Bimetallic materials for oilfield applications

Abstract

Corrosion resistant and / or lightweight bimetallic cylinders used in tools and electric cables, including core surrounded by corrosion resistant alloy outer cladding materials, where the alloy clad may include such alloys as beryllium-copper based alloys, nickel-chromium based alloys, superaustenitic stainless steel alloys, nickel-cobalt based alloys, nickel-molybdenum-chromium based alloys, and the like. The core may be a low density core based substantially upon titanium or titanium alloys.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001] This patent application is a Continuation-In-Part of and also claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 330,957, filed Jan. 11, 2006.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to equipment used in wellbores, and methods of manufacturing and using such equipment. In one aspect, the invention relates to wellbore tools and electric cables constructed in part from corrosion resistant and / or lightweight bimetallic cylinders. [0003] Generally, geologic formations within the earth that contain oil and / or petroleum gas have properties that may be linked with the ability of the formations to contain such products. For example, formations that contain oil or petroleum gas have higher electrical resistivity than those that contain water. Formations generally comprising sandstone or limestone may contain oil or petroleum gas. Formations generally comprising shale, which may also encapsulate oil-bearing formations, may have porositie...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Formations generally comprising shale, which may also encapsulate oil-bearing formations, may have porosities much greater than that of sandstone or limestone, but, because the grain size of shale is very small, it may be very difficult to remove the oil or gas trapped therein.

Harmful fluids in the downhole environment may cause armor wire corrosion, and once the armor wire begins to corrode, strength and pliability may be quickly compromised.

Although the cable core may still remain functional, it is not economically feasible to replace the armor wire(s), and the entire cable must typically be discarded.

Tools used in wellbore operations are also vulnerable to excessive corrosion in sour environments.

While such alloys are well suited for forming armor wires used in cables for such wells, it is commonly known that the strength of such alloys may be limited.

These alloys are extremely expensive and the cost involved in some cases does not permit their use in the certain oilfield environments.

To reach these zones, the cable and tools must be tractored, but the reach may be limited as cables and tools may not be sufficiently light.

Furthermore, deviated well bores are typically sour as higher concentrations of corrosive agents are typically present.

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