FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates, generally, to systems, apparatus and methods usable
to perform operations selectively within a passageway, formed through subterranean
strata, for one or more wells operating from a single main bore, for the construction
and operation of injection and/or production wells of a substantially hydrocarbon
or substantially water nature.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Hydrocarbons are produced from subterranean regions and reservoirs that also contain
water and other related fluids. In many wells, the volume of water and other well
fluids can substantially exceed the relative volume of hydrocarbons, which are being
produced from the wells, such that the hydrocarbon production rates can be reduced
or limited by the volume of water and other fluids handled by the well fluids production
systems. Traditionally, the separation of hydrocarbons from water and other well fluids
has occurred at the surface, for hydrocarbon production. In addition to surface separation
systems, downhole well fluids production systems have been used which include the
use of electric powered centrifugal separators or permeable filtering systems and/or
hydraulic or mechanical separators for separating the hydrocarbons, being produced,
from other fluids downhole. However, these existing downhole systems require power,
moving components, and/or periodic replacement of devices or parts, such that these
existing systems will not work effectively during the entire life of the well. In
addition, these traditional systems do not provide for the separation and selective
control of simultaneous flow streams, including the selectively-controlled urging
of substantially hydrocarbon or substantially water injection and/or production streams,
within a single main wellbore.
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention can selectively control simultaneous fluid streams
of varying velocities by using flow controlling members. The flow controlling members
can be selectively placed between conduits of a plurality of concentric conduit string
members or, alternatively, placed through the innermost passageway members and engaged
to one or more receptacle members of a subterranean disposed manifold string, using
at least one manifold crossover member with a radial passageway fluidly communicating
between concentric passageway members and one or more downward extending conduits.
The manifold string can be usable for fluid injection into, and/or fluid extraction
from, one or more wells, vertically and/or laterally disposed within the subterranean
strata regions, through a single main bore and wellhead, thus minimizing space requirements,
rig movements and/or surface facilities.
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention can use flow controlling members to selectively
extract and/or inject substantially hydrocarbon or substantially water fluid mixtures,
comprising gases, liquids, and/or solids, for example cuttings disposal or salt-saturated
brine removal, through the crossover member of a manifold string, located between
two or more subterranean features at the lower end of one or more wells, which can
be comprised within a single main wellbore. The fluid mixtures can be selectively
controlled produced and injected from a single main wellbore, for example, injected
water producing steam generated in a deep geothermal subterranean region, or injected
into shallow tar sands or a cold arctic reservoir for heating and producing viscous
hydrocarbons. The fluid mixtures can be selectively injected into, or extracted from
a single main wellbore to dispose of waste fluid or oily water without surface processing,
or to pressure drive a hydrocarbon reservoir with a water flood or water sweep directly
from a deeper higher pressure subterranean water source. Alternatively, the fluid
mixtures can be selectively injected into, or extracted from, a single main wellbore
to feed a geothermal heat source from another subterranean well, under a junction
of wells while producing steam, or recycling water condensation during steam production.
In addition, the fluid mixtures can be selectively injected into, or extracted from,
a single main wellbore to selectively extract gravity-segregated, underground stored
fluids at two different salt cavern depths, to dissolve salt with water at the lower
end of a cavern while using the upper end for storage operations, or to separate hydrocarbon
flow streams produced from a sandstone reservoir while solution mining a cavern with
produced water in an overburden salt deposit.
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention can further include systems, apparatus and methods
usable to operate a large variety of well types for urging substantially hydrocarbon
and/or substantially water injection or production. Examples of products produced
or injected include subterranean liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons, subterranean
steam, subterranean salt saturated fluid, bored subterranean strata debris fluid mixtures,
and fluids usable in well construction or stimulation, such as proppant fracs from,
or to, vertically or laterally separated conduit entry or exit orifices. The conduits,
having entry or exit orifices for use in urging injection and/or production operations,
can extend to subterranean regions from a single main bore, positioned below a single
wellhead. The systems and methods for urging substantially hydrocarbon and/or substantially
water injection or production operations can be used during, for example, well or
underground storage cavern construction, and/or during production from a reservoir,
underground cavern, and/or solution-mined salt dissolution region. The application
across a diverse set of well types and uses provides economics of scale for standardizing
member systems, methods and apparatus, which can be configurable in various arrangements,
e.g., for widespread off-the-shelf deployment.
[0006] In a further aspect, embodiments the present invention can provide member systems,
methods and apparatus for controlling fluid mixtures containing solids. Examples of
such fluid mixtures can include proppants for fracturing shale gas, low permeability
reservoirs, or gravel packs located in unconsolidated reservoirs. Conventional, off-the-shelf
solids placement technologies use a two flow streams approach, that does not effectively
address the impermeable geologic properties of shale using apparatuses designed for
sandstone reservoirs or the ability to remove solids from the wellbore after screen
out occurs. However, embodiments of the present invention enable placement and removal
of excess solids to vertically and/or laterally separated subterranean regions, from
one or more wells from a single main bore, for increasing the efficiency of less productive,
substantially impermeable, shale reservoirs or tight sandstone or unconsolidated reservoirs,
through improved placement and retrieval of fluid mixtures containing solids.
