Deployment tool & methodology for running and setting frac plugs and releasing frac balls

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a method for deploying a frac ball within a subterranean location, having the steps of: deploying a wireline tool into the subterranean location, wherein the wireline tool defines a cavity housing the frac ball; pumping a fluid into the subterranean location; retaining the frac ball in the cavity while the fluid is pumped below a predetermined flow rate; setting a frac plug into the subterranean location; and firing one or more guns into the subterranean location.

Description

STATEMENTS REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0001]Not Applicable.NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT[0002]Not Applicable.BACKGROUND[0003]Technical Field: The disclosure relates to the field of plug and perforate processes in the petrochemical industry, in particular, devices and methods relating to the release or delivery of a frac ball or other occluding object onto a seat of a frac plug, after setting the frac plug into place.[0004]In conventionally known plug and perforate systems, a bottom hole assembly (also referred to herein as “BHA”) may include one or more perforating guns, a plug setting tool, and a frac plug or isolation device. Some BHAs may optionally further include a ball release tool. The BHA delivers and sets a frac plug or isolation device at a desired location within the casing. The frac plug or isolation device typically has a throughbore which may be blocked or plugged with a frac ball or other object. A first known conventiona...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a method for drilling a well and using a frac ball to help fracture the rock. The frac ball is placed in the well and then pumped with fluid while a plug is placed at the bottom. The pumped fluid then pushes the frac ball into position. The frac ball helps to hold the rock in place and allows for better drilling. The technical effect of this patent is to improve the process of drilling oil and gas wells by using a frac ball to help fracture the rock.

Problems solved by technology

This method of conveying the ball requires valuable time, fuel and fluid, which results in a relatively large environmental footprint.

A second known conventional means of delivering the frac ball includes simultaneously carrying the frac ball and frac plug to the desired location, which is a comparatively smaller environmental footprint compared to the first known conventional means but is problematic when the perforating guns have misfired and the frac ball has nonetheless been inserted into the seat of the frac plug.

In this scenario, the seating of the frac ball in the frac plug prevents the wireline from easily or efficiently running replacement guns.

All of these corrective measures are generally expensive in terms of cost, operational delay and / or needed equipment and resources.

However, the devices and methods under US20150252643 do not allow for precise operator control of when the frac ball is released.

The firing of less than all of the perforating guns may not be sufficient to proceed with additional fracturing activities, despite the automatic release of the frac ball.

Thus, it may still be necessary to run replacement guns into the casing, but because the frac ball automatically seated onto the frac plug, this presents the same or similar problems as identified before.

When the amount of explosive charge is reduced but the penetration depth is the unchanged, these conventional methods may result in increased risk of failure of rupturing the fluid pathways.

Hence mitigation would be required, and downhole mitigation takes up valuable rig time.

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