专利摘要:
A downhole system may include multiple subcomponents of a well bottom modular debris separator (128) that is modular. The system may also include multiple couplers arranged on or among the subcomponents of the multiple subcomponents. Each of the couplers can be connected to each other in different combinations to form respectively different configurations of the well bottom debris separator (128).
公开号:FR3038649A1
申请号:FR1655121
申请日:2016-06-06
公开日:2017-01-13
发明作者:Chris J Mericas；Henry Eugene Rogers；Todd Anthony Stair；Luke C Downey
申请人:Halliburton Energy Services Inc；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

MODULAR SETS OF WELL BOTTOM DEBRIS SEPARATION
Technical Field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to devices for use in a wellbore in a subterranean formation and, more particularly (though not necessarily exclusively), to modular assemblies for separating debris. in a downhole environment.
Background [0002] The preparation of a well system traversing a hydrocarbon-containing subterranean formation often involves the introduction of a tubular string (often referred to individually as "tubing" or "fittings") from the surface into a well. The train can be filled with fluid by allowing the drilling fluid to enter the train, for example, via "automatic fill" equipment at a lower end of the train. The drilling fluid may contain debris, such as from drilling operations or other operations. Debris can adversely affect the performance of the automatic fill equipment, which may require fill from the surface and result in associated time and resource costs. In addition or alternatively, debris passing through the automatic filling equipment can be trapped in the tubings. The trapped debris can settle inside the tubing and form masses that can prevent or hinder subsequent operations in the wellbore.
Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a well apparatus having a modular debris separator in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a perspective sectional view of an example of a debris separator device according to certain aspects.
Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the debris separator device of Figure 2 showing an exemplary flow in a first direction in certain aspects.
Figure 4 is a side sectional view of the debris separator device of Figures 2 and 3, showing an example of flow in a second direction in certain aspects.
FIG. 5 is an exploded overall view showing examples of components of the debris separator device of FIGS. 2 to 4 in certain respects.
Figure 6 is a perspective sectional view of another example of a debris separator device according to certain aspects.
FIG. 7 is an end view of an example of a filter of the debris separator device of FIG. 6 in certain respects.
Fig. 8 is an end view of another example of a filter of the debris separator device of Figs. 6 and 7 in some respects.
Figure 9 is a side sectional view of the debris separator device of Figure 6 in some respects.
Figure 10 is a perspective sectional view of another example of a debris separator device according to certain aspects.
FIG. 11 is a front view of an example of a barrier plate for the debris separator device of FIG. 10 in certain respects.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an example of a dam for the debris separator device of Fig. 10 in certain respects.
FIG. 13 is an exploded overall view of an example of a dam assembly for the debris separator device of FIG. 10 in certain respects.
Fig. 14 is a side sectional view of yet another example of a debris separator device according to certain aspects.
FIG. 15 is a perspective sectional view of an example of a propeller insert for the debris separator device of FIG. 14 in some respects.
Figure 16 is a perspective sectional view of an example of a baffle insert for the debris separator device of Figure 14 in some respects.
Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method of implementing a modular debris separator device according to certain aspects.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0020] Some aspects and examples of the present disclosure relate to modular assemblies for separating debris in a downhole environment. The assemblies may separate debris from the drilling fluid, for example, to prevent debris from reaching or adversely affecting the components receiving the drilling fluid. For example, the assemblies can be arranged inside a tubing to reduce or eliminate a quantity of debris that is carried by the drilling fluid and that could otherwise contaminate the automatic filling equipment. The assemblies may be modular, for example, formed of a number of individual components that can assemble in different combinations, according to different orders or arrangements.
In various aspects, the debris separator assemblies are customizable because of their modular construction. For example, the debris separator can be scalable. The modular construction can add, remove or replace components of the debris separator, so as to increase or reduce the amount of debris separation provided. In one example, other components may be removed or added to the ends of an assembly or between the components in an assembly of the debris separator. This may allow the debris separator to be easily changed in size, for example, to accommodate a shorter available section of tubing or to increase a debris separation amount in response to the conditions present in a particular well operation.
In various aspects, the modular construction allows the debris separator to be customizable in other respects. Modular construction can interchange different types of components with each other. In some aspects, this may allow for relative orientation changes in component characteristics. In an illustrative example, a component having an angular orientation may be replaced by a component having a different angular orientation because the two components are compatible with a particular coupler. In another illustrative example, an amount of space between a pair of components may be varied by replacing one or more intermediate components with one or more other components having a different total size.
The modular construction can reduce the costs associated with the debris separator. For example, the manufacture of the debris separator from a large number of small modular repeating components can reduce a size, number or complexity of the manufacturing infrastructure used for production. In addition, smaller components can be transported or stored in smaller packages that are less expensive and more manageable than a package large enough to accommodate an entire package. In addition, the installation can be simplified by installing a number of smaller subsets in tiers instead of installing a complete set in a single large bulky unit.
These illustrative examples are provided to introduce the reader to the general object discussed here and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts. We will now describe various aspects and additional examples with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements, and directional descriptions (e.g., "left", "right") are used to describe the aspects illustrative as illustrated in the drawings. As the illustrative aspects, reference numbers and directional descriptions included below should not be used to limit this disclosure.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a well apparatus 110 having a debris separator device 128. The well apparatus 110 may include a casing train 112 which is lowered into a wellbore 114 formed through a well. underground formation comprising hydrocarbons 116. The well apparatus 110 may be lowered into a heel portion 118 of the wellbore 114. The heel portion 118 may pass the wellbore 114 with a substantially vertically oriented section 120 of the wellbore 114 at a deflected (e.g., relatively horizontal or inclined) section 122 of the wellbore 114.
Before lowering the well apparatus 110 into the wellbore 114, the wellbore 114 may have been drilled to a certain depth via a drill string that includes a drill bit. This pre-drilling operation may have generated cuttings 124 or other debris resulting from the cutting of the drill bit into the formation 116 to create the wellbore 114. These cuttings 124 can be distributed in a layer through a lower wall 126 of the deflected section 122 of the wellbore 114 while the casing train 112 is introduced into the well. In some aspects, the cuttings 124 are additionally or alternatively suspended or otherwise carried by sludge or other fluid within the wellbore 114.
The debris separator device 128 may separate the cuttings 124 from the sludge flowing through the well apparatus 110 when the casing train 112 is introduced to depth. The debris separator device 128 may be introduced with the casing string 112, for example, at the bottom of the well apparatus 110. For example, the debris separator device 128 may constitute the lower forty feet (or other amount) of the well apparatus 110 lowered into the wellbore 114.
In various aspects, the well apparatus 110 can provide automatic filling operations while the casing train 112 is lowered. Automatic refilling operations allow the drilling fluid (eg, mud) to flow upwardly through the well apparatus 110 as the casing train 112 is lowered. This may allow the casing train 112 to be introduced into the wellbore 114 without a surface mounted hydraulic pump being used to convey fluid through the wellbore 114. On the contrary, when the casing string 112 is pushed down through the wellbore 114, the sludge can enter via a floating shoe 130 of the well apparatus 110, as shown by the arrow 132. This flow can be created following the introduction of the well apparatus 110 in the wellbore 114 filled with mud and debris 124. The sludge can continue to flow through the debris separator 128, through a floating collar 134, and into the casing train 112 .
When carrying out a subsequent cementing operation, the well apparatus 110 can push the cement down through the casing train 112, the floating collar 134, the debris separator 128 and the shoe. 130, and in a ring 136 between the well apparatus 110 and the wellbore 114. The cement may push the sludge rearward out of the casing train 112. The floating collar 134 may include check valves which can provide a unidirectional flow of fluid and cement through the floating collar 134 during the cementing operation. When operating in a desired manner, the check valves close to prevent the cement from crawling or flowing up the casing train 112. This may allow the cement to enter the ring 136, thereby allowing complete the cementing work. When the cementing work is completed, the debris separator device 128 and the floating shoe 130 may also be filled with cement. From there, the well may be completed or another drilling tool may be lowered to drill the end of the well apparatus 110.
The debris separator device 128 may be used to capture and control the amount of cuttings 124 that flow into the well apparatus 110 with the slurry when the well apparatus 110 is lowered. For example, the debris separator device 128 can prevent the cuttings 124 from interfering with the operation of the floating collar 134. Specifically, if the cuttings 124 were to interfere with the check valve of the floating collar 134, the valve The anti-return device may not be able to close after the cement has been passed through the wellbore 114, thus compromising the ability of the cement to flow in and to properly take up the bottom of the well apparatus 110. If this does not occur, the debris separator 128 in some aspects may be used to periodically capture and flush out the cuttings 124 entering the well apparatus 110 before the cuttings 124 reach the floating collar 134.
Furthermore, the debris separator device 128 can capture and hold the cuttings 124 in designated pockets of the debris separator device 128 while leaving an open flow path through the designated conduits. This can prevent the cuttings 124 from accumulating at the floating collar 134. The term "accumulation" refers to a large amount of cuttings 124 that could collect at the top of the check valve hole in the floating collar 134 and act as a barrier that filters the larger solids from the cement mixture during the cementing process. Indeed, this buildup can filter the cement so that a more aqueous cement substance than desired is produced in the ring 136 of the wellbore 114. As described in detail below, the debris separator device 128 can comprise various structures that capture and hold cuttings 124, to prevent the occurrence of such accumulation.
While Figure 1 illustrates the well apparatus 110 as being arranged in the heel portion 118 of a wellbore 114 oriented horizontally, the well apparatus 110 may also be arranged in a vertical or inclined portion. wellbore 114, or any other angular configuration, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, the well apparatus 110 may be arranged along other portions of the deflected section 122 of the wellbore 114 to secure the tubing string 112 within a portion of the wellbore 114 without the interference of cuttings 124 and other particles entering the casing string 112. In addition, in some aspects, the debris separator 128 may be used in other tubings in addition or alternatively to the casing string 112.
In various aspects, the debris separator device 128 is of modular construction. This may allow the debris separator device 128 to be formed from a set of modules or subcomponents (collectively referred to herein as "components" for convenience) that may be arranged together in different combinations, such as in quantities, according to orders, orientations or different arrangements. The components may be arranged or coupled together to interact with one another and to bring debris separation from the fluid flowing through the debris separator device 128. Such a modular construction may allow greater flexibility of operations. involving the debris separator device 128 and can reduce the complexity or manufacturing costs, or the installation of the debris separator device 128.
The components of the assembly can couple with each other to form subassemblies. In some aspects, the components can couple by direct connection to one another. In addition or alternatively, the components may couple indirectly, for example by coupling each of two components to a common object or through an intermediate structure. In one example, two components are arranged serially in a manifold to provide the debris separator function 128 and are each coupled to the manifold while spaced indoors so that they are not directly connected to each other. to the other.
