Method and tool for cementing in a wellbore

Abstract

A bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising a deformation tool, wherein the BHA is adapted for performing a deformation and cementing operation in a wellbore in a single trip.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND TOOL FOR CEMENTING IN A WELLBORE

[0002] INTRODUCTION

[0003] The disclosure relates to cementing a wellbore of a hydrocarbon well. It is disclosed methods for cementing through a deformation tool and downhole tools including a deformation tool adapted for cementing through the deformation tool.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Cementing hydrocarbon wells have been performed for a long time. In some scenarios, the well shall be abandoned and must be permanently plugged. This is done in a plug and abandonment operation (P&A). In other scenarios, an operator plugs a well such that a sidetrack well can be drilled above the plug. When filling a well annulus with a plugging material, typically cement. In some wells, it may be desirable to create a cement base in the annulus. The cement base in the annulus may be made by deforming the well pipe, such as a casing. Furthermore, to save costly rig time, it is desirable to perform as many operations as possible for each run into the well.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention provides a method for cementing through a deformation tool. The method may be performed in a single trip in a wellbore. The method creates a cement plug in a wellbore.

[0008] It is disclosed a method running a bottom hole assembly (BHA) into a wellbore. The BHA comprising a deformation tool. The deformation tool is a deformation tool for tubulars (e.g. casing, tubings). The deformation tool may be a mechanical deformation tool. The method further comprising deforming at least one tubular of the wellbore providing a base for a fluidized plugging material in the at least one annulus. A fluidized plugging material such as e.g. cement, is passed through the deformation tool to provide a plug in the wellbore. The method may be performed in a single trip in the wellbore.

[0009] It is disclosed a method comprising running a bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising a deformation tool into a wellbore; deforming at least one tubular of the wellbore providing a base for a fluidized plugging material in at least one annulus; and passing a fluidized plugging material through the deformation tool to provide a plug in the wellbore.

[0010] The method may be performed in a single trip in the wellbore.

[0011] The method may comprise perforating the at least one tubular before deforming the at least one tubular. The method may comprise setting a plug system in the wellbore before deforming the at least one tubular. The method may comprise setting a plug system in the wellbore after deforming the at least one tubular.

[0012] It is disclosed a method for providing a cement plug in a wellbore. The method comprising performing cementing through a deformation tool in a single trip in a wellbore. The method may further comprise deforming at least one tubular of the wellbore providing a cement base in at least one annulus of the wellbore.

[0013] It is disclosed a method comprising running a bottom hole assembly (BHA) including a deformation tool into a wellbore. Deforming by the deformation tool at least one tubular of the wellbore providing a cement base in at least one annulus. Cementing through the deformation tool to provide a cement plug in the wellbore. The method may further comprise perforating the at least one tubular before deforming the at least one tubular. The method may further comprise setting a plug system in the wellbore before deforming the at least one tubular. The method may further comprise setting a plug system with at least one cup in the wellbore after deforming the at least one tubular. The method may further comprise cementing the annulus of the wellbore before cementing the inside of the tubular.

[0014] It is disclosed a bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising a deformation tool. The BHA is adapted for performing a deformation and cementing operation in a wellbore in a single trip. The BHA may further comprise at least one perforating tool. The BHA may further comprise at least one plug system. The BHA may further comprise at least one tool for perforate, wash and cement. The BHA may further comprise at least one spear. The BHA may further comprise at least one cutting tool. The BHA may further comprise at least one piece of drill pipe. The BHA may further comprise at least one stinger portion. The bottom hole assembly (BHA) may further comprise at least one milling tool. It is disclosed a tool adapted for performing a deformation and cementing operation in a wellbore in a single trip.

[0015] It is disclosed a deformation tool adapted to perform cementing through the deformation tool in a single trip.

[0016] The bottom hole assembly (BHA) according to above may be used in a P&A operation in a wellbore.

[0017] The tool according to above may be used in a P&A operation in a wellbore.

[0018] The method and the tool enable performing a cementing operation in a well in a time-saving and cost efficient manner. The deformation of the tubular and the cementing operation establishing a cement plug in the wellbore is performed during the same trip into the well.

[0019] The disclosed method and tool combine cementing operations with deformation operations in the same trip in the well.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Example embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings. The example embodiments are not limiting for the disclosure.