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention can further use fluid rotatable apparatuses
placeable with a cable, such as boring, cutting and pumping devices. These devices
are usable to establish flow control within a well, during construction, intervention,
operation and/or abandonment of various well types, using cable engagable downhole
assemblies that can be selectively placeable, suspendable and/or retrievable within
and from manifold string members, via a cable using a wireline rig.
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention can provide a fluid-pump, flow controlling member,
that can be usable within hydrocarbon, water and/or underground storage wells with
an electric or fluid motor. The motor can be driven from the injection of a water
stream or the expansion of a higher velocity fluid stream, such as an expanding gas
stream or fluid from a deeper, higher pressure formation that can be usable to pump
a lower velocity fluid stream, further urging it from or into the well.
[0009] Flow controlling members can selectively control one or more manifold crossover members
to provide fluid stream velocity changes, which can be usable to selectively emulate
a velocity string, jet pump and/or a venturi arrangement during production, injection
and/or downhole processing.
[0010] Embodiments of the present invention can also provide a means of selectively separating
a fluid mixture flow stream into a plurality of substantially gaseous, liquid and/or
water flow streams of varying velocities and the associated extraction or injection
stream. The separation of the flow streams can be selectively reconfigurable with
a cable using a wireline rig or other rig and can be usable during or over the life
of the one or more substantially hydrocarbon and/or substantially water wells, operating
through a single main bore and wellhead. Manifold string members, can be used to control
flow through member passageways and spaces located between conduit string members
across one or more subterranean regions, by using, for example, the spaces within
the passageways through subterranean strata and/or cavern walls for subterranean processing
of production and/or injection before or after passing through the wellhead, to reduce
surface processing facility needs.
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention are also usable during subterranean separation
of a first substantially gaseous fluid stream and second substantially liquid fluid
stream from a producing fluid stream, to selectively control the gas lifting of the
second fluid stream. This subterranean separation and selective control can be accomplished
by controlling the injection of at least a portion of the first flow stream into the
second flow stream, before either stream exits the wellhead or valve tree at the upper
end of the single main bore, to selectively optimize the extraction process and the
resulting produced flow stream.
[0012] Embodiments of the present invention can further provide a means to thermally affect
flow streams by selectively controlling the flow stream of the adjacent passageway
member or the laterally separated well, that can extend downward from a junction of
wells to, for example, prevent heat exchange between flowing fluid streams during
solution mining, or to thermally exchange heat to thick tar sand or cold artic production
by using an adjacent passageway member through the single main bore and/or junction
of wells for the injection of steam to a vertically and/or laterally separated point
beneath the junction of wells. In addition, selective control of the flow streams
enables thermal insulation of a flow stream by, for example, using waste water produced
from hot fluids, such as hydrocarbon separation or steam condensation during electrical
generation processes, which can be injected through a passageway of a single main
bore axially downward to insulate product being extracted axially upward from the
cooling effects of the strata and/or ocean. Another example includes using cooler
wastewater injection through a concentric passageway member to insulate equipment
from a high temperature production caused from a deep hydrocarbon or geothermal source.
Other examples include the thermal insulation of flow controlling members, such as
the final cemented casing shoe of a gas storage salt cavern during simultaneous underground
gas storage extraction and solution mining operations.
[0013] An economic need exists for systems, methods and apparatus usable to minimize the
quantity of equipment and space necessary to construct and operate a diverse variety
of wells located in environmentally sensitive and remote locations, including for
example in urban, jungle, arctic or offshore regions.
[0014] A need exists for the economies of scale necessary to develop compatible systems,
methods and apparatus usable across a variety of well types including, for example,
hydrocarbon, geothermal, water production, underground waste disposal, underground
storage and solution mined wells, wherein broad application across the variety of
wells provides an economically-efficient standardization and off-the-shelf supply.
[0015] The scale and economic needs of recently discovered impermeable shale gas hydrocarbon
reserves, worldwide, and/or reserves in marginal unconsolidated reservoirs creates
the need for systems and methods for improving control of fluids carrying solids for
unconsolidated strata screening or fracture initiation and propagation in reservoirs
where solids production and/or fracture length is limited, to increase the relative
permeability of, for example, shale gas reservoirs or to, for example, improve gravel
packing of unconsolidated reservoirs, beyond what is currently possible and/or economically
obtainable with the use of conventional technology, which is generally designed for
permeable or prolific reservoirs.