The components of the debris separator device 128 may be coupled together by any suitable coupler or coupling method. In some aspects, the debris separator device 128 may be modular in that the couplers are compatible with multiple components or types of components. This may allow the components of the debris separator device 128 to be interchangeable with respect to an individual coupler. In some aspects, the modularity may be a result of each coupler being alternatively connected to the couplers of other components of the modular component set. Non-limiting examples of suitable couplers include snap-on parts, threaded components, parts that are pegged in place; parts that are glued or otherwise bonded, and sliding fit from one part to another.
The debris separator device 128 can separate debris from the flowing fluid in a variety of ways. The particular components combined to form the debris separator device 128 can determine how the debris is separated. In some aspects, the components (e.g., filters) block the particles and allow passage of the fluid flow. In some aspects, the components (eg, propellers) affect the fluid flow characteristics and cause the particles to exit the flow, for example, away from the designated conduits or in designated pockets. The components may include any combination of structure that facilitates coupling of components, a structure that defines a fluid path, and a structure that removes particles from a defined fluid path (e.g. distance from the path or prevents the particles from moving along the path).
[0037] Different types of debris separator devices 128 may be used in the well apparatus 110 shown in FIG. 1. The debris separator device 128 may include, but not be limited to, components that utilize any which debris separation technique or coupling technique described in the following examples.
Example No. 1: Angular Shift Crossing Separation [0038] Figures 2 to 5 illustrate an example of a debris separator device 200. Debris separator device 200 may include plates 202 with traversing zones 208. The through areas 208 of the plates 202 may be angularly offset from each other or otherwise arranged to separate debris from fluid passing through the debris separator device 200. The debris separator device 200 may be modular in that it comprises snap-on sections of a mandrel 206 or other features which allow the plates 202 to be easily added, subtracted or replaced to modify the operation of the debris separator device 200.
Figure 2 is a perspective sectional view of the debris separator device 200 according to certain aspects. The plates 202 (eg, 202A, 202B, etc.) of the debris separator device 200 may be positioned within a tubular member 204. In some aspects, the tubular member 204 may be part of a train of casing, such as casing string 112 in Fig. 1. In other aspects, tubular member 204 may be inserted into casing string 112 having an inside diameter which is larger than an outside diameter of casing. tubular element 204.
A plate 202 may include a corresponding through zone 208 (e.g., 208A, 208B, etc.). The through zone 208 may be an opening of sufficient size to allow fluid carrying particles or debris to flow from one side of the plate 202 to another opposite side of the plate. In some aspects, the through zone 208 is positioned near an end or edge of a plate 202. For example, the through zone 208 may be formed as a passageway through the plate 202 (as shown in Figure 2) or a space between an edge of the plate 202 and an inner surface of the tubular member 204.
The passage zone 208 may be positioned radially from a central axis of the tubular element 204. The plates 202 may be arranged such that the crossing zones 208 of adjacent plates 202 are positioned at positions angularly different inside the tubular element 204. The crossing zones 208 may be angularly offset from each other. For example, the plates 202 may be arranged such that the near through zones 208 alternate between flanking an upper portion of the tubular member and flanking a lower portion of the tubular member (e.g., are offset by 180 degrees). as shown in Figure 2.
The crossing zones 208 may furthermore or alternatively be offset from each other by any other quantity or any other appropriate angular increment (e), and are not limited to a 180 degree shift. . In some aspects, offsets of less than 180 degrees (e.g., 120 degrees) may reduce a sensitivity of the debris separator device 200 to the direction of gravity. For example, the arrangement of the debris separator device 200 may improve the likelihood that at least one traversing area 208 may be oriented toward the direction of gravity. This can provide a greater degree of particle deposition due to the gravity between the plates 202. Furthermore, although a uniform offset between each crossing zone 208 is shown in FIG. 2, the offset between a traversing zone 208 and an immediately following through zone 208 may differ from the offset between the through zone 208 and an immediately preceding through zone 208. In addition, although the plates 202 and the through areas 208 are illustrated in Figure 2 as uniform characteristics, these features may also vary in size, shape, thickness, and orientation relative to each other.
The plates 202 may be supported by a support structure, such as a mandrel 206. The manner or orientation in which the plates 202 are coupled with the mandrel 206 may determine a relative orientation of the plates 202, one by compared to others. The relative arrangement of the plates 202 can align the characteristics of the plates 202 to reduce a quantity of particles carried by the fluid that can pass through the debris separator device 200.
The plates 202 may be angled with respect to a length of the tubular element 204. For example, the plates 202 may be inclined relative to a position perpendicular to a length of the tubular element 204. Any plate 202 may cover an elongate or longitudinal section of the bore of the tubular member 204. One or more of the plates 202 may be elliptically formed, which may allow the plate 202 to cover an elongate or longitudinal section of the bore of the tubular element 204. Although the plates 202 shown in FIG. 2 are elliptical in shape, in other embodiments the plates 202 are circular in shape to accommodate a circular bore shape of the tubular element 204.
In some aspects, the plates 202 may be inclined alternately along a length of the tubular element 204. For example, the plates 202 may alternate an inclination angle so that the adjacent plates 202 form a In an illustrative example, a first plate 202A may have an upper side 228A inclined forwardly with respect to a perpendicular position and toward a first end 211 of the tubular member 204, while a second adjacent plate may have an upper side 228B inclined rearwardly relative to a perpendicular position and away from the first end 211 of the tubular member 204. The lower sides 230A, 230B of the plates 202A, 202B may be adjacent to each other. other to form a tip of the Y-shape. In some aspects, the lower sides 230A, 230B are spaced apart and not immediately adjacent to each other. other. Although the plates 202 shown in Figure 2 are inclined relative to each other, in some aspects, the plates 202 may be parallel.
In some aspects, at least some of the plates 202 include a screening section having perforations 210 through the plates 202. The perforations 210 may be dimensioned to allow the passage of fluid through the plates 202, while blocking the passage of particles carried by the fluid. A filtering section may be formed in a plate 202 in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to, making perforations 210 directly in plate 202 or stretching a mesh defining perforations 210 on an open portion of the plate 202. A filtering section may include any number of appropriate perforations 210. In some aspects, the perforations 210 substantially cover an entire surface of the plate 202 not occupied by the through zone 208. In some aspects, smaller portions of the plate 202 include one or more perforation filter sections 210.
Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the debris separator device 200, showing an example of fluid flow and particles in a first direction in certain aspects. The fluid can penetrate a first side 211 of the tubular member 204 (for example, the right end in FIG. 3), as shown by the arrows 212 in FIG. 3. For example, the tubular member 204 can to be moved within a wellbore 114 in a direction illustrated to the right of Figure 3, causing a flow to the left of Figure 3. The fluid may alternatively or additionally be directed into the first end. 211 of the tubular element 204 by automatic filling equipment or the like. The fluid entering the first end 211 of the tubular member 204 can convey particles, including individual particles 216 (illustrated enlarged for better visibility). The mandrel 206 may have closed ends, preventing the passage of fluid through the mandrel 206.
A first plate 202A in the debris separator device 200 may be inclined. The inclination can orient the passage zone 208A of the first plate 202A towards the first end 211 of the tubular element 204. The inclination can also orient an opposite closed end 209A of the first plate 202A away from the first end 211. Tilting the first plate 202A in this manner can ramp along the first plate 202A to a corner 214A formed between an edge of the first plate 202A and an inner surface of the tubular member 204.
In some aspects, the particles 216 meeting a plate 202 can be moved along an angle of the plate 202 by the fluid flow. For example, the fluid entering the tubular member 204 from the first end 211 may push the particles 216 along the ramp formed by the first inclined plate 202A, as illustrated by the arrow 236. The particles 216 may be displaced along the first inclined plate 202A to the corner 214A (or pocket) formed between an edge of the first plate 202A and an inner surface of the tubular member 204. The movement of the particles 216 to the corner 214A can to clear the particles 216 from the perforations 210A, if necessary. Release of perforations 210 may allow additional fluid to pass through perforations 210A into first plate 202A (as illustrated by arrow 222A) and increase a quantity of particles 216 that are removed from the fluid.
A following plate 202B in the series of the debris separator device 200 may be inclined at a different angle with respect to the bore of the tubular element 204. The second plate 202B may be inclined so that the second zone 208B is inclined towards the fluid flow source (for example, towards the first end of the tubular element 204) and so that the closed end 209B forming a wedge 214B is inclined away from the source of fluid flow. This may longitudinally align the corner 214B or the closed end 209B (or both) with the through area 208A. The modification of the inclination of the plates 202 as well as the angular position of the through zones 208 may allow the particles 216 to be pushed regularly towards the corners 214 and away from the crossing zones 208. For example, some Particles 216 may pass through passage zone 208A instead of being directed along first inclined plate 202A to corner 214A. These particles passing through the passage zone 208A may be directed by a longitudinal flow of fluid to the corner 214B which is longitudinally aligned with the passage zone 208A, as illustrated by the arrows 238.
If the perforations 210 of a plate 202 are omitted or are obstructed by accumulated particles 216, the particle-laden fluid 216 can still pass through the passage zone 208 of the plate 202. For example, the fluid from the first end of the tubular member 204 as illustrated by the arrows 212 may pass through the passage zone 208A (as illustrated by the arrow 218) even if the perforations 210A are obstructed or omitted. If the perforations 210B are also obstructed or omitted, the fluid can move along a fluid path between the through zone 208A and the through zone 208B.
The offset between the crossing zone 208A and the crossing zone 208B can provide a tortuous path for the fluid flow. Changes in direction from the tortuous path can remove particles 216 from the fluid passing through the debris separator device 200. For example, the particles 216 can be impulsed against a first plate 202A and fall back as the fluid changes fluid. direction between adjacent vias 208A, 208B which are offset from each other. In another example, changes in direction from the tortuous path may reduce a velocity of the fluid flow, thereby increasing a number of particles 216 that may fall or settle out of the fluid under the effects of gravity.
In some aspects, the tortuous path may additionally or alternatively have other advantages. For example, conveying cement through the tortuous path of the debris separator device 200 during a cementing operation may allow additional mixing of the cement and improve the quality of the cementing operation or overall displacement efficiency. of a section of a casing train 112 having the debris separator device 200.
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the debris separator device 200, showing an exemplary flow in a second direction in certain respects. The fluid can penetrate from a second end 213, as shown by the arrow 224. The fluid entering from the second end 213 may include fewer particles 216 than the fluid entering the debris separator device 200 from the first end 211 (such as the fluid indicated above with respect to the arrow 212 of Figure 2). For example, the fluid entering from the second end 213 may include fewer particles 216 because it has passed through the debris separator 200 following its introduction from a surface of the wellbore 114. , or both. Fluid penetrating from the second end 213 may flush out the particles 216 from the debris separator 200 and prepare the debris separator 200 for other operations.
The flow of fluid through the perforations 21 OC can dislodge the particles 216 accumulated in the corner 214 between the plate 202C and the tubular element 204. The flow of fluid from the second end 213 of the separator device debris 200 can direct the particles 216 to a next plate 202B along the length of the debris separator device 200, as shown by the arrow 242. The particles reaching the next plate 202B can be directed along the angle of a plate 202B to the crossing zone 208B (as shown by the arrow 232) and pass through the crossing zone 208B (as shown by the arrow 246).
