WO2022232481A1

WO2022232481A1 - Solid gauge mandrel

Info

Publication number: WO2022232481A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/026890
Authority: WO
Inventors: Qingzhi LI; Pablo Cabrera PONCE; Christopher Taor; Dan Wang; Shan Wu
Original assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation; Schlumberger Canada Limited; Services Petroliers Schlumberger; Schlumberger Technology B.V.
Priority date: 2021-04-29
Filing date: 2022-04-29
Publication date: 2022-11-03

Abstract

A gauge system includes a solid gauge mandrel and a gauge disposed within the mandrel. A gauge typically has a tubing sensing port for sensing pressure and/or other parameters of fluid within the tubing string, and an annulus sensing port that allows for sensing pressure and/or other parameters of fluid in the annulus. The mandrel includes a plurality of channels to direct pressure from the annulus to the tubing sensing port such that parameters of the annulus can be sensed by the tubing sensing port. The channels can include filter screens to inhibit sand or cement from entering the channels.

Description

SOLID GAUGE MANDREL

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. The present application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/181,591, filed April 29, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein and should be considered part of this specification.

BACKGROUND

Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to downhole gauge systems, and more particularly to a solid gauge mandrel for a gauge system.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] Wells, such as oil, gas, and/or water wells may be separated or isolated into multiple zones, for example via packers and/or cementing. Wells can be isolated into two pressure zones by the tubing string and wellbore - a tubing pressure zone inside the tubing string, and an annulus pressure zone in the annulus between the wellbore and tubing string. A gauge system can be deployed in a well to monitor and measure data from the tubing zone and annulus zone. The gauge system includes a solid gauge mandrel and a permanent downhole gauge. The gauge system can monitor and measure various downhole parameters or conditions, such as pressure, temperature, density, and flow rate. The gauge system can transmit data collected regarding such parameters or conditions to the surface, for example to a surface acquisition and data communication system. This allows for monitoring of the well and reservoir in real time, identification of trends that can help optimize well productivity and hydrocarbon recovery without potentially costly, risky, and time-consuming well interventions, and/or faster decision making with real-time digital data delivery and analysis to enable faster reactions and problem-solving, which can save time and money.

SUMMARY

[0004] In some configurations, a gauge system includes a solid gauge mandrel and a gauge disposed within the mandrel. The mandrel includes a plurality of radial channels extending from an outer surface of the mandrel radially into the mandrel, the radial channels arranged in a plurality of lines; a plurality of axial channels extending axially within the mandrel, each of the plurality of axial channels connecting one of the plurality of lines of radial channels; and a plurality of connection channels extending transversely within the mandrel, the connection channels configured to connect the plurality of axial channels and to connect to a tubing reading port of the gauge.

[0005] The gauge system can include a filter or screen disposed in or at an end of one or more of the radial channels. The gauge system can include a filter or screen disposed in or at an end of one or more of the axial channels. The gauge system can include a filter or screen disposed in or at an end of one or more of the connection channels.

[0006] The gauge system can include silicon grease disposed within one or more of the radial channels. The gauge system can include silicon grease disposed within one or more of the axial channels. The gauge system can include silicon grease disposed within one or more of the connection channels.

[0007] The gauge system can include a coating disposed on an outer surface of the mandrel, the coating configured to decrease a bond between the mandrel and surrounding cement in a wellbore in use.

[0008] The axial and/or radial channels can be distributed evenly about an entire circumference or perimeter of the mandrel, or only about a portion of the circumference or perimeter of the mandrel. The mandrel can include a plurality of fins projecting radially outward. The radial channels can be positioned in the fins.

[0009] In some configurations, a solid gauge mandrel is configured to receive a gauge. The mandrel includes a plurality of radial channels extending from an outer surface of the mandrel radially into the mandrel, the radial channels arranged in a plurality of axially-extending lines; a plurality of axial channels extending axially within a body of the mandrel, each of the plurality of axial channels connecting radial channels of one of the plurality of lines of radial channels; and a plurality of connection channels extending transversely within the mandrel, the connection channels configured to connect the plurality of axial channels and to connect to a tubing reading port of the gauge.

