A self-grouting float collar

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of self-grouting float collar, including the shell for connecting casing, one-way valve assembly is arranged in the inside of shell.The one-way valve assembly includes housing, and the valve is arranged in the inside of housing.The valve is configured to enable when first state, casing is communicated with annulus between casing and formation, pressure sensor and driving element are arranged on the valve.Therein, driving element is configured to enable when second state, the valve is engaged with housing, so as to ensure that the pressure monitoring value obtained by pressure sensor is equal to predetermined pressure value, or in predetermined pressure range.In one aspect, self-grouting float collar can be in first state when being lowered into well with casing, ensure that grouting can be carried out in time, avoid the problems such as single-flow valve assembly failure or casing extrusion deformation caused by excessive pressure difference.On the other hand, pressure sensor can monitor the whole grouting process, and can also judge whether the valve is normally engaged with the inner wall of housing when self-grouting float collar is in second state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cementing technology, specifically to a self-grouting floating collar. Background Technology

[0002] For formations with rapid salt creep, the ability to quickly run the casing to the designed position is crucial for ensuring wellbore quality. During casing running, delayed grouting can lead to excessive pressure differential, causing check valve failure or casing deformation. Therefore, rapid grouting during casing running is paramount. However, both manual and top-drive grouting require considerable time. Furthermore, during operation, issues such as grouting joints falling into the well or valves not closing promptly can occur, leading to drilling fluid spillage onto the drilling platform and posing a safety risk of personnel slipping at the wellhead. Currently, there are various types of self-grouting floats, but their use is often limited by cementing techniques. Moreover, most self-grouting floats are prone to failure, which is difficult to monitor and control, significantly impacting subsequent cementing operations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned problems in the existing technology, the present invention provides a self-grouting floating collar, which can be monitored and controlled, reducing the risk of failure and ensuring subsequent cementing operations.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: to provide a self-grouting floating hoop, comprising: a shell for connecting a sleeve; and

[0005] A one-way valve assembly is disposed inside the housing. The one-way valve assembly includes a housing and a valve disposed inside the housing. The valve is configured to communicate with the annulus between the casing and the formation in a first state. The valve is equipped with a pressure sensor and an actuating element.

[0006] The drive element is configured to engage the valve with the housing in the second state, thereby ensuring that the pressure sensor receives a pressure reading equal to a predetermined pressure value or within a predetermined pressure range.

[0007] Furthermore, a guide rod is connected to the valve for connecting to a mounting base disposed within the housing, and an elastic element is provided between the valve and the mounting base.

[0008] The mounting base is configured to restrict the movement of the guide rod in a first state and release the restriction on the guide rod in a second state, so that the valve can engage with the housing under the action of the elastic element.

[0009] Furthermore, a channel is provided between the mounting base and the housing to connect the sleeve and the annulus, the channel being configured to allow fluid to flow only from the sleeve to the annulus when the valve and the housing are engaged.

[0010] Furthermore, the mounting base is also provided with a mounting groove for arranging elastic elements.

[0011] Furthermore, the guide rod is provided with a snap-fit ​​component, and the mounting base is provided with a limiting hole for the guide rod to pass through. The snap-fit ​​component is configured to cooperate with the limiting hole, so that the mounting base can restrict the guide rod in the first state and release the restriction on the guide rod in the second state.

[0012] Furthermore, the guide rod is provided with a first snap-fit ​​groove extending radially inward, and the inner wall of the limiting hole 341 is provided with a second snap-fit ​​groove extending axially. The snap-fit ​​member is located in both the first snap-fit ​​groove and the second snap-fit ​​groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the upper end of the second snap-fit ​​groove is closed so that it abuts against the snap-fit ​​member when the elastic member abuts against the valve and the mounting base, thereby restricting the upward movement of the guide rod in the first state.