When the fluid flows from the second end 213 of the debris separator device 200 along the plates 202, the through zones 208 are inclined away from the fluid source, while the end closed 209 of the plate is oriented towards the source of fluid. This can provide a ramp for forcing the particles to the crossing zone 208. The particles can thus be pushed in sequence through the crossing zones 208 and pushed out of the debris separator device 200, as shown by the arrow 248. , the angle can direct the particles 216 out of the perforations 210B, as shown by the arrow 232. This can clear the perforations 210B and allow additional fluid to pass through and dislodge other particles previously trapped by the perforations 210B, such as illustrated by the arrows 244.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of exemplary components of the debris separator device 200 in certain respects. The debris separator device 200 shown in FIG. 5 includes mandrel sections 206 (e.g., 206A, 206B, etc.), plates 202 (e.g., 202A, 202B, etc.), and end plugs 278. 279. The components are shown in FIG. 5 in a configuration to provide offsets of 120 degrees, with respect to the 180 degree offsets shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.
The debris separator device 200 shown in FIG. 5 includes couplers (e.g., projections 262, apertures 266, and collars 264) that provide a modular construction and connect the components together. For example, a first chuck section 206A can couple with a first plate 202A. The first chuck section 206A may include a first projection 262A extending from one end. The first plate 202A can be moved on the first projection 262A, such as along the line 272. The first projection 262A can extend through a central opening 266A (or an opening 266A positioned otherwise than centrally) of the first plate 202A for supporting the first plate 202A with respect to the first chuck section 206A. The first chuck section 206A may also include an alignment feature such that the first plate 202A aligns in a particular orientation with respect to the first chuck section 206A. The alignment feature shown in Fig. 5 is a key 268 that can be inserted into a corresponding slot 270 in the first plate 202A; however, other alignment features may be used. In some aspects, the key 268 may be an insertable rod (eg, bolt, screw, rivet, clip, hinge, or the like) that slides (for example, from the position of the key 268 in a ghost line in Figure 5 to the position of the key 268 in a continuous line in Figure 5) through the slot 270 and engaged with the first projection 262A to secure in place the first plate 202A. The first protrusion 262A may include a first angled face 284, which may determine an inclination of the first plate 202A within the complete subset.
Other plates 202 may include features similar to the first plate 202A, which may allow any of the plates 202 of the debris separator device 200 to be coupled to the first mandrel section 206A, for example , to change the order of the plates 202, to change a type of plate 202 used or to allow another modular change.
The first chuck section 206A can also be coupled with a second chuck section 206B. The first plate 202A can be attached between the first chuck section 206A and the second chuck section 206B. The second chuck section 206B may include a collar 264 that can be installed on the first projection 262A of the first chuck section 206A. The collar 264 may fit over a portion of the first protrusion 262A extending through the first plate 202A (e.g., along the line 272). The first protrusion 262A may include claws 280 that extend through the collar 264. The claws 280 may include hooks 282 that engage the collar 264. The hooks 282 may deflect and snap into place in response moving the protrusion 262 a sufficient distance through the collar 264. The second mandrel section 206B may include a second angled face 286 which fits the first biased face 284 of the first mandrel section 206A. This can limit a number of orientations in which the first chuck section 206A can mate with the second chuck section 206B, which can simplify the installation by preventing coupling in a manner other than that provided. Alternatively or additionally, the claws 280 may extend over different lengths from the first biased face 284 so as to accommodate different widths of the collar 264 along the second biased face 286.
Other chuck sections 206 (including the first chuck section 206A and the second chuck section 206B) may include features similar to the features just described for the first chuck section 206A and the second chuck section 206A. mandrel 206B. This may allow any of the chuck sections 206 to couple with any other of the chuck sections 206 or any of the plates 202 in the debris separator device 200, allowing for example additional modularity. .
In some aspects, a chuck section 206 may include a notch 260. The notch 260 may extend through the chuck section 206 transversely to a length of the chuck section 206. A bar or other component providing a lever effect may be inserted into the notch 260 to provide a thrust surface by means of which a person can assemble the chuck section 206 with another component of the debris separator device 200.
Any of the chuck sections 206 may mate with an end plug 278, 279. A first end cap or top end plug 278 may include a protrusion (similar to the protrusion 262). which can be accommodated in a collar 264 of a chuck section 206. A second end plug or lower end plug 279 can include a collar (similar to the collar 264) which can be received on a protrusion 262 of a Chuck section 206. Any of end caps 278, 279 may include features (such as key 268 or other alignment features) for coupling with plates 202. End plugs 278, 279 may be dimensioned to be larger than the openings through constrictions in a casing string 112, so as to prevent the chuck sections 206 or projections 262 from passing through them. openings and to reach or damage the automatic filling equipment or other equipment.
Example 2: Separation by Partially Shifted Partial Filters [0064] Figures 6 to 9 illustrate another example of a debris separator device 600. The debris separator device 600 may include filters 602. The filters 602 may cover different cross-sectional areas and may be longitudinally offset from one another to separate debris from fluid passing through the debris separator 600. The debris separator 600 may be modular in that it includes threaded surfaces 611, 613 (or other features) that allow sections with the filters 602 to be easily added, subtracted or replaced to alter the operation of the debris separator device 600.
Figure 6 is a perspective sectional view of the debris separator device 600 according to certain aspects. The debris separator device 600 may include filters 602 (eg, a first filter 602A, a second filter 602B, a third filter 602C, and a fourth filter 602D). The filters 602 may be positioned within a tubular member 606. The filters 602 may include openings sized to allow fluid passage through the filters, while blocking the passage of particles carried by the flowing fluid. through the debris separator device 600. The tubular member 606 may be divided into sections 612 (for example, a first section 612A, a second section 612B, a third section 612C and a fourth section 612D). The sections 612 shown in FIG. 6 are coupled by threaded surfaces 611, 613. Other couplers may however be used. Each section 612 may correspond to a respective filter 602. Each respective filter 602 may be coupled to the respective section 612 by any suitable coupler. In some aspects, the tubular member 606 may be part of a casing string, such as the casing string 112 in Fig. 1. In some aspects, the tubular member 606 may be inserted into a tubular string 112 having an inner diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of the tubular member 606.
The filters 602 may be offset longitudinally from each other in the tubular element 606. For example, a first filter 602A positioned in a first section 612A may be closer to a first end 608 of the tubular element 606 a second filter 602B positioned in a second section 612B.
The filters 602 may cover different portions of a cross-sectional area of the tubular member 606. The different portions may collectively cover a totality of the cross-sectional area. An example is provided with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is an end view of the first filter 602A of the debris separator 600 in some aspects. Figure 8 is an end view of the second filter 602B of the debris separator device 600 in some aspects.
The first filter 602A (FIG. 7) can have an annular shape between an inner edge of the tubular element 606 and a central zone 614 of the cross-sectional surface of the tubular element 606. The annular shape of the first filter 602A may cover a peripheral surface 616 of the cross-sectional area without covering the central surface 614 of the cross-sectional area.
The second filter 602B (FIG. 8) can have a rounded shape covering the central surface 614 without covering the peripheral surface 616. The first filter 602A and the second filter 602B can thus collectively cover the entire cross-sectional area of the The tubular member 606. Collectively covering the entire cross-sectional area of the tubular member 606 with filters 602 can reduce a quantity of particles that can be transported through the debris separator 600.
Although the entire cross-sectional area of the tubular member 606 may be covered by a first filter 602A and a second filter 602B covering opposite portions of the cross-sectional area of the tubular member 606 as we As we have just described, other arrangements are possible. For example, the entire cross-sectional area may be covered by a group of two, three or more complementary shapes. One form of a filter may be larger than an area not covered by another filter so that a portion of the cross-sectional area is covered multiple times when the shapes overlap.
The first filter 602A (FIG. 7) and the second filter 602B (FIG. 8) may each cover less than a totality of the cross-sectional area of the tubular element 606. For example, the shape of the first filter 602A (Figure 7) can leave the central area 614 uncovered, while the shape of the second filter 602B (Figure 8) can leave the peripheral area 616 uncovered. Leaving at least a portion of the cross-sectional area of the uncovered tubular member 606 by a particular filter 602 may allow the fluid to flow past the particular filter 602 when the particular filter 602 is obstructed by particles.
If we look again at Figure 6, the first filter 602A may include a first flange 618A. The first flange 618A may extend away from the first filter 602A and toward the first end 608 of the tubular member 606. In some aspects, the first flange 618A may be a tube. The first flange 618A may be positioned at a boundary of the portion of the cross-sectional area of the tubular member 606 covered by the first filter 602A. For example, the first flange 618A may be positioned at a boundary between the peripheral zone 616 and the central zone 614 (as shown both in FIGS. 6 and 7). The first flange 618A may be sized to prevent particles caught in the peripheral zone 616 by the first filter 602A from crossing the boundary in the central zone 614 and flowing past the first filter 602A. For example, the first flange 618A may extend toward the first end 608 of the tubular member 606 in an amount sufficient to prevent the particles from being swept from the first filter 602A through the central zone 614 by the fluid s'. flowing from the first end 608.
The second filter 602B may include a second flange 618B. The second flange 618B may move away from the second filter 602B to the first end 608 of the tubular member 606. In some aspects, the second flange 618B may be a tube. The second flange 618B may be positioned at a boundary of the portion of the cross-sectional area of the tubular member 606 covered by the second filter 602B. For example, the second flange 618B may be positioned at a boundary between the central zone 614 and the peripheral zone 616 (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8). The second flange 618B may be sized to prevent particles caught in the central zone 614 by the second filter 602B from crossing the boundary in the peripheral zone 616 and flowing past the second filter 602B. For example, the second flange 618B may extend to the first end 608 of the tubular member 606 in an amount sufficient to prevent the particles from being swept from the second filter 602B through the peripheral zone 616 by the fluid. flowing from the first end 608.
In some aspects, the second flange 618B may be supported with respect to the tubular member 606 by one or more flanges 622B (e.g., FIGS. 6 and 8). The second filter 602B may be supported relative to the tubular member 606 by the second flange 618B. In some aspects, the first filter 602A may be supported relative to the tubular member 606 by coupling with an inner edge of the tubular member 606 (e.g., Figures 6 and 7). The first flange 618A may be supported relative to the tubular member 606 by the first filter 602A. In some aspects, the first flange 618A may additionally or alternatively be supported by flanges similar to the flanges 622B, although not shown in Figures 6 to 8. The flanges, filters, flanges and sections may be coupled to one another by any suitable coupler, including, but not limited to, gluing or stapling.
Figure 9 is a side sectional view of the debris separator device 600 in some respects. In some aspects, the first flange 618A separates the flow paths 626A, 628A through the first section 612A of the tubular member 606. For example, the fluid flowing through the first end 608 of the tubular member 606 can meet the first flange 618A and be directed through a first flow path 626A and a second flow path 628A. The first filter 602A can be positioned in the first flow path 626A. For example, the first filter 602A may cover an entire cross section of the first flow path 626A. The first filter 602A can prevent some particles carried by the fluid from passing through the first section 612A or function as a pocket for capturing particles.
The second flow path 628A of the first section 612A may be filtered to a lesser extent than the first flow path 626A. For example, the first filter 602A may cover the second flow path 628A in a negligible amount and allow the particles to flow through the second flow path 628A without much filtering, if any. The fluid directed through the second flow path 628A of the first section 612A may carry at least some particles through the first section 612A and the second section 612B.
The second flange 618B may separate the second section 612B into another first flow path 626B and another second flow path 628B. The second filter 602B can be positioned in the second flow path 628B of the second section 612B.
In some aspects, the first flange 618A and the second flange 618B are aligned longitudinally. The longitudinal alignment of the first flange 618A and the second flange 618B can align the flow paths of the first section 612A and the second section 612B for a longitudinal fluid flow through at least one filter 602. For example, fluid can flow through the first flow paths 626A, 626B and the first filter 602A (as illustrated by arrows 630A and 630B) or through the second flow paths 628A, 628B and the second filter 602B ( as shown by arrows 632A and 632B).
