NL2037425B1

NL2037425B1 - Continuous contact radially phased centralizer

Info

Publication number: NL2037425B1
Application number: NL2037425A
Authority: NL
Inventors: A Moore Bruce
Original assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Priority date: 2023-05-15
Filing date: 2024-04-10
Publication date: 2024-12-17
Also published as: US20240384609A1; WO2024237927A1; NL2037425A; BE1031568B1; BE1031568A1

Abstract

Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to using continuous contact radially phased centralizers in downhole operations. A centralizer comprises adjacent sections. Each 5 adjacent section includes slots deﬁned by adjacent non-slotted portions. Each slot is conﬁgured to pass ﬂuid. The centralizer also includes a ﬂuid channel that is disposed between each pair of adjacent sections to receive the ﬂuid. The slots and the non-slotted portions are included in a radially phased arrangement that includes two or more of the adjacent section.

Description

CONTINUOUS CONTACT RADIALLY PHASED CENTRALIZER

BACKGROUND

[0001] Consistently running equipment downhole into a wellbore through established transitions (e.g, changes in pipe diameters and/or wellbore diameters) may damage the equipment being run or equipment already placed inside the wellbore.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some examples of the present disclosure and should not be used to limit or define the disclosure.

[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates an operating environment for a continuous contact radially phased centralizer, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure;

[0004] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the continuous contact radially phased centralizer, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure;

[0005] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross section of a first section of the continuous contact radially phased centralizer, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure;

[0006] FIG. 2C illustrates a cross section of a second section of the continuous contact radially phased centralizer, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure;

[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates the continuous contact radially phased centralizer positioned in a wellbore, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates an axis boundary of the continuous contact radially phased centralizer relative to a center of the wellbore, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure; and

[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the continuous contact radially phased centralizer with more than two slotted sections, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that implement running strategically positioned radially phased centralizer(s) that align associated equipment with the existing wellbore prior to entering a transition. This allows for axial control regardless of any external flow features, as well as continuous contact with the wellbore regardless of radial orientation between equipment being run downhole and previously established 1 wellbore equipment. Strategically placed continuous contact radial phased centralizers reduce or eliminate damage to packers and/or other downhole equipment while running through transitions. Elimination of packer damage also eliminates any additional tripping in and out of the wellbore.

[0011] The continuous contact radially phased centralizer includes multiple centralization contact diameters (outer diameters) that define fluid bypass slots between the contact diameters. For example, first and second sections of the centralizer may include symmetrically spaced slots and non-slotted portions (contact diameters) along an outer surface of the centralizer. Each slot may be at a distance ri (first radius) from the center of the centralizer. The slots of the first section may align axially with the symmetrically spaced outer diameter non-slotted portions of the second section of the centralizer. The outer diameter non-slotted portion may be at a distance r2 (second radius) from the center of the centralizer.

[0012] The second radius is greater than the first radius to create the radially phased arrangement of slots and non-slotted portions. This radially phased arrangement of the slots and the non-slotted portions ensures that the point of contact between the major outside diameter of the centralizer and inside diameter of the wellbore or casing establishes axial alignment with the wellbore/casing regardless of radial orientation of the centralizer. A third section of the centralizer may extend between the first and second sections. The third section includes a channel that extends continuously along an outer surface of the centralizer to facilitate flow between slots of the first and second sections of the centralizer during placement of the centralizer. The first and second sections may both include slots and contact diameters.

