BOREHOLE TOOL AND SYSTEM

Abstract

A borehole tool including a unitary, single-piece basepipe having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion between the first end portion and second end portion, the first and second end portions being of larger diameter than the intermediate portion, an operational member having a first end and a second end, the member disposed about the basepipe, the member having an outside diameter no greater than the first end portion and the second end portion. A method for making a screen including wrapping a wire around the basepipe, and forming the filtration media with the wire. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string disposed in the borehole, and a tool disposed within or as a part of the string.

Description

BACKGROUND

In the resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries screens are often needed to filter fluid so that particulates do not end up where they could do damage or reduce efficiency. Oftentimes, screens are put in place in separate runs from a primary run that creates an opportunity to use a screen. Runs are expensive and hence reducing the number of runs is desirable. Single or multiple borehole tools that restrict or stop annulus flow during production and/or injection are often a necessity to have on the same run as screens. The isolation tool, often referred to as zonal isolation, limits or prevent fluid moving along the screen surface in the borehole outside the screen. Screens and zonal isolation however are generally somewhat delicate and subject to damage if run before an optimal running situation is completed. Screens and zonal isolation that are robust enough to be deployed using fewer runs and/or robust enough to enable reaching bottom of hole in rough conditions would be well received by the art.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of a borehole tool including a unitary, single-piece basepipe having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, the first and second end portions being of larger diameter than the intermediate portion, an operational member having a first end and a second end, the member disposed about the basepipe, the first end of the member nearer the first end portion than the second end portion and the second end of the member nearer the second end portion than the first end portion, the member having an outside diameter no greater than the first end portion and the second end portion.

A method for making a screen including wrapping a wire around the basepipe, and forming the filtration media with the wire.

An embodiment of a borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string disposed in the borehole, and a tool disposed within or as a part of the string.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a borehole tool as disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the basepipe of the tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the basepipe of the tool of FIG. 1 with ribs thereon;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an alternate borehole tool as disclosed herein;

FIGS. 6-9 are examples of tools with various combinations of filtration media and seal elements; and

FIG. 10 is a view of a borehole system including a borehole tool as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a borehole tool 10 is illustrated. Tool 10 is a screen tool and comprises a unitary single-piece basepipe 12. It is to be appreciated that the terms “unitary, single-piece” are meant to convey a piece of material that is contiguous, having no welded joints therein nor threaded joints therein nor interference joints therein nor bonded joints therein. There are no joints but rather the unitary single-piece basepipe disclosed herein is of a single piece of material that may be a steel material and does not include multiple pieces fused together in any way to make up the unitary single-piece basepipe. Such basepipes having forms dictated by a customer are commercially available from Vallourec.

The basepipe 12 includes a first end portion 14, a second end portion 16 and an intermediate portion 18. The end portions 14 and 16 may each abut a diameter change portion 20 and 22, respectively. In embodiments, there may also be one or more additional portions that increase the outer diameter of the intermediate portion 18, such as upset 26. Upset 26 may have an outer diameter that is the same as the outer diameter or end portions 14 and 16 or may have a different outer diameter, smaller or larger.

In one embodiment, where an operational member 28 having a first end 29 (49 in the second embodiment) and a second end 31 (51 in the second embodiment) associated with the basepipe 12 is a filtration media, radially directed holes 30 are created in the basepipe 12. About the basepipe 12 and radially outwardly of the holes 30 is a screen 32. The screen may in some embodiments be configured from a wrapped wire 34. Wire 34 is wound around the basepipe 12 in a manner known to the art and may be secured with welds or similar affixation. In some embodiments, one or more ribs 36 are longitudinally disposed on the basepipe 12 either as formed portions of the basepipe 12 or as separate ribs 36 that are disposed in recesses 38 that are formed or milled in the basepipe 12, or as separate ribs 36 that are temporarily fixtured to the basepipe prior to wrapping wire 34, including without recesses 38 in some embodiments. The wire 34 may be welded to each rib 36 and is under tension when wrapped, which provides securement of the screen 32 to the basepipe 12.

