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Method and apparatus for controlling the flow of wellbore returns

a wellbore return and flow control technology, applied in the direction of fluid removal, wellbore/well accessories, construction, etc., can solve the problems of inability to accurately measure the volume of the wellbore return, the choke is not fixed or adjustable, and is prone to wear and tear

Active Publication Date: 2016-06-16
WEATHERFORD TECH HLDG LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This can be challenging due to shifting wellbore conditions and interruptions to drilling operations, such as tripping pipe.
However, the chokes, whether fixed or adjustable, are prone to wear, erosion and becoming clogged with cuttings and debris.
Further, the chokes do not accurately measure wellbore return volume.

Method used

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  • Method and apparatus for controlling the flow of wellbore returns
  • Method and apparatus for controlling the flow of wellbore returns
  • Method and apparatus for controlling the flow of wellbore returns

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Embodiment Construction

[0025]The invention relates to an apparatus and a method of controlling the flow of wellbore returns to regulate the hydrostatic force in a wellbore. When describing the present invention, all terms not defined herein have their common art-recognized meanings. To the extent that the following description is of a specific embodiment or a particular use of the invention, it is intended to be illustrative only, and not limiting of the claimed invention. The following description is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that are included in the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0026]As used herein, the term “down-hole hydrostatic pressure” means the pressure exerted at any given point in the wellbore by the column of fluid above that point, including any pressure exerted at the surface by the apparatuses described herein.

[0027]FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the apparatus (10) of the present invention. The apparatus (10) can be utili...

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Abstract

A method and apparatus to regulate the down-hole hydrostatic pressure in a wellbore are provided which depend on regulating the resistance to the flow of wellbore returns produced by the wellbore. The resistance may be provided by the internal gas pressure in a gas / liquid separator receiving the flow of wellbore returns, where the internal gas pressure is regulated by an adjustable back pressure valve and a gas source. Alternatively or in addition, the resistance may be provided by a pump receiving the flow of wellbore returns, where the resistance of the pump is regulated by adjusting the speed of the pump.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 639,455 filed on Apr. 27, 2012 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Controlling the Flow of Well Bore Returns”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is directed to oil and gas drilling operations, and in particular to an apparatus and method for controlling the flow of wellbore returns.BACKGROUND[0003]During drilling operations, drilling fluid or drilling mud, is pumped down the drill string in the wellbore using what are known as mud pumps. The drilling fluid jets out of the drill bit and cleans the bottom of the hole. The drilling fluid moves back up the wellbore in the annular space between the drill sting and the side of the wellbore, flushing cuttings and debris to the surface. The returning drilling fluid provides hydrostatic pressure to promote the prevention of formation fl...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): E21B21/00
CPCE21B2021/007E21B21/00E21B21/106E21B21/067E21B21/08E21B21/01E21B21/063
Inventor BOYD, MICHAEL
Owner WEATHERFORD TECH HLDG LLC