Sleeve perforating tool

Abstract

A tool (350) includes a body having one or more segments (354). Each of the one or more segments (354) includes an outer wall (355a / b), an interior volume defined within the outer wall (355a / b), and a pre-perforated lance (352) mounted at the outer wall (355a / b). The tool (350) also includes one or more acoustic transducers (360) that induce sonoluminescence in the interior volume, where pressure generated by the induced sonoluminescence causes the pre-perforated lance (352) to eject from the outer wall (355a / b). An associated method includes providing such a tool (350) that is inserted into a wellbore (302) and ejected from an outer wall (355a / b).

Description

Background Art

[0001] Wellbore stimulation is a branch of petroleum engineering that focuses on methods to increase the flow of hydrocarbons from the formation to the wellbore for production. In order to produce hydrocarbons from a target formation, the hydrocarbons in the formation need to flow from the formation to the wellbore in order to be produced and flow to the surface. The flow from the formation to the wellbore may depend on the formation permeability. When the formation permeability is low, stimulation measures are used to enhance the flow. Stimulation measures may be applied around the wellbore and in the formation to create a network in the formation.

[0002] Traditionally, and for the purpose of wellbore stimulation, perforating guns with shaped charges and detonators may be used. In order to thereby establish communication between the wellbore and the surrounding formation, separate explosives may be detonated so that each explosive creates a corresponding tunnel that penetrates the wellbore casing and branches from the wellbore into the formation. However, tunnels constructed in this way are often prone to sand production, structural deformation or even collapse. Effective remedies have not yet been developed to significantly improve these disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a tool comprising a body comprising one or more segments. Each of the one or more segments comprises an outer wall, an inner volume defined within the outer wall, and a pre-punched lance mounted at the outer wall. The tool further comprises one or more acoustic transducers that induce sonoluminescence in the inner volume, wherein pressure generated by the induced sonoluminescence causes the pre-punched lance to pop out of the outer wall. In other words, the one or more acoustic transducers can be configured to induce sonoluminescence in the inner volume, thereby generating pressure that causes the pre-punched lance to pop out of the outer wall.

[0005] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method comprising providing a tool comprising a body comprising one or more segments. The one or more segments comprise an outer wall, an inner volume defined within the outer wall, and a pre-perforated lance mounted at the outer wall. The tool is inserted into a wellbore and sonoluminescence is induced in the inner volume. The pre-perforated lance is ejected from the outer wall by pressure generated by the induced sonoluminescence.

[0006] Other aspects and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Specific embodiments of the disclosed technology will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For consistency, similar elements are represented by similar reference numerals in various drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 A conventional drilling rig and wellbore are schematically shown in cross-sectional elevation as a general background and in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D The general principle of sonoluminescence according to one or more embodiments is schematically illustrated.

[0010] Figure 3 A perforating tool according to one or more embodiments is schematically shown in elevation.

[0011] Figure 4A Schematically illustrates a method according to one or more embodiments Figure 3 A cutaway elevation view of a segment of the tool in .

[0012] Figure 4B Schematically illustrates a method according to one or more embodiments Figure 4A A plan view of a rupture disk.

[0013] Figure 5 Provides Figure 3 Essentially the same view, but showing a subsequent stage of operation according to one or more embodiments.

[0014] Figure 6 A flow chart of a method according to one or more embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known features are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0016] Throughout this application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) may be used as adjectives of elements (i.e., any nouns in this application). The use of ordinal numbers does not imply or create any particular order of elements, nor does it limit any element to only a single element, unless explicitly disclosed, such as using the terms "before," "after," "single," and other such terms. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is to distinguish between elements. As an example, a first element is different from a second element, and a first element may contain more than one element and be after (or before) a second element in the ordering of elements.

[0017]

[0013] In accordance with one or more embodiments, an arrangement is broadly contemplated herein for establishing communication between a subterranean wellbore and a surrounding formation by employing sonoluminescence to generate sufficient pressure to actuate a pre-perforated lance.

[0018] Now turn to the drawings, for ease of description Figures 1 to 6 For easier reference, reference numerals may be advanced by multiples of 100 to indicate Figures 1 to 6 Similar or analogous parts or elements in.