In some aspects, the first flange 618A and the second flange 618B are offset longitudinally. For example, a longitudinal gap 634 may be positioned between the first flange 618A and the second flange 618B. The longitudinal offset of the first flange 618A and the second flange 618B may allow the fluid to flow separately from aligned flow paths of the first section 612A and the second section 612B. For example, fluid may flow through the second flow path 628A from the first section 612A to the first flow path 626B of the second section 612B through a third flow path (such as space). longitudinal 634) without passing through the first filter 602A or the second filter 602B (as illustrated by the arrows 632A and 630B). Such flow may allow the fluid to continue to move through the tubular member 606 when the filters 602A, 602B are clogged with particles.
In some aspects, the particles captured by the filters 602 can be removed by rinsing by directing fluid towards the first end 608 of the tubular element 606. For example, the particles captured by the second filter 602B can be brought to through the second flow path 628B in the second section 612B and the second aligned flow path 628A of the first section 612A (as opposed to the arrows 632B, 632A). The particles carried by the first flow path 626B of the second section 612B can pass through the gap 634 and exit through the second flow path 628A of the first section 612A (as opposed to the arrows 630B, 632A). The first flange 618A may include a tapered portion 620A tapering from the first flow path 626B of the second section 612B and toward the second flow path 628A of the first section 612A. Such tapered portion 620A can direct the removed particles to the second unfiltered open flow path 628A of the first section 612A. Similarly, the second flange 618B may include a tapered portion 620B that directs the particles away from the second filtered flow path 628B (for example, away from the edges of the second filter 602B) and toward the first path of the flow path. open and unfiltered flow 626B of the second section 612B.
Example No. 3 Debris separator with dams [0081] Figs. 10 to 13 illustrate another example of a debris separator device 1000 in certain respects. The debris separator device 1000 may include dams 1014 (for example, dams 1014A, 1014B). Dams 1014 can create a tortuous fluid flow to separate debris from the fluid passing through the debris separator device 1000. The debris separator device 1000 can be modular in that it includes slots 1110 in dam plates 1100, parts of inserts 1302 and 1304 which can be bonded together, coupling edges 1310, etc., or any other combination of features which allow assemblies with dams 1014 to be easily formed, added, subtracted or replaced for modify the operation of the debris separator device 1000.
Figure 10 is a perspective sectional view of the debris separator device 1002 in certain aspects. The debris separator device 1002 may be disposed in a tubular member 1004, for example, in a portion of the casing string 1012 in Fig. 1. The debris separator device 1002 may include multiple dams 1014. The dams 1014 may be positioned in multiple insert sections 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012 (for example, the insert sections 1009, 1010 are shown as transparent so that the barriers 1014 are visible). The insert sections 1006-1012 can be coupled in series using any coupler.
The dams 1014 may be oriented within the insert sections 1006-1012, and the debris separator device 1002 as a whole, so as to selectively increase the velocity of the fluid through the debris separator device 1002. This can produce a solids slip speed that separates the solids from the fluid within a desired section of the wellbore. In one example, the dams 1014 are oriented such that a flow opening of a first dam 1014A results in deposition of solids at a second dam 1014A (if the flow direction is from the first dam 1014A to the second dam 1014A) without obstructing a flow opening of the second dam 1014B.
The dams 1014 can be constructed from dam plates. Figure 11 illustrates a front view of an example of a dam plate 1100, in some aspects. The barrier plate 1100 may comprise plastic, metal, a combination thereof, or the like. In at least one aspect, the barrier plate 1100 comprises a semi-permeable material, such as a mesh material. The barrier plate 1100 may be dimensioned to fit within a barrier assembly (such as the debris separator device 1002 of Figure 10). The barrier plate 1100 may include edges 1102, 1103, 1104 dimensioned to engage one or more interior surfaces of the debris separator device 1002. For example, the edges 1102, 1103, 1104 shown in FIG. 11 are curved of so as to fit within and to abut with the curved inner surface of the debris separator device 1002 so that the fluid can not pass easily between the inner surface of the debris separator device 1002 and the edges 1102, 1103, 1104 of the barrier plate 1100.
The dam plate 1100 may include one or more flow openings 1106, 1107, 1108. The fluid may pass through the flow openings 1106, 1107, 1108 of the dam plate 1100 within the separator device 1002. While the barrier plate 1100 shown in FIG. 11 has three flow openings 1106, 1107, 1108, more or less flow openings may be included. The shape, location and orientation of the flow openings 1106, 1107, 1108 may differ for different barrier plates so as to create a desired tortuous fluid flow path within the debris separator device 1002. The dam plate 1100 may include a slot 1110 for receiving a second dam plate to form a dam as described in further detail with reference to Fig. 12.
FIG. 12 illustrates an example of dam 1200, according to certain aspects. The dam 1200 shown in Fig. 12 includes the first dam plate 1100 of Fig. 11, coupled to a second dam plate 1202 via the slot 1110 of the first dam plate 1100 and a slot 1204 of the second dam plate 1202. However, dam 1200 may additionally or alternatively include more or less dam plates 1100, 1202 or other couplers. The dam 1200 may include a plurality of fins 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209. In various aspects, a major portion of a first fin 1206 of the plurality of fins 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209 is not parallel to a major part of a second fin 1207 of the plurality of fins 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209. In some aspects, the dam 1200 may include a single unit having a plurality of fins 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209 rather than Couplings 1100, 1202. In some aspects, the components of the dam 1200 are arranged such that the flow openings of a first fin 1100, 1208 of the dam 1200 cause the solids to be deposited on a second fin 1206, 1207 of the same dam 1200, causing for example the second fin 1206 to function as a debris capture pocket.
The fins 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209 of the dam 1200 may be oriented to create a tortuous fluid flow path and to increase the solids separation of the fluid within the debris separator device 1002. As an illustrative example, the fluid flowing in the direction indicated by the arrows 1212, 1213 can be forced through the flow openings 1106, 1216. The fluid can continue through the flow openings 1107, 1108 , 1217, 1218. During this movement, the solids may be deposited at the portion of the first dam plate 1100 between the flow opening 1107 and the flow opening 1108. The solids may also be deposited. at the portion of the second barrier plate 1202 between the flow opening 1217 and the flow opening 1218. In sum, the flow opening 1106 of the fin 1209 can solids to be deposited at the vane 1206 without obstructing one or more of the outlets 1217, 1218 of the vane 1206, and the flow opening 1216 of the vane 1208 can cause the solids to being deposited at the fin 1207 without obstructing one or more of the flow openings 1107, 1108 of the fin 1207. While the dam 1200 shown in Figure 12 includes two dam plates 1100, 1202 of the same design in some aspects, the dam 1200 may comprise dam plates of different designs. For example, the second barrier plate 1202 may comprise more or less flow openings 1216, 1217, 1218 than the first barrier plate 1100, and the flow openings 1216, 1217, 1218 may be of any size and any suitable shape to create a desired tortuous fluid flow path.
FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a dam assembly 1300, according to various aspects. The dam assembly 1300 may generally include a dam, for example, the dam 1200 of Figure 12, a first portion of an insert 1302, and a second portion of an insert 1304. The dam 1200 may be inserted into a slot 1306 of the first portion of the insert 1302. While the slot 1306 is shown in Fig. 13 by edges 1307, 1308, any of a variety of features may be used to form the slot 1306 or maintain the positioning and orientation of the dam 1200 in the first portion of the insert 1302. The second portion of the insert 1304 may also include a slot to maintain the positioning and orientation of the dam 1200 within the second part of the insert 1304.
The second portion of the insert 1304 may be coupled to the first portion of the insert 1302 by bonding at 1301 and 1303. Non-limiting examples of bonding include bonds by adhesive, solder, or other techniques or materials. joining surfaces. Any other suitable coupler may additionally or alternatively be used including, but not limited to, the other couplers described herein, or combinations thereof, or the like. The link can set the orientation of the linked parts relative to each other. Each of the first and second parts of the insert, 1302, 1304 shown in Fig. 13 includes coupling edges 1310, 1311, 1312, 1313. These features can function as couplers to enable coupling of the dam assembly 1300. to another dam assembly or other device. However, other couplers may also be used to couple the dam assembly 1300 to other components within the debris separator device 1002. The dam assemblies may be coupled together in an arrangement that causes the barriers to be oriented differently from one another (for example, when the barriers 1014A and 1014B are aligned differently from each other in Figure 10). Such an arrangement may increase a debris separation amount provided by the debris separator device 1002.
Example # 4 Debris Separator with Propellers [0090] Figs. 14-16 illustrate yet another example of a debris separator 1428. The debris separator 1428 can include propellers 1450, which can generate a vortex for Separate debris, such as by centrifugal force on debris. The debris can be directed by the propellers 1450 into annular pockets formed by baffles 1454. The debris separator device 1428 can be modular in that it includes contact surfaces (or other features) that allow the propellers 1450 or baffles 1454 (or inserts 1490, 1492 in which they are housed) to be easily added, subtracted or replaced to modify the operation of the debris separator device 1428.
Fig. 14 is a perspective sectional view of the debris separator device 1428. The debris separator device 1428 may include a propeller 1450 having a plurality of blades 1452 that can generate a mud vortex in the debris separator device. 1428, for example, when the debris separator 1428 is lowered into the wellbore. As illustrated, the debris separator 1428 may include a plurality of such propellers 1450 disposed at intervals along the length of the debris separator 1428. When the debris laden mud enters the debris separator 1428, the slurry can start rotating and forming a vortex as it passes over the propeller blades 1452. In some embodiments, the propellers 1450 are stationary with respect to the debris separator 1428, such that the fluid rotates due to the force of the fluid passing over the blades 1452. As the fluid vortex rotates, the cuttings, debris and other heavier particles in the mud can be thrown into the outer circumferential section of the vortex due to the centrifugal inertia of these particles. heavy. Thus, the propeller 1450 can operate to ensure the centrifugation of the sludge.
The debris separator device 1428 can also include a deflector 1454. The deflector 1454 can capture the heavy particles which are projected towards the outside of the mud vortex via the propeller 1450. Specifically, the deflector 1454 can present an annular cutout shape that forms an outer circumferential pocket 1456 within the debris separator 1428 for capturing cuttings from the mud vortex generated by the propeller 1450. In some embodiments, the deflector 1454 may also include a reduced diameter nozzle 1458 which forms a wall of the annular pocket 1456 and directs the surface pumped fluid through the center of the debris separator 1428 to draw the cuttings out of the outer circumferential pocket 1456 as desired. The reduced diameter nozzle 1458 can allow the passage of clean sludge through the center of the baffle 1454 to the floating collar and main casing string described above.
The debris separator device 1428 shown in FIG. 14 may include a plurality of deflectors 1454 of this kind arranged periodically along the length of the debris separator 1428. In some embodiments, the deflectors 1454 and the propellers 1450 may be positioned along the length of the debris separator 1428 in an alternate mode, although other arrangements may be used in other embodiments. As illustrated, one or more of the baffles 1454 may be disposed adjacent to a corresponding propeller 1450, such that when the debris separator 1428 is lowered into the wellbore, the slurry enters the debris separator 1428 (in a direction indicated by the arrow 1460) and moves through the propeller 1450 to the baffle 1454. This may allow the propeller 1450 to force the mud into a vortex before the mud reaches the baffle 1454. .
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate embodiments of a propeller insert 1490 and a deflector insert 1492, respectively. As shown in FIG. 15, the helix 1490 may include an outer circumferential wall 1494 surrounding the plurality of propeller blades 1452. As noted above, the propeller 1450 may include stationary blades 1452 which do not rotate by compared to the casing system. The blades 1452 of FIG. 15 can be coupled and held stationary relative to the outer circumferential wall 1494 of the propeller insert 1490. The propeller insert 1490 can be disposed in a tubular member length (such as casing string 112 of Fig. 1) and attached to an inner surface of the tubular member to secure the propeller 1450 within the tubular member.
