GB2327695A - Hydrocarbon production using multilateral wellbores. - Google Patents
Hydrocarbon production using multilateral wellbores. Download PDFInfo
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- GB2327695A GB2327695A GB9819488A GB9819488A GB2327695A GB 2327695 A GB2327695 A GB 2327695A GB 9819488 A GB9819488 A GB 9819488A GB 9819488 A GB9819488 A GB 9819488A GB 2327695 A GB2327695 A GB 2327695A
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
- E21B34/06—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
- B04B—CENTRIFUGES
- B04B1/00—Centrifuges with rotary bowls provided with solid jackets for separating predominantly liquid mixtures with or without solid particles
- B04B1/04—Centrifuges with rotary bowls provided with solid jackets for separating predominantly liquid mixtures with or without solid particles with inserted separating walls
- B04B1/08—Centrifuges with rotary bowls provided with solid jackets for separating predominantly liquid mixtures with or without solid particles with inserted separating walls of conical shape
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
- B04B—CENTRIFUGES
- B04B5/00—Other centrifuges
- B04B5/12—Centrifuges in which rotors other than bowls generate centrifugal effects in stationary containers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B37/00—Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
- E21B37/06—Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells using chemical means for preventing or limiting, e.g. eliminating, the deposition of paraffins or like substances
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/02—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00 in situ inhibition of corrosion in boreholes or wells
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/14—Obtaining from a multiple-zone well
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/30—Specific pattern of wells, e.g. optimising the spacing of wells
- E21B43/305—Specific pattern of wells, e.g. optimising the spacing of wells comprising at least one inclined or horizontal well
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/34—Arrangements for separating materials produced by the well
- E21B43/38—Arrangements for separating materials produced by the well in the well
- E21B43/385—Arrangements for separating materials produced by the well in the well by reinjecting the separated materials into an earth formation in the same well
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- Geology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
- Organic Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds And Preparation Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
A system for producing a field having several reservoirs (10, 12, 14) is described. The system comprises a main bore having various branch bores leading to production or disposal zones of the reservoirs. Various arrangements are described in which produced fluids are delivered to downhole treatment devices or separators, from which the different fluid components are either sent to the surface or to downhole disposal zones. In particular, downhole treatment devices 160 may be located in the branch wellbores 170 to enhance selected properties of the produced fluids; such devices may include a downhole storage zone for the treatment chemical. Treatment chemicals may comprise inhibitors of hydrate, corrosion, paraffin wax or scale, a hydrogen sulphide scavenger, a water clarifier or an emulsion breaker.
Description
HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION USING MULTILATERAL WELLBORES
The invention relates to well bore construction. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to a method and apparatus or drilling, completing, and producing hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Generally, the exploitation of hydrocarbon reservoirs has been afl4eved by the drilling of a bore hole to a subterranean reservoir. Once drilled, the reservoir may be completed and the reservoir may be produced until the well is plugged and abandoned for economic reasons. In the case where the well bore intersected numerous hydrocarbon reservoirs, the operator may chose to complete to a reservoir with the option to complete to the upper horizons at a later tine.
Also, when the well bore intersects at least two different reservoirs, a dual completion is utilized by some operators. In such a case, the two reservoirs are produced with separate production strings.
Advances in drilling and completion techniques have led to the completion of highly deviated -wells. This allows a driller to reach reservoirs that are a significant distance from the surface location (know as the throw). Many offshore wells drilled from platforms are drilled utilizing this technique.
One prior art technique involves sidetracling from the production casing; however, sidetracking necessarily involves the abandonment of the lower zone in order to reach the upper horizon.
Another prior art technique is the use of extended reach wells. As the throw of wells increases, they are referred to as extended reach wells. The deviation of the well bores My approach 90 degrees in which case the well will have a horizontal portion. The productivity of a well is increased when the length of the completion actually intersecting a productive interval increases. Thus, many wells being drilled utilize the horizontal drilling technique in order to increase productivity.
In order to produce the well, certain surface facilities are required. For instance, separation of the oil, gas and water is crucial. xany times, the wells will be required to have compressor facilities or pressure boosting equipment to aid in production. Process equipment is also needed. Government regulations slangy times affect the discharges from the well bore, as well as the placement of the well bore. Xany fields are now located in exotic regions so that the type, placement and performance of the production equipment is a major obstacle to economic development.
More recently, the use of multilateral wells have been used such as those disclosed in U. S. Patents 5,325,924; 5,322,127; 5,318,122; 5,311,936; 5,318,121t and 5,353,876, all assigned to applicant. The multilateral wells include having a first and second lateral (branch) well bore that extends to a single productive interval. The prior art purposes of the multilateral wells has been to have multiple completions that extend laterally through a single subterranean reservoir thereby increasing the productive length of the completion.
Despite these advances, there is a need for a method to construct a well bore that will efficiently and effectively deplete multiple reservoirs.
The invention includes a method of drilling a plurality of well bores with a drill string containing sensing means for sensing subterranean properties of reservoirs, the method comprising the steps of drilling a primary access well bore and measuring physical parameters of the subterranean reservoirs from the primary access well bore. Next, the operator generates a subterradean model of the reservoirs and develops target reservoirs for placement of branch completions.
A casing string may serve as a primary access conduit for multiple branch wells extending therefrom. The placement of the primary access well bore is important so that the entry and placement of the multiple branch wells achieves :axi== production and drainage from the multiple reservoirs. The positioning of the branch well bore path will depend on the cific geology of the field as well as certain requiremerrts of ,,e arious production equipment that will be contained within the branch wells.
- The method may further comprise the steps of placing a primary access casing in the primary access well bore and thereafter generating window sections from the primary access casing. The windows are not necessarily in the immediate proximity of the reservoirs (as is the case with prior art wells being generated). Instead, the branch well bore paths will be a function of field geology, drilling concerns and completion concerns.
The method may further comprise the steps of drilling, utilizing the windows, a bore hole to a first target reservoir; then, drilling, utilizing a second window, a bore hole to the second target reservoir. The steps further include completing the first target reservoir with means for completing to the first target reservoir, and completing the second target reservoir with means for completing to the second target reservoir. Some of the possible completion means include sand control screens, slotted liners, and consolidated packs such as resin coated sand, all well known by those of ordinary skill in the art.
In one embodiment, the operator may position a first and second valve means for variably controlling the flow from the first and second branch. Also included may be sensor means for sensing the production. parameters of the reservoir and produced fluids. Under this scenario, the method further comprises the steps of producing a hydrocarbon from the first branch completion and monitoring the production parameters of the first branch completion. Next, the first valve means is positioned in the closed'position once production of the hydrocarbons drops below a predetermined level while the second valve means is positioned in the open position so that a hydrocarbon is produced from the second branch completion.
The invention also allows for cycling amongst the multiple reservoirs. In detering the cycling between the multiple branches, once the estimated productivity of the first branch rises to a predetermined level, various cycling of the multiple branches may occur. One of the measurable parameters will be reservoir pressure. The pressure of the first branch completion is monitored and once the reservoir pressure of the first branch completion rises to a predetermined level, the second valve means is placed in the closed position. Other types of sensor means are available, such as: flow rate sensor, and/or a fluid composition sensor.
In another embodiment, the invention discloses generating a first window section from the primary access casing then drilling a partial first branch well bore from the first window section, with the first branch well bore extending partially to the first target reservoir. Next, a second window is generated from the primary access casing and thereafter a second branch well bore is drilled from the second window section, with the second branch well bore extending partially to the second target reservoir. Next, the operator would then mobilize a remedial work over rig and reenter the first branch well bore and drill an extended well bore intersecting the first target reservoir and thereafter completing the first branch with means for completing to the reservoir. Next, the second branch is drilled (with the remedial rig) and completed with means for completing to the reservoir similar to the first branch well bore.
Various branch well bores may have disposed therein means for separating gas/oil/water. Alternatively, the branch well bore may contain process equipment means for compressing or pumping fluids and gas to the surface. The branch may contain means for treating the reservoir fluids and gas with treatment chemicals. Alternatively, the branch may contain processing equipment that would treat the fluids and gas for hydration or catalytic transformation of hydrocarbon molecules. Still further, tithe branch may contain means that will sense production parameters such as pressure, temperature, fluid composition, and/or water percentage.