[0019] Figure 1 A conventional drilling rig and wellbore are schematically shown in cross-sectional elevation as a general background and in accordance with one or more embodiments. Figure 1 A non-limiting example of a well site 100 is shown. The well site 100 is described as being on land. In other examples, the well site 100 may be offshore and drilling may be performed with or without the use of a marine riser. The drilling operation at the well site 100 may include drilling a wellbore 102 into the ground including various formations 126. In order to drill a new portion of the wellbore 102, a drill string 112 is suspended within the wellbore 102. The drill string 112 may include one or more drill pipes connected to form a pipe and a bottom hole assembly (BHA) 124 disposed at the distal end of the pipe. The BHA 124 may include a drill bit 128 to cut into the underground rock. The BHA 124 may include measurement tools, such as a measurement while drilling (MWD) tool or a logging while drilling (LWD) tool (not shown), as well as other drilling tools that are not specifically shown but will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0020] Additionally, as a general background according to one or more embodiments, a drill string 112 may be suspended in a wellbore 102 by a derrick structure 101. A crown block 106 may be mounted on top of the derrick structure 101. A traveling block 108 may be suspended from the crown block 106 by a cable or drill string 103. One end of the drill string 103 may be connected to a drawworks 104, which is a winding device that can be used to adjust the length of the drill string 103, so that the traveling block 108 can move up or down along the derrick structure 101. The traveling block 108 may include a hook 109 on which a top drive 110 is supported. The top drive 110 is coupled to the top of the drill string 112 and is operable to rotate the drill string 112. Alternatively, the drill string 112 may be rotated by a rotating table (not shown) on the surface 114. Drilling fluid (commonly referred to as mud) may be pumped into the drill string 112 from a mud system 130. The mud may flow into the drill string 112 through appropriate flow paths in the top drive 110 or through a rotating swivel if a rotary table (not shown) is used.

[0021] Furthermore, as a general background according to one or more embodiments, and during drilling operations at the well site 100, the drill string 112 is rotated relative to the wellbore 102, and weight is applied to the drill bit 128 to enable the drill bit 128 to break rock as the drill string 112 rotates. In some cases, the drill bit 128 can be independently rotated using a drilling motor. Typically, a combination of a drilling motor and a top drive 110 (or a rotary swivel if a rotary table is used instead of a top drive) can also be used to rotate the drill string 112, thereby rotating the drill bit 128. As the rock is cut with the drill bit 128, drilling fluid or "mud" (not shown) is pumped into the drill string 112. The mud flows down the drill string 112 and is discharged to the bottom of the wellbore 102 through nozzles in the drill bit 128. The mud in the wellbore 102 then flows upward in the annular space between the drill string 112 and the wellbore 102 back to the surface 114, thereby carrying entrained drill cuttings to the surface 114. The mud with the drill cuttings is returned to the mud system 130 to be circulated again into the drill string 112. Typically, the drill cuttings are removed from the mud before the mud is pumped again into the drill string 112, and the mud is reprocessed as needed.

[0022] Furthermore, as a general background according to one or more embodiments, the drilling operation is completed when the drill string 112, BHA 124, and drill bit 128 are retrieved from the wellbore 102. In some embodiments where the wellbore 102 is constructed, a production casing operation may be initiated. A casing string 116 is lowered into the wellbore 102 on the drill string 112, the casing string 116 being composed of one or more larger diameter tubulars having an inner diameter larger than the drill string 112 but an outer diameter smaller than the wellbore 102. Typically, the casing string 116 is designed to isolate the inner diameter of the wellbore 102 from the adjacent formation 126. Once the casing string 116 is in place, it is secured, and cement is typically pumped down through the interior space of the casing string 116, out of the bottom of the casing shoe 120, and into the annular space between the outer diameter of the wellbore 102 and the casing string 116. This secures the casing string 116 in place and creates the desired isolation between the wellbore 102 and the formation 126. At this point, drilling of the next section of wellbore 102 may begin.

[0023] The present disclosure now turns to a working example of a perforating tool according to one or more embodiments, as described with respect to Figures 2A to 6 It should be understood and appreciated that these represent merely illustrative examples and that many possible implementations are contemplated within the scope of the embodiments as broadly contemplated herein.

[0024] As general background according to one or more embodiments, perforating is a process for, for example, Figure 1 The completion phase occurs after the main wellbore is drilled as described and shown. The wellbore may be as Figure 1Shown with a sleeve, or may be without a sleeve.

[0025] As additional background according to one or more embodiments, when sound waves travel through a fluid (e.g., water) in the presence of a gas, bubbles are formed. When the bubble collapses, it generates a very large amount of energy at very high pressures and temperatures; this is essentially the principle of sonoluminescence.

[0026] Therefore, according to one or more embodiments, the principle of sonoluminescence is employed in the perforation phase of a well completion. In particular, as described above, one or more gas bubbles are generated in situ in the wellbore and by a dedicated tool. The energy generated is collected to drive one or more pre-perforating lances into the surrounding formation, thereby forming a casing perforation tunnel.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments, FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D The general principle of sonoluminescence is schematically shown. Figure 2A Shown are bubbles 240 in a fluid environment 242. The bubbles 240 may be pre-existing or may be generated (eg, by a known cavitation process).