[0010] The mandrel can include a filter or screen disposed in or at an end of one or more of the radial channels, axial channels, and/or connection channels. The mandrel can include silicon grease disposed within one or more of the radial channels, axial channels, and/or connection channels. The mandrel can include a coating disposed on an outer surface of the mandrel, the coating configured to decrease a bond between the mandrel and surrounding cement in a wellbore in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] Certain embodiments, features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood that the accompanying figures illustrate the various implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of various technologies described herein.

[0012] Figure 1 shows an example gauge system positioned in a wellbore.

[0013] Figure 2 shows an example gauge system.

[0014] Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional view of the gauge system of Figure 2, taken along line A-A shown in Figure 2.

[0015] Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the gauge system of Figure 2, taken along line B-B shown in Figure 2.

[0016] Figure 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the gauge system of Figure 2, taken along line C-C shown in Figure 2.

[0017] Figure 2D shows a cross-sectional view of the gauge system of Figure 2, taken along line D-D shown in Figure 2.

[0018] Figure 2E shows a close-up view of a portion of the gauge system of Figure 2.

[0019] Figure 3 shows filter features of the gauge system of Figure 2.

[0020] Figure 4 shows another example gauge system.

[0021] Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional view of the gauge system of Figure 4, taken along line A-A shown in Figure 4.

[0022] Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the gauge system of Figure 4, taken along line B-B shown in Figure 4.

[0023] Figure 4C shows a close-up view of a portion of the gauge system of Figure 4.

[0024] Figure 5 shows another example gauge system. [0025] Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the gauge system of Figure 5, taken along line A-A shown in Figure 5.

[0026] Figure 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the gauge system of Figure 5, taken along line B-B shown in Figure 5.

[0027] Figure 5C shows a close-up view of a portion of the gauge system of Figure 5.

[0028] Figures 6A-6B show an example gauge system having a reduced mandrel inner diameter for tight wellbore inner diameter applications.

[0029] Figures 7A-7C show an example gauge system including a mandrel having fins for larger wellbore inner diameter applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the system and/or methodology may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but rather made merely for the purpose of describing general principles of the implementations. The scope of the described implementations should be ascertained with reference to the issued claims.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “connect”, “connection”, “connected”, “in connection with”, and “connecting” are used to mean “in direct connection with” or “in connection with via one or more elements”; and the term “set” is used to mean “one element” or “more than one element”. Further, the terms “couple”, “coupling”, “coupled”, “coupled together”, and “coupled with” are used to mean “directly coupled together” or “coupled together via one or more elements”. As used herein, the terms "up" and "down"; "upper" and "lower"; "top" and "bottom"; and other like terms indicating relative positions to a given point or element are utilized to more clearly describe some elements. Commonly, these terms relate to a reference point at the surface from which drilling operations are initiated as being the top point and the total depth being the lowest point, wherein the well (e.g., wellbore, borehole) is vertical, horizontal or slanted relative to the surface.

[0032] Wells, such as oil, gas, and/or water wells may be separated or isolated into multiple zones, for example via packers and/or cementing. Wells can be separated or isolated into two pressure zones by the tubing string 20 and wellbore or well wall 10 (which may be a casing, cement, or open hole) - a tubing pressure zone 25 inside the tubing string 20, and an annulus pressure zone 15 in the annulus between the wellbore 10 and tubing string 20. A gauge system 30 can be deployed in a well to monitor and measure data from the tubing zone 25 and annulus zone 15, for example as shown in Figure 1. The gauge system 30 includes a solid gauge mandrel 50 and a permanent downhole gauge 40. The gauge system 30 can monitor and measure various downhole parameters or conditions, such as pressure, temperature, density, and/or flow rate. The gauge system 30 can transmit data collected regarding such parameters or conditions to the surface, for example to a surface acquisition and data communication system. Communication between the surface and downhole, for example, the gauge 40, can be facilitated by one or more control lines 42 extending downhole from the surface. This allows for monitoring of the well and reservoir in real time, identification of trends that can help optimize well productivity and hydrocarbon recovery without potentially costly, risky, and time-consuming well interventions, and/or faster decision making with real-time digital data delivery and analysis to enable faster reactions and problem-solving, which can save time and money.