A system for depleting a plurality of reservoirs is also disclosed. The system comprises a primary access passage with a first branch well extending from the primary access passage and intersecting a first subterranean reservoir. The system also contains a second branch well extending from the primary access passage, with the second branch well intersecting a second subt ranean reservoir.
In one embodiment, the first and second branch well extends from the 1primary access passage at an optimum trajectory angle for intersection with the first and second subterrauean reservoir. The placement of the windows is not dependent on the proximity of target horizons; rather, the criteria is based on a branch well bore path that can be drilled guickly, efficiently, and with minimal tortuosity. Of course, the ultimate paths chosen are based on data known at the time that have been generated in order to model the fields under consideration. As more and more data is generated due to drilling and production quantitative information, the model of the field may change.
The first and second branch well may contain valve leans for variably constricting the first and second branch well from communication with the primary access passage. The first branch well contains completion means for completing to the reservoir.
In order to produce the reservoir, the first branch well includes production means for allowing the production of reservoir fluids and gas and controlling the production of a reservoir. The second branch well may have contained therein separator means for separating the-hydrocarbon phase and in-situ water phase produced from the first branch well. Also, diverter means are included for diverting the reservoir fluids and gas production from the first branch to the separator means.
The system further comprises first and second sensor leans, operatively associated with the first and second production means, for sensing physical parameters of the first and second target reservoirs respectively.
A feature of the present invention includes use of a primary access conduit. Another feature includes the use of multiple branches that extend from the primary access conduit.
Another feature includes use of separator means for separating the oil, gas and water, with the separator being located within one of the branch well bores.
Another feature includes use of a valve means placed within the branch well bores that will constrict the flow path so that the reservoir fluids and gas may be restricted or terminated.
the reservoir fluids and gas My be restricted or terminated.
S another feature includes using sensor means in individual branches that will determine important characteristics of the flow, pressure and temperature of the reservoir. A control means, with a pre-prograssed logical command sequence, may be included for receiving information from the sensor means, comparing and analyzing the information thus received, and causing an output signal to maneuver the valve means to an open, closed or partially opened position.
Another feature includes use of a compressor or pump in one or more of the multiple branches. Yet another feature is the ability to have multiple branches extending into a single reservoir. Alternatively, multiple branches may extend into multiple reservoirs. Yet another feature allows the placement of chemical treating means in one or more of the branch well bores to treat the produced reservoir fluids and gas.
An advantage of the present invention includes having multiple well bores intersecting multiple reservoirs and m2intaining the ability to selective manage these individual productive intervals. Another advantage includes the capability of partially or fully commingling the production from the multiple reservoirs. Still yet another advantage is the ability of cycling the multiple reservoirs based on production and/or pressure considerations.
Another advantage includes use of a single main access well bore that can reach numerous targets. Another advantage includes placement of down hole equipment in the subterranean branches rather than at the surface. Yet another advantage includes use of less surface equipment in exotic locations which ultimately reduces cost. Still yet another advantage is the ability t deplete an entire field with fewer surface facilities.
Another advantage consist of pressure supporting producing reservoirs with the down hole re-injection of gas or water.
Still yet another advantage involves modifying the produced fluid composition to achieve desirable physical properties (i.e.
change viscosity, wax or paraffin content) which enhances the value of fluids and/or simplify transportation or other pri action problems.
Another advantage is the main access well bore serves an analogous role as the prior art surface production headers and manifold in that the main access well bore may serve as the placement point of the headers and manifold with the unique advantage of being downhole rather than at the surface. thus, the equivalent of a sea template or cluster well development is possible subsurface, for instance, within the main access well bore with the teachings of the present invention.
Brief Deseri;tion of the Drawinas
FIGURE 1 is a schematic illustration of a main access well bore.
FIGURE 2 is the schematic illustration of rig. 1 with windows generated for placement of branch well bores.
FIGURE 3 is the schematic illustration of Fig. 2 a first and second branch well bores.
FIGURE 4A is the schematic illustration of Fig. 3 showing the utilization of valve means.
FIGURE 4B is an enlargement of the valve means from Fig.
4A.
FIGURE 5 is a schematic illustration depicting a first and second branch well bores utilizing separator and water injecting means.
FIGURE 6 is a schematic illustration depicting a first and second branch well bore utilizing another separator and water injecting embodiment.
FIGURE 7 is a schematic illustration depicting a first and second branch well bore utilizing yet another separator and water injecting embodfment.
FIGURE 8 is a schematic illustration depicting a first branch well bore and second branch well bore with gas recycling means. - FIGURE 9A is a schematic illustration depicting a first and second branch well bore with flow control means in the second branch.
FIGURE 9B is an enlargement view of the commingling device of Fig. 9A.
FIGURE 10 is a schematic illustration depicting a first branch well bore for production and a second branch well bore for treatment means.
FIGURE 11 is a schematic illustration depicting a first branch well bore for production, a second branch well bore for treatment means and a third branch well bore for treatment means.
FIGURE 12 is schematic illustration of the sealing means for sealing a branch well from the main access well bore.
FIGURE 13 depicts the embodiment of Fig. 12 showing regulation means disposed therein.
FIGURE 14 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a branch well bore with regulation means disposed therein.
Detailed Descrlmtlon of the Preferred Embodunents Referring now to Fig. 1, a schematic illustration of a main access well bore Z is shown. The main access well bore 2 is drilled from a platform 4 that is set on the sea floor i. While
Fig. 1 depicts a platform, the invention is applicable to land uses as well as drill ships, semi-submersible drilling platforms, jack-up rigs, etc. The placement of the main access well bore 2 is dependent on the interpretation of the reservoirs sou9t to be produced via the novel system disclosed herein.
Therefore, the main access well bore 2 does not necessarily intersect any one productive interal. Rather, the main access well bore 2 is placed so that the paths of the branches, to be described later in the application, Mxmize ze well bore trajectory and entry angle into the productive zone, which is defined as optimum placement of the branch pathway. In fact, the lower end of the main access well bore may act as a completion without the need of a separate branch.
The platform 4 will have positioned thereon a drilling rig 8 that will serve to drill the main access well bore 2. As is well appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the drill bit will be connected to a drill string (not shown). The drill string will have operatively associated therewith logging means for sensing the physical parameters of the subteraanean reservoirs. in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the main access well bore 2 will be drilled while continuously monitoring the physical parameters of the subterranean reservoirs. Thus, the operator will be able to use this data, as well as other data such as seismic data, drill stem testing data and other offset well data in which to model the subterranean structure. Of course, the operator has some indication as to location and hydrocarbon potential of reservoirs before drilling. However, the drilling of the main access well bore will further delineate and significantly improve the understanding of the subterranean field leading to a superior model. Also, the drilling of each branch well bore will further delineate and significantly improve the understanding of the subterranean field.
After drilling the main access well bore 2, a development model may be generated. The development model may indicate a plurality of reservoirs. As seen in Fig. 1, the model thus generated based on the seismic data, offset wells, and the drilling of the main access bore depicts a first reservoir 1Q, a second reservoir 12 and a third reservoir li. An aquifer 16 has also been identified.
After developing a representative model, the operator may then develop target reservoirs for production, placement of production equipment, all in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. As seen in Fig. 2, after the bore hole has been drilled and the casing string run to the necessary depth, the windows 20. 22. 24. and 26 may be generated from the primary access well bore 2. It should be noted that the drilling rig may be demobilized (taken off) from the platform 4 and a smaller, less expensive, rig may be utilized in order to generate the windows.
The placement of the windows 20, 22, 24 and 26 is dictated by optimum trajectory path of the branch well bores. Thus, the placement of some branch wells is dependent on the location of the reservoirs containing conercial quantities of hydrocarbons, while placement of other branches may be selected for placement of production and process equipment, which will be discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that placement of the path takes into account not only the longitudinal position but also the deviation desired (or lack of deviation desired) for the specific branch. For instance, a production branch with a high deviation may be selected for a horizontal completion and a branch with a substantially vertical inclination is selected for placement of phase separation equipment.
In an alternate embodiment; the windows may be preinstalled in the casing string at the surface. The location of the window segment would be dependent on the same considerations as the placement and generation of the downhole windows-the ultimate targets and optimum placement of the well bore path to the target. In this embodiment, the casing string (with window segment pre-installed) is run into the bore hole, and thus, milling and generation is not necessary.
