IP Library › Granted Patent US 11,959,357
Granted Patent B2
US 11,959,357 · App. 17/941,747 · Granted Apr 16, 2024

Cementing across loss circulation zones utilizing a smart drillable cement stinger

Inventors: Peter Ido Egbe (Abqaiq, SA); Victor Jose Bustamante Rodriguez (Abqaiq, SA)
Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
E21B33/138E21B21/003E21B33/127E21B34/142
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,959,357
App. No.
17/941,747
Granted
Apr 16, 2024
Kind
B2
Abstract

Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for handling loss circulation zones in wells. A tool is deployed on a work string. The tool includes isolation packers in an un-inflated state and a stinger in a closed position. The tool is run to a target depth along the work string. The isolation packers are inflated, setting the isolation packers in place adjacent to the stinger at the target depth. Circulation ports are opened after the isolation packers are inflated, exposing a diversion flow path. A cement slurry is pumped through the diversion flow path into a loss circulation zone. The circulation ports are closed after the cement slurry is pumped. The work string is disengaged from the stinger.

Claims (47)

1. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing one or more instructions executable by a computer system to perform operations comprising:

deploying, on a work string, a tool including isolation packers in an un-inflated state and a stinger in a closed position;

programming, into the tool using a computer-implemented user interface of a computer at a surface, a target depth for the tool, the target depth being downhole of the surface;

running the tool to the target depth along the work string;

inflating the isolation packers, setting the isolation packers in place adjacent to the stinger at the target depth;

opening circulation ports after the isolation packers are inflated, and exposing a diversion flow path;

pumping a cement slurry through the diversion flow path into a loss circulation zone;

closing the circulation ports after the cement slurry is pumped; and

disengaging the work string from the stinger.

2. The non-transitory, computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein setting the isolation packers in place includes using a radio frequency identification (RFID) device or ball-drop technology.

3. The non-transitory, computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein opening the circulation ports includes shifting the circulation ports open and closed using radio frequency identification (RFID) activation, comprising:

transmitting, using an activation tag, an encoded instruction to a downhole receiver to close, by a drive system or shaft, a main stinger flow path;

exposing the diversion flow path by shifting the circulation ports to an open position; and

simultaneously closing a flow path of the work string through the shifting of the circulation ports.

4. The non-transitory, computer-readable medium of claim 3 , wherein shifting the circulation ports open and closed includes using ball-drop activation comprising:

selecting a ball size from different sizes of activation balls, wherein the ball size is selected based on a sequence and which section relative to the tool is to be activated; and

dropping, from a ball catcher, a ball of the ball size.

5. The non-transitory, computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein pumping the cement slurry comprises:

pumping the cement slurry until a pressure lock-up is achieved; and

closing the circulation ports using a radio frequency identification (RFID) device or ball-drop technology.

6. The non-transitory, computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein disengaging the work string from the stinger includes using radio frequency identification (RFID) or ball-drop technology.

7. The non-transitory, computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein disengaging the work string from the stinger includes:

pumping a wiper dart or a wiper plug into a pre-designed seat located at a top of the tool; and

proving a progressive and gradual pressure increase to create a shearing pressure to activate a release of the work string.

8. A computer-implemented system, comprising:

one or more processors; and

a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the one or more processors and storing programming instructions for execution by the one or more processors, the programming instructions instructing the one or more processors to perform operations comprising:

deploying, on a work string, a tool including isolation packers in an un-inflated state and a stinger in a closed position;

programming, into the tool using a computer-implemented user interface of a computer at a surface, a target depth for the tool, the target depth being downhole of the surface;

running the tool to the target depth along the work string;

inflating the isolation packers, setting the isolation packers in place adjacent to the stinger at the target depth;

opening circulation ports after the isolation packers are inflated, and exposing a diversion flow path;

pumping a cement slurry through the diversion flow path into a loss circulation zone;

closing the circulation ports after the cement slurry is pumped; and

disengaging the work string from the stinger.

9. The computer-implemented system of claim 8 , wherein setting the isolation packers in place includes using a radio frequency identification (RFID) device or ball-drop technology.

10. The computer-implemented system of claim 8 , wherein opening the circulation ports includes shifting the circulation ports open and closed using radio frequency identification (RFID) activation, comprising:

transmitting, using an activation tag, an encoded instruction to a downhole receiver to close, by a drive system or shaft, a main stinger flow path;

exposing the diversion flow path by shifting the circulation ports to an open position; and

simultaneously closing a flow path of the work string through the shifting of the circulation ports.

11. The computer-implemented system of claim 10 , wherein shifting the circulation ports open and closed includes using ball-drop activation comprising:

selecting a ball size from different sizes of activation balls, wherein the ball size is selected based on a sequence and which section relative to the tool is to be activated; and

dropping, from a ball catcher, a ball of the ball size.

12. The computer-implemented system of claim 8 , wherein pumping the cement slurry comprises:

pumping the cement slurry until a pressure lock-up is achieved; and

closing the circulation ports using a radio frequency identification (RFID) device or ball-drop technology.

13. The computer-implemented system of claim 8 , wherein disengaging the work string from the stinger includes using radio frequency identification (RFID) or ball-drop technology.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 12, 2022
From: EGBE, PETER IDO; BUSTAMANTE RODRIGUEZ, VICTOR JOSE
To: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
Reel/Frame 061059/0359 →
Continuity (2)
Division 16924963 · Jul 9, 2020
Related Publication 20230015016A1 · Jan 19, 2023