[0033] The solid gauge mandrel 50 is a gauge carrier or housing for the gauge 40 downhole. An inner diameter of the mandrel 50 is typically the same as that of the tubing string 20. The mandrel 50 is coupled to the tubing string 20 via coupling mechanisms 22. The mandrel 50 has an eccentric external shape, e.g., transverse cross-sectional shape, to provide support and protection for the gauge 40.

[0034] The gauge 40 is a sensor system including ports in communication with the tubing zone 25 and/or annulus zone 15 to measure parameters such as pressure, temperature, density, and/or flow rate. The gauge 40 can have two types of monitoring or data reading ports - one that reads data from the tubing zone 25, and another that reads data from the annulus zone 15. The annulus reading port may be directly exposed to the annulus and therefore read data from the annulus zone 15 directly. The tubing reading port 70 (shown in Figure 2B) may read data from the tubing zone 25 via a communication port or line extending through the mandrel 50. [0035] However, in some cases, for example in some open hole wells or wells that require sand control and/or cementing, it is challenging to gather or read data from the annulus zone 15. The annulus reading port of the gauge 40 is exposed to the wellbore, and existing gauges do not include features for preventing sand or cement from entering the port. Therefore, sand or cement can block the annulus reading port, and incorrect data or no data at all may be collected. Such incorrect or missing data can adversely affect well production and/or well control.

[0036] Figures 2-2E show an example gauge system 30 according to the present disclosure. Upper and lower ends (or opposite axial ends) of the mandrel 50 are configured to couple to the tubing string 20, for example, via a threaded connection 52 as shown in the illustrated configuration. The mandrel 50 has an eccentric cross-sectional shape or profile such that an extended portion 51 of the mandrel 50 can accommodate the gauge 40 (as also shown in Figure 1). The mandrel 50, e.g., the extended portion 51, includes a slot and recessed area 54 that receives the gauge 40. The slot and recessed area 54 can be machined into the mandrel 50. A lower end or tip of the gauge 40 is fastened to the mandrel 50, for example, via screws 56 as shown in Figures 2, 2B, and 2E. The body or housing of the gauge 40 can be locked or secured in the slot and/or recessed area 54 via set screws 58, as shown in Figure 2C. As shown in Figure 2D, a lock pin 60 can be installed, for example, at or near an upper end of the gauge slot 54, to secure and/or protect the control line 42 as the control line 42 extends into connection with the gauge 40. The lock pin 60 can extend transversely to a longitudinal axis of the slot 54 as shown.

[0037] The mandrel 50 and/or gauge 40 can be configured such that annulus data can be read by the tubing reading port 70. As shown in Figures 2A, 2E, and 3, a plurality of radial channels 72 extend into or through, e.g., partially through, the extended portion 51 of the mandrel 50. In other words, the radial channels 72 extend from an outer surface of the mandrel 50, e.g., the extended portion 51, radially inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the mandrel 50. In the illustrated configuration, the radial channels 72 are arranged in three axially-extending rows or lines. A filter screen 74 can be installed in each radial channel 72, or at the end of each radial channel 72, to inhibit or prevent sand or cement from entering the channel 72, while allowing fluid (e.g., oil, gas, or water) to pass through into the channel 72.

[0038] A plurality of axial channels 76 extend into or through, e.g., partially through, the mandrel 50, e.g., the extended portion 51 of the mandrel 50, and connect the radial channels 72, as shown in Figures 2E and 3. For example, the illustrated configuration includes three axial channels 76, each connecting and in fluid communication with one of the rows or lines of radial channels 72. In the illustrated configuration, the axial channels 76 extend from a lower surface of the extended portion 51 of the mandrel 50 axially upward toward the gauge 40. Filter screens and/or plugs 78 can be positioned in or at the end of each axial channel 76 to seal the end of the axial channel 76.

