Methods for mitigation of annular pressure buildup in subterranean wells
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsRobert Williams, Emmanuel Therond, Laurent Delabroy
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Abstract
Compositions and methods that mitigate pressure buildup in the annular space between two tubular bodies in subterranean wells. The composition of the invention comprises an aqueous solution of crosslinkable acrylamide-base polymer, a crosslinker and a gas. Once foamed and placed in the annular space, the composition provides a resilient, flexible, compressible and durable body that is able to compensate for pressure increases in the annular space, thereby protecting the integrity of the tubular bodies.
Claims25
A method of controlling pressure buildup within an annular volume between two tubular bodies in a subterranean wellbore, comprising:
- (i) preparing a composition that is sufficient to fill at least a portion of the annular volume, the composition comprising at least one water-soluble acrylamide polymer, a crosslinker, a gas and water.
- (ii) placing the composition into, and filling at least a portion of, the annular volume;
- (iii) sealing the annular volume;
- (iv) allowing the polymer of the composition to crosslink and form a gel that encapsulates the gas of the composition, thereby providing a compressible body within the annular volume.
A method comprising:
- (i) preparing a composition that is sufficient to fill at least a portion of an annular volume between two bodies in a subterranean wellbore, the composition comprising at least one water-soluble acrylamide polymer, a crosslinker, a gas and water;
- (ii) placing the composition into, and filling at least a portion of, the annular volume,
- (iii) sealing the annular volume;
- and
- (iv) allowing the polymer of the composition to crosslink and form a gel that encapsulates the gas of the composition, thereby providing a compressible body within the annular volume;
- whereby pressure buildup within the annular volume between two tubular bodies in a subterranean wellbore is controlled.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.