As illustrated in FIG. 16, deflector rinsert 1492 may also include an outer circumferential wall 1496 surrounding the outer circumferential pocket 1456 and the reduced diameter nozzle 1458 of the baffle 1454. The baffle insert 1492 may be disposed in a length of the tubular member (such as casing string 112 of Fig. 1) and attached to an inner surface of the tubular member for securing deflector 1454 within the tubular member to a desired position by 1490 propeller insert ratio. The propeller insert 1490 and the baffle insert 1492 may include outer circumferential walls 1494 and 1496 which have approximately the same inner and outer diameters, for example, to create a path of travel. steady internal flow for sludge entering the casing system when the system is lowered into the wellbore. These inserts 1490 and 1492 may have contact surfaces that allow the inserts 1490 and 1492 to be relatively easy to stack on top of one another, allowing a user to install as many or as few inserts as desired in simply placing the inserts 1490 and 1492 inside a portion of the casing. For example, the user can install these inserts to the shoe rail at the back of the casing shoe of the casing system. As a result, inserts 1490 and 1492 can allow a plurality of propellers 1450 and baffles 1454 which are attachable to each other (for example, by stacking or other couplers) to form a propeller train 1450 and propellers. baffles 1454 of any length and having any ratio of 1450 to 144 deflectors. Any desirable number of 1490 propeller inserts and 1492 deflector inserts can be used to form this train of components. In other embodiments, the propeller 1450 and the baffle 1454 may be components that are attachable to each other to form the debris separator 1428 without being installed as inserts. For example, the components may be connected by a mandrel or other structure along a periphery or other location of the components.
Methods of Implementing Modular Debris Separators [0096] Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method 1700 for implementing a modular debris separator device. The method 1700 can use any combination of components and couplers, including any of those described above. In some aspects, the method has particular application for the debris separator devices described above or other debris separators that are rinsable (e.g., which include components arranged such that the fluid flow can be directed in a second direction to flush debris from surfaces that had captured debris from the fluid flow in a first direction).
At block 1720, the method 1700 may include inserting a first component into a tubing, for example, casing string 112 in FIG. 1. The first component may be part of or included in a set of modular components that can be coupled together in different combinations to form respectively different configurations of a modular debris separator assembly. As non-limiting examples, the first component may be any of the plates, mandrels, end plugs, filters, dams, barrier plates, insert sections, propellers, baffles, sections or inserts described above. .
At block 1720, the method 1700 may include inserting a second component into the tubing. Like the first component, the second component can also be part of or included in the set of modular components that can be coupled together in different combinations to form respectively different configurations of a well bottom debris separator assembly. In some aspects, the first component and the second component may be components from different examples of the numbered examples 1-4 previously described.
In block 1730, the method 1700 may include coupling the first component with the second component. Coupling of the first and second components may form at least a portion of the well bottom modular debris separator assembly, for example, the well bottom modular debris separator that may be formed by the set of components. Any suitable coupler or coupling technique may be used to perform this coupling operation. As non-limiting examples, the first component and the second component may be coupled by snap-in interfaces (e.g., the claws illustrated in Example 1 or other structures that are sized to deflect when in a received or engaged with this coupling structure), cooperating threads (e.g., the threads illustrated in Example 2), securing rods (e.g., the key illustrated in Example 1 or other rods which pass through the openings of multiple components), a linkage (e.g., the insert sections illustrated in Example 3), slip-fit interfaces (e.g., the illustrated dams of the dams of Example 3 or FIG. other structures dimensioned relative to one another so that they can be moved relative to one another by hand), or stacked interfaces (for example, helical inserts). e and the baffle inserts shown in Example 4). Such couplers can be used with any component, not just the components of the previous examples. On the other hand, although the figures corresponding to the preceding examples illustrate specific combinations of debris separation techniques and coupling techniques, other combinations are possible.
The order of operations of the blocks 1720, 1720 and 1730 can be modified according to different aspects. In some aspects, coupling may occur once the first component is inserted into the tubing. As an illustrative example, a first component (e.g., a baffle insert) may be installed in the tubing, and the second component (e.g., a propeller insert) may be coupled to the first, while the first component found in the tubing. This can enable operators to assemble and install a debris separator in a single operation, so that cost savings can be achieved in certain scenarios. In some aspects, coupling may occur before the second component is inserted into the tubing. As an illustrative example, a first component (e.g., an end plug) and a second component (e.g., a mandrel) may be coupled together prior to installing a complete assembly in a tubing. This may allow some components to be more easily reached to engage the couplers, which may facilitate assembly in certain scenarios.
In some aspects, for example, at block 1740, the first and second components (e.g., barrier assemblies) can be coupled to an additional number of components of the set (e.g., an additional number of sets). dam). The additional number of components may be selected to form a bottom-hole modular debris separator assembly of a target length (e.g., such as a half or other fraction of a length of connection of a train of casing 112). For example, this may allow a debris separator to be assembled on site with a length determined by space constraints, debris levels, or other parameters of a particular well. In general, the modular construction of the debris separator device as shown and described herein may allow the components of the debris separator device to be collectively assembled and inserted into a tubular member. Alternatively, the components may be added to the components of an assembly already positioned within a tubular member. In addition, the components of the debris separator can be transported to a work site in an already assembled mode or unassembled mode for on-site construction.
In some aspects, a well bottom assembly, system or process is presented according to one or more of the following examples or a certain combination of its elements. In some aspects, a tool or system described in one or more of these examples may be used to perform a method described in one of the other examples.
[00103] Example No. 1: there can be provided a debris separator comprising a plurality of modular components which are each modular in that they include at least one coupler formed so as to be connectable to a coupler of another component of the plurality of modular components connectable together by means of the couplers into an assembly that is positionable at the bottom of a well for separating debris from the drilling fluid passing through the assembly.
[00104] Example 2: the debris separator of Example No. 1 can be provided, in which the assembly comprises at least one of: (i) plates with crossing zones mutually angularly offset at inside the whole; (ii) filters covering different parts of a bore of a tubing and mutually offset longitudinally; (iii) dams; or (iv) propellers and deflectors.
[00105] Example No. 3: the debris separator of Example No. 1 (or any of Examples No. 1-2) can be provided in which at least one pair of the plurality of components modules may be connected together by means of couplers which include snap-in interfaces which include at least a first structure and a second structure, the first structure being sized to deflect when received by the second structure and to return to a non-deflected state when it is completely received by the second structure.
[00106] Example No. 4: the debris separator of Example No. 1 (or any of Examples No. 1-3) can be provided in which at least one pair of the plurality of components Modular modules may be connected together by means of couplers which include a threaded female surface receiving a male threaded surface.
[00107] Example No. 5: the debris separator of Example No. 1 (or any of Examples No. 1-4) can be provided in which at least one pair of the plurality of components Modular modules may be connected together by means of couplers which include fastening rods extending through the apertures in each component coupled by the fastening rods.
[00108] Example No. 6: The debris separator of Example No. 1 (or any of Examples No. 1-6) can be provided in which at least one pair of the plurality of components The modular modules may be connected together by means of couplers which include sliding fit interfaces including surfaces which are sized relative to one another so that they can be moved relative to each other by hand.
[00109] Example No. 7: the debris separator of Example No. 1 (or of any of Examples No. 1-6) may be provided, further comprising a tubing containing the assembly, in which of the plurality of modular components can be connected with the tubing.
[00110] Example No. 8: A method (which may incorporate the features of any of Examples No. 1-7) comprising: (i) inserting a first component into a tubing, the first component being included in a set of components that assemble in different combinations to form respectively different configurations of a modular debris separator assembly that is positionable at the bottom of a well to separate the debris from the drilling fluid passing through throughout; (ii) inserting a second component of the assembly into the tubing; and (iii) coupling the first component to the second component to form at least a portion of the modular debris separator assembly.
[00111] Example No. 9: The method of Example No. 8 can be provided in which the coupling of the first component with the second component occurs after insertion of the first component into the tubing.
Example No. 10: The method of Example No. 8 (or any of Examples No. 8-9) can be provided in which the coupling of the first component with the second component occurs. before insertion of the second component into the tubing.
Example 11: The method of Example 8 (or any of Examples 8-10) can be provided in which the different combinations differ as to minus one of the amount of components, the order of the components or the relative orientation of the components.
[00114] Example No. 12: the method of Example No. 8 (or any of Examples No. 8-11) can be provided, further comprising coupling the first component and the second component with an additional number of components of the set, the additional number of components being selected to form a bottom-hole modular debris separator assembly of a target length.
[00115] Example 13: the method of Example 8 (or any of Examples 8-12) can be provided, in which the coupling of the first component with the second component comprises the connecting the first component to the second component by means of one or more couplers arranged on or among the first component and the second component.
Example 14: The method of Example 8 (or any of Examples 8-13) can be provided in which the coupling of the first component with the second component comprises the coupling the first component with the second component by means of an intermediate structure.
[00117] Example No. 15: the method of Example No. 8 (or any of Examples No. 8-14) can be provided, in which the coupling of the first component with the second component comprises the bonding the first component and the second component to each other or to an intermediate structure so as to set a relative orientation between the first component and the second component.
[00118] Example No. 16: A system (which may incorporate the features of any of Examples No. 1-15) comprising: (i) a first subset of a debris separator assembly may be provided; modular which is positionable at the bottom of a well to separate debris from the drilling fluid passing through the assembly; and (ii) a number of additional subassemblies of the debris separator assembly coupled in series with the first subassembly, the number of additional subassemblies being selected to extend the modular bottom debris separator assembly. of hole on a target length.
[00119] Example 17: the system of Example No. 16 can be provided, in which the target length is less than a length of a single connection of a pipe in which the separator assembly is positioned. debris when the debris separator assembly is positioned at the bottom of the well.
[00120] Example No. 18: the system of Example No. 16 (or of any of Examples No. 16-17) can be provided, in which the first subset is coupled with the number of additional subassemblies by means of couplers comprising at least one of (i) snap-in interfaces; (ii) cooperating threads; (iii) fixing rods; (iv) a link; (v) sliding-fit interfaces; or (vi) stack interfaces.
Example 19: The system of Example 18 (or any of Examples 16-18) can be provided, in which each of the subassemblies comprises at least one among: (i) plates with crossing zones mutually offset angularly within the assembly; (ii) filters covering different parts of a bore of a tubular and mutually offset longitudinally; (iii) dams; or (iv) propellers and deflectors.
[00122] Example No. 20: the system of Example No. 16 (or any of Examples No. 16-19) may be provided, further comprising: (i) a floating collar; (ii) a floating shoe; and (iii) a coupling of a casing string positioned between the floating collar and the floating shoe containing the modular debris separator assembly.
The foregoing description, including the illustrated aspects and examples, has been presented solely for the purpose of illustration and description and is not meant to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications, adaptations and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