Referring now to Fig. 3, a first branch well bore 30 and a second branch well bore 32 is depicted. Hence, the steps would include generating from the window 22 a branch well bore 30 that ultimately intersects the second reservoir. As depicted in Fig.
3, the branches 30 and 32 are completed to the reservoirs 12 and 10 at optimum trajectories. The actual productive intervals li and 36 of the well branches 30 and 32, respectively, are maximized since they are essentially horizontal. However, the path as generated from the windows 20 and 22 allowed for optimum entry and a proper curvature for leading to the horizontal second The method of completing the productive intervals 34 and 36 will consist of normal completion methods such as perforating the branch well casing strings 30 and 32. After the perforating, the well bores 34 and 36 may have placed therein sand control means for preventing the migration of sand into the inner bores of branches 30, 32 as is well known in the art.
As illustrated in Figs. 4A and 4B, the branches 30 and 32 will also contain flow control device means 38 and jQ for controlling the flow of the reservoir fluids and gas into the main access well bore 2. The flow control device means 38, 40 will be placed into a landing profile or landing receptacle ALL 44 respectively. As used in this application, the flow control device means could be a choke means that would allow for a variably reduced flow area, or a valve means having an open position and a closed position, or a check valve means that would be pressure sensitive and allow for flow in one direction but would prohibit flow in the opposite direction. The mechanism and method of placing the flow control valve means 38, 40 into the landing receptacles 42, 44 will described in greater detail later in the application. Fig. 4B depicts the flow control device means 38, 40 within the landing profile 42, 44.
The flow control device means 38, 40 could also have a microprocessor and sensor means operatively associated therewith. The sensor means would ' sense certain production parameters such as pressure, resistivity, fluid composition, etc. Based on a pre-determined criteria, once the information has been processed and interpreted with the downhole microprocessor control means, the microprocessor would then generate an output signal to the flow control device means which could be to open, close and/or constrict the flow control device means. Moreover, the actual microprocessor could be disposed within the downhole flow control device means, or within a central unit located within one of the branches or even within the main access well bore. The sending of signals downhole to the microprocessor in order to manipulate the control flow devices is also possible. The microprocessor control means may ve ve and transact through hard wired connection, acoustically linked, optically linked, etc.
Other types of well branching is certainly possible. For instance, a scenario is illustrated in Fig. 5 wherein the branch well bore 30A has been completed to the hydrocaroon reser'iroir 12. A second branch well bore EQ has been drilled and completed to the aquifer 16. Zn the embodiment depicted in Fig. 5, the location of the window has been selected based on the optimum trajectory angles of the branch well bores 30A and 50 in conjunction with the entry and physical placemant within the subterranean reservoir 12 and aquifer 16. The branch well bore 30t will be completed 52 to the reservoir 12 as previously described so that the well bore 30A is capable of producing the reservoir's 12 fluids and gas. Further, the branch well bore 50 is similarly completed to the aquifer 16, except that the completion 54 is such that the fluids may be injected via the completion 54 into the aquifer 16.
The branch well bore 30A will have disposed therein a separator means 56 for the separation of the hydrocarbon phase and water phase of the reservoir fluid. Examples of such separators are found in U. S. Patent Nos 4,241,787 and 4,296,810 to Mr. E. Price. Another type of separator is disclosed in "Downhole Oil/Water Separator Development", The Journal Of
Canadian Petroleum Technology, Vol. 33, No. 7 (1994) by Peachey and Matthews. Still yet another separator is seen in U. S.
Patent 4,766,957 to Mr. McIntyre. Thus, flow from the reservoir enters into the internal diameter of the branch well bore 30A and enters the separator means 56 as shown in Fig. 5. The separator means 56 will separate the water and hydrocarbon phase.
The diverter tubing 58 leads from the separator means 56 to a waste water pump 60 that is sealingly engaged within the branch well bore 50. The waste water pump 60 willbe capable of receiving the water which has been separated from the separator means 56 and injecting the water into the aquifer via the completion means 54. An example of a waste water pump 60 is found in the previously mentioned "Downhole Oil/Water Separator Dev1opment", The Journal Of Canadian Petroleum Technology, Vol.
33, rIo. 7 (1994) by Peachey and Matthew.
The separator means 56. will have extended therefrom the production' tubing 62 which will deliver the fluid and natural gas to the main access well bore 2 after separation. Hence, the fluid entering the main access well bore from the pnxductlon tubing 62 will not contain large amounts of produced water from reservoir 12.
Referring now to Fig. 6, an alternate mlxXUinent depicting a separator means' 5{ for separating the hydrocarbon phase and water phase of the produced reservoir fluid. The separator means 64 will be sealingly engaged within the main access well bore 2. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the produced reservoir fluids and gas will be produced via the branch well bore 30A from the completion 52. The produced fluids and gas will then be delivered to the main access well bore 2 and will enter the water separator 64 and will be separated into an oil/natural gas phase and a water phase. An example of such a separator was mentioned earlier.
The separator means 64 will have operatively associated therewith a waste water pump 66 that will take the separated water and pump the water via the injection conduit 68 for ultimate injection into the aquifer 16. An example of such a separator and pump was mentioned earlier. It should be noted that a packer 70 is set within the main access well bore 2 so that the flow from the separator is diverted to the branch well bore 50 for ultimate delivery to the completion means 54 and injection into the aquifer 16.
In operation, the reservoir 12 is allowed to produce the reservoir fluids and gas via the branch well bore 30A. The flow from the reservoir will enter the main access well bore 2 and be collected within the separator means 64. The liquid hydrocarbons and natural gas will be delivered to the main access well bore 2 for production to the surface. The water separated therefrom will be pumped down to the completion 54 for injection into the aquifer 16.
A third embodiment of use of separator means is seen in
Fig. 7. In this embodiment, the branch well bore 32B exten th' reservoir 10. The reservoir 10 will be an oil reservoir having an oil-water contact represented at 72. The branch well bore 30B will extend into the same reservoir 10, and in particurar, will be completed with completion means 74 in the water zone. A separator means 16 for separating the hydrocarbon phase from the in-situ water phase is sealingly engaged within the branch well bore 32B. The separator may be similar to the separator 56.
The separated in-situ water phase is diverted via the diverter tubing 28 to be delivered to the lower annulus 80 of the main access casing 2. The diverter tubing 78 will be disposed within a packer means Z for sealingly engaging the main access well bore 2. The separated oil and natural gas will be delivered to the production tubing li for ultimate production to the surface. Thus, the in-situ water will be disposed of within the reservoir 10, and more particularly, within the water zone. This will have the beneficial effect of maintaining pressure within the reservoir 10 as well as initiating secondary recovery via this modified water flood.
with reference to Fig. 8, another embodiment of the present invention depicts the branch well bore 32C being completed 86 to the reservoir 10. In this particular embodiment, the reservoir 10 has a gas cap with the gas-oil contact represented at ME.
The branch well bore 30C extends into the same reservoir 10, and in particular into the oil zone, with the completion means 90 allowing the hydrocarbon fluids and gas to flow into the branch well bore 30C. Ultimately, the flow proceeds into the main access well bores lower annulus 92. The lower annulus will have disposed therein a packer means li for sealingly engaging the main access well bore 2. Extending from the packer means 94 will be the diverter tubing 96 that is operatively connected to a separator means 98 for separating the fluids and gas. The separator means 98 will have connected thereto a pump means 100 that will pump the separated gas via the branch 32C and completion a6 into the gas cap so that the produced gas is recycled into the reservoir 10. Pressure maintenance may be important for several reasons including maintaining the reservoir pressure above the bubble point pressure. Ieading f the separator means 98 will be a production tubing 102 for dex very to the surface. The pump may also be used to assist in delivery of oil to surface.
Fig. -9A shows another embodiment possible with the disclosure of the present invention in order to produce hydrocarbns. In this embodiment, the main access well bore 2 has two branch wells extending therefrom with the branch 32D being completed with completion means 104 to the reservoir 10 which in this embodiment will be an oil reservoir. The branch well bore 106 will be completed with the completion means 108 to the reservoir 14 which in this case 18 a gas reservoir. A diverter tubing 110 will extend to the commingling assembly lia.
The branch well bore 106 will contain flow control device means 1X4 for regulating the flow of natural gas from the reservoir 14. The flow control means 114 will be seated within the branch well bore 106 and will have disposed therein a valve means 115. A diverter tubing 116 will lead to the commingling assembly 112.