[0039] One or more connection channels 80 extend transversely (relative to a longitudinal axis of the mandrel 50) through and/or within the mandrel 50, e.g., the extended portion 51, to connect the axial channels 76, as shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3. In the illustrated configuration, the connection channels 80 extend from an outer surface of the mandrel 50, e.g., the extended portion 51, transversely (e.g., transverse to the axial channels 76 and at least one row of radial channels 72) into the mandrel 50, e.g., the extended portion 51. The connection channels 80 intersect and are in fluid communication with one or more of the axial channels 76. As shown, a connection channel 80 may intersect and be in fluid communication with bases of one or more radial channels 72. Filter screens and/or plugs 82 can be positioned in or at end(s) and/or intersection points of each connection channel 80 to seal the end of the connection channel 80. The connection channel(s) 80 extend to the tubing reading port 70. In other words, at least one connection channel 80 is in fluid communication with the tubing reading port 70, as shown in Figure 2B.

[0040] Therefore, in use, annulus pressure (and/or other parameters or data) can travel from the annulus zone 15 through the radial channels 72, axial channels 76, and/or connection channels 80 to the tubing reading port 70. Although annulus pressure (and/or other parameters or data) cannot travel directly through cement to reach the channels and filters, the pressure (and/or other parameters or data) can reach the filters and channels through leakage between the cement bond and mandrel body. Therefore, in some configurations, an external surface of the mandrel 50 body is coated to decrease the cement bond with the mandrel 50 body, to thereby increase or improve gauge sensing.

[0041] The radial channels 72, axial channels 76, and/or connection channels 80 can be partially or fully filled with a material to help prevent or inhibit debris, e.g., sand or cement, from entering the channels. For example, in some configurations, one or more of the channels is partially or fully filled with silicon grease. [0042] Figures 4-4C shows another example gauge system. Compared to the gauge system of Figure 2 in which the channels 72, 76, 80 are formed, e.g., machined, in the mandrel body, in the gauge system of Figure 4, the channels 72, 76, and/or 80 are formed in an adaptor 90. For use, the adaptor 90 is coupled to the gauge 40 and secured to the mandrel 50, e.g., with screws 92. Such a configuration can allow for ease of manufacturing, as it may be easier to form the channels in the adaptor 90 than in the mandrel 50 body itself.

[0043] While the gauge system configurations shown in, for example, Figures 2-4 may be well suited for a vertical well, in which sand and/or cement is typically evenly distributed around the gauge system, a deviated well may pose more challenges. For example, the azimuth of the filter screens and/or plugs 74, 78, and/or 82 may be difficult to control in the well and/or the sand or cement toward the bottom of the wellbore (e.g., the bottom side of a more horizontal portion of the wellbore) may be more rugged, which could decrease the accuracy of the gauge 40. For example, if the portion (e.g., the extended portion 51) of the mandrel 50 including radial 72 and/or axial channels 76 is positioned on or facing the bottom side of the wellbore, data gathering ability and accuracy may be negatively affected. To address these challenges, the mandrel 50 can include a greater number of channels and/or channels distributed more evenly about the circumference of the mandrel 50 (rather than, for example, only across the extended portion 51 of the mandrel 50) to thereby increase or maximize the likelihood of gathering data and data accuracy.

[0044] For example, Figure 5 shows an example gauge system in which the coverage of the filter screens 74, 78, and/or 82 is 360 degrees of azimuth. In other words, the radial 72 and/or axial 76 channels are distributed evenly or relatively evenly about the entire circumference of the mandrel 50. Therefore, even if one or a few of the channels contact the bottom of the wellbore or otherwise become blocked, the remaining channels will still be able to communicate readings to the tubing reading port 70.

[0045] Figures 6A-6B show an example of a mandrel 50 having a reduced inner diameter, for example for tight wellbore inner diameter applications. As shown on the left of Figure 6B, if the outer diameter of the mandrel 50 is limited by a smaller wellbore inner diameter, but the inner diameter of the mandrel 50 is kept the same or a standard size IDl, the channels (e.g., communication channels 80 as shown in the illustrated example) may not be able to be contained within the mandrel body 50 and/or may intersect the inner bore, which would render them ineffective. As shown in Figure 6A and on the right of Figure 6B, if the outer diameter of the mandrel is reduced (as on the left of Figure 6B), the inner diameter of the mandrel 50 can be reduced (ID2) to increase the mandrel 50 wall thickness, which advantageously provides more space to accommodate the channels.