权利要求:
Claims (20)
[1" id="c-fr-0001]
claims
A debris separator (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428) comprising: a plurality of modular components which are each modular in that they comprise at least one coupler formed so as to be connectable to a coupler of a another component of the plurality of modular components, the plurality of modular components connectable together by means of the couplers into an assembly which is positionable at the bottom of a well for separating the debris from the drilling fluid (114) passing through the together.
[2" id="c-fr-0002]
The debris separator (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428) according to claim 1, wherein the assembly comprises at least one of: plates (202) with traversing zones (208) mutually shifted to one another; interior of the whole; filters (602) covering different portions of a bore of a tubing (204; 606; 1004) and mutually offset longitudinally; dams (1014, 1200); or propellers (1450) and deflectors (1454).
[3" id="c-fr-0003]
The debris separator (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428) according to claim 1, wherein at least one pair of the plurality of modular components can be connected together by couplers which comprise at least a first structure and a second structure, the first structure being sized to deflect when received by the second structure and to return to a non-deflected state when fully received by the second structure.
[4" id="c-fr-0004]
The debris separator (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428) according to claim 1, wherein at least one pair of the plurality of modular components can be connected together by means of couplers which comprise a female threaded surface (611). receiving a threaded male surface (613).
[5" id="c-fr-0005]
The debris separator (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428) according to claim 1, wherein at least one pair of the plurality of modular components can be connected together by means of couplers which include fastening rods passing through the openings. in each component coupled by the fixing rods.
[6" id="c-fr-0006]
The debris separator (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428) according to claim 1, wherein at least one pair of the plurality of modular components can be connected together by couplers which comprise slip-coupled interfaces comprising surfaces. which are dimensioned relative to one another so as to be movable relative to each other by hand.
[7" id="c-fr-0007]
The debris separator (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428) of claim 1, further comprising a manifold (204; 606; 1004) containing the assembly, wherein at least some of the plurality of modular components can be connected with the tubing (204; 606; 1004).
[8" id="c-fr-0008]
A debris separation method (1700) comprising: inserting a first component into a tubing (204; 606; 1004), the first component being included in a set of components that assemble in different combinations to respectively forming different configurations of a modular debris separator assembly (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428) which is positionable at the bottom of a well to separate debris from the drilling fluid (114) passing through the assembly; inserting a second component of the assembly into the tubing (204; 606; 1004); and coupling the first component with the second component to form at least a portion of the modular debris separator assembly (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428).
[9" id="c-fr-0009]
The method (1700) of claim 8, wherein the coupling of the first component with the second component occurs after insertion of the first component into the tubing (204; 606; 1004).
[10" id="c-fr-0010]
The method (1700) of claim 8, wherein the coupling of the first component with the second component occurs prior to insertion of the second component into the tubing (204; 606; 1004).
[11" id="c-fr-0011]
The method (1700) of claim 8, wherein the different combinations differ in at least one of an amount of components, order of components, or relative orientation of the components.
[12" id="c-fr-0012]
The method (1700) of claim 8, further comprising coupling the first component and the second component with an additional number of components of the assembly, the additional number of components being selected to form a debris separator assembly. (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428) downhole modular of a target length.
[13" id="c-fr-0013]
The method (1700) according to claim 8, wherein the coupling of the first component with the second component comprises connecting the first component with the second component by means of one or more couplers arranged on the first component and the second component or Among these.
[14" id="c-fr-0014]
The method (1700) according to claim 8, wherein coupling the first component with the second component comprises coupling the first component with the second component by means of an intermediate structure.
[15" id="c-fr-0015]
The method (1700) according to claim 8, wherein the coupling of the first component with the second component comprises bonding the first component and the second component to each other or to an intermediate structure so as to fix an orientation. relative between the first component and the second component.
[16" id="c-fr-0016]
A debris separation system comprising: a first subassembly of a modular debris separator assembly (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428) which is positionable at the bottom of a well for separating debris from the drilling fluid; (114) passing through the assembly; and a number of additional subsets of the debris separator assembly (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428) coupled in series with the first subset, the number of additional subsets being selected to extend the debris separator assembly (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428) is downhole modular over a target length.
[17" id="c-fr-0017]
The system of claim 16, wherein the target length is less than a length of a single connector of a tubing (204; 606; 1004) in which the debris separator assembly (128; 200; 600) is positioned. 1002; 1428) when the debris separator assembly (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428) is positioned at the bottom of the well.
[18" id="c-fr-0018]
The system of claim 16, wherein the first subassembly is coupled to the number of additional subassemblies by couplers comprising at least one of (i) snap-in interfaces; (ii) cooperating threads; (iii) fixing rods; (iv) a link; (v) sliding coupling interfaces; or (vi) stack interfaces.
[19" id="c-fr-0019]
The system of claim 18, wherein each of the subassemblies comprises at least one of: (i) plates (202) with mutually traversing zones (208) angularly offset within the assembly; (ii) filters (602) covering different portions of a bore (204; 606; 1004) and mutually longitudinally offset; (iii) dams (1014, 1200); or (iv) propellers (1450) and deflectors (1545).
[20" id="c-fr-0020]
The system of claim 16, further comprising: (i) a floating collar (134; 264); (ii) a floating shoe (130); and (iii) a coupling of a casing string (112) positioned between the floating collar (134; 264) and the floating shoe (130) and containing the debris separator assembly (128; 200; 600; 1002; 1428; ) modular.