The flow control device means 114, 115 may be a pressure sensitive device that would allow natural gas to enter into the diverter tubing and ultimately into the comingling assembly 112. It may also be controlled utilizing the previously discussed microprocessor control means. The intermittent flow of natural gas will allow for the lifting of reservoir fluids into the production tubing li. This is particularly useful when the pressure of reservoir 10 becomes sufficiently depleted that the reservoir pressure is no longer capable of supplying sufficient lifting capacity of the reservoir fluids.
Referring now to Fig. 9B, an enlargement of the commingling assembly 112 is shown. It should be noted that the commingling assembly used herein was described in Figs. 9A-9C of U. S.
Patent 5,322,127, assigned to applicant, and is incorporated herein by reference. Referring to Fig. 9B, the main access well bore 2 has been placed within the bore hole 120 and thereafter set into a cement annulus 122 as is well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The commingling assembly 112 generally consist of an enlarged section having a first input 124 and a second input 126 that is disposed within an extendable completion 86 into the gas cap so that the produced gas is rewrcled into the reservoir 10. Pressure maintenance may be important for several reasons including maintaining the reservoir -pressure above the bubble point pressure. lading from the separator means 98 will be a production tubing 102 for delivery to the surface. The pump may also be used to assist in delivery of oil to surface.
Fig. 9A shows another embodiment possible with the disclosure of the present invention in order to produce hydrocebbons. In this embodiment, the main access well bore 2 has two branch wells extending therefrom with the branch 32D being completed with completion means L04 to the reservoir 10 which in this embodiment will be an oil reservoir. The branch well bore 106 will be completed with the completion means 108 to the reservoir 14 which in this case is a gas reservoir. A diverter tubing 110 will extend to the commingling assembly 112.
The branch well bore 106 will contain flow control device means 114 for regulating the flow of natural gas from the reservoir 14. The flow control means 114 will be seated within the branch well bore 106 and will have disposed therein a valve means li. A diverter tubing 116 will lead to the commingling assembly 112.
The flow control device means 114, 115 may be a pressure sensitive device that would allow natural gas to enter into the diverter tubing and ultimately into the commingling assembly 112. It may also - be controlled utilizing the previously discussed microprocessor control means. The intermittent flow of natural gas will allow for the lifting of reservoir fluids into the production tubing 118. This is particularly useful when the pressure of reservoir 10 becomes sufficiently depleted that the reservoir pressure is no longer capable of supplying sufficient lifting capacity of the reservoir fluids.
Referring now to Fig. 9B, an enlargement of the commingling assembly 112 is shown. It should be noted that the commingling assembly used herein was described in Figs. 9A-9C of U. S.
Patent 5,322,127, assigned to applicant, and is incorporated herein by reference. Referring to Fig. 9B, the main access well bore 2 has been placed within the bore hole 120 and thereafter serinto a cement annulus 122 as is well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The comingling assembly 112 generally consist of an enlarged section having a first input 124 andir second input 126 that is disposed within an extandable key and gauge ring member 128 of the coningling assembly 112.
The commingling assembly also includes a swivel assembly 129 that is operatively associated with the production tubing 118.
The first input section 124 is connected to the diverter tubing 116 and the second input 126 is connected to an intermediate tube -130 that has at one end a set of seal ochers 132 that will sealingly engage with a polished bore receptacle 134. The polished bore receptacle is contained on one end of the diverter tubing 110. Also contained on the diverter tubing 110 is the centralizers 136.
A packer 138, which may be a hydraulic or mechahical type of packer, for sealingly engaging the main access well bore 2 is provided. As contained within the main access well bore 2 is the whip stock diverter 140 that is used for generation of the window 20. Thus, the completion 104 is isolated from the completion 108.
Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in
Fig. 10. In this embodiment, the branch well bore l06A will extend to the reservoir 14 which will be a hydrocarbon bearing reservoir. The branch well bore 106A will be completed via the completion means 108A for allowing the flow of hydrocarbon fluids and gas to flow from the reservoir 14 through the completion means 108A and into the well bore 106A for ultimate production to the surface.
A second branch well bore 32E has also been provided, but unlike the previous branch well bores 32-32D, the branch well bore 32E will not necessarily intersect a reservoir. Thus, as shown in Fig. 10, the branch well bore 32E extends from the main access well bore 2 at an optimum angle so that chemical treatment facilities means 160 for treating the reservoir fluids and gas produced from the reservoir 14.
In this embodiment, the main access well bore 2 will have contained therein a production tubing 162 with the production tubing string being operatively associated therewith a production packer lii which will form a lower annulus 166 and an upper annulus 168. Hence, as the reservoir fluids and gas enter into the lower annulus 166, production to the surface will be via the route of the production tubing 162.
The chemical treatment facilities means could have different types of chemicals, with the necessary injector capacity in order to introduce the specific chemical (or chemicals) into the lower annulus 166 for ultimate mixing and exposure to the reservoir fluids and gas production. A metering device may also be included in order to introduce a precise amount of chemical. In one type of chemical treatment, the treatment may be to prevent the formation of hydrates within the lower annulus 166 and within the production string 162 and into the surface facilities (not shown). Some other types of chemicals that may be placed within the treatment branch well bore 32E include corrosion inhibitors for the prevention of corrosion in the down hole and surface tubular. Also, a paraffin inhibitor may be placed within branch 32E for the deterrence of paraffin precipitation within the tubing 162 and surface facilities. By mixing the treatment chemical with the reservoir fluids and gas downhole, certain benefits are obtained such as introduction of hydration - inhibition chemicals prior to reaching uphole pressure and temperature which would promote formation of hydrate plugging. Another benefit is that intermittent down hole injection correlated to shut-downs of the system will permit loading of flow lines and other deposition prone areas with the treated (inhibited) produced fluids.
The method and apparatus of landing the treatment means within the branch well bore 32E may essentially consist of landing a packer 170 within the well bore 32E, with the packer having extending therefrom a tail pipe section 172 with the tail pipe section having attached thereto the treatment means 160.
It should be noted that the quantity of chemical actually stored may be a finite amount; however, since the branch well bore 32E may extend for several thousand feet from the main access well bore, the quantity held within this chemical facilities means can be quite significant.
Referring now to Fig. 11, another embodiment is disclosed th . shows the use of multiple procss/treatment branches. The branch well bore 30D will be completed to the hydrocarbon reservoir 12 via the completion means fli for producing the reservoir's 12 fluids and gas. Also extending from the main access well bore 2 will be the branch well bore 176 that will have contained therein process equipment 178 such as water separation means and injection means as previously described.
A third branch well bore 180 may also extend from the main access well bore 2. The well bore 176 may contain process equipment t82 which in one ermbodiment may be a catalyst bed to crack the hydrocarbon fluids produced from the reservoir 12 via the completion means 171. The benefit of such a treatment process is that the modified hydrocarbon molecular composition may be less likely to wax or build up paraffin deposit in the down hole tubular as well as the surface facilities.
Thus, the branch 30D will contain a packer 184 for sealingly engaging the branch 30D. Extending from the packer will be the diverter tubing 186 which will extend to the branch well bore 176 and in particular for the separation with the separation means 178 of the reservoir fluids - and gas as previously set out in Figs. 5, 6, 'and 7. The hydrocarbon fluid and gas will then be transferred via the divetter tubing 188 to the process equipment 182 for catalyzing and cracking the hydrocarbon molecular structure. After appropriate treatment, the fluid and gas stream will be delivered via the diverter tubing 190.
The main access well bore 2 will have disposed therein a packer 192 which will create a lower annulus 12j and an upper annulus l96 The packer 192 will have extending therefrom the production tubing 1. The diverter tubing will deliver the hydrocarbon stream to the production tubing 198 for transporting to the surface as is well known in the art.
Referring now to Fig. 12, a schematic illustration of a type of sealing means for sealing a branch well bore from the main access well bore with a tail pipe extension is shown. In the embodiment shown, the branch well bore may be the branch well bore 32 depicted in Fig. 4 that extends from the main access well bore 2. The packer means 202 for sealingly engaging the branch well bore 32 is commercially available from Baker Hushes Incorporated and sold under the packer model number - wSC- 1". The packer means 202 has internal bore ali that will have disposed therein a tail pipe 206. The tail pipe 206 will extend below the packer 202 as least partially to the productive interval. The tail pipe 206 will have contained therein a landing profile 208 for landing an apparatus, such as a plug, orifice, plug, pressure probe, or other production monitoring sensor. Another apparatus that is possible to land into the landing profile 208 is latch placement of operatively associated production equipment such as the three-phase separator, chemical injection or catalytic/reactor devices.