Referring to FIG. 2-4 sequentially, the making of the borehole tool is clarified. FIG. 3 illustrated the basepipe 12 having the radially larger features 14, 16 and 26. Between these is the intermediate portion 18, which is bisected in this illustration by upset 26. Holes 30 are easily appreciated and will provide the fluid pathway from the filtration media to an inside diameter 40 (identified in FIG. 1) of the basepipe 12. Recesses 38 are also easily appreciated and will accept ribs 36 as can be seen in FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, the wire 36 has been installed and it can be easily viewed that the screen surface is of a smaller outer diameter than the end portions 14 and 16 and the upset 26. This protects the screen during run in.

In an alternate embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, a borehole tool 50 is illustrated in cross section. The tool 50 is a seal tool and comprises a basepipe 52 having end portions 54 and 56 that are of greater outside diameter than an intermediate portion 58. The basepipe 52 is again a unitary, single-piece structure as defined above and is available from Vallourec. In this embodiment, an element 60 is disposed about the basepipe 52 that in a first condition (running condition) has an outside diameter that is less than an outside diameter of the end portions 54 and 56 of the basepipe 52 and in a deployed condition will have a larger outside diameter than that of its running condition including larger than the end portions 54 and 56. Element 60 may be a compression element, (with suitable compression components adjacent the element) and about intermediate portion 58, may be a swellable element, a shape memory element, an inflatable element (with suitable inflation components connected to the inflatable element), etc. Those of skill in the art will recognize the types of elements and understand the ways in which such elements are traditionally actuated such that no specific teaching is herein needed. In embodiments, two or more elements and or screens may be employed on a basepipe. Any number of upsets like 26 are contemplated with any combination of screens and elements thereon. For example, on a basepipe with a three part intermediate portion and two upsets 26, there may be an element and then a screen and then another element; or a screen then element then screen; or screen, screen, screen; or element, element, element. The reader should appreciate the possibilities from the foregoing. Some examples are included in FIGS. 6-9 using two screens and/or elements. More or fewer are contemplated as disclosed above.

Referring to FIG. 10, a borehole system 70. The system 70 includes the borehole 72 that extends within a subsurface formation 74. A string 76 is disposed within the borehole 72. Disposed within or as a part of the string 76 is an object 10, 50 as disclosed herein.

Set forth below are some embodiments of the foregoing disclosure:

Embodiment 1: A borehole tool including a unitary, single-piece basepipe having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, the first and second end portions being of larger diameter than the intermediate portion, an operational member having a first end and a second end, the member disposed about the basepipe, the first end of the member nearer the first end portion than the second end portion and the second end of the member nearer the second end portion than the first end portion, the member having an outside diameter no greater than the first end portion and the second end portion.

Embodiment 2: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the operational member has an outside diameter smaller than the first end portion and the second end portion.

Embodiment 3: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the first end portion and/or the second end portion is immediately adjacent a diameter change portion.

Embodiment 4: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the intermediate portion is contiguous with the diameter change portion.

Embodiment 5: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the intermediate portion includes a plurality of relatively smaller diameter portions adjacent a relatively larger diameter portion.

Embodiment 6: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the basepipe includes a recess for a screen rib.

Embodiment 7: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the recess is a plurality of recesses receptive of a single rib.

Embodiment 8: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the recess includes a part thereof in the first end portion and a second portion thereof is in the second end portion.

Embodiment 9: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the recess also includes a part thereof in a part of the intermediate portion of the basepipe that is relatively larger in outside diameter than another part of the intermediate portion.

Embodiment 10: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the member is a filtration media.

Embodiment 11: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the filtration media is a wrapped wire.

Embodiment 12: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the wire is welded to the basepipe.

Embodiment 13: The tool as in any prior embodiment further comprising a rib.

Embodiment 14: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the filtration media is welded to the rib.

Embodiment 15: The tool as in any prior embodiment further comprising a plurality of ribs.

Embodiment 16: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the plurality of ribs are spaced about the basepipe.

Embodiment 17: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the plurality of ribs are received in recesses in the basepipe.