[0022] Fig.1 illustrates a bottom hole assembly (BHA).

[0023] Fig.2a-e is a schematic illustrating an exemplary method for cementing through a deformation tool.

[0024] Fig.3a-e is a schematic illustrating a further exemplary method for cementing through a deformation tool.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Example embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used for the same or similar features in all the drawings and throughout the description. The drawings may not be to scale. The example embodiments are not limiting for the invention. In the example embodiments cement is used for plugging the wellbore. Other fluidized plugging materials may also however be used to create a plug in a wellbore. Fig.1 is a schematic illustration of a bottom hole assembly 1 (BHA). The illustrated bottom hole assembly comprising a tool 2 and an additional tool 3. The BHA comprising a deformation tool. The deformation tool is a mechanical deformation tool. The deformation tool is a deformation tool for tubulars (e.g. casing, tubings). The mechanical deformation tool may e.g. be a cone type tool or a packer type tool. The BHA is adapted for performing a deformation and cementing operation in a wellbore in a single trip. The deformation and cementing operation results in a wellbore cement plug plugging the annuli / annulus and the main bore of the wellbore. The cement plug plugs the well and includes cement in annuli / annulus and in the main bore.

[0027] The BHA configuration is flexible with a deformation tool stand alone or in combination with other tools. Other tools may be provided above and / or below the deformation tool. The other tools that may be provided above and / or below the deformation tool may include at least one of: a plug / plug system (e.g. a casing packer or a bridge plug), a spear, a cutting tool, one piece of drill pipe, a stinger portion, a milling tool, a perforation tool, a mechanical perforation tool. The bottom hole assembly (BHA) may include at least one tool for perforate, wash and cement. The BHA may be run on a drill pipe or coiled tubing.

[0028] The BHA is run in hole with a deformation tool stand-alone or in combination with other tools e.g. a perforator tool, a casing packer etc. as explained above. The deformation tool is a deformation tool that can be used for a tubular(s) (casing(s), tubing(s)). The deformation tool deforms the tubular(s) to create a cement base in the annulus / annuli. Cement through the deformation tool is performed to cement annulus / annuli and the main bore of the wellbore. Optionally, in some embodiments the tubular(s) are perforated before deforming the tubular(s) to create a cement base in the annulus / annuli. Optionally, in some embodiments a plug system (e.g. packer or bridge plug) is set in the wellbore after deforming the tubular(s) to create a cement base in the annulus / annuli.

[0029] The deformation tool deforms one or more tubulars in the wellbore by applying a force to the tubular(s). Additional energy supply may be needed downhole to enable the deformation tool to deform the tubular(s). The deformation tool may include a power section supplying power to the deformation tool. The power section may optionally also provide power to other tools of the BHA.

[0030] The wellbore illustrated in Fig.2a-e and Fig. 3a-e has a single annulus. The wellbore may also have a second annulus, providing a dual annulus configuration. The wellbore may also have further annuli. Wells are plugged and abandoned using one or more plugs depending on the well and the regulatory requirements for the specific well. The plug also provides a base for the cement in the main bore of the wellbore. A cement base may be created for each plug in the wellbore. A base for cement may also be needed in an annulus / annuli of the wellbore. The base for the cement is provided by deforming the tubular(s). Wellbores have different diameters depending on the well and depth of the wellbore. Typically, well internal diameters of a borehole decrease with depth in stages provided by the different tubulars arranged in the borehole. The BHA with deformation tool may be used in different well diameters e.g. 7” x 9 5 / 8”; 7” x 13 3 / 8”; 9 5 / 8” x 9 5 / 8”; 9 5 / 8” x 13 3 / 8”. The BHA for cementing through a deformation tool is adapted for deformation of the tubulars along the borehole also in wells with varying diameters.

[0031] The tubular(s) of the wellbore are perforated before the deformation tool deforms the tubular(s). The perforations are made with a perforation tool. Perforations are made in a bottom part of the tubular and in an upper part of the tubular. Optionally, perforating the tubular(s) may already have been done in a separate trip before the BHA with the deformation tool is RIH (Run in hole). Perforating the tubular may also be performed in the same trip as deforming and cementing through the deformation tool. As an example, for a fundament for the cement to be placed at a depth of 350 m, a deep perforation (bottom part) may be at 352 m and a shallow perforation (upper part) at 230 m.