[0028] According to one or more embodiments, Figure 2B As shown, the bubble 240 is then expanded when bombarded with sound waves 244. In particular, the sound waves 244 will have sufficient intensity to cause the expansion of the bubble 240. Figure 2C As shown, the expanded bubble 240 continues to be exposed to the sound wave 244, or is re-exposed to a new transmission of the sound wave 244, and is caused to rupture. Figure 2D As shown, the collapse results in the release of energy and light (246). Significantly high pressures and temperatures, such as about 101.3 MPa (about 14695 psi) and 4727° C. (8540° Fahrenheit), may then result. If deemed appropriate for the current operating environment, the pressure generated may be even higher by creating or expanding even more bubbles 240 or transmitting stronger sound waves 244. The pressure generated may generally be adjusted based on a number of different factors, including the hardness or permeability of the nearby formations (see Figure 3 326). Thus, by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, the pressure generated may be about 2.4 MPa (about 350 psi) for soft and shallow formations, or may be as high as about 137.9 MPa (about 20,000 psi) for harder, deeper formations.

[0029] According to one or more embodiments, Figure 3The perforating tool 350 is schematically shown in elevation. In particular, the perforating tool 350 generates acoustic bubbles and releases energy in situ via sonoluminescence, and this energy ejects a pre-perforating lance 352 into the formation 326 to create a tunnel. Once ejected and driven into the formation 326, the holes or perforations in the pre-perforating lance 352 will allow hydrocarbons to flow between the formation 326 and the wellbore 302.

[0030] Thus, according to one or more embodiments, the perforating tool 350 may include a body (e.g., generally cylindrical in shape) and may be inserted into the wellbore 302 and positioned at a predetermined target area downhole. The tool 350 may include a plurality of segments 354 arranged in series along a central longitudinal axis A of the tool 350; Figure 3 354. Each segment 354 comprises one or more pre-punched lances 352 attached thereto; in the working example shown, each segment 354 has one such lance 352. Each segment 354 can be rotationally displaced relative to one or more adjacent segments 354. Therefore, for this purpose, each segment 354 can be connected to one or more axially adjacent segments 354 via a suitable rotation joint 356.

[0031] According to one or more embodiments, one or more swellable packers 358 may also be attached to the tool 350 in a manner that, when actuated, moves the position of the tool 350 (e.g., laterally or radially) within the wellbore 302 and thereby provides sufficient clearance between the tool 350 and the inner surface of the wellbore 302 to allow for effective deployment of the lance 352. Figure 3 Four such packers 358 are shown in FIG, wherein two pairs of packers are disposed diametrically opposite each other relative to tool 350. Packers 358 may be substantially any suitable configuration or arrangement to facilitate alignment or movement of tool 350 within wellbore 302. Figure 3 An illustrative working example is shown in , where, for each packer 358 , an extendable arm portion is installed at the tool 350 , and a pad portion attached thereto can contact the inner surface of the wellbore 302 .

[0032] According to one or more embodiments, each segment 354 may be rotated about axis A via the swivel joint 356 such that the pre-punch lance 352 may be oriented in any predetermined radial direction relative to axis A.

[0033] According to one or more embodiments, Figure 4A Shown in cross-sectional view Figure 3The present invention relates to a segment 354 of the present invention, which includes a single pre-punched lance 352. The segment 354 includes an outer wall defined by a circumferential portion 355a (e.g., cylindrical) and an end 355b (e.g., each end is generally disc-shaped and disposed at a respective axial end of the circumferential portion 355a). One or more acoustic transducers 360 can be disposed in each end 355b. Each transducer 360 transmits an acoustic wave 344 through the fluid environment 342 to cause the acoustic bubble 340 to expand and then rupture, for example, via continuous transmission of the acoustic wave 344 or via different transmissions, as described above.

[0034] According to one or more embodiments, and in conjunction with reference Figure 3 and Figure 4A , the transducers 360 can be powered and controlled from the surface. They can also be controlled individually or collectively with respect to each segment 354; that is, they can be controlled differently for each segment 354 of the tool 350, or can be controlled in unison with other transducers 360 in other segments 354. Such control can be determined with respect to the characteristics of the formation 326. For example, if the formation 326 is homogeneous, with little variation in its lithology throughout at least the entire target area of ​​the tool 350 in the wellbore 302, the transducers 360 can be controlled collectively across the segments 354. If there is indeed significant variation in the lithology of the formation 326, the transducers 360 can be controlled differently from one segment 354 to another in at least one target area of ​​the tool 350 in the wellbore 302.