[0014] Furthermore, the lower end of the second snap-fit ​​groove extends to the lower end face of the mounting base, allowing the snap-fit ​​member to move with the first snap-fit ​​groove below the lower end face of the mounting base, so that the snap-fit ​​member can detach from the first snap-fit ​​groove, thereby releasing the restriction on the guide rod in the second state.

[0015] Furthermore, the valve is configured to compress the elastic element upon fluid impact within the sleeve, and push the guide rod downward until the first snap-fit ​​groove moves below the lower end face of the mounting base.

[0016] Furthermore, a mounting cylinder is provided between the outer casing and the housing, and a sealing element is provided on the upper end face and / or lower end face of the mounting cylinder to increase the sealing performance between the outer casing and the one-way valve assembly.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention provides a self-grouting float collar, comprising a housing for connecting the casing and a one-way valve assembly disposed inside the housing. The one-way valve assembly includes a housing and a valve disposed inside the housing. The valve is configured to enable communication between the casing and the annulus between the casing and the formation in a first state. The valve is equipped with a pressure sensor and a drive element. The drive element is configured to engage the valve with the housing in a second state, thereby ensuring that the pressure monitoring value obtained by the pressure sensor is equal to a predetermined pressure value or within a predetermined pressure range. On the one hand, the self-grouting float collar remains in the first state when the casing is lowered into the well, ensuring timely grouting and avoiding problems such as one-way valve assembly failure or casing deformation due to excessive pressure differential. On the other hand, the pressure sensor can monitor the entire grouting process and determine whether the valve is properly engaged with the inner wall of the housing when the self-grouting float collar is in the second state. If the valve cannot engage with the housing, the drive element can drive the valve to engage properly with the housing, thereby ensuring that subsequent cementing operations can proceed normally. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of a self-grouting floating hoop in its first state.

[0020] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the self-grouting floating hoop in its second state.

[0021] Figure 3 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve assembly of the self-grouting float hoop in its first state.

[0022] In the figure, the following labels are used: 100, self-grouting floating hoop; 10, outer shell; 20, mounting cylinder; 21, sealing element;

[0023] 30. One-way valve assembly; 31. Housing; 32. Valve; 321. Pressure sensor; 322. Drive element; 33. Guide rod; 331. First snap-fit ​​groove; 332. Snap-fit ​​part; 34. Mounting base; 341. Limiting hole; 342. Second snap-fit ​​groove; 343. Mounting groove; 35. Channel; 36. Elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This drawing is a simplified schematic diagram, illustrating only the basic structure of the invention, and therefore only shows the components relevant to the invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0025] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a self-grouting float collar 100, comprising a housing 10 for connecting to the end of the casing, an installation cylinder 20 disposed inside the housing 10, and a one-way valve assembly 30 connected to the installation cylinder 20. During casing running, the one-way valve assembly 30 is in a first state, maintaining bidirectional communication between the casing and the annulus between the casing and the formation, allowing drilling fluid in the annulus to enter the casing through the one-way valve assembly 30, thus enabling grouting while running the casing. When the casing reaches a predetermined depth, a large-volume fluid impact can switch the one-way valve assembly 30 from the first state to a second state, where the one-way valve assembly 30 maintains unidirectional communication between the casing and the annulus, allowing fluid to enter the annulus only from the casing and not from the annulus into the casing, thereby ensuring that subsequent cementing operations can proceed normally. The fluid can be drilling fluid or cement slurry.

[0026] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the mounting cylinder 20 is a generally hollow cylindrical structure used to mount the one-way valve assembly 30 at the center of the housing 10. The mounting cylinder 20 can be made of metal and connected to the inner wall of the housing 10 by means of snap-fit, welding, screwing, etc. In other embodiments, the mounting cylinder 20 can also be made of cement.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, the upper and / or lower end faces of the mounting cylinder 20 are provided with seals 21 to increase the sealing between the housing 10 and the one-way valve assembly 30, ensuring that fluid can only flow through the one-way valve assembly 30 between the annulus and the sleeve.