[0032] The deformation tool deforms the one or more tubulars of the well. As illustrated in Fig.2c, 3c, the deformations of the tubular(s) are created by the deformation tool in the area below a perforated section of the tubular(s). The deformation tool deforms the tubular(s) by applying a sufficient outwards radial force against the tubular. The force is applied to the tubular to the entire inner circumference of the tubular. The deformation tool may include a radially expandable element for deformation of the tubular(s). The deformation tool may be a mechanical deformation tool. The mechanical deformation tool may e.g. be a cone type tool or a packer type tool. The deformation tool closes the gap between the inner and outer casing or creates a narrow gap between the inner and outer casing. The closing of the gap or creation of the narrow gap creates a base for the cement. The deformation tool may create multiple deformations of the tubular(s) on top of each other over a section of the tubular. The deformation tool may be activated to create the deformations of the tubular(s) while pulling the BHA. The BHA with the deformation tool may be pulled continuously or partly continuously or intermittently. The BHA with the deformation tool may be pulled in steps to enable creation of the multiple deformations. The pulling of the BHA may be adapted to the outflow of cement from the deformation tool.

[0033] Cement flow through the deformation tool and out of the end of the deformation tool and into the wellbore. The deformation tool has a throughgoing channel for supplying the cement through the deformation tool and out of the opening at the end of the tool. The deformation tool end can be connected to other tools as explained above. When connected to other tools the BHA forms a tool string through which the cement may flow through an internal channel of the tools. If a further tool is attached to the bottom end of the deformation tool, the cement flows through the further tool and out of the bottom end of the further tool.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] An exemplary operational sequence of a perforating and cementing operation is illustrated in Fig.2a-e. The operational sequence may be performed in a single trip.

[0036] Step 1 is illustrated in Fig.2a. The BHA 1 is Run in hole (RIH) to target depth in the wellbore. The BHA configuration includes a deformation tool 4 standalone or in combination with other tools. The other tools may be above or below the deformation tool. Examples of the other tools have been explained above.

[0037] Step 2 (Optional) is illustrated in Fig.2b.: Perforate tubular or tubulars. In Fig.2a-e the wellbore has only one annulus 7 and one tubular 6. The wellbore may however also have two (dual annulus) or more annuli. Step 2 is an optional step as perforation of the tubulars may have been done already with a perforation tool 5. The perforation tool 5 may have been RIH alone or in a combination with other tools before the BHA with the deformation tool is RIH. In Fig.2b-e two perforated sections 11 , 12 of the tubular 6 are illustrated. A bottom perforation section 12 in a lower part of the tubular and an upper perforation section 11 in an upper part of the tubular. In Fig.2b, the perforator tool 5 is positioned in an upper part of the tubular for perforating the upper perforation section 11 . To perforate the lower part of the tubular, the perforator tool 5 is positioned in the lower part of the tubular. The perforation pattern and section of the wellbore may vary.

[0038] Step 3 (optional) is illustrated in Fig.2c. Install plug / plug system 8 (e.g. a packer or a bridge plug) below perforations 12 in the lower part of the tubular. Step 3 is optional as a fundament may already be in place in the wellbore. If the plug is installed in step 3, the plug is a part of the BHA and attached below the deformation tool 4.

[0039] Step 4 is illustrated in Fig.2d: Deform tubular below bottom perforations 12. The deformation of the tubular creates a base 9 for the cement in the annulus 7.

[0040] The deformation tool 4 of the BHA is positioned on the underside of the bottom perforations 12 of the tubular 6. The deformation tool is positioned above the plug system 8. The deformation tool deforms the tubular below the bottom perforation of the tubular. The tubular is deformed by pressing the tubular radially outwards. Multiple deformations of the tubular may be made on top of each other in a section of the wellbore. The deformation deforms the tubular to mitigate slumping.

