of the third annular space, in order to test the isolation capacity of at least one of the fifth and sixth annular barriers.
    [0013]
    13. Annular barrier system according to claim 12, characterized in that it additionally comprises a third communication unit (67) connected with the fourth metal coating and / or a third sensor to receive information from the second sensor disposed in the second annular space.
    [0014]
    14. Method of testing the integrity of pressure in a well characterized by the fact that it uses a system as defined in any of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: expanding the expandable sleeves of the first and second annular barriers, thereby providing an annular space, create a greater property of the fluid in the annular space, measure the property by the sensor.
    [0015]
    A method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of lowering a tool comprising the sensor into the well to measure the property of the fluid in the annular space.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    RU2014124017A|2016-01-27|
    CN103930645B|2017-03-08|
    IN2014CN04479A|2015-09-04|
    US9803465B2|2017-10-31|
    CA2856172A1|2013-06-06|
    DK2785964T3|2016-11-14|
    EP2785964B1|2016-07-20|
    BR112014011867A2|2017-05-16|
    MX354496B|2018-03-08|
    MX2014005902A|2014-08-08|
    WO2013079574A1|2013-06-06|
    MY167472A|2018-08-29|
    RU2605854C2|2016-12-27|
    CA2856172C|2019-12-31|
    US20140318770A1|2014-10-30|
    EP2785964A1|2014-10-08|
    EP2599955A1|2013-06-05|
    AU2012343913A1|2014-07-10|
    AU2012343913B2|2015-08-27|
    CN103930645A|2014-07-16|
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-02-05| B25A| Requested transfer of rights approved|Owner name: WELLTEC OILFIELD SOLUTIONS AG (CH) |
    2019-05-14| B25G| Requested change of headquarter approved|Owner name: WELLTEC OILFIELD SOLUTIONS AG (CH) |
    2019-12-24| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-08-25| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-12-22| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 29/11/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    EP11191286.1|2011-11-30|
    EP11191286.1A|EP2599955A1|2011-11-30|2011-11-30|Pressure integrity testing system|
    PCT/EP2012/073916|WO2013079574A1|2011-11-30|2012-11-29|Pressure integrity testing system|
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