System and method for a low drag flotation system
AssigneeBJ Services Company
InventorsAndrew K. Jordan, Alvaro Jose Vilela, Frederico Carvalho
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A low drag flotation system for placing screens in horizontal wells is provided which includes a screen exterior to the washpipe to be placed for sand control, and hydraulically actuated valves for trapping air within the washpipe. The air in the washpipe creates a buoyancy force that decreases the drag force of the pipe string in the horizontal well, allowing it to move further down the well under its own weight. As a result, screens can be placed in longer lengths of horizontal wells to maximize oil and gas production.
Claims11
A flotation system for reducing drag forces associated with installing a screen assembly in a well, the flotation system comprising:
- a service tool connected to a workstring that extends to a surface;
- and
- a washpipe assembly positioned inside the screen assembly and connected to the service tool, the washpipe assembly comprising:
- a washpipe;
- and
- a first valve placed within the washpipe, the first valve being adapted to trap gas within the washpipe, thereby causing the screen assembly to at least partially float within the well.
A method for reducing drag forces associated with installing a screen assembly in a well, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) placing a washpipe assembly inside the screen assembly, the washpipe assembly comprising at least one valve adapted to trap gas inside the washpipe assembly;
- (b) trapping gas inside the washpipe assembly;
- (c) running the washpipe and screen assemblies into the well;
- and
- (d) at least partially floating the screen assembly within the well using the trapped gas.
A method to at least partially float a screen assembly within a well, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) running the screen assembly into the well, the screen assembly comprising a washpipe assembly having gas trapped therein;
- (b) at least partially floating the screen assembly within the well using the trapped gas;
- and
- (c) setting the screen assembly at a desired location within the well.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.