[0016] A need exists for systems and methods for reducing waste by-products of strip mining
tar sands and reducing the surface facilities impact on permafrost regions above arctic
reservoirs, wherein heat and/or pressure from geothermal and/or deeper subterranean
source wells may be directed through a junction of the wells' member passageways to
heat and extract viscous hydrocarbons without intermediate surface handling of the
heat source fluids.
[0017] A need exists for improved systems, apparatus and methods usable to better carry
solids within a completion string for placement of fracture proppant or gravel packs
in shale gas or unconsolidated reservoirs, respectively, with an associated need for
flowing gases, liquids and/or solids for more effective production during removal
of solid screen outs or sand production.
[0018] A need exists for systems and methods for operating one or more wells using less
surface equipment and less labour intensive wireline or cable operations over a subterranean
well's useful life through abandonment, wherein selectively controlling fluid streams
from a plurality of wells extending downward from a single main bore improves the
overall economics of production, injection and/or ultimately abandonment, for a wide
variety of well types to improve the economics of marginal subterranean developments,
such as shale gas, tar sands, stranded offshore reserves, offshore underground storage
facilities, and/or various other developments requiring technological improvements
for development.
[0019] Needs exist for systems and methods usable for producing from a single main bore
while simultaneously injecting water through the single main bore to a plurality of
wells to, for example: dispose of waste fluids and/or to perform water floods for
maintaining pressure, reducing subsidence or sweeping a reservoir. In addition, a
need exists for systems and methods usable for producing from a single main bore while
simultaneously injecting water through a single main bore to a plurality of wells
to supply feed water to underground steam generation reservoirs, to provide heat to
viscous hydrocarbon reservoirs, and/or to store and extract storage from a cavern
while using the stored product as a leaching cushion during solution mining of the
same cavern.
[0020] A need also exists for systems and methods usable for using the energy, from for
example, water injection, subterranean fluid expansion, electrical and/or subterranean
pressure sources, to drive pumps placed between conduits or selectively placed through
conduit passageways into receptacles, wherein such subterranean submersible pumps
are usable with a manifold string for simultaneous injection and/or production operations.
These injection and/or production operations can be usable to aid, for example: placing
water feed stock using steam expansion or recycling steam condensation in a geothermal
well; using waste fluid injection to drive submersible pumps lifting produced fluids;
using expanding gas from production or a subterranean separation process to drive
a turbine used to pump liquids from a well; expanding gas from underground storage
caverns to drive a turbine pumping water into a pressurized storage space for maintaining
cavern pressure and/or solution mining (with subsequent injection of compressed gas
reversing the pump to aid the pumping of brine from an underground storage space);
or using a deep water source to drive a turbine or positive displacement motor and/or
pump to produce a depleted hydrocarbon reservoir, after which the deeper high pressure
is naturally injected into a weaker shallow formation for disposal.
[0021] A further needs exists for reconfigurable subterranean velocity strings, and subterranean
separation and/or gas lift systems, methods and apparatus usable to selectively control
subterranean processing prior to passing through a wellhead or exiting a valve tree.
These systems and methods can provide selective control by using flow controlling
members of a manifold string to, for example, operate subsea or marginal developments,
where surface processing may be impractical and where members of a manifold string
are reconfigurable over the life of a well, without the need to remove the production
string thus potentially extending the economic life of one or more wells under a single
main bore.
[0022] Finally, a need also exists for systems and methods usable for thermally affecting
wells by, for example: isolating flow streams by means of separating well bores and
flow streams below a junction of wells. The thermal affects of these systems and methods
can include retaining the heat of injected fluids during salt dissolution for improving
salt saturation levels of brine removed, reducing condensation during steam production
with the use of an insulating warm wastewater injection stream as geothermal reservoir
feed stock to reduce the water recycle time, or insulating hydrocarbon production
streams by using the heat of injected waste water to increase heat retention and flow
assurance in cold ocean and arctic environments.
[0023] Various embodiments of the present invention address these needs.
[0024] US3448803 discloses a well apparatus having a plurality of flow conductors extending in a well
and having means for releasably securing well tools in the flow conductors at predetermined
spaced locations therein and a cross-over means for establishing fluid communication
between the flow conductors to permit circulation of fluids down one flow conductor
and up the other to treat internal surfaces of the flow conductor and to move well
tools up and down one or the other of the flow conductors to position and remove well
tools from the flow conductors or operate well tools connected in the flow conductors
below the location of communication of the two flow streams. A cross-over device connectable
between a pair of flow conductors is described for establishing fluid flow communication
between the flow conductors by varying the pressure in one of the pair of flow conductors
or in a third flow conductor.