[0028] Combination Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the one-way valve assembly 30 includes a housing 31 connected to the inner wall of the mounting cylinder 20, a valve 32 disposed within the housing 31, and a guide rod 33 connected to the valve 32. A mounting seat 34 extending radially inward is provided within the housing 31 for accommodating the guide rod 33. A channel 35 is provided between the mounting seat 34 and the inner wall of the housing 31 for fluid passage. An elastic element 36 is also provided on the guide rod 33, with its two ends abutting against the valve 32 and the mounting seat 34, respectively. When the one-way valve assembly 30 is in its first state, the mounting seat 34 restricts the upward movement of the guide rod 33, preventing the valve 32 from engaging with the inner wall of the housing 31 under the action of the elastic element 36, ensuring the unobstructed flow of the channel 35, so that the one-way valve assembly 30 always maintains bidirectional communication between the sleeve and the annulus. When the one-way valve assembly 30 is in the second state, the mounting base 34 releases the restriction on the guide rod 33, allowing the valve 32 to engage with the inner wall of the housing 31 under the action of the elastic element 36, so as to cut off the channel 35, thereby enabling one-way communication between the sleeve and the annulus through the one-way valve assembly 30.

[0029] In some embodiments, as the self-grouting float 100 is lowered into the well along with the casing, the valve 32 cannot engage with the inner wall of the housing 31 under the action of the elastic element 36 because the mounting seat 34 restricts the upward movement of the guide rod 33, thus the passage 35 remains unobstructed. During this process, drilling fluid in the annulus between the casing and the formation can flow into the interior of the casing through the passage 35, thereby grouting while the casing is being lowered. By impacting the valve 32 with a large volume of drilling fluid or cement slurry, the valve 32 pushes the guide rod 33 downward relative to the mounting seat 34, so that the mounting seat 34 releases the restriction on the guide rod 33. At this time, the one-way valve assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state. The valve 32 can then move upward relative to the annulus under the action of the elastic element 36 until it engages with the inner wall of the housing 31, thereby cutting off the passage 35 and establishing one-way communication between the casing and the annulus through the one-way valve assembly 30. Therefore, the one-way valve assembly 30 only allows fluid to enter the annulus from inside the sleeve, but not from inside the annulus into the sleeve.

[0030] Combination Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the valve 32 is generally a conical structure with an arc-shaped top. A pressure sensor 321 is provided on the valve 32 for detecting the pressure applied to it. An actuator 322 is also provided inside the valve 32, configured to drive the valve 32 upward relative to the mounting base 34 when the one-way valve assembly 30 is in the second state, until the valve 32 engages with the inner wall of the housing 31. Preferably, the pressure sensor 321 is located at the engagement point between the valve 32 and the inner wall of the housing 31. More preferably, the pressure sensor 321 can be electrically connected to the actuator 322, and both the pressure sensor 321 and the actuator 322 can also be electrically connected to a controller on the ground. The actuator 322 can be a motor. The specific structure by which the actuator 322 drives the valve 32 upward can be configured by those skilled in the art as needed, and will not be elaborated further in this application.

[0031] In some embodiments, as the self-grouting float 100 is lowered into the well along with the casing, the drilling fluid entering the casing through the annulus via the channel 35 also applies pressure to the pressure sensor 321 mounted on the valve 32. Therefore, the entire self-grouting process can be monitored using the pressure monitoring value obtained from the pressure sensor 321.

[0032] In some embodiments, when the one-way valve assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state, the valve 32 is normally engaged with the inner wall of the housing 31. At this time, the pressure monitoring value obtained by the pressure sensor 321 is equal to the predetermined pressure value, or within the predetermined pressure range. If the valve 32 fails to engage normally with the inner wall of the housing 31 due to a malfunction of the elastic element 36 or other reasons, the pressure monitoring value obtained by the pressure sensor 321 will not be equal to the predetermined pressure value, or will be outside the predetermined pressure range. At this time, the drive element 322 drives the valve 32 to move upward relative to the mounting base 34 until the valve 32 is normally engaged with the inner wall of the housing 31.

