Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6460618?dq=6078894
Timestamp: 2015-01-30 10:13:15
Document Index: 779806143

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 26', 'art 28', 'art 26', 'arts 26', 'art 28', 'art 28', 'art 28', 'art 26', 'art 26', 'art 28']

Patent US6460618 - Method and apparatus for improving the permeability in an earth formation ... - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA method for improving the permeability of an earth formation zone surrounding a wellbore formed in the earth formation utilizing hydraulic shockwaves. The selected zone is isolated and fluid is pumped downhole to fracture the earth formation, the fluid extending into the fractures. A shock wave is then...http://www.google.com/patents/US6460618?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6460618 - Method and apparatus for improving the permeability in an earth formation utilizing shock wavesAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS6460618 B1Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/723,903Publication dateOct 8, 2002Filing dateNov 28, 2000Priority dateNov 29, 1999Fee statusLapsedAlso published asEP1234095A1, WO2001040618A1Publication number09723903, 723903, US 6460618 B1, US 6460618B1, US-B1-6460618, US6460618 B1, US6460618B1InventorsStephen Richard Braithwaite, Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria HeijnenOriginal AssigneeShell Oil CompanyExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (22), Non-Patent Citations (1), Referenced by (14), Classifications (8), Legal Events (4) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMethod and apparatus for improving the permeability in an earth formation utilizing shock wavesUS 6460618 B1Abstract A method for improving the permeability of an earth formation zone surrounding a wellbore formed in the earth formation utilizing hydraulic shockwaves. The selected zone is isolated and fluid is pumped downhole to fracture the earth formation, the fluid extending into the fractures. A shock wave is then created in the fracturing fluid to reduce the presence of illite clays in the formation interstices.
What is claimed is: 1. A method of improving the permeability of an earth formation zone surrounding a wellbore formed in the earth formation, the method comprising:
(a) isolating said earth formation zone from the remainder of the wellbore; (b) pumping a selected liquid into say earth formation zone so as to create a body of liquid extending into the wellbore and into the pores of said earth formation zone, wherein said selected fluid is selected from water, brine or hydrocarbon fluid; (c) lowering a shock wave generator into the body of liquid in the wellbore, the shockwave generator comprising a housing having a pressure chamber provided with means for generating a pressure increase in the pressure chamber, the housing being provided with at least one opening separated from the pressure chamber by at least one shear member; (d) inducing the shock wave generator to generate a shock wave in the body of liquid; and (e) allowing an earth formation fluid to flow into the wellbore after induction of the shockwave in the body of liquid. 2. The shockwave generator of claim 1, wherein the means for generating a pressure increase comprises one of a charge of explosive material and a charge of deflagration material.
3. The shock wave generator of claim 2, wherein the housing is provided with a diffuser chamber separated from the pressure chamber by a shear disc, each said opening being provided in the wall of the diffuser chamber.
4. The shock wave generator of claim 3, wherein the means for generating a pressure increase comprises a cylinder and a piston movable relative to the cylinder in a direction so as to compress a body of gas present between the piston and the shear disc.
5. The shock wave generator of claim 4, further comprising spring means arranged to move the piston from a first position to a second position thereof so as to compress the body of gas, the piston being retained in the first position by a tie rod releasable by explosive activation.
6. The shock wave generator of claim 5, wherein said shear disc forms a primary shear disc, and wherein each said opening is provided with a secondary shear disc.
The present invention relates to a method of improving the permeability of an earth formation zone surrounding a wellbore formed in the earth formation. In the practice of producing hydrocarbon fluid from an earth formation via a wellbore to a production facility at surface, a perforated casing or liner is generally installed in the wellbore. The hydrocarbon fluid flows via the pores of the formation towards the casing or liner and via the perforations thereof into the wellbore.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A problem frequently encountered is that the permeability of the earth formation is relatively low resulting in reduced production capacity of the wellbore. One cause of such reduced permeability is the presence of formation illite in the pores-. Formation illite is a clay mineral which partially occupies the interstices between the rock particles. The presence of illite in the form of needles or platelets significantly reduces the ability of hydrocarbon fluid to flow through the pores.
It is an object of the invention to provide a method of improving the permeability of an earth formation zone surrounding a wellbore formed in the earth formation.
In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of improving the permeability of an earth formation zone surrounding a wellbore formed in the earth formation, the method comprising
pumping a selected liquid via the wellbore into said earth formation zone so as to create a body of liquid extending into the wellbore and into the pores of said zone;
lowering a shock wave generator into the body of liquid in the wellbore; and
inducing the shock wave generator to generate a shock wave in the body of liquid.
It is thereby achieved that the shock wave travels through the pores of the formation where the body of liquid is present and thereby destroys the illite particles present in the pores.
The invention will be described further in more detail and by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a wellbore used in applying the invention;
FIG. 2 schematically shows a device for use in the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 schematically shows a first alternative device for use in the embodiment of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 4 schematically shows a second alternative device for use in the embodiment of FIG. 1.
