Abstract:
A technique utilizes a completion system deployed for use in select groundwater applications. The completion system comprises a plurality of sensors, e.g. pressure probes, and a plurality of multi-function tools which are positioned to control the opening and closing of corresponding pumping ports and/or other devices. The multi-function tools can be controlled individually via communication signals, thus avoiding the need to retrieve and/or reconfigure portions of the completion to make operational changes to the pumping ports and/or other devices.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    In a variety of groundwater applications, testing, monitoring and other groundwater related tasks are performed by deploying completion systems in subterranean environments. The completion systems may comprise tubing, packers, measurement ports, pumping ports, and/or other devices permanently installed in an open borehole or cased wellbore. Sensor systems may be temporarily placed in a completion system to provide information for controlling operation of the valves/ports or other devices. For example, pressure sensors can be deployed along corresponding measurement ports. Additionally, valves can be used to control flow through one or more pumping ports positioned along the completion. The one or more pumping ports can be opened or closed to facilitate specific testing, monitoring, or flow procedures. 
         [0002]    Completion systems are available in which the opening and closing of pumping ports is accomplished by deployment of a special tool. The tool is placed in one configuration for opening a pumping port and in a second configuration for closing the pumping port. The tool must be retrieved, reconfigured and redeployed for each pumping port change operation. If other probes or tools have been previously installed in the well, those probes and tools must be retrieved before pumping port change operations can be undertaken. The procedures for tool retrieval are labor intensive and time-consuming. Additionally, such procedures require mobilization and operation of accessory equipment, such as hoists, power supplies, site security equipment, well control equipment, and other equipment. Because of the added time associate was such procedures, activities requiring rapid response observations are difficult or impossible to perform. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In general, the present invention provides a system and method for the deploying a completion, such as a modular completion, for select groundwater applications. The system comprises a plurality of sensors, e.g. pressure probes, and a plurality of multi-function tools which are positioned to control the opening and closing of corresponding pumping ports or to control other devices. The overall system and methodology enables individual control over the plurality of multi-function tools via communication signals, thus avoiding the need to retrieve and/or reconfigure portions of the completion to make operational changes to the pumping ports or other devices. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    Certain embodiments of the invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and: 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a completion system for use in a subterranean application, such as a groundwater application, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of an operational mode of the completions system illustrated in  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of one example of a multi-function tool that can be used with the completion system illustrated in  FIG. 2 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of an operational mode of an alternate completions system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of an alternate example of a multi-function tool that can be used with the completion system illustrated in  FIG. 4 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is another schematic view of the multi-function tool illustrated in  FIG. 3 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is another schematic view of the multi-function tool illustrated in  FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a multi-function tool in a state of actuation, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a schematic view of the multi-function tool illustrated in  FIG. 8  in another state of actuation, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating one example of an operational procedure carried out by the completion system in a groundwater application, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments may be possible. 
         [0016]    The present invention generally relates to a completion system that is used in subsurface fluid applications, such as groundwater applications. However, the completion system also may be used with subsurface fluids such as gas, oil, brine and other fluids in liquid or gaseous phase. By way of example, the completion system can be used in aquifer storage and recharge, monitoring of CO2 sequestration in the subsurface, environmental monitoring and characterization, storage and extraction of subsurface fluids, in situ treatment of groundwater contamination, selective groundwater extraction for treatment, monitoring of enhanced recovery of subsurface fluids by heating, fluid injection or other procedures, as well as other groundwater/subterranean fluid applications. In general, the completion system provides a technical solution that enables on-demand opening and closing of individual pumping ports along a completion deployed in a subterranean environment. The opening and closing of individual pumping ports can be performed in conjunction with the operation of other compatible devices, e.g. sensors or tools, in the same subterranean environment, e.g. well environment. The on-demand opening and closing of individual pumping ports and other devices can be accomplished by providing simple control signals rather than requiring retrieval, redeployment or reconfiguration of installed equipment or equipment strings. Examples of other devices include downhole packers in which the present system may be used to control inflation and deflation of the packer. However, the completion system also may be used in conjunction with a variety of other downhole devices. 
         [0017]    In a variety of applications, the completion system comprises a modular, multi-level well completion having multiple monitoring zones. Additionally, multiple pumping ports and measurement ports can be distributed throughout the monitoring zones. Access through the pumping ports and measurement ports can be controlled by a variety of controllable closure members, such as valves. In some applications, the pumping ports are controlled by hydraulically operated sliding sleeve valves, and the measurement ports comprise side access valves, however other types of devices can be used to control access through the completion ports in the plurality of monitoring zones. 
