Method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow within wellbore with selectively set and unset packer assembly
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorMarion D. Kilgore
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Abstract
Apparatus and corresponding methods are disclosed for controlling fluid flow within a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a longitudinally spaced apart series of selectively set and unset inflatable packers is utilized to substantially isolate desired portions of a formation intersected by a well. Setting and unsetting of the packers may be accomplished by a variety of devices, some of which may be remotely controllable. Additionally, a series of fluid control devices may be alternated with the packers as part of a tubular string positioned within the well.
Claims31
A method of controlling fluid flow within a subterranean wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a tubular string including a longitudinally spaced apart series of wellbore sealing devices forming portions of the tubular string;
- positioning the tubular string within a portion of the wellbore intersecting a formation;
- conveying a power source into the tubular string;
- connecting the power source to a selected at least one of the sealing devices;
- and
- actuating the selected at least one of the sealing devices to thereby selectively restrict fluid flow through the wellbore between first and second portions of the formation.
A method of controlling fluid flow within a subterranean wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a tubular string including a longitudinally spaced apart series of sealing devices forming portions of the tubular string;
- positioning the tubular string within the wellbore opposite a formation intersected by the wellbore, so that each of the sealing devices is positioned between adjacent ones of a corresponding series of portions of the formation;
- conveying a power source into the tubular string, the power source being configured to actuate selected ones of the sealing devices;
- and
- actuating at least one of the sealing devices to thereby prevent fluid flow longitudinally through the wellbore external to the tubular string.
A method of controlling fluid flow within a subterranean wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a tubular string including a longitudinally spaced apart series of sealing devices forming portions of the tubular string;
- positioning the tubular string within the wellbore;
- conveying a pump into the tubular string after performing the positioning step;
- engaging the pump with a selected at least one of the sealing devices;
- and
- actuating the pump, thereby sealingly engaging the at least one of the sealing devices with the wellbore.
A method of controlling fluid flow within a subterranean wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a tubular string including a longitudinally spaced apart series of sealing devices forming portions of the tubular string, and a pump;
- positioning the tubular string within the wellbore;
- conveying a power source into the tubular string after performing the positioning step;
- engaging the power source with the pump;
- and
- actuating the pump to thereby sealingly engage a selected at least one of the sealing devices with the wellbore.
An apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a subterranean wellbore, the apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of wellbore sealing devices interconnected in and forming portions of a tubular string;
- and
- a power source configured for actuating selected ones of the sealing devices to sealingly engage the wellbore, the power source being reciprocably disposed within the tubular string, the power source including a fluid pump couplable with selected ones of the sealing devices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.