[0013] The symmetrically phased fluid bypass slots can be arranged or modified to allow a predetermined amount of fluid bypass while running downhole. Also, the amount of axial control between the equipment running downhole may be predetermined based off wellbore data. The continuous contact radially phased centralizer can be adapted to unique equipment and wellbore conditions. The upper and lower connections can be changed to work with various equipment, and the quantity of centralization contact points can be modified to facilitate alternative fluid bypass geometry. The fluid bypass slots geometry may be modified to include radial slots, stepped down slots, and be linear relative to the longitudinal axis of the centralizer. The overall length of the continuous contact radially phased centralizer may be modified as well to meet equipment and wellbore specific 2 requirements. The continuous contact radially phased centralizer may be manufactured out of any readily available materials suitable to the equipment and wellbore requirements.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a well system 110 (operating environment) for a downhole tool such as at least one continuous contact radially phased centralizer (centralizer 100), in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. In some examples, multiple centralizers 100 may be used to run equipment 101 (e.g., a packer) into a wellbore. One centralizer may be above the packer and one centralizer may be below the packer. A derrick 112 with a rig floor 114 is positioned on the earth’s surface 105. A wellbore 120 is positioned below the derrick 112 and the rig floor 114 and extends into a subterranean formation 115. The wellbore 120 may be lined with casing 125 that is cemented in place with cement 127. Although FIG. 1 depicts the wellbore 120 having a casing 125 being cemented into place with cement 127, the wellbore 120 may include open hole portion 128. Moreover, the wellbore 120 may be an open-hole wellbore. The well system 110 may equally be employed in vertical and/or deviated wellbores.

[0015] A tool string 118 extends from the derrick 112 and the rig floor 114 downwardly into the wellbore 120. The tool string 118 may be any mechanical connection to the surface, such as, for example, jointed pipe, wireline, slickline, or coiled tubing. As depicted, the tool string 118 suspends the centralizer 100 for placement into the wellbore 120 at a desired location. A transition 130 may be included in the casing 125.

[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates a close-up view of the centralizer 100, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The centralizer 100 may include two or more slotted sections (e.g., see FIG. 5 for more than two slotted sections). For example, the centralizer 100 includes a first section 200 and a second section 202. Each section may include symmetrically spaced slots 204 (fluid bypass slots) and symmetrically spaced outer diameter non-slotted portions 206 that define boundaries for the slots 204. The slots 204 and the non- slotted portions 206 (contact diameters) extend along an outer surface of the centralizer 100.

With additional reference to FIG. 2B (a cross-section of the first section 200), each slot 204 may be at a distance ry (first radius) from the center of the centralizer 100. The slots 204 may extend in a direction of the longitudinal axis L of the centralizer to pass fluid 208 between the non-slotted portions 206.

[0017] The slots 204 of the first section 200 may align axially with the non-slotted portions 206 of the second section 202 of the centralizer 100. Also, the non-slotted portions 206 of the first section 200 align axially with the slots 204 of the second section 202. With 3 additional reference to FIG. 2C (a cross-section of the second section 202), the non-slotted portions 206 may be at a distance rz (second radius) from the center of the centralizer 100.

The second radius is greater than the first radius to create the radially phased arrangement

Of slots and non-slotted portions. However, one section includes a shifted/rotated configuration relative to the other section to create the radially phased arrangement/configuration.

[0018] This radially phased arrangement of the slots 204 and the non-slotted portions 206 ensures that the point of contact between the major outside diameter (non-slotted portions 206) of the centralizer 100 and inside diameter of the wellbore or casing establishes axial alignment with the wellbore/casing regardless of radial orientation of the centralizer 100. Referring back to FIG. 2A, a third section 210 of the centralizer 100 may extend between the first section 200 and the second section 202. The third section 210 includes a channel 212 that extends continuously along an outer surface of the centralizer 100 to facilitate flow of the fluid 208 between the slots 204 of the first and second sections of the centralizer 100 during placement (or removal) of the centralizer 100 in a wellbore. In some examples, there may be more than one section 210 (channel 212) for configurations with more than two slotted sections (e.g., see FIG. 5).

[0019] The symmetrically phased fluid bypass slots 204 can be arranged or modified to allow a predetermined amount of the fluid 208 to bypass while running the centralizer 100 downhole. Also, the amount of axial control for running the centralizer 100 downhole may be predetermined based off wellbore data. The continuous contact radially phased centralizer 100 may be adapted to unique equipment and wellbore conditions. The upper connection 214 and lower connection 216 may be changed to work with various equipment, and the quantity of centralization contact points can be modified to facilitate alternative fluid bypass geometry.

[0020] The geometry of the fluid bypass slots 204 may be modified to include radial slots, stepped down slots, and be linear relative to the longitudinal axis of the centralizer.

