Well collapse reconnect system
AssigneeConocoPhillips Company
InventorsJames S. RUTHERFORD, Charles COLPITT, Andrew H. WHITFIELD
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for remediating damaged casing or liner in a hydrocarbon well, e.g. caused by collapsed formation. Damaged liner is milled away and a straddle joint (20) located in the exposed ends of liner (8,9), bridging the gap between them and restoring most of the inner diameter. The straddle joint (20) includes cement ports (25) through which cement may be injected into any cavity (4) in the rock surrounding the straddle joint (20), thereby supporting the rock and helping to prevent further collapse.
Claims14
A process for remediating a well having a restriction caused by inward deformation of a well casing or liner, the process comprising:
- a) passing down the well a milling tool and milling away casing or liner in the region of the restriction such that rock surrounding the casing or liner is exposed and such that the casing or liner is divided into an upper and a lower portion each having an open end;
- b) passing down the well a straddle joint;
- c) locating upper and lower ends of the straddle joint in the upper and lower portions of casing or liner.
A straddle joint for bridging an open hole region between two portions of casing or liner in a well, the straddle joint comprising:
- (a) A generally tubular body;
- (b) Upper and lower seals, such as packers, axially spaced along the body;
- (c) A closable cement port in the body, located between the seals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.