         [0018]    The completion system further comprises a plurality of multi-function tools, e.g. pumping port tools, that can be individually operated to control access through corresponding pumping ports. By way of example, the multi-function tools can be coupled with sliding sleeve valves positioned at the pumping ports. Additionally, the completion system enables individual control over a variety of other devices, such as sensors. For example, pressure probes can be positioned in cooperation with corresponding measurement ports and controlled individually. The plurality of multi-function tools and the plurality of pressure probes are deployed and operated in a cooperative manner. In at least some embodiments, the pressure probes and multi-function tools are designed to have a common control cable, such as a common electrical cable. Additionally, the plurality of multi-function tools can be designed to share a common hydraulic control line or hydraulic control lines. Furthermore, the downhole pressure probes and multi-function tools are controlled independently via appropriate control signals so that any pressure probe or multi-function tool can be individually selected and actuated without any retrieval, redeployment or reconfiguration of equipment or equipment strings used in the completion system. In one example, each of the pressure probes and multi-function tools can be controlled independently via internal addressable electronics that receive and respond to specific signals sent downhole. 
         [0019]    Unlike many completion systems utilized in the hydrocarbon production industry, the present completion system comprises modular plumbing and electrical components along with valving, sensors and devices that can be deployed in modular tools. The design allows the modular tools to be easily deployed and retrieved with light field support equipment instead of a heavy work-over rig. Power can be provided in the form of low-power electrical power for both control signals and deployment power. In at least some applications, hydraulic signals are provided by a surface source hydraulic supply and control unit. The modularity enables the various tools and completion components to be reconfigured, reassigned or recombined with other tools to enable a widely variable operating capability. Sensors may be deployed to facilitate not only operations control but also to facilitate testing, monitoring, and other tasks related to subsurface fluids. 
         [0020]    Referring generally to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a completion system  20  is illustrated for use in groundwater applications and similar subterranean applications. The completion system  20  comprises a completion  22  deployed in a subterranean environment  24 . For example, completion  22  may be deployed in a wellbore  26 . As illustrated, completion  22  is a modular, multi-level well completion. 
         [0021]    In other words, completion  22  can be deployed in a variety of subterranean environments for a variety of applications and is designed to isolate a plurality of levels or well zones  28 . The completion  22  comprises packers  30 , or other suitable isolation devices, that establish the isolated well zones  28 . By way of example, packers  30  may comprise hydraulically inflated packers or other packer types suitable to isolate a plurality of well zones. 
         [0022]    Completion  22  also may comprise a variety of ports that are selectively opened or closed to provide access between the interior of completion  22  and the surrounding exterior. By way of example, the ports may comprise measurement ports  32  and pumping ports  34 . In one specific example, completion  22  comprises a Westbay MP System® multi-level, well completion available from the Schlumberger Company. The multi-level well completion may comprise a modular casing system that enables creation of a large number of monitoring zones in a single wellbore. The measurement ports  32  and pumping ports  34  have valves that are controlled to provide access to individual zones from, for example, a common sealed casing. 
         [0023]    The completion system  20  also comprises a plurality of multi-function tools  36 , e.g. pumping port tools, with each multi-function tool  36  positioned adjacent a corresponding pumping port  34  or other device. The multi-function tools  36  can be individually actuated to control the opening and closing of their corresponding pumping ports. The multi-function tools  36  also may be used for downhole actuation of other types of devices, such as mechanical-hydraulic devices. For example, the multi-function tools  36  may be used for controlling fluid access to the wellbore outside of the completion system tubing. However, the multi-function tools  36  also may be used for controlled operation of other devices. Examples of such devices and their operations include packer valves which may be operated for deflation of packers. The multi-function tool  36  also may be used to control/set the position of telescoping tubing sections or to control/set other hydraulically actuated devices, such as hydraulic pulse test tools, valves or devices for controlling the circulation of fluid for downhole chemical sensing, and other types of devices. 
         [0024]    Completion system  20  also comprises a variety of other devices  38 , such as sensors that are able to sense selected parameters related to the groundwater application. In the embodiment illustrated, for example, devices  38  comprise a plurality of pressure probes in which each pressure probe is positioned adjacent a corresponding measurement port  32 . By way of specific example, the pressure probes  38  may comprise MOSDAX® pressure probes available from the Schlumberger Company. The MOSDAX® pressure probes are individually addressable and can be polled individually to provide a logging device with desired data, such as pressure and temperature data. 
         [0025]    The multi-function tools  36  and the pressure probes  38  (or other devices/sensors) also are modular and can be deployed in the desired numbers and arrangements to accommodate applications having any number of well zones. The modular tools, pressure probes, other sensors, and other completion components can be deployed by wireline or other suitable conveyances. 