In the drawings like reference numerals relate to like components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a wellbore 1 formed in an earth formation 2 having a hydrocarbon fluid reservoir 3, the wellbore being provided with a casing 4 fixed in the wellbore 1 by a layer of cement 6. The casing 4 is provided with a plurality of perforations 8 at the level of the hydrocarbon fluid reservoir 3. An upper packer 10 is arranged in the casing above the perforations 8, and a lower packer 12 is arranged in the casing below the perforations 8. An electric cable 14 extends from a control facility 16 at surface through the casing 4 and through an opening (not shown) provided in the upper packer 10 to a shock wave generator 18 arranged in the space 20 between the packers 10, 12. The space 20 is filled with a body of brine 22 which extends via the perforations 8 into the hydrocarbon fluid reservoir 3 up to an interface 24 with the hydrocarbon fluid present in the hydrocarbon fluid reservoir 3.
In FIG. 2 is shown in more detail the shock wave generator 18 including a tubular housing 24 formed of a first tubular part 26 and a second tubular part 28 connected to the first tubular part 26 by a screw connection 30 whereby a shear disc 32 is biased between the first and second tubular parts 26, 28. The first tubular part is provided with an end cap 34 and a plurality of openings 36. The second tubular part is closed by a plug assembly 38 screwed in the second tubular part by means of screw connection 40. The plug assembly 38 is provided with a bore 42 in which an ignition device 44 connected to the electric cable 14, is arranged. A charge of deflagrating material 46 is arranged in the second tubular part 28, between the ignition device 44 and the shear disc 32.
In FIG. 3 is shown a first alternative shock wave generator 47 which is substantially similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the difference being that the shear disc 32 forms a primary shear disc and that each opening 36 is provided with a secondary shear disc 48.
In FIG. 4 is shown a second alternative shock wave generator 49 which is substantially similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2, except that the plug assembly, the ignition device and the deflagrating charge have been replaced by a piston assembly 50 including a cylinder 51 in the form of second tubular part 28 and a piston 52 arranged in the cylinder 51. The piston 52 is movable relative to the cylinder 51 in the direction of the shear disc 32 so as to compress a body of gas 54 present between the piston 52 and the shear disc 32. The piston assembly 50 furthermore includes a plug 55 screwed into the cylinder 51 and provided with a central bore 56 having an internal shoulder 58. A spring assembly 60 is arranged between the piston 52 and the plug 54, the spring assembly 60 being compressed by a threaded tie rod 62 at one end thereof connected to the piston 52 and at the other end thereof extending through the bore 56 and being retained at internal shoulder 58 by an explosive nut 64 connected to the electric cable 14.
During normal operation brine is pumped into the wellbore, the brine flowing via the perforations 8 into the hydrocarbon fluid reservoir 3. Pumping is stopped after a selected quantity of brine has flown into the hydrocarbon reservoir 3 so that the body of brine 22 is formed. Next the lower packer 12, the shock wave generator 18, the upper packer 10 and the electric cable 14 are installed in the wellbore 1.
The shock wave generator 18 (shown in FIG. 2) is then activated by transmitting a selected electric signal through the cable 14, which signal induces the charge of deflagrating material 46 to detonate. As a result the pressure in the second tubular part 28 rises to a level at which the shear disc 32 shears. Upon shearing of the shear disc 32, a shock wave occurs in the first tubular part 26 which travels through the openings 36 into the part of the body of liquid 22 present in the wellbore 1, and from there via the perforations 8 into the part of the body of liquid present in the hydrocarbon fluid reservoir 3. As the shock wave travels through the pores of the earth formation, the illite particles present in the pores are destroyed by the shock wave. This effect is even enhanced by reflection of the shock wave at the interface 24.
Normal operation using the first alternative shock wave generator 47 is similar to normal operation using the shock wave generator 18, except that additionally the secondary shear discs 48 are sheared off upon the occurrence of the shock wave in the first tubular part 26.
Normal operation using the second alternative shock wave generator 49 is similar to normal operation using the shock wave generator 18, except that the pressure rise in the second tubular part is now created by transmitting a controlled electric signal through the cable 14 in order to detonate the explosive nut 64. Upon detonation of the nut 64, the tie rod 62 breaks thereby inducing the spring assembly 60 to move the piston 52 in the direction of the shear disc 32 and to compress the body of gas 54. As a result the pressure in the second tubular part 28 rises to the level at which the shear disc 32 shears.
It will be appreciated that the shock wave generation characteristics of the embodiments of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are mutually different, therefore either of these embodiments can be selected in accordance with the required characteristics.
Any suitable water- and pressure proof deflagrating material can be selected for the charge of deflagrating material, for example RDX (1,3,5 Trinitro- 1,3,5 triazacyclohexane).