[0041] Step 5 is illustrated in Fig.2e: Cement through deformation tool. As illustrated in Fig.2e, the annulus 7 is cemented forming a cement plug in the wellbore. The cement plug 10 of the wellbore includes the cement in annuli / annulus 7 of the wellbore and cement in the main bore 14 of the wellbore. The cement is pumped through the internal channel 13 of the deformation tool 4. The cement flows out of the end of the deformation tool and into the main bore 14 of the wellbore. The cement flows from the main bore of the wellbore and into the annulus of the wellbore through the perforations 12 in the tubular. The deformation tool 4 is pulled during performing the cement through the deformation tool operation. The deformation tool may be pulled continuously or partly continuously or intermittently to enable filling the annulus 7 and the inside of the casing 6 (main bore 14 in Fig.2e) with cement for creating a cement plug 10 in the annulus and on the inside of the casing. Alternatively, the deformation tool may be held in about the same position during the cement through the deformation tool operation. In Fig.2e, the deformation tool 4 is illustrated with its lower end in the cement during the cementing operation. This reduces contamination of the cement during the cement through the deformation tool process, which may lead to reduced quality of the cement plug. When the cement is placed in the wellbore, the deformation tool is pulled up and out of the cement. In Fig.2e the cement plug 10 is illustrated with the shaded area. The cement plug in the annulus rests on the cement base provided by the deformation tool. The cement plug in the main bore rests on the plug system. The dotted line only illustrates the outer bounds of the cement plug, as the lower part of the cement plug resting on the cement base and the plug system is not included.

[0042] After step 5, the BHA may be pulled up and out of the wellbore. Alternatively further operations may be made in the wellbore by e.g. other tools of the BHA before pulling the BHA out of the wellbore.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] An exemplary operational sequence of a perforating and cementing operation is illustrated in Fig.3a-e. The operational sequence may be performed in a single trip.

[0045] Step 1 is illustrated in Fig.3a.: The BHA 1 is Run in hole (RIH) to target depth in the wellbore. The BHA configuration includes a deformation tool 4 standalone or in combination with other tools. The other tools may be above or below the deformation tool. Examples of the other tools have been explained above.

[0046] Step 2 (Optional) is illustrated in Fig.3b.: Perforate tubular 6 or tubulars. The wellbore may however also have two (dual annulus) or more annuli. Step 2 is an optional step as perforation of the tubular(s) may have been done already with a perforation tool 5. The perforation tool may have been RIH alone or in a combination with other tools before the BHA with the deformation tool is RIH. In Fig.3b-e two perforated sections 11 , 12 of a tubular 6 are illustrated. A bottom perforation section 12 in a lower part of the tubular 6 and an upper perforation section 11 in an upper part of the tubular 6. In Fig.3b, the perforator tool 5 is positioned in an upper part of the tubular for perforating the upper perforation section. To perforate the lower part of the tubular, the perforator tool 5 is positioned in the lower part of the tubular. The perforation pattern and section of the wellbore may vary.

[0047] Step 3 is illustrated in Fig.3c: Deform tubular 6 below bottom perforations 12. The deformation of the tubular creates a base 9 for the cement in the annulus 7.

[0048] The deformation tool 4 of the BHA is positioned on the underside of the bottom perforations 12 of the tubular 6. The deformation tool deforms the tubular below the bottom perforation of the tubular. The tubular is deformed by pressing the tubular radially outwards. Multiple deformations of the tubular may be made on top of each other in a section of the wellbore. The deformation deforms the tubular to mitigate slumping.

[0049] Step 4 is illustrated in Fig.3d: Cement annulus 7 through deformation tool 4 and plug with plug system 8. As illustrated in Fig.3d, the annulus is cemented forming a cement plug in the annulus 7, by performing cementing through the deformation tool 4. The plug system 8 is provided with a cup or cups (not shown). The plug system is positioned in the main bore 14 to establish a base 9 for the cement plug in the main bore and to direct the cement into the annulus 7 through the bottom perforations 12 in the tubular 6. The cup(s) of the plug system seals off the lower main bore below the bottom perforations of the tubular. The plug system 8 also has cup(s) arranged to seal off the main bore above the bottom perforations. The plug system 8 is connected below the deformation tool 4. The cement is pumped through 13 the internal channel of the deformation tool and into the plug system. The cement flows out through the plug system 8 between the cups and into the annulus 7 through the perforations 12 in the tubular 6.