The overall length of the continuous contact radially phased centralizer may be modified as well to meet equipment and wellbore specific requirements. The continuous contact radially phased centralizer may be manufactured out of any readily available materials suitable to the equipment and wellbore requirements.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of the centralizer 100 positioned in the wellbore 120, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The centralizer 100 is 4 tangent to the wellbore 120 at point 300 (e.g., via the second section 202). The centralizer 100 contacts the wellbore wall 302 (or casing wall). The centralizer 100 remains in continuous contact with the wellbore 120 regardless of radial orientation of the centralizer 100 to substantially reduce or eliminate damage to packers (or other equipment) while running through transitions. The radially phased arrangement of the centralizer 100 ensures that the point of contact between the major outside diameter of the centralizer 100 and inside diameter of the wellbore or casing establishes axial alignment (e.g., longitudinal axis L) with the wellbore 120 regardless of radial orientation of the centralizer 100.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an axis control boundary 400 (center) for the centralizer 100 relative to a center C of the wellbore, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

The radially phased arrangement of the centralizer 100 ensures that the point of contact between the major outside diameter of the centralizer 100 and inside diameter of the wellbore 120 or casing establishes axial alignment (e.g., longitudinal axis L) with the wellbore 120 regardless of radial orientation of the centralizer 100.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the continuous contact radially phased centralizer with more than two slotted sections, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The centralizer 100 includes a section 500 in addition to sections 200 and 202. A channel 512 (similar to the channel 212) extends between the sections S00 and 202.

[0024] Accordingly, the systems and methods of the present disclosure allow for axial control regardless of any external flow features, as well as continuous contact with the wellbore regardless of radial orientation of the centralizer. The systems and methods may include any of the various features disclosed herein, including one or more of the following statements.

[0025] Statement 1. A centralizer comprising: adjacent sections, each section including slots defined by adjacent non-slotted portions, each slot configured to pass fluid; a fluid channel disposed between the adjacent sections to receive the fluid; and wherein the slots and the non-slotted portions are included in a radially phased arrangement that includes two or more of the adjacent sections.

[0026] Statement 2. The centralizer of the statement 1, wherein the fluid channel extends continuously around the centralizer to facilitate a passage of the fluid from each section.

[0027] Statement 3. The centralizer of the statement 1 or the statement 2, wherein one section of the adjacent sections extends around the centralizer. 5

[0028] Statement 4. The centralizer of any one of the statements 1-3, wherein two sections of the adjacent sections extend around the centralizer.

[0029] Statement 5. The centralizer of any one of the statements 1-4, wherein the adjacent sections extend around the centralizer.

[0030] Statement 6. The centralizer of any one of the statements 1-5, wherein the sections and the fluid channel extend around the centralizer.

[0031] Statement 7. The centralizer of any one of the statements 1-6, wherein the radially phased arrangement includes the slots of at least one adjacent section aligned with the non-slotted portions of at least one other adjacent section.

[0032] Statement 8. The centralizer of any one of the statements 1-7, wherein the radially phased arrangement further includes the non-slotted portions of at least one adjacent section aligned with the slots of at least one other adjacent section.

[0033] Statement 9. The centralizer of any one of the statements 1-8, wherein at least one adjacent section is axially aligned with at least one other adjacent section.

[0034] Statement 10. The centralizer of any one of the statements 1-9, wherein the slots of each adjacent section extend axially.

[0035] Statement 11. The centralizer of any one of the statements 1-10, wherein the non-slotted portions of each adjacent section extend axially.

[0036] Statement 12. A method comprising: disposing a centralizer in a wellbore, the centralizer including: adjacent sections, each section including slots defined by adjacent non- slotted portions, each slot configured to pass fluid; a fluid channel disposed between the adjacent sections to receive the fluid; and wherein the slots and the non-slotted portions are included in a radially phased arrangement that includes two or more of the adjacent sections.

[0037] Statement 13. The method of the statement 12, further comprising continuously contacting a wall in a wellbore with the centralizer to centralize a tool string in the wellbore.

[0038] Statement 14. The method of any one of the statements 12 or 13, further comprising running equipment into the wellbore with the centralizer.

[0039] Statement 15. The method of any one of the statements 12-14, wherein the equipment includes a packer and/or downhole equipment.

[0040] Statement 16. The method of any one of the statements 12-15, wherein the centralizer is tangent to a wall in the wellbore. 6

[0041] Statement 17. The method of any one of the statements 12-16, further comprising controlling axial movement of the centralizer in the wellbore due to fluid flow through the slots.

[0042] Statement 18. The method of any one of the statements 12-17, wherein the radially phased arrangement includes the slots of at least one adjacent section aligned with the non-slotted portions of at least one other adjacent section.

[0043] Statement 19. The method of any one of the statements 12-18, wherein the radially phased arrangement further includes the non-slotted portions of at least one adjacent section aligned with the slots of at least one other adjacent section.

[0044] Statement 20. The method of any one of the statements 12-19, wherein the adjacent sections are axially aligned with each other.

[0045] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, 1t should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The preceding description provides various examples of the systems and methods of use disclosed herein which may contain different method steps and alternative combinations of components. It should be understood that, although individual examples may be discussed herein, the present disclosure covers all combinations of the disclosed examples, including, without limitation, the different component combinations, method step combinations, and properties of the system. It should be understood that the compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that itintroduces.

[0046] For the sake of brevity, only certain ranges are explicitly disclosed herein.

However, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, as well as ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any other lower limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, in the same way, ranges from any upper limit may be combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Additionally, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, 7 equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values even if not explicitly recited. Thus, every point or individual value may serve as its own lower or upper limit combined with any other point or individual value or any other lower or upper limit, to recite a range not explicitly recited.

[0047] Therefore, the present examples are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular examples disclosed above are illustrative only and may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Although individual examples are discussed, the disclosure covers all combinations of all of the examples. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative examples disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of those examples. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent(s) or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted. 8

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

1. A centering unit comprising: adjacent sections, each section comprising slots defined by adjacent non-slotted portions, each slot configured to pass fluid, the non-slotted sections defining a major outside diameter of the section configured to contact the inside diameter of the wellbore; a fluid channel located between each pair of adjacent sections for receiving the fluid; and the slots and the non-slotted portions being disposed in a radially phased arrangement comprising two or more adjacent sections.

2. The centering unit of claim 1, wherein the fluid channel extends continuously around the centering unit to facilitate passage of fluid from each section.

3. A centering unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein one adjacent section extends around the centering unit.

4. A centering unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein two adjacent sections extend around the centering unit.

5. A centering unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjacent sections extend around the centering unit.

6. A centering unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjacent sections and the fluid channel extend around the centering unit.

7. The centering unit of claim 1, wherein the radially phased arrangement comprises the slots of at least one adjacent section aligned with the non-slotted portions of at least one other adjacent section.

8. The centering unit of claim 7, wherein the radially phased arrangement further comprises the non-slotted portions of the at least one adjacent section aligned with the slots of the at least one other adjacent section.

9. A centering unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjacent sections are axially aligned with each other.

10. A centering unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slots extend axially.

11. The centering unit of claim 1, wherein the non-slotted portions extend axially.

12. A method comprising: positioning a centering unit in a wellbore, the centering unit comprising: adjacent sections, each section comprising slots defined by adjacent non-slotted portions, each slot configured to pass fluid, the non-slotted sections defining a major outer diameter of the section configured to contact the inner diameter of the wellbore; a fluid channel disposed between each pair of adjacent sections for receiving the fluid; and the slots and the non-slotted portions being disposed in a radially phased arrangement comprising two or more of the adjacent sections.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising continuously contacting a wall in a wellbore with the centering unit to centralize a tool string in the wellbore.

14. The method of claim 12 further comprising inserting equipment having the centering unit into the wellbore.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the equipment comprises a packer and/or other downhole equipment.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the centering unit contacts a wall in the wellbore.

17. The method of claim 12 further comprising controlling axial movement of the centering unit in the wellbore due to fluid flow through the slots.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the radially phased arrangement comprises the slots of at least one adjacent section aligned with the unslotted portions of at least one other adjacent section.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the radially phased arrangement further comprises the non-slotted portions of the at least one adjacent section aligned with the slots of the at least one other section.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein the adjacent sections are axially aligned with each other.