[0035] As shown, according to one or more embodiments, the pre-perforated lance 352 is installed at the outer wall circumference portion 355a. The lance 352 may include a main body portion 361a and a tapered portion 361b. The main body portion 361a can be implemented as a generally cylindrical tubular conduit, and the tapered portion 361b can extend from the distal end of the main body portion 361a and taper to a point as shown. Both the main body portion 361a and the tapered portion 361b can be implemented as a hollow member having a perforation (or hole or orifice) disposed through its corresponding outer wall portion. For the purpose of illustration, the perforation is depicted as a white dot on the lance 352, but it should be understood that they can be implemented by substantially any suitable form, shape or array. Functionally, when the pre-perforated lance 352 pops up from the wellbore into the formation, the perforation is configured to allow hydrocarbons to flow between the formation and the wellbore.

[0036] According to one or more embodiments, rupture disk 362 is inserted between the interior volume (defined within outer wall 355a / b) and pre-punched lance 352. Rupture disk 362 is configured to rupture in response to pressure generated by the induced sonoluminescence described above and allow pre-punched lance 352 to be ejected away from outer wall circumferential portion 355b. More specifically, rupture disk 362 is configured to rupture at a predetermined threshold pressure. Thus, the threshold pressure is selected such that the pressure generated via the induced sonoluminescence will be sufficient to rupture disk 362 and cause pre-punched lance 352 to be ejected radially away from segment 354 in direction 364 and into formation 326.

[0037] According to one or more embodiments, various parameters such as the characteristics of the acoustic waves 344, the rupture disk 362, and the interior volume defined within the outer wall 355a / b may be tailored or calibrated to ensure that sufficient pressure is generated to contain the lance 352 in the formation 326 to an extent that permits hydrocarbon recovery through the lance 352. These parameters may be determined, for example, by empirical data obtained from experiments and evaluating such data in a matrix.

[0038] According to one or more embodiments, the segments 354 are formed of a very strong material having a very high pressure rating (e.g., in excess of 103.4 MPa (15,000 psi)). Thus, the segments 354 can be formed as an enhanced fluid container. Any of a variety of materials may be used for this purpose, such as titanium or stronger steel, with the thickness appropriately adjusted to withstand the very high pressures generated therein. Additionally, the fluid environment 342 (within the interior volume defined within the outer walls 355a / b) can be embodied by a mixture of water and air sufficient to facilitate the generation of the acoustic bubbles 340.

[0039] According to one or more embodiments, Figure 4B The plan view schematically shows Figure 4A The rupture disk 362 in the embodiment of the present invention. The rupture disk 362 can be formed of any suitable material, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, graphite or high-performance alloy. Parameters such as the material and its thickness can be customized to help establish the above threshold pressure.

[0040] According to one or more embodiments, it should be understood that Figure 3 350 is shown in an operational stage in which a pre-punched lance 352 is initially installed at the tool 350. For its part, Figure 5 Provides Figure 3 Essentially the same view, but showing a subsequent stage of operation. In particular, Figure 53, the lance 352 has been ejected as described above and driven through the inner surface of the wellbore 302 and into the surrounding formation 326. Then, as shown by the arrows, hydrocarbon flow from the formation 326 can begin to enter the holes in the pre-perforated lance 352 and into the wellbore 302.

[0041] By virtue of one or more embodiments, the use of acoustic bubbles and sonoluminescence avoids functional problems that may be encountered in other conceivable alternatives. For example, the chemicals may react and generate pressure sufficient to eject the pre-perforated lance 352 toward and into the formation 326. However, this may present a serious risk of contamination, and the reaction may otherwise be difficult to control. It is also contemplated to use hot and combustible gases, where the gas expands sufficiently in the chamber to generate sufficient pressure for ejection of the pre-perforated lance 352. However, this may also be difficult to control, and similarly there may be a serious risk of contamination or structural damage.

[0042] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method is shown as a general overview of steps that may be performed according to one or more embodiments described or contemplated herein.

[0043] Thus, according to one or more embodiments, a tool (670) is provided that includes a body having one or more segments, the one or more segments including (672): an outer wall; an inner volume defined within the outer wall; and a pre-punched lance mounted at the outer wall. This may correspond to Figure 3 and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B The tool 350 and segment 354 are described and shown. The tool is inserted into the wellbore (674), and sonoluminescence is induced in the interior volume (676). This may correspond to Figure 3 and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B The pre-punched lance is ejected from the outer wall via the pressure generated by the induced sonoluminescence (678). This may correspond to the FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B and Figure 5 Describe and illustrate the relevant steps.

