Multiple Zone Isolation Method
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorRobert D. Morton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Multiple producing zones separated by a non-producing zone are gravel packed together. The non-producing zone has locations to take returns so as to get a consistent pack in the non-producing zone. The production string features external seals and/or an internal plug so that no matter which producing zone is aligned to produce, the screens in the non-producing zone are selectively isolated so that the producing zone that is not intended to be produced has only the path through the gravel pack to get to the actual zone being produced. Since the annulus can be long and full of gravel this path will make flow from the zone that is not of interest minimal into the flow from the zone of interest without using a packer between pairs of spaced apart producing zones.
Claims12
A method of subterranean completion, comprising:
- locating a production screen adjacent each of at least two spaced apart producing zones located one above the other with said production screens connected with a connecting tubular extending between them and said connecting tubular extending through a non-producing zone to define an annulus that spans said zones;
- providing in said connecting tubular at least one screened opening;
- depositing gravel in said annulus adjacent said non-producing zone while taking fluid returns through said screened opening;
- connecting a production string comprising external spaced barriers to straddle said production screens;
- isolating said screened opening between said spaced barriers while producing through an opening in said production string aligned with at least one said production screen;
- using only said deposited gravel to control flow between said producing zones through said annulus while one of said producing zones is producing through its associated production screen and into said production string.
2-5. (canceled)
11-12. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.