Embodiment 18: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the operational member is a seal element.

Embodiment 19: The tool as in any prior embodiment wherein the seal element is a swellable element.

Embodiment 20: A method for making a screen including wrapping a wire around the basepipe as in any prior embodiment, and forming the filtration media with the wire.

Embodiment 21: The method as in any prior embodiment further including forming the basepipe.

Embodiment 22: The method as in any prior embodiment further including securing the filtration media to the basepipe.

Embodiment 23: A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string disposed in the borehole, and a tool as in any prior embodiment disposed within or as a part of the string.

Embodiment 24: The system as in any prior embodiment wherein the borehole tool is a screen tool.

Embodiment 25: The system as in any prior embodiment wherein the borehole tool is a seal tool.

Embodiment 26: The system as in any prior embodiment wherein the borehole tool is both of a screen tool and a seal tool.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Further, it should be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms “about”, “substantially” and “generally” are intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, “about” and/or “substantially” and/or “generally” can include a range of ±8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

The teachings of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of well operations. These operations may involve using one or more treatment agents to treat a formation, the fluids resident in a formation, a borehole, and/or equipment in the borehole, such as production tubing. The treatment agents may be in the form of liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof. Illustrative treatment agents include, but are not limited to, fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, anti-corrosion agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drilling muds, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, tracers, flow improvers etc. Illustrative well operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, stimulation, tracer injection, cleaning, acidizing, steam injection, water flooding, cementing, hole reaming, drilling, completion etc.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited.

Claims

1. A borehole tool comprising:

a unitary, single-piece basepipe having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, the first and second end portions being of larger diameter than the intermediate portion;

an operational member having a first end and a second end, the member disposed about the basepipe, the first end of the member nearer the first end portion than the second end portion and the second end of the member nearer the second end portion than the first end portion, the member having an outside diameter no greater than the first end portion and the second end portion.

2. The tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the operational member has an outside diameter smaller than the first end portion and the second end portion.

3. The tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first end portion and/or the second end portion is immediately adjacent a diameter change portion.

4. The tool as claimed in claim 3 wherein the intermediate portion is contiguous with the diameter change portion.

5. The tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the intermediate portion includes a plurality of relatively smaller diameter portions adjacent a relatively larger diameter portion.

6. The tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the basepipe includes a recess for a screen rib.

7. The tool as claimed in claim 6 wherein the recess is a plurality of recesses receptive of a single rib.

8. The tool as claimed in claim 6 wherein the recess includes a part thereof in the first end portion and a second portion thereof is in the second end portion.

9. The tool as claimed in claim 8 wherein the recess also includes a part thereof in a part of the intermediate portion of the basepipe that is relatively larger in outside diameter than another part of the intermediate portion.

10. The tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the member is a filtration media.

11. The tool as claimed in claim 10 wherein the filtration media is a wrapped wire.

12. The tool as claimed in claim 11 wherein the wire is welded to the basepipe.

13. The tool as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a rib.

14. The tool as claimed in claim 13 wherein the filtration media is welded to the rib.

15. The tool as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of ribs.

16. The tool as claimed in claim 15 wherein the plurality of ribs are spaced about the basepipe.

17. The tool as claimed in claim 15 wherein the plurality of ribs are received in recesses in the basepipe.

18. The tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the operational member is a seal element.

19. The tool as claimed in claim 18 wherein the seal element is a swellable element.

20. A method for making a screen comprising:

wrapping a wire around the basepipe as claimed in claim 1; and

forming the filtration media with the wire.

21. The method as claimed in claim 20 further including forming the basepipe.

22. The method as claimed in claim 20 further including securing the filtration media to the basepipe.

23. A borehole system comprising:

a borehole in a subsurface formation;

a string disposed in the borehole; and

a tool as claimed in claim 1 disposed within or as a part of the string.

24. The system as claimed in claim 23 wherein the borehole tool is a screen tool.

25. The system as claimed in claim 23 wherein the borehole tool is a seal tool.

26. The system as claimed in claim 23 wherein the borehole tool is both of a screen tool and a seal tool.