Fig. 13 depicts the packer means 202 of Fig. 12 with the tail pipe 206 extending therefrom. The embodiment of Fig. 13 has a control means 210 for controlling the production into the main access well bore 2. In the embodiment shown, a choke is provided which is a variably controlled valve that will cause a pressure drop at the point of orifice restriction that is well known in the art. The purpose of having the down hole choke is that production from the reservoir is restricted to a limited extent because of the pressure drop created at the restriction.
The pressure drop may be used to balance production from several of the open zones, i.e. assist in cozmingling. Also, the choke may be used for regulating the amount of lift gas from a zone as in Fig. 9A so as to optimize oil production while not unnecessarily depleting the hydrocarbons and pressure available from the reservoir.
Yet another embodiment is shown in Fig. 14. A branch well bore 214 extends from a window section 216 of the main access well bore 218. This particular branch well bore 214 will have a series of perforations 22P that communicate the internal diameter of the branch well bore 214 with the reservoir 222.
The branch well bore will also contain landing profiles 224 and 226. As depicted in Fig. 14, a control valve means 228 for opening and closing the branch well bore 214 from communication with the main access well bore 218 is provided. The control valve means is operable between an open position and a closed position. The control valve 228 is retrievable and resettable.
T1 landing profile 226 is generally a back-up profile landing receptacle for a plug. These type of landing profiles 224, 226 arevgenelmlly incorporated into the casing strings 214.
Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
1. A method of drilling a plurality of welibores with a drill string containing a
sensor device for sensing subterranean properties of hydrocarbon
reservoirs, the method comprising:
drilling a primary access weilbore;
-measuring at least one subterranean property of the hydrocarbon
reservoirs from said primary access wellbore with the sensor
device;
developing a subterranean model of the hydrocarbon reservoirs;
-developing; using the subterranean model an optimum trajectory path
from the primary access wellbore to a first target reservoir and a
second target reservoir for placement of a first branch completion
equipment and a second branch completion equipment.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
-placing a primary access casing in.said primary access well bore;
-cutting a first window section in said primary access casing leading to the
first target reservoir;
-cutting a second window section in said primary access casing leading to
the second target reservoir.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein a remedial work over unit is mobilized and the
method further comprises:
drilling, utilizing said first window, a branch wellbore to said first target
reservoir, drilling, utilizing said second window1 a branch wellbore to said second
target reservoir.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprising:
-completing construction of the branch wellbore to said first target
reservoir with completion equipment; -completing construction of the branch wellbore to said second target
reservoir with completion equipment.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising
-placing a first valve device in the branch wellbore to the first target
reservoir for variably controlling the flow from said branch wellbore;
-placing a second valve device in the branch wellbore to the second target
reservoir for variably controlling the flow from said branch wellbore.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein each of said first and second valve devices
further comprises a sensor device for sensing a production parameter of
the target reservoirs and wherein the method further comprises:
-producing a hydrocarbon from said branch' we[lbore to the first target
reservoir,
-monitoring the production parameter of said branch welibore to said first
target reservoir;
-positioning said first valve device in a closed position from an open
position when the production of hydrocarbon drops below a
predetermined parameter level;
-positioning said second valve device in an open position from a closed
position so that a hydrocarbon is produced from said branch
wellbore to said second target reservoir;
-monitoring the production parameter of said branch wellbore to said first
target reservoir,
-positioning said second valve device in the closed position when the
production parameter of said branch wellbore to the first target
reservoir rises to a predetermined level;
-positioning said first valve device in the open position when the
production parameter of said branch wellbore to the first target
reservoir rises to a predetermined level.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein each of said first and second valve devices
have operatively associated therewith a control device for receiving an
output signal from said sensor device in each of the valve devices and
wherein the control device generates a transmission signal in order to
control the position of said first and second valves, and wherein the
method of positioning said valve devices comprises:
-receiving the data signal from said sensor in each of the first and second
valve devices;
-processing the data signal received from each of the first and second
valve devices with said control device;
-transmitting an output signal to each of said first and second valve
devices in response to the data signal so that each of said first and
second valve devices are appropriately positioned.
8. The method of claim 3 wherein drilling said first and second branch well bores
is completed by a drilling rig, and wherein the method further comprises: -demobileing said rotary rig;
-mobilizing a remedial work over unit;
-reentering said first branch well bore; -drilling, with said remedial work over unit, an extended well bore
intersecting said first target reservoir.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprises:
-reentering said second branch well bore; -drilling, with said remedial work over unlit, an extended well bore
intersecting said second target reservoir.
10. A method for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean formations,
having at least one producing zone and one disposal zone, through a
multilateral well bore having at least one branch well bore, wherein the
method comprises:
-extending a primary access well bore from a surface location to a
downhole location, the primary access well bore having a
first flow passage to a subterranean reservoir;
-intersecting the primary access well bore with a branch well bore
having a second flow passage to a subterranean reservoir
with one of the flow passages being in fluid communication
with a producing zone and the other passage being in fluid
communication with a disposal zone;
-deiivering production fluids from the producing zone to a
subterranean processing unit located within a branch welibore; -processing the production fluids in the subterranean processing
unit which comprises a fluids separator for separating the
production fluids into a hydrocarbon production phase and
a in-situ disposal phase; -delivering the hydrocarbon production phase from the
subterranean processing unit to the surface through the
primary access wellbore; and
-delivering and re-injecting the in-situ disposal phase from the
subterranean processing unit into the disposal zone
through the flow passage in fluid communication with the
disposal zone.
11. The method as set forth in claim I 0, wherein
-the production fluids are separated with a two-phase fluids separator
selected from the group consisting of a liquid-gas separator and a
liquid-liquid separator.
12. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein
-the production fluids are selected from the group consisting of:
-a liquid hydrocarbon production phase and a gas hydro-carbon
production phase;
-a liquid hydrocarbon production phase and a in-situ water
disposal phase; and
-a gas hydrocarbon production phase and a in-situ water disposal
phase.
13. The method as set forth in claim 10 further comprises:
-locating the subterranean processing unit in the branch well bore in
fluid communication with a producing zone or a disposal zone.
14. The method as set forth in claim 10 further comprises:
-providing a flow control apparatus in at least one of the flow passages.
15. The method as set forth in claim 10 further comprises:
-providing a subterranean processing unit which further comprises a
submersible pump assembly for delivering the hydrocarbon production
phase to the surface and for re-injecting the in-situ disposal phase in the
disposal zone.
16. The method as set forth in claim 10 further comprises:
-intersecting the primary access well bore with a further branch well bore
having a flow passage in fluid communication between the subterranean
processing unit and a subterranean reservoir with a second disposal
zone for delivering at least a portion of the in-situ disposal phase
therein.
17. The method as set forth in claim 16, wherein
-separating the production fluids in a three-phase fluids separator into a
liquid hydrocarbon production phase, a gas hydrocarbon production
phase and an in-situ water disposal phase.
18. The method as set forth in claim 17, further comprises:
-delivering the liquid hydrocarbon and the gas hydrocarbon production
phases, separately, to the surface through the primary access well bore
from subterranean processing unit; and
-delivering and re-injecting the in-situ water disposal phase into a
second disposal zone from subterranean processing unit.
19. The method as set forth in claim 18 further comprises:
-pumping each separated phase of the production fluids with a
pump assembly to maintain sufficient reservoir pressure above a
bubble point in the producing and disposal zones.
20. The method as set forth in claim 10 further comprises: -intersecting the primary access well bore with a further branch -
well bore having a flow passage for delivery of a treating
chemical that is in fluid communication between a chemical
storage zone within a multilateral well bore and the subterranean
processing unit;
-delivering the treating chemical from the surface location to the
chemical storage zone and storing the treating chemical;
-delivering production fluids from the producing zones to the
subterranean processing unit;
-delivering the treating chemical to the subterranean processing
unit for treating the hydrocarbon production phase;
-treating the hydrocarbon production phase from the
subterranean processing unit with a treating chemical; and
-delivering the treated hydrocarbon production phase to the
surface through the primary access well bore from the
subterranean processing unit.