SUMMARY
[0025] The present claimed invention provides, in a first aspect, a method of using a set
of subterranean manifold string members for selectively controlling separate simultaneously
flowing fluid mixture streams of varying velocities within one or more subterranean
wells extending from a single main bore and wellhead, comprising the steps of:
providing, at the upper end of said one or more subterranean wells, a subterranean
disposed manifold string member with a plurality of member conduit strings;
providing at least one manifold crossover member with at least one radial passageway
member in fluid communication with at least one passageway member into communication
with at least one conduit string member extending axially downward from said at least
one manifold crossover member to at least one proximal region of said one or more
subterranean wells; and
selectively controlling said separate simultaneously flowing fluid streams of varying
velocities between said wellhead and said at least one proximal region using one or
more flow controlling members engaged between said member conduit strings or placeable
through innermost passageway members or innermost passageway member connectors of
said at least one manifold crossover member and engagable to at least one receptacle
member placed between member conduit strings or within said at least one manifold
crossover member, thereby urging substantially hydrocarbon or substantially water
fluid mixtures of liquids, gases, solids, or combinations thereof, to or from said
at least one proximal region;
characterised by rotating, inverting, or reversing the orientation of said at least
one manifold crossover member of said subterranean disposed manifold string and engaging
said subterranean disposed manifold string with said wellhead to selectively control
said simultaneously flowing fluid mixture streams of varying velocities between said
wellhead and said at least one proximal region of said one or more subterranean wells.
[0026] The present claimed invention provides, in a second aspect, a subterranean flow controlling
member apparatus of a manifold string that is engagable with a wellhead, wherein said
manifold string is usable for selectively controlling separate simultaneously flowing
fluid mixture streams of varying velocities within one or more subterranean wells
extending from a single main bore and wellhead, comprising:
a flow controlling member engagable between conduits of conduit member strings or
placeable through innermost passageway members of said conduit member strings and
engagable to at least one receptacle, wherein the flow controlling member is positioned
between said wellhead at an upper end of said one or more subterranean wells and at
least one proximal region of said one or more subterranean wells, and wherein the
flow controlling member comprises at least one radial passageway member for providing
fluid communication between a first and at least a second passageway member of the
plurality of conduit member strings and the one or more subterranean wells;
characterised in that at least one of the flow controlling members of said manifold
string is installed and oriented by rotating, inverting or reversing the orientation
of said at least one of the flow controlling members, and said flow controlling member
is engagable to said wellhead or placeable between said wellhead and said at least
one proximal region to selectively control at least one flowing fluid mixture stream
communicated through said passageway members to urge said at least one flowing fluid
mixture stream to or from said at least one proximal region and at least one more
proximal region or to said wellhead.
[0027] The present disclosure therefore relates, generally, to systems, apparatus and methods
usable to selectively perform operations within a passageway, formed through subterranean
strata, of one or more wells operating from a single main bore, for the controlled
construction and operation of injection and/or production wells of a substantially
hydrocarbon or substantially water nature. As an example, the injection or production
wells can include hydrocarbon, geothermal, water production, waste disposal, underground
storage and/or solution mining wells. The disclosed systems, methods and apparatus
can be adapted to provide member embodiments that can be arranged and configured in
any combination or orientation to form a manifold string, usable to selectively control
simultaneously flowing fluid streams of varying velocities. The selective control
of the fluid streams can be usable to urge subterranean fluid mixtures, including
liquids, gases and/or solids, within member passageways and to from one or more vertically
and/or laterally separated subterranean regions of one or more substantially hydrocarbon
and/or substantially water wells, which can extend downward from a single main bore
and wellhead.
[0028] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure can include a set of adaptable
systems, methods and apparatus members usable to form any configuration of one or
more substantially hydrocarbon and/or substantially water subterranean wells, which
can be operable for production, injection and/or underground storage through a single
main bore and which use flow controlling members located within a plurality of passageways
to selectively control simultaneously flowing fluid mixture streams of varying velocities,
between a wellhead and the vertically and/or laterally separated subterranean regions.
As noted above, the claimed invention provides a subterranean flow controlling member
apparatus of a manifold string that is engagable with a wellhead, wherein said manifold
string is usable for selectively controlling separate simultaneously flowing fluid
mixture streams of varying velocities within one or more subterranean wells extending
from a single main bore and wellhead.
[0029] Adaptable systems, methods and apparatus can include members with managed pressure
conduit assemblies (49 of Figs. 100-105), which can be usable to place other members
within the subterranean strata, including for example chamber junction (43 of Fig.
97) members that can be usable with bore selector (47 of Fig. 90) members and flow
diverting string members. Managed pressure conduit assemblies (49 of Figs. 100-105)
with slurry passageway tools (58), functioning as manifold crossovers with radial
passageways selectively controlling simultaneously flowing fluid streams, can be similar
to manifold strings until the internal components are removed.