         [0026]    The plurality of multi-function tools  36  and devices  38  are individually controlled via a control system  40 . In the embodiment illustrated, control system  40  is positioned at a surface location  42 , however the control system or components of the control system can be located at the well site, remote from the well site, or at other locations accessible to an operator. Depending on the specific design of multi-function tools  36 , pressure probes  38 , and other system devices, control system  40  can utilize a variety of components for monitoring and controlling the various components of completion system  20 . By way of example, the pressure probes  38  and the multi-function tools  36  can be coupled to a logging device  44 , or other suitable device, for sending and receiving signals to the desired components via a control cable  46 . Logging device  44  may be coupled to a computer control  48 , e.g. a host personal computer or notebook computer, via a communication link  50 . Communication link  50  may comprise a direct wired link, wireless link, or other appropriate communication link for communicating control signals between computer-based control  46  and logging device  44 . 
         [0027]    The control system  40  also may comprise a hydraulic supply and control unit  52 . A hydraulic supply and control unit  52  is used to actuate tools that may require hydraulic input signals. The multi-function tools  36  can be actuated downhole to direct the downhole flow of hydraulic fluid supplied by hydraulic supply and control unit  52  via hydraulic line  54 . As discussed in greater detail below, the control system  40 , in conjunction with the intelligent multi-function tools  36  and pressure probes  38 , enables individual control over the multi-function tools and pressure probes without requiring retrieval, redeployment or reconfiguration of the completion  22  or the equipment string containing multi-function tools  36  and pressure probes  38 . Alternatively, the multi-function tools  36  may be actuated by downhole, electrically powered pumps as discussed in greater detail below. 
         [0028]    Referring generally to  FIG. 2 , an operational schematic is provided to illustrate operation of one embodiment of completion system  20 . In this embodiment, the multi-function tools  36  and the pressure probes  38  are connected alone control cable  46  which is in the form of a common electric cable. The electric cable  46  carries both electric power and bidirectional communications between logging device  44  and the downhole multi-function tools  36  and pressure probes  38 . Electric cable  46  can be a single-conductor armored electric cable or other suitable cable. Both the pressure probes  38  and the multi-function tools  36  have internal “smart” electronics in the form of independently addressable electronics that enable independent actuation and operation. Communication signals can be sent in a variety of formats. In one example, however, the communication signals are sent in binary coded decimal format which is the format utilized in actuating the MOSDAX® pressure probes referenced above. The same type of independently addressable electronics and communication format can be used for the multi-function tools  36 . However, other forms of individually addressable electronics and communication formats also can be utilized in a variety of applications. Regardless, individual pressure probes  38  and multi-function tools  36  are selectively and individually controlled via signals sent downhole to the addressable electronics. 
         [0029]    As illustrated, hydraulic line  54  can be deployed for connection to each of the multi-function tools  36 . In this embodiment, hydraulic line  54  by passes the pressure probes  38 . The flow of hydraulic fluid at specific downhole locations in specific well zones  28  is controlled via multi-function tools  36 . Hydraulic supply and control unit  52  ensures that adequate hydraulic fluid is supplied downhole under adequate pressure to carry out a desired procedure, e.g. opening or closing of a sliding sleeve at a desired pumping port  34 . By way of example, downhole control of hydraulic power at each multi-function tool  36  can be achieved by an internal motorized valve controlled by internal electronics. The system modularity enables the addition of multi-function tools  36  and pressure probes  38  in a variety of arrangements without increasing the complexity of groundwater monitoring operations. 
         [0030]    Referring generally to  FIG. 3 , a schematic illustration of one embodiment of multi-function tool  36  is provided to demonstrate the general functionality of each multi-function tool. In this embodiment, multi-function tool  36  comprises a valve  56  that can be selectively adjusted to control flow patterns through the multi-function tool  36 . The valve  56  is manipulated via an actuator  58 , which can be in the form of a motor that shifts valve  56  between operational configurations. Power to the actuator  58  is controlled by an electronics module  60 , such as an internal, addressable electronics module. Module  60  can be designed and/or programmed to respond to a variety of communication signals sent from a surface location via electric cable  46 . By way of example, control signals can be provided to electronics module  60  in binary coded decimal format, however other formats also can be used. By way of specific example, the multi-function tools  36  can be designed to accommodate the same multi-drop, communication protocol used for controlling individual MOSDAX® pressure probes via logging device  44 . 