21. A well bore system for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean formations1 having at least one producing zone and at least one disposal zone, through a multilateral well bore having at least one branch well bore comprising:
-a primary access well bore extending from a surface location to a
downhole location, the primary access well bore having a first
flow passage to a subterranean reservoir;
-a first branch well bore intersecting the primary access well bore
having a second flow passage to a subterranean reservoir with
one of the flow passages being in fluid communication with a
producing zone and the other passage being in fluid
communication with a disposal zone;
-a subterranean processing unit located within a branch well bore
which comprises a fluids separator for separating the production
fluids received from a producing zone into a h
production phase to the surface while reinjecting the in-situ disposal
phase to the disposal zone.
25. The well bore system as set forth in claim 21 further comprises:
-a further branch well bore intersecting the primary access well
bore having a third flow passage to a subterranean reservoir with
two of the flow passages each being in fluid communication with
a producing zone and the other passage being in fluid
communication with a disposal zone;
-a commingling assembly located within the multilateral well bore
and operatively associated with the flow passages for
commingling the hydrocarbon production phases from each
producing zone to thus deplete a hydrocarbon field more
efficiently; and
-whereby the primary access well bore, the branch weilbores and
the subterranean processing unit together form the well bore
system for producing, separating and delivering production fluids
multiple producing zones in a multilateral well bore.
26. A method for treating recovered hydrocarbons from subterranean formations through a well bore, wherein the method comprises:
-providing a primary access well bore which extends from a
surface location to a downhole location and which is in fluid
communication with a producing zone;
-intersecting the primary access well bore with a first branch well
bore extending outwardly;
-delivering and storing a treating chemical from the surface
location to a chemical storage zone in the first branch well bore;
delivering production fluids from the producing zone to a
subterranean processing unit; delivering treating chemicals to the subterranean processing unit
for treating the production fluids;
-processing the production fluids in the subterranean processing
unit which comprises a chemical treating apparatus; and
delivering the treated production fluids to the surface through the
primary access well bore from the subterranean processing unit.
27. The method as set forth in claim 26 further comprises:
-inserting an impermeable liner in the first branch well bore for
storing the treating chemicals.
28. The method as set forth in claim 26 further comprises:
-treating the production fluids with treating chemicals selected
from a group consisting of a hydrate inhibitor, a corrosion
inhibitor, a paraffin wax inhibitor, a scale inhibitor, a hydrogen
sulfide scavenger and an emulsion breaker.
29. The method as set forth in claim 26 further comprises:
-treating production fluids in a multilateral well bore with more
than one producing zone.
30. The method as set forth in claim 29 further comprises:
-providing a second branch well bore in a multilateral well bore for
storing a processing apparatus comprising a catalyst bed for
cracking the production fluids so as to prevent paraffin wax build
up in a production string located in the primary access well bore;
-delivering the production fluids to the second branch well bore to
the processing apparatus for cracking and catalyzing the
production fluids; and
-delivering the treated production fluids to the surface through the
production string in the primary access well bore.
31. A method for producing hydrocarbons from a producing zone, comprising:
(a) forming a primary wellbore substantially in a non-producing
formation;
(b) drilling a branch wellbore into the producing zone for
producing hydrocarbons therefrom, said branch wellbore intersecting the
primary wellbore;
(c) forming a sealed junction at the intersection of the primary
wellbore and the branch wellbore, said junction formed entirely within the
non-producing zone; and
(d) producing the hydrocarbons from the producing zone by
flowing such hydrocarbons through the primary wellbore.
32. The method of claim 31 further comprising placing a flow control device in the branch wellbore for controlling the flow of the hydrocarbons from the producing zone into the primary wellbore.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein the primary wellbore is substantially free of equipment which is not utilized for flowing hydrocarbons through the primary wellbore.
34. A method for producing hydrocarbons from a producing zone, comprising:
(a) forming a primary wellbore;
(b) forming a first branch wellbore into the producing zone for
producing a fluid therefrom, said first branch wellbore intersecting
the primary wellbore; and
(c) forming a second branch wellbore from the primary wellbore
for treating the fluid from the producing zone to alter a property of
the fluid produced from the producing zone.
35. A method for producing hydrocarbons from a producing zone, comprising:
(a) forming a primary wellbore;
(b) forming a first branch wellbore into the producing zone for
producing the hydrocarbons;
(c) forming a second branch wellbore from the primary wellbore
for treating the hydrocarbons to initiate a change in a property of
the hydrocarbons; and
(d) passing the hydrocarbons from the first branch wellbore into
the second branch wellbore to initiate the change in a property of
the fluid passed into the second branch wellbore.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the second branch wellbore contains equipment for initiating the change in the property of the hydrocarbons.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the property of the hydrocarbons changed is a physical property.
38. The method of claim 36 wherein the property of the hydrocarbons changed is a chemical property.
39. The method of claim 35, wherein the second branch wellbore contains a chemical for initiating the change in the property of the hydrocarbons.
40. A method for producing a hydrocarbon from a sub-surface reservoir, comprising:
(a) forming a primary wellbore;
(b) forming a first branch wellbore into the reservoir for
producing the hydrocarbon therefrom; and
(c) converting the hydrocarbon produced from first branch
wellbore downhole into a refined material having chemical structure
that is different from the hydrocarbon produced from the reservoir.
41. The method as specified in claim 40, wherein the conversion of the hydrocarbon is done in a second branch wellbore formed from the primary wellbore.
42. The method as specified in claim 41, wherein the primary wellbore is formed substantially in a non-hydrocarbon be'aring formation.
43. The method as specified in claim 41, wherein the conversion is done by processing the hydrocarbon with a chemical stored in the second branch wellbore.
44. A method for producing hydrocarbons from a producing zone, comprising:
(a) forming a primary wellbore;
(b) forming a branch wellbore into the producing zone for
producing the hydrocarbons;
(c) producing hydrocarbons from the producing zone via the
branch wellbore; and
(d) compressing vapors present in the hydrocarbons produced
from the producing zone by a compressor placed down hole.
45 A method for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean formations, having at
least one producing zone and one disposal zone1 thorough a multilateral wellbore
having at least one branch well bore, wherein the method comprises:
extending a prissy aecess well from a 51JaOe location to a downhole
location, the primary access wellbore presenting a first flow passage
in fluid communication with a subterranean reservoir; intersecting the primary access wellbore with a branch wellbore presenting a
second flow passage in fluid oornmunicaticn with a subterranean
reservoir, with-one Of the flow passages being in fluid communication
with a producing zone and the other passage being in fluid
communication with a disposal zone;
providing a phase separation processing unit in the branch wellbore
separating phases of production fluids received from the producing
zone;
providing a packer in the branch wellbore blocking fluid flow in tne branch
wellbore, the packer having a transfer port therein in flow
communication with the processing unit directing fluid flow in the
branch wellbore via the processing unit;
delivering production fluids from the producing zone to the subterranean processing unit located within the branch welibore; processing the production fluids in the subterranean processing unit to
separate the production fluids into a hydrocarbon production phase and an In-situ disposal phase;
delivering the separated hydrocarbon production phase from the
subterranean processing unit to the surface through the primary
access wellbore;
delivering and relnjeeting the separated in-situ disposal phase from the
subterranean processing unit into the disposal zone through the flow passage ih fluid communication with the disposal zone; and
whereby the primary wellbore rernains free of processing units and
associated equipment and open for fluid flow and mechanical
intervention below the branch weilbore.
46 The method as set forth in clalm 45 wherein the production fluids are
separated with a separator selected from the group. consisting of a liquiFgas separator, a liquid-liquid separator, and gas-iiquid-liquld separator.
47 The method as set forth In clalm 45 wherein the production fluids are selected' from the group consisting a liquid hydrocarbon production phase, Z gas hydrocarbon phase1 and a water phase and said in-situ disposal phase are selected from the
group consisting ofthe water phase and the gas hydrocarbon phase.
48 A method of treating hydrocarbon fluids produced from subterranean ftrrnations through e weIlbore wherein the method comprises: providing a primary access welibore which extends 'from a surface location to
a downhole location;
intersecting the prirnary access wellbore with a branch wellbore extending outwardly;
providing a subterranean fluid treatment device, positioned at least'in part in
the branch wellbore treating fluid received at the device to enhance
selected properties of the fluid;
delivering produced fluid' to the sthterranean treatment device:
treating the fluid at the subterranean treatment device; and
delivering the treated fluid to flie surface through the primary access wellbore
from the subterranean treatment device.