[0030] As noted above, the claimed invention provides a method of using a set of subterranean
manifold string members for selectively controlling separate simultaneously flowing
fluid mixture streams of varying velocities within one or more subterranean wells
extending from a single main bore and wellhead. The present disclosure provides a
set of methods and apparatus usable to form a manifold string (49, 70 and/or 76 of
Figures 1-2, 6-7, 22-35, 42-45, 49-50, 68, 51-53, 59, 62-67, 67 A, 82-87, 100-116
and 119-123) for urging a fluid mixture (38 of Fig. 1) of liquid, gases, and/or solids
within one or more subterranean wells, extending axially downward from a single main
bore (6) and wellhead (7 of Fig. 1), by using simultaneously flowing fluid streams
(31-37 of Figs. 1-2) of varying velocities between one or more vertically and/or laterally
separated subterranean regions and the wellhead (7). Embodiments can further include
providing a plurality of concentric conduit strings (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 50, 51, 71, 78),
that can be located between the wellhead, at the upper end of the subterranean well,
and at least one manifold crossover member and member embodiments (23 of Figures 6-35,
42-44, 49-50, 55-57, 59, 62-67, 67 A, 68-74, 82-87, 106-109, 112, 102, 104, 106-109,
117 and 119- 123), with at least one radial passageway (75 of Fig. 9) member for controlling
fluid flow from at least one concentric passageway (24, 24 A, 24B, 25, 53, 54, 55)
member, formed by the plurality of concentric conduit strings, to another concentric
passageway member, of at least one conduit string (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 39, 50, 51), and
extending axially downward from one or more manifold crossover members (23) to at
least one proximal region of at least one passageway through subterranean strata (52
of Fig. 1), for forming at least part of said subterranean well.
[0031] Manifold string members can selectively control a plurality of simultaneously flowing
fluid streams (31-38), between the wellhead and at least one proximal region of a
passageway through subterranean strata, by using flow controlling members (61) engaged
between conduits of string members or placed through the innermost passageway (25)
member or innermost passageway connector (26) member of a manifold crossover (23).
The flow controlling members (61) can be engaged between conduits of member strings
or engaged to at least one receptacle (45, 45A, 45B) member of the manifold string
or crossover (23, 58) controlling the separate simultaneously flowing fluid streams
of varying velocity in the same or contradictory flow orientations, which can be communicated
through passageway members to urge the fluid mixture (38) of liquids, gases, and/or
solids to or from at least one proximal region of one or more passageways through
subterranean strata (52), to or from other proximal regions, to or from the single
main bore (6) and wellhead (7), or combinations thereof.
[0032] As noted above, the claimed method comprises selectively controlling separate simultaneously
flowing fluid streams of varying velocities between said wellhead and said at least
one proximal region using one or more flow controlling members. A manifold string,
comprising a set of members or a member in another manifold string, can be configurable,
using any combination of component or flow controlling members (61), and usable to
control a flow stream orientation into (31) and/or out of (34) a subterranean well.
By using flow controlling members (21, 23, 43, 43A, 47, 47A, 49, 51A, 58, 69, 70,
76, 7, 10, 16, 22, 25A, 63, 64, 66, 74, 77, 84, 85, 91, 96, 97, 108-112, 115, 116,
123), separate simultaneous flow streams of varying velocities can be selectively
controlled and can be usable to urge a fluid mix (38), such as hydrocarbons, water,
waste fluids, cement, proppants, salts or other gases, liquids or solids used for
forming or operating substantially hydrocarbon and/or substantially water wells through
a wellhead or valve tree, that is engaged to a wellhead, during production or injection.
Any axial orientation (31, 34) or contradictory passageway orientation (32, 33, 35,
37) for a plurality of flow streams (31, 34, 38) and/or flow stream velocities can
be usable in the methods and apparatus of the present invention.
[0033] Embodiments are combinable with conventional flow controlling members (61), which
can include, for example, a: wellhead (7), valve tree (10, 10A), casing shoe (16),
chamber junction crossover (21), straddle (22), manifold crossover (23), plug (25A),
chamber junction (43), chamber junction manifold (43A), bore selector (47, 47 A),
slurry passageway tool (58), pressure activated valve (63), surface valve (64), seal
stack (66), motor and fluid pump (69), subsurface valve (74), choke (77), one-way
valve (84), venturi or jet pump (85), connectors (96) and seals (97).
[0034] Manifold strings are usable to connect two or more vertically and/or laterally separated
proximal regions, within the subterranean strata, using a single well or a plurality
of wells (51 A) located below a single main bore and wellhead (7).
[0035] In the claimed method, the fluid mixture (38) is substantially hydrocarbon fluid
or substantially water fluid, or combinations thereof. For example, mixtures which
are substantially water can include: a mixture of proppant and water used for fracture
stimulation, water and cement used for well construction, water steam produced from
a geothermal well, water and waste substances injected into a disposal well, and/or
a saline solution of water and salt during solution mining of a cavern. Examples of
mixtures that are substantially hydrocarbon include: produced hydrocarbon liquid and
gases and/or a mixture of two gravity segregated hydrocarbon liquids in a storage
cavern accessible through a well (for example 70P and 70M of Figure 1).