         [0031]    In an alternate embodiment, pressurized fluid is provided to actuate individual multi-function tools  36  by a plurality of downhole pumps  55 , such as electrically powered pumps coupled with each multi-function tool  36 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, each downhole pump  55  is an electrically driven, high-pressure fluid pump which draws fluid, e.g. water, from inside the completion system  22  and delivers the fluid under controllable pressure to a corresponding multi-function tool  36 . By way of example, each multi-function tool  36  may have a dedicated pump  55  connected directly to or otherwise functionally coupled with the multi-function tool  36 . The downhole pumps  55  are controlled and powered by electric cable  46 , and the pumps  55  are compatible with other devices which may be simultaneously deployed into the well. In this embodiment, the string of multi-function tools  36  can be operated as previously described. However, by coupling the pumps  55  with corresponding multi-function tools  36 , all operations can be controlled and powered via electric cable  46 . In this configuration, the hydraulic supply and control unit  52  and hydraulic line  54  are not necessary for operation. In some applications, the downhole pumps  55  also may be operated to control other functions, such as the operation of packer valves and the inflating of packers. 
         [0032]    Referring generally to  FIG. 5 , a schematic illustration of one embodiment of multi-function tool  36  for use with the completions system illustrated in  FIG. 4  is provided to demonstrate the general functionality of each multi-function tool. In this embodiment, multi-function tool  36  comprises an electrically driven pump portion  57  having an electric pump motor  59  which collectively may form the pump  55  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The electric pump motor  59  drives a pump mechanism  61  which controls the delivery of pressurized fluid to actuate the corresponding multi-function tool  36 . Power to the electrically driven pump portion  57  may be controlled by the electronics module  60 , e.g. an internal, addressable electronics module. Module  60  can be designed and/or programmed to respond to a variety of communication signals sent from a surface location via electric cable  46 . By way of example, control signals can be provided to electronics module  60  in binary coded decimal format, however other formats also can be used. By way of specific example, the multi-function tools  36  can be designed to accommodate the same multi-drop, communication protocol used for controlling individual MOSDAX® pressure probes via logging device  44 . 
         [0033]    Physically, the multi-function tool  36  of  FIG. 3  can be designed with an external housing  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The external housing  62  is sized to enable movement and deployment within completion  22 . In the embodiment illustrated, housing  62  comprises an upper electrical connection  64  by which electric cable  46  is connected to the multi-function tool. The electric cable  46  continues to the next multi-function tool  36  or device  38  via the lower electrical connection  66 . In the embodiment illustrated, housing  62  comprises an upper hydraulic connector  68  by which hydraulic line  54  is connected to the multi-function tool. Hydraulic flow to the next subsequent multi-function tool is accommodated by a lower hydraulic connector  70 . In the embodiment illustrated, multi-function tool  36  directs the flow of hydraulic fluid according to desired flow patterns as individually controlled via the internal addressable electronics module  60  and the controlled valve  56 . In one procedure, for example, hydraulic flow may be directed out through a flow port  72  and returned via a flow port  74 . However, upon shifting of valve  56 , the flow pattern can be changed such that hydraulic flow is directed out through flow port  74  and returned via flow port  72 . 
         [0034]    If the downhole pumps  55  are used in cooperation with the multi-function tool  36 , then each downhole pump  55  may be connected directly to housing  62  or otherwise coupled for cooperation with the corresponding multi-function tool  36 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . For example, each pump  55  may be coupled with housing  62  via a corresponding hydraulic connection  73  and a corresponding electrical connection  75 . In this example, the multi-function tool  36  may cooperate with a pump arrangement similar to the schematic system of  FIG. 5 , and the external housing  62  may again be sized to enable movement and deployment within completion  22 . Housing  62  also may comprise the upper electrical connection  64  by which electric cable  46  is connected to the multi-function tool. The electric cable  46  continues to the next multi-function tool  36  or device  38  via a lower electrical connection  66  beneath the corresponding downhole pump  55 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , housing  62  does not need a hydraulic connector to connect hydraulic line  54  to the multi-function tool because the pressurized fluid is supplied by pump  55  which receives fluid from the completion  22 . In the embodiment illustrated, multi-function tool  36  directs the flow of hydraulic fluid according to desired flow patterns as individually controlled via the internal addressable electronics module  60 , as described above. For example, hydraulic flow may be directed out through flow port  72  and returned via flow port  74 . However, the pump  55  may be reversed and/or work in cooperation with a corresponding valve to change the flow pattern such that hydraulic flow is directed out through flow port  74  and returned via flow port  72 . 