49 The method as set font In claim 48 further comprises:
for storing the treating chemical in a downhole storage zone and
delivering the chemical from storage to the treatment device.
50 The method as set forth in claim 48 further comprises:
treating the fluids with a treating chemical selected from a grwp
consisting of a hydrate inhibitor, a corrosion Inhibitor, a parkin wax
inhibitor, a scale inhibitor, a hydrogen sulfide scavenger, a water
clarifier and an emulsion breaker.
51 The method as set forth in claim 48 wherein:
said treating comprises adding treatment chemical stored In a branch
wellbore to the fluid delivered to the treatment device.
52 The method as set forth in claim 48 wherein:
the treating comprises cracking the fluid in a catalyst bed in the branch wellbore end it oddiring the hydrocarbon molecular composition of the fluid received at the device.
53 A method for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean formations, having at least one producing zone and one disposal zone:
extending a wellbore from a surface location to a downhole location and
having a first flow passage to a subterranean reservoir and a second
flaw passage to a subterranean resewir, with one of the flow
passages being in fluid communication with a producing zone and the other passage teing In fluid cornunleation with a disposal zone;
delivering production fluids from the producing zone to a subterranean
gasiliquid separator;
separating the production fluids in the gastliquid separator into a liquid
production phase and a gas phase;
delivering at least a portion of the liquid phase from the subterranean
separator to the surface through the primary access we lbore; and
delivering and ra-iniecting at least a portion of the gaseous phase from the
subterranean separator into the disposal zone.
54 The method Of claim 53 further comprising:
separating the liquid production phase into a liquid hydrocarbon phase and a
liquid in-situ disposal phase, and
delivering the liquid hydrocarbon phase'to the surface and reinjecting the
liquid in-situ disposal phase into the disposal zone 55 The method of claim 54 further comprising compressing at least a portion of the gaseous phase to facilitate its injection.
56 The method of producing and treating hydrocarbons from a wellbore system intersecting a hydrocarbon producing zone; the method comprising:
forming a wellbore which extends from o surface location to a dmnhole location and is in fluid communications with a fluid hydrocarbon producing zone;
providing a subterranean fluid treatment device positioned downhole;
delivering produced fluid to the treatment device;
providing a storage zone for treatment chemical stored downhole adjacent
the treatment device of sufficient capacity to require refilling only at
periodic times during the lye of the well; and
delivering treatment chemical to the treatment device; and treating the
produced fluid delivered to the treatment device with the treatment
chemical to enhance selected properties of the produced fluids.
57 The method of claim 56 further comprising; storing treatment chemical
selected from a group consisting of a hydrate Inhibitor, a corrosion inhibitor. a
paraffin wax inhibitor, scale inhibitor, a hydrogen sulfide scavenger, a wuter darMier and an emulsion breaker.
58 A method of producing and converting the molecular composition of hydrocarbons from a weilbore system Intersecting a hydrocarbon producing zone, the method comprising:
forming a wellbore which extends from a surface location to a do-(RSe location and is in fluid communication with a hydrocarbon fluid producing zone;
providing a subterranean fluid converter dsenhole; delivering hydrocarbon fluid to the convener; and
converting the hydrocarbon fluid delivered to the converter into a produced
fluid having a molecular composition that is different from that of the
fluid hydrocarbon as produced from the producing zone
59 The method of claim 58 wherein the converting comprises catalyzing and cracking the molecular structure of the hydrocarbon fluid delivered to the converter.
60 A method of produdng and processing hydrocarbons from a wellbore sem intersecting a hydrocarbon producing zone, the'method comprising: forming a wellbore which extends from a surface location to a downhole
location and Is in fluid communication with a fluid hydrocarbon
producing zone;
providing a sensor positioned dofivnhole rnonitoring fluid parameters of fluid hydrocarbons produced from said zone; and
processing the fluid hydrocarbons to modify parameters of the nuid hydrocarbons.
61 The method of claim 60 wherein the fluid parameters aru selected from the group comprising flow rate, fluid composition, and water percentage.
62 The method of claim 60 wherein the processing is selected from the group comprising: phase separation, chemical treatment and conversion of moIe:Iar composition.
63 A wellbore system producing gaseous hydrocarbons comprising;
a wellbore extending down from the surface to a downhole location and in
fluid communication wtth a gaseous hydrocarbon producing zone; and
a compressor positioned downhole in fluid communication with the gaseous
hydrocarbon producing zone compressing the gaseous hydrocarbon -
delivered to the compressor to a pressure greater than that of the
gaseous hydrocarbon as produced from the producing zone to cilltate the handling of the gaseous hydrocarbom 64 The method of producing hydrocarbon fluids fhm a wellbore system interseeting first and second hydrocarbon producing zones having first and second fluid control devices controlling the product' ion fluId flow rate from the first and second zones1 respectlvely, the method comprising:
providing a first sensor for the first zone monitoring at least one production
parameter of the fluids produced from the first zone;
producing hydrocarbon from said first zone;
monitoring the produdion parameter of the produced fluid of said first zone
adjusting the first fluid flow control device to reduce the production rate of the
first zone when the parameter is outside of a predetermined range;
adjusting the second fluid flow control device to Increase the rate of
production of hydrocarbon from said second zone;
monitoring the production parameter of said first zone;
adjusting the second fluid flow control device to reduce the production rate of
the second zone when the productiort parameter of the first zone falls
within the predeterrnined range; and
-adjusting the first fluid flow control device to increase production'when the
production parameter of the not zone is within the predetermined
level.
65 The method of claim 64 wherein the first sensor includes a transmitter transmitting data and the fluid flow control devices include Q receiver receiving data used in controlling the flow rate of produced fluid through the devices.
66 A method of drilling a multi-Iteral wellbore with a drill string containing a senior for sensing subterranean formation properties during the drilling operation, the method comprising:
developing a subterranean formation model identifying the anticipated
location of one or more hydrocarbon reservoirs;
thereafter using the model to Identify a drill path that is adjacent to but
spaced apart from a target hydrocarbon reservoir; drilling a primary access wellbore generally along the drill path;
measuring at least one formation property re ffve to the target hydrocarbon
reservoir from said primary access wellbore using the sensor while
drilling the access wellbore; updatin the subterranean model using the measured formation property to
better identify the location of the hydrocarbon reservoir; and
developing, using the updated subterranean model, a trajectory path for a
branch wellbore extending from the primary wellbore and projecting
into the target hydrocarbon reservoir.
67 The method of claim 66 further comprising: placing casing in said primary access well bore; and
cutting a window section in said casing leading to the target
reservoir, with the window being along the trajectory path of the branch
well bore but spaced apart from the target reservoir.
68 The method of claim 67 further comprising:
completing construction of the branch well bore to said target reservoir and
installing fluid flow control equipment in the branch wellbore spaced
apart from the target reservoir.
69 A method for producing hydrocarbons from a multiJateral wellbore system
having primary and branch wellbores, comprising: "(a) forming a primary wellbore in a noreproducing formation; adjacent to
but spaced part fxm a producing zone:
(b) drilling a branch '.iellbore extending from the primary wellbore and
projecting into the producing zone for producing hydrocarbons therefrom;
(c) forming a junction at the intersection of the primary wollbore and branch wellbore, said jundlon finned entirely within the nonproducing zone; and
(d) producing the hydrocarbons from the producing zone by flowing such
hydrocarbons through the junction and the primary wellbore.
70 The method of claim 69 further comprising placing a flow control device in the branch wellbore for controlling the flow of the hydrocarbons from the producing wne into the primary wellibore, whereby the primary wellbore Is substantially free of equipment which is not utilized for flowing hydrocarbons thmugh the primary weilbore.