[0050] Step 5 is illustrated in Fig.3e: Cement inside casing through deformation tool. The deformation tool 4 is disconnected from the plug system 8. The deformation tool is pulled up and the cement pumped through 13 the deformation tool to enable cementing of the inside of the casing. The cement is pumped through the internal channel of the deformation tool. The cement flows out of the end of the deformation tool 4 and into the main bore 14 of the wellbore. The plug system 8 provides a base 9 for the cement in the main bore of the wellbore. The deformation tool is pulled during performing the cement through the deformation tool operation. The deformation tool may be pulled continuously or partly continuously or intermittently to enable filling the inside of the casing (main bore in Fig.3e) with cement for creating a cement plug on the inside of the casing. Alternatively, the deformation tool may be held in about the same position during the cement through the deformation tool operation in step 5. In Fig.3e, the deformation tool is illustrated with its lower end in the cement during the cementing operation. This reduces contamination of the cement during the cement through the deformation tool process, which may lead to reduced quality of the cement plug. When all the cement is placed in the wellbore, the deformation tool is pulled up and out of the cement. In Fig.3e the cement plug 10 is illustrated with the shaded area. The cement plug in the annulus rests on the cement base 9 provided by the deformation tool. The cement plug in the main bore rests on the plug system 8. The dotted line only illustrates the outer bounds of the cement plug.

[0051] After step 5, the BHA may be pulled up from the wellbore. Alternatively further operations may be made in the wellbore by e.g. other tools of the BHA.

[0052] The disclosed methods and the tools may be used in a plug and abandonment (P&A) operation. The disclosed methods and tools may be used in plugging operations in a wellbore.

[0053] Having described example embodiments of the invention it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments incorporating the concepts may be used. These and other examples illustrated above are intended by way of example only and the actual scope of the invention is to be determined from the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Method comprising:- running a bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising a deformation tool into a wellbore;- deforming at least one tubular of the wellbore providing a base for a fluidized plugging material in at least one annulus; and- passing a fluidized plugging material through the deformation tool to provide a plug in the wellbore.

2. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the method is performed in a single trip in the wellbore.

3. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the method comprising perforating the at least one tubular before deforming the at least one tubular.

4. Method according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the method comprising setting a plug system in the wellbore before deforming the at least one tubular.

5. Method according to one of claims 1-3, the method comprising setting a plug system in the wellbore after deforming the at least one tubular.

6. Method for providing a cement plug in a wellbore, the method comprising performing cementing through a deformation tool in a single trip in a wellbore.

7. Method according to claim 6, further comprising deforming at least one tubular of the wellbore providing a cement base in at least one annulus of the wellbore.

8. Method comprising:- running a bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising a deformation tool into a wellbore;- deforming by the deformation tool at least one tubular of the wellbore providing a cement base in at least one annulus; and- cementing through the deformation tool to provide a cement plug in the wellbore.

9. Method according to one of claims 6-9, further comprising perforating the at least one tubular before deforming the at least one tubular.

10. Method according to one of claims 6-8, wherein the method comprising setting a plug system in the wellbore before deforming the at least one tubular.11 . Method according to one of claims 6-9, the method further comprising setting a plug system with at least one cup in the wellbore after deforming the at least one tubular.

12. Method according to claim 11 , the method further comprising cementing the annulus of the wellbore before cementing the inside of the tubular.

13. A bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising a deformation tool, wherein the BHA is adapted for performing a deformation and cementing operation in a wellbore in a single trip.

14. A bottom hole assembly (BHA) according to claim 13, further comprising at least one perforating tool.

15. A bottom hole assembly (BHA) according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising at least one plug system.

16. A bottom hole assembly (BHA) according to one of claims 12-15, further comprising at least one tool for perforate, wash and cement.

17. A bottom hole assembly (BHA) according to one of claims 12-16, further comprising at least one spear.

18. A bottom hole assembly (BHA) according to one of claims 12-17, further comprising at least one cutting tool.

19. A bottom hole assembly (BHA) according to one of claims 12-18, further comprising at least one piece of drill pipe.

20. A bottom hole assembly (BHA) according to one of claims 12-19, further comprising at least one stinger portion.21 . A bottom hole assembly (BHA) according to one of claims 12-20, further comprising at least one milling tool.

22. A tool adapted for performing a deformation and cementing operation in a wellbore in a single trip.

23. A deformation tool adapted to perform cementing through the deformation tool in a single trip.

24. Use of the BHA according to one of claims 13-21 in a P&A operation in a wellbore.

25. Use of the tool according to claim 22 or 23 in a P&A operation in a wellbore.

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