类似技术:

---

公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题

---

FR3038649A1|2017-01-13|

---

BE1012597A5|2001-01-09|Bits of drilling data flow improved hydraulic.

---

CA2962196C|2019-05-07|Angled partial strainer plates for well assembly

---

US10273772B2|2019-04-30|Drilling debris separator

---

FR2762356A1|1998-10-23|Joint for drilling shaft screen with bypass circuits

---

FR3039425A1|2017-02-03|PARTICLE ACCUMULATOR AND CENTRIFUGAL FILTER

---

FR2961712A1|2011-12-30|MODULAR DEVICE FOR SEPARATING GRAVITY LIQUID / LIQUID

---

CA1238893A|1988-07-05|Method and device for earth boring

---

Lavigne et al.2000|Les lahars; depots, origines et dynamique

---

EP0457653B1|1994-04-20|Safety sleeve and device for wells, particularly for a subterranean reservoir of fluid under pressure

---

CA2962008C|2019-05-07|Longitudinally offset partial area screens for well assembly

---

EP2931979B1|2016-09-21|Mixing tool for treating a portion of soil

---

EP2049760B1|2011-11-23|Articulated extraction pipe

---

EP3636857B1|2021-03-17|Swimming-pool skimming device and swimming pool provided with same

---

FR3038651A1|2017-01-13|

---

EP3725386B1|2022-01-05|Separation device for a biphase fluid integrated in a separation column for separation of gas and liquid

---

EP1846622B1|2013-05-01|Sand box for chases

---

OA19307A|2020-06-05|Distributeur de fluide multiphasique.