[0044] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications may be made in the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any functional limitations are intended to cover structures described herein as performing the functions described and the equivalents of those structures. Thus, while nails and screws may not be structural equivalents because nails employ cylindrical surfaces to secure wooden parts together and screws employ helical surfaces, nails and screws may be equivalent structures in the context of fastening wooden parts.

Claims

1. A tool (350), comprising: a body, the body comprising one or more segments (354); Each of the one or more segments (354) includes: Outer wall (355a / b); an interior volume defined within said outer wall (355a / b); and a pre-punched lance (352) mounted at the outer wall (355a / b); and one or more acoustic transducers (360) that induce sonoluminescence in the interior volume, Therein, the pressure generated by the induced sonoluminescence causes the pre-punched lance (352) to pop out from the outer wall (355a / b).

2. The tool (350) of claim 1, comprising a fluid environment (242) disposed in the interior volume.

3. The tool (350) according to claim 2, wherein: The one or more acoustic transducers (360) induce sonoluminescence by emitting acoustic waves (244) that expand and collapse acoustic bubbles (240) in the fluid environment (242).

4. The tool (350) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The fluid environment (242) includes a mixture of water and air.

5. The tool (350) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The one or more segments (354) include a plurality of segments (354) optionally arranged in series along a longitudinal axis of the tool (350).

6. The tool (350) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The one or more acoustic transducers (360) include a plurality of acoustic transducers (360); Each of the one or more segments (354) includes one or more of the plurality of acoustic transducers (360).

7. The tool (350) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: Each of the one or more segments (354) is rotationally displaceable relative to an adjacent segment of the one or more segments (354).

8. The tool (350) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: Each of the one or more segments (354) includes a rupture disk (362); The rupture disk (362) is inserted between the interior volume and the pre-punched lance (352).

9. The tool (350) according to claim 8, wherein: The rupture disk (362) is configured to: rupture in response to pressure generated by the induced sonoluminescence; and The pre-punched lance (352) is allowed to pop out of the outer wall (355a / b).

10. The tool (350) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising one or more swellable packers (358), wherein the one or more swellable packers (358) are configured to move the position of the tool (350) within the wellbore (302).

11. The tool (350) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The pre-punched lance (352) comprises a tubular body (361a) having perforations therein, Wherein, when the pre-perforated lance (352) is ejected from the wellbore (352) into the formation (326), the perforations are configured to allow hydrocarbons to flow between the formation (326) and the wellbore (302).

12. A method comprising: A tool (350) is provided comprising a body comprising one or more segments (354), the one or more segments comprising: Outer wall (355a / b); an interior volume defined within said outer wall (355a / b); and a pre-punched lance (352) mounted at the outer wall (355a / b); inserting the tool into a wellbore (302); inducing sonoluminescence in the interior volume; and The pre-punched lance (352) is ejected from the outer wall (355a / b) by the pressure generated by the induced sonoluminescence.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Inducing sonoluminescence includes inducing sonoluminescence via one or more acoustic transducers (360) of the tool (350).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Inducing sonoluminescence includes emitting sound waves (244) via one or more sound transducers (360), The sound waves (244) cause an acoustic bubble (240) disposed in a fluid environment (242) within the interior volume to expand and collapse.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The one or more segments (354) include a plurality of segments (354) optionally arranged in series along a longitudinal axis of the tool (350); The one or more acoustic transducers (360) include a plurality of acoustic transducers (360); and Each of the one or more segments (354) includes one or more of the plurality of acoustic transducers.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein: Each of the one or more segments (354) is rotationally displaceable relative to an adjacent segment of the one or more segments (354).

17. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein: Each of the one or more segments (354) includes a rupture disk (362) interposed between the interior volume and the pre-punched lance (352), Wherein, ejecting the pre-punched lance (352) includes ejecting the pre-punched lance (352) from the outer wall (355a / b) when the rupture disk (352) ruptures in response to pressure generated by the induced sonoluminescence.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, further comprising moving the position of the tool (350) within the wellbore (302) via one or more swellable packers (358).

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein: Ejecting the pre-perforated lance (352) includes ejecting the pre-perforated lance (352) from the wellbore (302) into the formation (326).

20. The method of any one of claims 12 to 19, further comprising allowing hydrocarbons to flow between a formation (326) and the wellbore (302) through perforations provided in the pre-perforated lance (352).

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