[0033] Recombined Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the guide rod 33 passes axially through the limiting hole 341 of the mounting base 34. The guide rod 33 has a first engaging groove 331 extending radially inward for accommodating the engaging member 332. A second engaging groove 342 extending axially is provided on the inner wall of the limiting hole 341. The upper end of the second engaging groove 342 is closed, while its lower end extends to the lower end face of the mounting base 34. In this embodiment, the engaging member 332 is a engaging ball.

[0034] In the first state, the snap-fit ​​member 332 is simultaneously located within the first snap-fit ​​groove 331 and the second snap-fit ​​groove 342. The two ends of the elastic member 36 abut against the valve 32 and the mounting base 34, respectively, so that the snap-fit ​​member 332 abuts against the upper end of the second snap-fit ​​groove 342 through the valve 32 and the guide rod 33, thereby restricting the upward movement of the guide rod 33 by the mounting base 34.

[0035] When switching from the first state to the second state, the valve 32, under the impact of the large-volume fluid, further compresses the elastic element 36 and pushes the guide rod 33 downward. The latching member 332, constrained by the first latching groove 331, moves downward along the second latching groove 342 until the first latching groove 331 is completely below the lower end face of the mounting base 34. At this point, the latching member 332 can detach from the first latching groove 331, thereby releasing the constraint on the guide rod 33, allowing the one-way valve assembly 30 to be in the second state. When the fluid no longer impacts the valve 32 at a large volume, the valve 32 moves upward under the action of the elastic element 36 and / or the driving element 322 until it engages with the inner wall of the housing 31.

[0036] In some preferred embodiments, the elastic element 36 is a spring. A mounting groove 343 is also provided on the mounting base 34 for accommodating the spring. The inner wall of the mounting groove 343 and the guide rod 33 together provide radial support to the elastic element 36 to ensure the stability of the spring.

[0037] The following is combined Figure 1-3 The usage process of the self-grouting floating hoop 100 provided by the present invention will be described in detail.

[0038] After the self-grouting float 100 is connected to the casing, it is lowered into the well along with the casing. The one-way valve assembly 30 of the self-grouting float 100 is in its first state, and the one-way valve assembly 30 always maintains bidirectional communication between the casing and the annulus. Drilling fluid in the annulus enters the interior of the casing through the channel 35, thus enabling grouting to occur simultaneously with casing lowering. The drilling fluid entering the casing applies pressure to the pressure sensor 321 on the valve 32. Therefore, the entire self-grouting process can be monitored by the pressure monitoring value obtained from the pressure sensor 321.

[0039] When the sleeve reaches the predetermined depth, a large flow of fluid impacts the valve 32 of the one-way valve assembly 30. Under the impact, the valve 32 continues to compress the elastic element 36 and pushes the guide rod 33 downward within the limiting hole 341. The snap-fit ​​element 332, partially located in the first snap-fit ​​groove 331, moves downward along the second snap-fit ​​groove 342 with the guide rod 33 until the first snap-fit ​​groove 331 is completely below the lower end face of the mounting base 34. At this point, the snap-fit ​​element 332 can be disengaged from the first snap-fit ​​groove 331.

[0040] When the fluid no longer impacts the valve 32 of the one-way valve assembly 30, the valve 32 moves upward under the pushing action of the elastic element 36 until it engages with the inner wall of the housing 31. At this time, the pressure monitoring value obtained by the pressure sensor 321 is equal to the predetermined pressure value or within the predetermined pressure range. If the pressure monitoring value obtained by the pressure sensor 321 is not equal to the predetermined pressure value or is outside the predetermined pressure range, it indicates that the valve 32 is not properly engaged with the inner wall of the housing 31. The drive element 322 then drives the valve 32 to move upward relative to the mounting base 34, so that the valve 32 engages with the inner wall of the housing 31.