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS3422760 *Oct 5, 1966Jan 21, 1969Petroleum Tool Research IncGas-generating device for stimulating the flow of well fluidsUS3589442Jun 27, 1969Jun 29, 1971Dresser IndWell shock deviceUS3897623Sep 16, 1974Aug 5, 1975Agency Ind Science TechnMethod for underwater frictional welding of metallic materialUS3951458 *Jul 31, 1974Apr 20, 1976Kennecott Copper CorporationMethod of explosive fracturing of a formation at depthUS4049056 *Jun 28, 1976Sep 20, 1977Physics International CompanyOil and gas well stimulationUS4345650 *Apr 11, 1980Aug 24, 1982Wesley Richard HProcess and apparatus for electrohydraulic recovery of crude oilUS4537256 *Jun 13, 1983Aug 27, 1985Franklin BeardSonic fracing process and means to carry out said processUS5005649Feb 28, 1990Apr 9, 1991Union Oil Company Of CaliforniaMultiple fracture production device and methodUS5069307 *Mar 6, 1989Dec 3, 1991Atlantic Richfield CompanyAcoustic signal transmitter for logging toolsUS5282508 *Jul 2, 1992Feb 1, 1994Petroleo Brasilero S.A. - PetrobrasProcess to increase petroleum recovery from petroleum reservoirsUS5297631 *Apr 7, 1993Mar 29, 1994Fleet Cementers, Inc.Method and apparatus for downhole oil well production stimulationUS5396955 *Nov 22, 1993Mar 14, 1995Texaco Inc.Method to selectively affect permeability in a reservoir to control fluid flowUS5579845 *Feb 7, 1995Dec 3, 1996William C. FrazierMethod for improved water well productionUS5613557May 23, 1995Mar 25, 1997Atlantic Richfield CompanyApparatus and method for sealing perforated well casingUS5836393Mar 19, 1997Nov 17, 1998Johnson; Howard E.Pulse generator for oil well and method of stimulating the flow of liquidUS6004050 *Dec 22, 1997Dec 21, 1999Hewlett-PackardCarriage scanning system with carriage isolated from high frequency vibrations in drive beltUS6012521 *Feb 9, 1998Jan 11, 2000Etrema Products, Inc.Downhole pressure wave generator and method for use thereofUS6186228 *Dec 1, 1998Feb 13, 2001Phillips Petroleum CompanyMethods and apparatus for enhancing well production using sonic energyUS6250388 *Feb 26, 1999Jun 26, 2001Prowell Technologies LtdGas impulse device and method of use thereofUSRE23381May 14, 1941Jun 26, 1951 Method of and apparatus forFR2337606A1 Title not availableWO1998002638A1Jul 17, 1997Jan 22, 1998Baker Hughes IncApparatus and method for performing imaging and downhole operations at work site in wellbores* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1International Search Report of Mar. 8, 2001.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6814141May 9, 2002Nov 9, 2004Exxonmobil Upstream Research CompanyMethod for improving oil recovery by delivering vibrational energy in a well fractureUS7025143Sep 30, 2004Apr 11, 2006Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Method for removing a deposit using pulsed fluid flowUS7063141 *Jan 13, 2004Jun 20, 2006Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Apparatus for agitated fluid dischargeUS7213681Feb 16, 2005May 8, 2007Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Acoustic stimulation tool with axial driver actuating moment arms on tinesUS7216738Feb 16, 2005May 15, 2007Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Acoustic stimulation method with axial driver actuating moment arms on tinesUS7347284Oct 20, 2004Mar 25, 2008Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Apparatus and method for hard rock sidewall coring of a boreholeUS7405998Jun 1, 2005Jul 29, 2008Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Method and apparatus for generating fluid pressure pulsesUS7882895Aug 19, 2008Feb 8, 2011Flow Industries Ltd.Method for impulse stimulation of oil and gas well productionUS8082989Dec 23, 2010Dec 27, 2011Flow Industries Ltd.Method for impulse stimulation of oil and gas well productionUS8706419May 14, 2013Apr 22, 2014William C. FrazierSystem and method for monitoring the change in permeability of a water wellUS8813838Oct 8, 2012Aug 26, 2014Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Acoustic generator and associated methods and well systemsUS20110011576 *Jul 13, 2010Jan 20, 2011Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Acoustic generator and associated methods and well systemsUS20120305240 *Feb 7, 2011Dec 6, 2012Progress Ultrasonics AgSystem and Method for Ultrasonically Treating Liquids in Wells and Corresponding Use of Said SystemWO2009126572A2 *Apr 6, 2009Oct 15, 2009Baker Hughes IncorporatedA method and apparatus for sampling and/or testing downhole formations* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification166/249, 166/177.2, 166/305.1International ClassificationE21B37/08, E21B28/00Cooperative ClassificationE21B37/08, E21B28/00European ClassificationE21B37/08Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionDec 5, 2006FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20061008Oct 10, 2006LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesApr 26, 2006REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedAug 20, 2002ASAssignmentOwner name: SHELL OIL COMPANY, TEXASFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BRAITWHAITE, STEPHEN RICHARD;HEIJNEN, WILHELMUS HUBERTUSPAULUS MARIA;REEL/FRAME:013209/0810;SIGNING DATES FROM 20010418 TO 20010509Owner name: SHELL OIL COMPANY P. O. BOX 2463 900 LOUISIANAHOUSFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BRAITWHAITE, STEPHEN RICHARD /AR;REEL/FRAME:013209/0810;SIGNING DATES FROM 20010418 TO 20010509RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services