---

EP3624952A1|2020-03-25|Multiphase fluid dispenser

---

FR2960161A1|2011-11-25|SCREENING DEVICE FOR WATER SUPPLYING AN INDUSTRIAL PLANT

---

FR2724191A1|1996-03-08|Drain duct for septic tank

---

CA2530729A1|2007-06-28|Barrel debris trap

同族专利:

---

公开号 | 公开日

---

AU2015401546A1|2017-11-23|

---

GB201718578D0|2017-12-27|

---

NO20171781A1|2017-11-09|

---

GB2555959B|2021-05-26|

---

CA2987896A1|2017-01-12|

---

AU2015401546B2|2020-09-17|

---

US20180135388A1|2018-05-17|

---

MX2017016256A|2018-04-20|

---

WO2017007447A1|2017-01-12|

---

US10641066B2|2020-05-05|

---

GB2555959A|2018-05-16|

引用文献:

---

公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

---

---

US2202272A|1939-02-11|1940-05-28|Harold D Smith|Silencer|

---

US2659442A|1951-06-01|1953-11-17|Wayne N Sutliff|Bailer for oil well bores|

---

US2728599A|1952-12-23|1955-12-27|Moore George Waldo|Apparatus for recovering junk from a well bore|

---

US2728553A|1954-09-27|1955-12-27|Edwards John|Apparatus for collecting drilling samples|

---

US2874781A|1956-09-10|1959-02-24|Edgar W Mcgaffey|Tool for removing foreign matter from a well bore|

---

US3425913A|1966-10-12|1969-02-04|Continental Oil Co|Apparatus for removing paraffin from crude oil|

---

US3559760A|1970-03-03|1971-02-02|Ford Motor Co|Vehicle muffler and particle separator|

---

US3747347A|1971-04-12|1973-07-24|S Ciraolo|Pollution preventing exhaust device|

---

US3831753A|1972-12-18|1974-08-27|Gulf Research Development Co|Slotted in-line screen|

---

US4154313A|1978-04-28|1979-05-15|Dresser Industries, Inc.|Flow control valve for rock bits|

---

US4341273A|1980-07-04|1982-07-27|Shell Oil Company|Rotary bit with jet nozzles|

---

US4515212A|1983-01-20|1985-05-07|Marathon Oil Company|Internal casing wiper for an oil field well bore hole|

---

US4704207A|1985-12-02|1987-11-03|Cuno Incorporated|Filter cartridge including external cell separators|

---

US4732677A|1986-09-17|1988-03-22|Allied Corporation|Thermally formed stacked disc filter|

---

US4981368A|1988-07-27|1991-01-01|Vortab Corporation|Static fluid flow mixing method|

---

US5249626A|1992-06-11|1993-10-05|Lynn Gibbins|Bottom hole well strainer|

---

JP3110601B2|1993-05-14|2000-11-20|信越化学工業株式会社|Polymer scale adhesion inhibitor and method for producing polymer using the same|

---

US5423904A|1993-05-28|1995-06-13|Dasgupta; Sankar|Exhaust gas filter|

---

US5737841A|1996-07-12|1998-04-14|Mchenry; William J.|Pocket knife with lock|

---

WO1998045009A2|1997-04-04|1998-10-15|Oiltools International B.V.|Filter for subterranean use|

---

AU1850199A|1998-03-11|1999-09-23|Baker Hughes Incorporated|Apparatus for removal of milling debris|

---

US6143254A|1998-11-20|2000-11-07|Erven; Roger Joyce|Emissions reduction system & method therefor|

---

US7188687B2|1998-12-22|2007-03-13|Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.|Downhole filter|

---

US6352111B1|2000-01-11|2002-03-05|Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.|Filter for subterranean wells|

---

AT277685T|2000-12-20|2004-10-15|Corning Inc|METHOD USING A MONOLITHIC STACK REACTOR|

---

KR100752119B1|2001-06-04|2007-08-24|주식회사 포스코|Removing apparatus of scale for pipe|

---

US6769484B2|2002-09-03|2004-08-03|Jeffrey Longmore|Downhole expandable bore liner-filter|

---

GB0224807D0|2002-10-25|2002-12-04|Weatherford Lamb|Downhole filter|

---

NL1021873C2|2002-11-08|2004-05-11|Hermanus Hendrikus Kleizen|Filter device, contains filters with parts containing small passages aligned with parts containing large passages|

---

US6959764B2|2003-06-05|2005-11-01|Yale Matthew Preston|Baffle system for two-phase annular flow|

---

US7160024B2|2003-08-05|2007-01-09|Ecotechnology, Ltd.|Apparatus and method for creating a vortex flow|

---

US7866708B2|2004-03-09|2011-01-11|Schlumberger Technology Corporation|Joining tubular members|

---

US7174957B1|2004-06-08|2007-02-13|Wood Group Esp, Inc.|Magnetic bailer|

---

US7188688B1|2004-11-05|2007-03-13|Lejeune Robert J|Down-hole tool filter and method for protecting such tools from fluid entrained debris|

---

ITMI20060299A1|2006-02-17|2007-08-18|Getters Spa|SMOKE TREATMENT SYSTEM|

---

US7472745B2|2006-05-25|2009-01-06|Baker Hughes Incorporated|Well cleanup tool with real time condition feedback to the surface|

---

US7622089B1|2006-07-19|2009-11-24|Uop Llc|Conically shaped screenless internals for radial flow reactors|

---

US20080087419A1|2006-09-29|2008-04-17|Fair Robert W|Debris trapping, filtering, and tool protection apparatus|

---

US7753113B1|2007-03-23|2010-07-13|Penisson Dennis J|Modular junk basket device with baffle deflector|

---

US8393389B2|2007-04-20|2013-03-12|Halliburton Evergy Services, Inc.|Running tool for expandable liner hanger and associated methods|

---

US20080308274A1|2007-06-16|2008-12-18|Schlumberger Technology Corporation|Lower Completion Module|

---

NO20080452L|2008-01-24|2009-07-27|Well Technology As|A method and apparatus for controlling a well barrier|

---

GB2459082B|2008-02-19|2010-04-21|Phillip Raymond Michael Denne|Improvements in artificial lift mechanisms|

---

US8522867B2|2008-11-03|2013-09-03|Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company|Well flow control systems and methods|

---

US8360153B2|2009-07-29|2013-01-29|Michael Brent Ford|Debris-catching attachment device and method therefor|

---

US8257585B2|2009-08-25|2012-09-04|Baker Hughes Incorporated|Debris catcher with retention within screen|

---

MY165795A|2010-01-20|2018-04-27|Halliburton Energy Services Inc|Differential pressure wellbore tool and related methods of use|

---

GB2485394B|2010-11-12|2016-08-10|M-I Drilling Fluids U K Ltd|Modular tool for wellbore cleaning|

---

US20130341027A1|2012-06-21|2013-12-26|Ying Qing Xu|Downhole debris removal tool and methods of using same|

---

BR112015006970A2|2012-10-26|2017-07-04|Exxonmobil Upstream Res Co|equipment and method for sand control well drilling using gravel reserves|

---

US9643111B2|2013-03-08|2017-05-09|National Oilwell Varco, L.P.|Vector maximizing screen|

---

US9677361B2|2014-03-24|2017-06-13|James Patterson|Drill pipe screens|

---

EP3177801A4|2014-10-14|2018-02-28|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.|Drilling debris separator|

---

BR112017006698A2|2014-10-28|2018-01-02|Halliburton Energy Services Inc|downhole set, and downhole method.|

---

AU2014410222B2|2014-10-28|2018-04-26|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.|Longitudinally offset partial area screens for well assembly|

---

AU2014410773B2|2014-11-05|2018-05-10|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.|Solids control methods, apparatus, and systems|

---

WO2017019007A1|2015-07-27|2017-02-02|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.|Centrifugal particle accumulator and filter|

---

US9617172B1|2016-06-10|2017-04-11|Henry A Baski|Desalination system and method for producing freshwater by reverse osmosis of seawater|BR112017006698A2|2014-10-28|2018-01-02|Halliburton Energy Services Inc|downhole set, and downhole method.|

---

AU2014410222B2|2014-10-28|2018-04-26|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.|Longitudinally offset partial area screens for well assembly|

---

AU2014410773B2|2014-11-05|2018-05-10|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.|Solids control methods, apparatus, and systems|

法律状态:
2017-04-12| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 |

---

2018-04-25| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 3 |

---

2018-10-05| PLSC| Search report ready|Effective date: 20181005 |

---

2020-03-13| ST| Notification of lapse|Effective date: 20200206 |

优先权:

---

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

---

PCT/US2015/039208|WO2017007447A1|2015-07-06|2015-07-06|Modular downhole debris separating assemblies|

---