         [0035]    One example of the downhole use of multi-function tools  36  is illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . In this example, fluid flow through pumping ports  34  is enabled or closed off via a sliding sleeve  76 . However, other types of closure mechanisms can be used to control access through pumping ports  34 . Initially, a control signal is sent downhole via control cable  46 , and the signal is received by the internal, addressable electronics modules  60  of the multi-function tools  36 . The appropriately addressed multi-function tool  36  is then actuated to a specific configuration, e.g. flow configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In this example, hydraulic fluid is directed out through port  72 , as indicated by arrow  78 , and forced through a port  80  formed in the adjacent casing section of completion  22 . Fluid flows through port  80  and into a chamber  82  of sliding sleeve  76 . The pressure of hydraulic fluid in chamber  82  forces the sliding sleeve  76  to move or shift in the direction of arrow  84  and to ultimately open the corresponding pumping port  34 . As sliding sleeve  76  is shifted to the open position, hydraulic fluid within an adjacent sliding sleeve chamber  86  is expelled through a completion casing port  88  and back into multi-function tool  36  via port  74 , as indicated by arrow  90 . 
         [0036]    If the groundwater testing and monitoring operation subsequently requires closure of a specific pumping port  34 , a similar control procedure is carried out. Initially, a control signal is sent downhole via control cable  46 , and the signal is received by the internal, addressable electronics modules  60  of the multi-function tools  36 . A specific multi-function tool  36  (addressed by a control signal that is recognized by its internal electronics  60 ) is then actuated to a specific flow configuration to cause closure of the pumping port, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In this example, hydraulic fluid is directed out through port  74 , as indicated by arrow  92 , and forced through port  88 . Fluid flows through port  88  and into adjacent chamber  86  of sliding sleeve  76 . The pressure of hydraulic fluid in chamber  86  forces the sliding sleeve  76  to move or shift in the direction of arrow  94  and to ultimately close the corresponding pumping port  34 . As sliding sleeve  76  is shifted to the closed position, hydraulic fluid within chamber  82  is expelled through port  80  and back into multi-function tool  36  via port  72 , as indicated by arrow  96 . Of course, multi-function tool  36  can be designed to accommodate opening and closing of a variety of ports with a variety of closure members. The specific configurations e.g. flow patterns, directed by multi-function tools  36  can be changed or adjusted according to the closure member and the specific application. For example, a variety of valves, e.g. spool valves or other valve types, can be controlled within each multi-function tool  36  for achieving desired hydraulic flow patterns. 
         [0037]    The modular, multi-zone completions system and individually controllable multi-function tools/pressure probes can be arranged in a variety of configurations and can be utilized in multiple applications. However, one example of a general methodology for use in a groundwater application is illustrated in the flowchart of  FIG. 10 . As illustrated, a modular, multi-level well completion is initially prepared according to desired testing and monitoring goals for a given groundwater environment, as represented by block  96 . The desired or necessary number of sensors  38 , e.g. pressure probes, can then be selected, as illustrated by block  98 . The desired number of multi-function tools  36  also is selected according to the design of the overall completion system and the number of well zones, as illustrated by block  100 . 
         [0038]    Subsequently, the well completion, sensors and multi-function tools are deployed into the subterranean environment, as illustrated by block  102 . Once in place, specific testing and monitoring procedures can be initiated by individually controlling the multi-function tools and sensors, e.g. pressure probes. The multi-function tools  36  can be individually controlled via control system  40  from a surface location, as illustrated by block  104 . Similarly, the pressure probes  38  also can be individually controlled via control system  40  from a surface location, as illustrated by block  106 . 
         [0039]    The completion system  20  provides a simple, modular system that can be used in a variety of subterranean environments and is easily adapted to many types of groundwater testing and monitoring applications as well as other applications. Additionally, the completion system  20  is easy to use because the multi-function tools  36  and other downhole devices are individually controllable in a manner that enables an operator to conduct a wide variety of procedures simply by sending control signals downhole rather than making physical configuration changes. This flexibility enables the creation of a “smart” monitoring well in which the control functions are possible by providing simple control input at the wellhead (or other remote surface locations) by a single operator. 
         [0040]    Completion system  20  can be deployed in many different configurations. Additionally, the various components of completion system  20  can be adjusted according to the environment, available equipment and preferred technologies. For example, the multi-function tools can be actuated via a variety of valve types and actuator types. Additionally, the internal electronic modules that are used to control the multi-function tool configuration can be adjusted according to the communication protocols employed. For example, the binary coded decimal format used to control MOSDAX® pressure probes is addressable and also can be used to control the multi-function tools. However, the internal electronic modules can be adjusted to accommodate other types of signals, signal carriers, and signal communication formats. Additionally, the completion can be constructed with a variety of other or additional components for use in many types of subterranean environments. 
         [0041]    Accordingly, although only a few embodiments of the present invention 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 invention. Such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims.