Pressure management when flowing down part of the annulus of a well

The method addresses the challenge of managing pressure during well construction by pumping cement down the outer annulus and using pressure sensors, and by controlling pressure during gravel packing to maintain safe operation within narrow pressure margins.

WO2025071414A1 Publication Date: 2025-04-03ENHANCED DRILLING AS
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/NO2024/050204
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-03
Filing Date
2024-09-27
Publication Date
2025-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional well construction methods face challenges in managing pressure during cementing and gravel packing operations, especially in wells with reversed pressure gradients, where the risk of fracturing is high and the pressure margin between collapse and fracture pressures is narrow.

Method used

The method involves pumping cement down the outer annulus of a concentric tube, using a topside choke to control pressure and avoid the U-tubing effect, and employing pressure sensors to detect cement entry. Additionally, the method allows for controlled pressure management during gravel packing by maintaining constant heel pressure while allowing pressure in the open hole section to drop below collapse pressure, ensuring safe operation within the pressure window.

Benefits of technology

This approach effectively manages pressure during cementing and gravel packing, reducing the risk of fracturing and ensuring that operations are conducted within safe pressure limits, even in wells with tight pressure margins.

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Abstract

The present invention relates a methodology for managing pressure in a well where fluid, in particular cement, is flowing downwards in the annulus in a part of the well In a preferred aspect the invention allows gravel packing operations with full alpha and beta waves gravel packing in formations with tight pressure margins without exceeding the fracture pressure of any section of the well. This is achieved by managing the pressure in the well such that the pressure at the heel is kept close to constant, while allowing the pressure in the lower part of the open hole section to drop below the theoretical collapse pressure. 4a
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