[0046] In a larger diameter wellbore, a standard sized mandrel 50 leaves a relative large gap between the mandrel 50 outer diameter and wellbore 10 inner diameter, as shown on the left of Figure 7B. In such a situation, the cementing between the wellbore 10 and mandrel will be thicker, which can adverse affect the ability and accuracy of data sensing and gathering. Figures 7A and 7C show an example of a mandrel 50 including external fins 95 that can be useful, for example for such larger wellbore inner diameter applications. As shown, the fins 95 project outwardly, e.g., radially outwardly, from the mandrel outer diameter, or in other words, are portions of the mandrel 50 outer diameter that extend radially farther away from the inner diameter. The radial channels 72 are drilled or extend through or into the fins 95. The fins 95 allow the mandrel to be more centralized in the wellbore, position the channel openings and filters closer to the wellbore inner diameter, and/or reduce the cement thickness between the wellbore inner diameter and the filters or channel openings, which can advantageously improve gauge sensing.

[0047] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and/or within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” or “generally perpendicular” and “substantially perpendicular” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel or perpendicular, respectively, by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

[0048] Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments described may be made and still fall within the scope of the disclosure. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A gauge system comprising: a solid gauge mandrel and a gauge disposed within the mandrel, the mandrel comprising: a plurality of radial channels extending from an outer surface of the mandrel radially into the mandrel, the radial channels arranged in a plurality of lines; a plurality of axial channels extending axially within the mandrel, each of the plurality of axial channels connecting one of the plurality of lines of radial channels; and a plurality of connection channels extending transversely within the mandrel, the connection channels configured to connect the plurality of axial channels and to connect to a tubing reading port of the gauge.

2. The gauge system of Claim 1, further comprising a filter or screen disposed in or at an end of each radial channel.

3. The gauge system of Claim 1, further comprising a filter or screen disposed in or at an end of each axial channel.

4. The gauge system of Claim 1, further comprising a filter or screen disposed in or at an end of each connection channel.

5. The gauge system of Claim 1, further comprising silicon grease disposed within one or more of the radial channels.

6. The gauge system of Claim 1, further comprising silicon grease disposed within one or more of the axial channels.

7. The gauge system of Claim 1, further comprising silicon grease disposed within one or more of the connection channels.

8. The gauge system of Claim 1, further comprising a coating disposed on an outer surface of the mandrel, the coating configured to decrease a bond between the mandrel and surrounding cement in a wellbore in use.

9. The gauge system of Claim 1, wherein the axial and/or radial channels are distributed evenly about an entire circumference of the mandrel.

10. The gauge system of Claim 1, wherein the axial and/or radial channels are distributed about a portion of a circumference of the mandrel, the portion less than the circumference of the mandrel.

11. The gauge system of Claim 1, wherein the mandrel comprises a plurality of fins projecting radially outward, and the radial channels are positioned in the fins.

12. The gauge system of Claim 1, a portion of the mandrel having a reduced inner diameter relative to a portion of the mandrel configured to couple to a tubing string.

13. A solid gauge mandrel configured to receive a gauge, the mandrel comprising: a plurality of radial channels extending from an outer surface of the mandrel radially into the mandrel, the radial channels arranged in a plurality of axially-extending lines; a plurality of axial channels extending axially within a body of the mandrel, each of the plurality of axial channels connecting radial channels of one of the plurality of lines of radial channels; and a plurality of connection channels extending transversely within the mandrel, the connection channels configured to connect the plurality of axial channels and to connect to a tubing reading port of the gauge.

14. The mandrel of Claim 13, further comprising a filter or screen disposed in or at an end of one or more of the radial channels, axial channels, and/or connection channels.

15. The mandrel of Claim 13, further comprising silicon grease disposed within one or more of the radial channels, axial channels, and/or connection channels.

16. The mandrel of Claim 13, further comprising a coating disposed on an outer surface of the mandrel, the coating configured to decrease a bond between the mandrel and surrounding cement in a wellbore in use.

17. The mandrel of Claim 13, further comprising a plurality of fins projecting radially outward, the radial channels positioned in the fins.

18. The mandrel of Claim 13, a portion of the mandrel having a reduced inner diameter relative to a portion of the mandrel configured to couple to a tubing string.