[0036] Any combination of liquid, gas and/or solids may flow in fluid streams that can be
controlled with flow controlling members, such as, a surface valve tree (10, 10A)
engaged to the upper end of the wellhead (7) with other flow controlling members (61).
Other flow controlling members can include a fluid motor and fluid pump (69), engaged
to a receptacle (45) within a manifold string (49, 70, 76), to selectively communicate
fluid mixtures within the innermost passageway (25, 26, 53) members and/or annular
or concentric passageway (24, 24A, 24B, 54, 55) members, which are formed by the plurality
of conduit strings (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 39, 50, 51, 71, 78), and the passageway through
subterranean strata (52), above and below a manifold crossover (23) member with at
least one radial passageway member (75).
[0037] Embodiments of the manifold crossover (23) members can include flow mixing devices.
Examples of flow mixing devices can include a venturi (85) or jet pump, a sliding
side door (125) or gas lift valve, a chamber junction crossover (21), a chamber junction
manifold (43A), a junction of wells (51A), a slurry passageway apparatus (58), and/or
manifold crossover embodiments (23A to 23Z) with at least one radial passageway (75),
that can be usable through conduit string members (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 39, 50, 51, 71,
78) to fluidly communicate between member passageways, and which can be combinable
with additional apparatuses, for engaging or communicating with the passageway through
subterranean strata (52), other manifold crossover members, chamber junctions (43),
and/or one or more junctions of wells (51 A) to form fluid communication passageway
members (24, 24A, 24B, 25, 26, 53, 54, 55, 75) of a manifold string (49, 70, 76),
which can be usable with flow controlling members (61) to selectively control and/or
separate, simultaneously flowing fluid mixture streams of varying velocity.
[0038] Various disclosed manifold string (70 of Figures 1-2, 6-7, 22-29, 31-35, 42-45, 49-50,
100-105 and 119-123) embodiments (70M and 70P of Figure 1, 70N of Figure 2, 70A of
Figures 6-7, 70G of Figures 31-35, 70J of Figures 22-25, 70K of Figures 26-29, 70B
of Figure 42, 70L of Figure 43, 70C of Figures 44-45, 70D of Figures 49-50, 70E of
Figure 68 and 70F of Figures 100-105, 70G of Figures 119-120, 70H of Figures 121-122)
are usable in applications accessing vertically separated and/or laterally separated
subterranean regions from a single vertical or deviated passageway through subterranean
strata (52).
[0039] One or more disclosed manifold strings (70) and/or conduit string members are combinable
below a wellhead, single main bore, and/or junction of wells (51 A). Other preferred
manifold string (76 of Figures 51-53, 59, 62-67, 67 A, 82-87, 106-116 and 123) embodiments
(76A of Figure 51, 76B of Figure 52, 76C of Figure 53, 76K of Figure 59, 76J of Figures
62-66, 76D of Figure 67, 76E of Figure 67A, 76F of Figure 82, 76H of Figures 83-87
and 76G of Figures 106- 116, 76L of Figure 123) are usable to access subterranean
regions of greater vertical and/or lateral separation, relative to a single passageway
through subterranean strata (52), or to selectively provide fluid communication between
two or more vertically and/or laterally separated proximal regions (IT, 1U, IV, 1W
and 1Y of Figure 123) within a passageway through the subterranean strata (52) or
within the subterranean strata (106 of Figures 51-53).
[0040] For example, manifold strings (49 of figures 100-105, 70M of Figure 1, 70A of Figures
6-7, 70G of Figures 31-35, 70J of Figures 22-25, 70K of Figures 26-29, 70B of Figures
42-43, 70C of Figures 44-45, 70D of Figures 49-50, 70E of Figure 68 and 70F of Figures
100-105, 70G of Figures 119-120, 70H of Figures 121-122 and 76 of Figures 51-53, 59,
62-67, 67 A, 82-87, 106-116 and 123) are combinable with crossovers (23) and/or other
manifold string member embodiments to form still other manifold string members (for
example 70E of Figure 68, 76D of Figure 67, 76E of Figure 67A, 76G of Figures 106-116
and 76L of Figure 123).
[0041] Various disclosed manifold crossover member embodiments (23A of Figures 6- 7 and
44-45, 23B of Figures 8-9, 23C of Figures 10-13 and 22-29, 23Y of Figures 14-16 and
22-29, 23D of Figures 17-19, 75 and 82, 23E of Figures 30- 35, 23F of Figures 42-44
and 67, 23G of Figures 49-50, 23H of Figures 49-50, 23J of Figures 55-57, 23K of Figure
59, 23L of Figures 62-66, 23M of Figures 67A and 68, 23N of Figures 71-72, 23P of
Figures 69-70, 23Q of Figures 73-74, 23R of Figures 82, 106-109, 112, 23T of Figures
83-87, 58 and 23U of Figures 102 and 104, 23W of Figure 49-50, 23X of Figure 62-66
and 23Z of Figure 117, 119-123), slurry passageway tools (58), chamber junction crossovers
(21 of Figures 117, 119-123), and additional apparatuses can communicate between passageway
members, which comprise manifold crossover members, any fluid controlling members,
and/or conduit string members, that can be combinable to provide fluid communication
between passageway members (24, 24 A, 24B, 25, 26, 53, 54, 55, 75) of a manifold string
member.