71. A method of drilling a plurality of wellbores substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
72. A method for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean formations substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
73. A wellbore system for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean formations substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
74. A method for treating recovered hydrocarbons from subterranean formations through a wellbore substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
75. A method for producing hydrocarbons from a producing zone substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
76. A method for producing a hydrocarbon from a subsurface reservoir substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
77. A method of treating hydrocarbon fluids substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
78 A method of producing and treating hydrocarbons substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
79. A method of producing and converting the molecular composition of hydrocarbons substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
80. A method of producing and processing hydrocarbons substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
81. A wellbore system producing gaseous hydrocarbons substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
82. A method of producing hydrocarbon fluids from a wellbore system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
83. A method of drilling a mult-lateral wellbore with a drill string substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
84. A method for producing hydrocarbons from a multlateral wellbore system having primary and branch wellbores substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Claims (17)
1. A method of treating hydrocarbon fluids produced from subterranean formations through a wellbore, wherein the method comprises:
providing a primary access wellbore which extends from a surface location to a downhole location;
intersecting the primary access wellbore with a branch wellbore extending outwardly;
providing a subterranean fluid treatment device, positioned at least in part in the branch wellbore treating fluid received at the device to enhance selected properties of the fluid;
delivering produced fluid to the subterranean treatment device;
treating the fluid at the subterranean treatment device; and
delivering the treated fluid to the surface through the primary access wellbore from the subterranean treatment device.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
storing the treating chemical in a downhole storage zone and delivering the chemical from storage to the treatment device.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
treating the fluids with a treating chemical selected from a group consisting of a hydrate inhibitor, a corrosion inhibitor, a paraffin wax inhibitor, a scale inhibitor, a hydrogen sulfide scavenger, a water clarifier and an emulsion breaker.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said treating comprises adding treatment chemical stored in a branch wellbore to the fluid delivered to the treatment device.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the treating comprises cracking the fluid in a catalyst bed in the branch wellbore and modifying the hydrocarbon molecular composition of the fluid received at the device.
6. A method of producing and treating hydrocarbons from a wellbore system intersecting a hydrocarbon producing zone comprising:
forming a wellbore which extends from a surface location to a downhole location and is in fluid communications with a fluid hydrocarbon producing zone;
providing a subterranean fluid treatment device positioned downhole;
delivering produced fluid to the treatment device;
providing a storage zone for treatment chemical stored downhole adjacent the treatment device of sufficient capacity to require refilling only at periodic times during the life of the well;
delivering treatment chemical to the treatment device; and
treating the produced fluid delivered to the treatment device with the treatment chemical to enhance selected properties of the produced fluids.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising:
storing treatment chemical selected from a group consisting of a hydrate inhibitor, a corrosion inhibitor, a paraffin wax inhibitor, a scale inhibitor, a hydrogen sulfide scavenger, a water clarifier and an emulsion breaker.
8. A method of producing and converting the molecular composition of hydrocarbons from a wellbore system intersecting a hydrocarbon producing zone, the method comprising:
forming a wellbore which extends from a surface location to a downhole location and is in fluid communication with a hydrocarbon fluid producing zone;
providing a subterranean fluid converter downhole;
delivering hydrocarbon fluid to the converter; and
converting the hydrocarbon fluid delivered to the converter into a produced fluid having a molecular composition that is different from that of the fluid hydrocarbon as produced from the producing zone.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the converting comprises catalyzing and cracking the molecular structure of the hydrocarbon fluid delivered to the converter.
10. A method of producing and processing hydrocarbons from a wellbore system intersecting a hydrocarbon producing zone, the method comprising:
forming a wellbore which extends from a surface location to a downhole location and is in fluid communication with a fluid hydrocarbon producing zone;
providing a sensor positioned downhole monitoring fluid parameters of fluid hydrocarbons produced from said zone; and
processing the fluid hydrocarbons to modify parameters of the fluid hydrocarbons.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fluid parameters are selected from the group comprising fluid composition and water percentage.
12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the processing is selected from the group comprising phase separation, chemical treatment and conversion of molecular composition.
13. A method of producing hydrocarbon fluids from a wellbore system intersecting first and second hydrocarbon producing zones having first and second fluid control devices controlling the production fluid flow rate from the first and second zones, respectively, comprising:
providing a first sensor for the first zone monitoring at least one production parameter of the fluids produced from the first zone;
producing hydrocarbon from said first zone;
monitoring the production parameter of the produced fluid of said first zone;
adjusting the first fluid flow control device to reduce the production rate of the first zone when the parameter is outside of a predetermined range;
adjusting the second fluid flow control device to increase the rate of production of hydrocarbon from said second zone;
monitoring the production parameter of said first zone;
adjusting the second fluid flow control device to reduce the production rate of the second zone when the production parameter of the first zone falls within the predetermined range; and
adjusting the first fluid flow control device to increase production when the production parameter of the first zone is within the predetermined level.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first sensor includes a transmitter transmitting data and the fluid flow control devices include a receiver receiving data used in controlling the flow rate of produced fluid through the devices.
15. A method of drilling a multi-lateral wellbore with a drill string containing a sensor for sensing subterranean formation properties during the drilling operation, the method comprising:
developing a subterranean formation model identifying the anticipated location of one or more hydrocarbon reservoirs;
thereafter using the model to identify a drill path that is adjacent to but spaced apart from a target hydrocarbon reservoir;
drilling a primary access wellbore generally along the drill path;
measuring at least one formation property relative to the target hydrocarbon reservoir from said primary access wellbore using the sensor while drilling the access wellbore;
updating the subterranean model using the measured formation property to better identify the location of the hydrocarbon reservoir; and
developing, using the updated subterranean model, a trajectory path for a branch wellbore extending from the primary wellbore and projecting into the target hydrocarbon reservoir.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15, further comprising:
placing casing in said primary access wellbore; and
cutting a window section in said casing leading to the target reservoir with the window being along the trajectory path of the branch wellbore but spaced apart from the target reservoir.
17. The method as claimed in claim 16, further comprising completing construction of the branch wellbore to said target reservoir and installing fluid flow control equipment in the branch wellbore spaced apart from the target reservoir.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US41137795A | 1995-03-27 | 1995-03-27 | |
GB9720569A GB2314572B (en) | 1995-03-27 | 1996-03-25 | Hydrocarbon production using multilateral wellbores |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB9819488D0 GB9819488D0 (en) | 1998-10-28 |
GB2327695A true GB2327695A (en) | 1999-02-03 |
GB2327695B GB2327695B (en) | 1999-10-13 |
Family
ID=26312331
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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GB9906147A Expired - Lifetime GB2332463B (en) | 1995-03-27 | 1996-03-25 | Hydrocarbon production using multilateral wellbores |
GB9819488A Expired - Lifetime GB2327695B (en) | 1995-03-27 | 1996-03-25 | Hydrocarbon production using multilateral wellbores |
GB9906150A Expired - Lifetime GB2332464B (en) | 1995-03-27 | 1996-03-25 | Hydrocarbon production using multilateral wellbores |
GB9906151A Expired - Lifetime GB2332465B (en) | 1995-03-27 | 1996-03-25 | Hydrocarbon production using multilateral wellbores |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB9906147A Expired - Lifetime GB2332463B (en) | 1995-03-27 | 1996-03-25 | Hydrocarbon production using multilateral wellbores |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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GB9906150A Expired - Lifetime GB2332464B (en) | 1995-03-27 | 1996-03-25 | Hydrocarbon production using multilateral wellbores |
GB9906151A Expired - Lifetime GB2332465B (en) | 1995-03-27 | 1996-03-25 | Hydrocarbon production using multilateral wellbores |
Country Status (1)
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WO2005035938A1 (en) * | 2003-10-06 | 2005-04-21 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Contamination-resistant sand control apparatus and method for preventing contamination of sand control devices |
WO2005071222A1 (en) * | 2004-01-20 | 2005-08-04 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Real time earth model for collaborative geosteering |
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US6679332B2 (en) | 2000-01-24 | 2004-01-20 | Shell Oil Company | Petroleum well having downhole sensors, communication and power |
US6758277B2 (en) | 2000-01-24 | 2004-07-06 | Shell Oil Company | System and method for fluid flow optimization |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2332464B (en) | 1999-10-20 |
GB2332465A (en) | 1999-06-23 |
GB2332463B (en) | 1999-10-20 |
GB9819488D0 (en) | 1998-10-28 |
GB2327695B (en) | 1999-10-13 |
GB9906151D0 (en) | 1999-05-12 |
GB2332463A (en) | 1999-06-23 |
GB2332465B (en) | 1999-10-20 |
GB9906150D0 (en) | 1999-05-12 |
GB9906147D0 (en) | 1999-05-12 |
GB2332464A (en) | 1999-06-23 |
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