[0041] During subsequent cementing operations, the cement slurry injected into the casing can be pushed downwards by the valve 32 to clear the passage 35. The cement slurry can then enter the annulus between the casing and the formation through the passage 35. Once the cement slurry that has entered the annulus flows backwards into the passage 35 due to pressure, the valve 32 will immediately move upwards under the action of the cement slurry in the passage 35 and engage with the inner wall of the casing 31 to cut off the passage 35 and ensure the normal progress of the cementing operation.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front and back", "left and right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0044] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A self-grouting floating hoop, comprising: The outer casing (10) is used to connect the sleeve; and A one-way valve assembly (30) is disposed inside the housing (10). The one-way valve assembly (30) includes a housing (31) and a valve (32) disposed inside the housing (31). The valve (32) is configured to enable communication between the casing and the annulus between the casing and the formation in a first state. A pressure sensor (321) and a drive element (322) are disposed on the valve (32). A guide rod (33) is connected to the valve (32) for connection with a mounting base (34) disposed inside the housing (31). An elastic element (36) is disposed between the valve (32) and the mounting base (34). in, The drive element (322) is configured to engage the valve (32) with the housing (31) in the second state, thereby ensuring that the pressure monitoring value obtained by the pressure sensor (321) is equal to a predetermined pressure value or within a predetermined pressure range.

2. The self-grouting floating hoop according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base (34) is configured to restrict the movement of the guide rod (33) in a first state and release the restriction on the guide rod (33) in a second state so that the valve (32) can engage with the housing (31) under the action of the elastic member (36).

3. The self-grouting floating hoop according to claim 2, characterized in that, A channel (35) is provided between the mounting base (34) and the housing (31) to connect the sleeve and the annulus. The channel (35) is configured to allow fluid to flow from the sleeve to the annulus only when the valve (32) and the housing (31) are engaged.

4. The self-grouting floating hoop according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting base (34) is also provided with a mounting groove (343) for arranging the elastic element (36).

5. The self-grouting floating hoop according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide rod (33) is provided with a snap-fit ​​member (332), and the mounting base (34) is provided with a limiting hole (341) for the guide rod (33) to pass through. The snap-fit ​​member (332) is configured to cooperate with the limiting hole (341), so that the mounting base (34) can restrict the guide rod (33) in the first state and release the restriction on the guide rod (33) in the second state.

6. The self-grouting floating hoop according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide rod (33) is provided with a first snap-fit ​​groove (331) extending radially inward, and the inner wall of the limiting hole (341) is provided with a second snap-fit ​​groove (342) extending axially. The snap-fit ​​member (332) is located in both the first snap-fit ​​groove (331) and the second snap-fit ​​groove (342).

7. The self-grouting floating hoop according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper end of the second snap-fit ​​groove (342) is closed so that it abuts against the snap-fit ​​member (332) when the elastic member (36) abuts against the valve (32) and the mounting base (34), thereby restricting the upward movement of the guide rod (33) in the first state.

8. The self-grouting floating hoop according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lower end of the second snap-fit ​​groove (342) extends to the lower end face of the mounting base (34), so that the snap-fit ​​member (332) can move with the first snap-fit ​​groove (331) below the lower end face of the mounting base (34) so ​​that the snap-fit ​​member (332) can be dislodged from the first snap-fit ​​groove (331), thereby releasing the restriction on the guide rod (33) in the second state.

9. The self-grouting floating hoop according to claim 8, characterized in that, The valve (32) is configured to compress the elastic element (36) when impacted by fluid within the sleeve, and push the guide rod (33) downward until the first snap-fit ​​groove (331) moves below the lower end face of the mounting base (34).

10. The self-grouting floating hoop according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, An installation cylinder (20) is provided between the outer shell (10) and the housing (31), and a sealing element (21) is provided on the upper end face and / or lower end face of the installation cylinder (20) to increase the sealing between the outer shell (10) and the one-way valve assembly (30).

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