[0042] Various disclosed manifold crossover member embodiments (23K of Figure 59, 23L of
Figures 62-66, 23F of Figure 67, 23M of Figures 67A and 68, 23R of Figure 82, and
23T of Figures 83-87) are formed by adapting chamber junctions (21, 43) with at least
one radial passageway (75) to communication fluid within passageway members, which
can be formed between conduit string members (2, 2A, 2B, 2C. 39, 50, 51, 71, 78) and
the passageway through subterranean strata (52). A bore selector (47, 47 A) may be
urged with fluid flow and/or used to selectively communicate fluid and/or flow controlling
members through the innermost passageway members (25, 26, 53) of a subterranean manifold
string (49, 70, 76), between one or more subterranean regions, a wellhead (7), and/or
valve tree (10, 10A).
[0043] Managed pressure conduit assemblies (for example 49 of Figures 100-105) can be usable
as a manifold string embodiment (70F of Figures 100-105) for subsequent placement
of other manifold string members. The managed pressure conduit assembly (49), innermost
concentric conduit string (50) and concentric string (51) located above the slurry
passageway apparatus (58) functioning as a manifold crossover (23U) and fluidly communicating
through radial-extending passageways (75) with conduit strings (39) extending downward
can be used to form a junction of wells further usable by other manifold strings (70,
76) engaged with the innermost conduit strings (39) and concentric conduit strings
(2A) once the installation manifold crossover (23U) with radial passageway (75) is
removed for engagement of the other manifold string conduits extending downward from
a wellhead (7) and/or valve tree (10, 10A).
[0044] In other disclosed manifold string member (70L of Figure 43, 70C of Figure 44, 49
and 70F of Figures 100-105, 70G of Figures 119-120, 70H of Figures 121- 122 and 76L
of Figure 123) embodiments usable for well construction, the fluid mixtures (38),
for example foam cement, reservoir cleanup fluids, proppant fracture fluids, or fresh
water for salt dissolution, are placeable with a managed pressure conduit assembly
(49) with one or more slurry passageway apparatuses (58), functioning as a manifold
crossovers (23), left in place. In addition, the innermost concentric conduit string
(50) and other conduit strings (39, 51) are engageable with an adapted chamber junction
crossover (21 of Figures 43-44, 117-123) member, which controls separate simultaneously
flowing streams of varying velocity with bore selector (47, 47A) members. Various
managed pressure conduit assembly (49) with one or more slurry passageway apparatuses
(58), functioning as a manifold crossovers (23), are combinable with various other
member apparatus and can become manifold string members once engaged with the wellhead
(7) and/or valve tree (10, 10A), and the well formation phase ends.
[0045] Any fluid mixture (38) of liquid, gas and/or solids, that is capable of being transported
through simultaneously flowing fluid streams within subterranean conduits at various
velocities, can be usable within passageway members of a manifold string. For example,
subterranean fluid mixtures (38), produced fluids, and injected waste fluid mixtures
(38), can pass through the upper end of a wellhead (7) and flow through a manifold
string (70, 76) in the same, or contrary, directional orientation. Such orientations
can include axially upward (34) flow for production and axially downward (31) flow
for processing or injected disposal through concentric passageways (24, 24 A, 25,
26) and/or through (32, 33, 35, 37) a radial passageway (75) at varying velocities.
Row controlling members can control flow through the innermost passageway (25), innermost
passageway connector (26), and/or at least one concentric passageway (24, 24A, 24B)
for urging the fluid mixture (38) from, or to, a proximal region of one or more subterranean
wells, through a single main bore (6).
[0046] Manifold crossovers (23, 58) can have at least one radial passageway (75) to divert
at least a portion of a fluid stream directly (32), or indirectly (35) through another
integral or commingled stream passageway, to the innermost passageway (25, 26, 53).
Alternatively, the manifold crossovers can have at least one radial passageway (75)
to divert at least a portion of the fluid stream directly (33), or indirectly (37)
through another integral or commingled passageway, to at least one concentric passageway
(24, 24A, 24B, 54, 55), while blocking all or allowing a portion of a flow stream
to continue axially upward (34) and/or downward (31), dependent on the use and the
fluid mixture being urged, for example simultaneous injection of a water flood and
production from the water flooded reservoir.
[0047] Fluid streams flowing toward (32, 35) the innermost passageway (25, 26, 53) may originate
directly (32) from another first passageway (24, 24A, 24B, 25, 26, 53, 54, 55) or
indirectly (35) from a first passageway through a secondary integral passageway. The
secondary integral passageway can comprise, for example, a manifold crossover (23
Y of Figure 14-16 and 22-29) that comprises a divided concentric passageway, or a
manifold crossover (23Z of Figures 117 and 118-123) that comprises an exit bore conduit
(39) radial passageway (75) through the concentric passageway (24) of a chamber junction
crossover (21), or a commingled chamber of a chamber junction and or a series of manifold
crossovers (23), which are oriented to commingle passageway (24, 24A, 24B, 25, 26,
53, 54) members and/or the first annular passageway (55) located between a manifold
string (49, 70, 76) and the passageway through subterranean strata (52), wherein flow
passes through at least one radial passageway (75) of a manifold crossover (21, 23,
58).
[0048] Fluid streams flowing toward (33, 37) a concentric passageway (24, 24A, 24B, 54)
or the first annular passageway (55), may originate directly (33) from a first passageway
(24, 24A, 24B, 25, 26, 53, 54, 55), or indirectly (37) from a first passageway through
another secondary integral passageway or a commingled passageway (24, 24A, 24B, 25,
26, 53, 54, 55).
[0049] As noted above, the present claimed method comprises selectively controlling separate
simultaneously flowing fluid streams of varying velocities between the wellhead and
at least one proximal region using one or more flow controlling members engaged between
said member conduit strings or placeable through innermost passageway members or innermost
passageway member connectors of said at least one manifold crossover member and engagable
to at least one receptacle member placed between member conduit strings or within
said at least one manifold crossover member, thereby urging substantially hydrocarbon
or substantially water fluid mixtures of liquids, gases, solids, or combinations thereof,
to or from said at least one proximal region. The velocities of continuous, blocked
and/or diverted fluid streams can be selectively controlled with flow controlling
members (61), which can be placed between conduits of conduit strings (2, 2A, 2B,
50, 51), for example a valve (74), or within at least one receptacle (45, 45A). The
flow controlling members can be placed within a receptacle by, for example: placement
of straddles (22) within a manifold crossover (23) to form velocity strings or to
block a radial passageway; placement of gas lift valves (23G of Figures 49-50) in
crossovers or side pocket mandrels to form gas lifted strings; placement of a valve
tree (10, 10A) and/or one way (84) or pressure activated valves (32W of Figures 49-50)
at the wellhead (7) or within crossovers to control larger effective diameter passageway
strings usable for separation of liquids and gases; casing shoes (16) to block the
first annular passageway (55) from injection (31) of a waste slurry into a strata
fracture (18); and/or fluid (69 of Figures 26-38 and 42-45) or electric (69 of Figures
39, 42 and 44) motors and fluid pumps (69) that can be placeable through the innermost
passageway of a manifold string.
[0050] Various disclosed embodiments of a manifold string (70 of Figures 31 to 35 and 42
to 45) can be usable with electric or fluid driven motor and pump member (69 of Figures
26-29, 31-37, 38-39 and 44-45) embodiments (69A of Figures 26-29, 69B of Figures 31-37,
69C of Figure 38 and 69D of Figure 39) for engagement with one or more receptacles
(45, 45 A), or between conduits of the manifold string (49, 70, 76), to use electrical
energy and/or energy of a higher flow stream velocity or pressure to pump another
lower flow velocity or pressure stream. For example, the fluid from a first flow stream
(31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 36A, 37) can be usable to drive a fluid turbine motor and/or
positive displacement fluid motor to rotate a shaft, thus driving an associated fluid
impellor pump and/or positive displacement pump to urge a second flow stream.
[0051] Various disclosed embodiments of manifold string (70 of Figures 22-35, 42 and 44,
76 of Figure 51-53, 76 of Figure 123) members can be usable with a substantially water
fluid mixture, that is injected axially downwards (31), while another fluid travels
axially upwards (34); with examples including production during: wastewater disposal,
water floods, feed water injection to subterranean steam generation, fracture propagation
stimulation, brine displacement to underground storage and/or water for dissolution
during solution mining.
[0052] In other disclosed embodiments, manifold string (70 of Figures 22-35, 42-43 and 49-50,
76 of Figure 123) members can be usable with substantially liquid fluid streams that
are communicated axially upward and/or downward through a passageway member, while
a substantially gas fluid stream is communicated axially upward through other passageway
members. Exemplary uses include: gas lift with or without subterranean gas-liquid
separation or simultaneous geothermal steam production with water injection and/or
recycling of condensed steam during production.
[0053] Various disclosed embodiments (70B of Figure 42, 70D of Figures 49-50) can be usable
with electrical, pressure activated, pulse or acoustically activated subterranean
disposed flow controlling members (63, 84, 85), wherein a valve tree is usable to
selectively control surface production (34), or injection (31), while passing electrical
or acoustic signals through its body or annular passageways to remotely operate flow
controlling members and/or for remotely activating pressure sensitive devices with
pressure pulses associated with opening and closing valves of the valve tree, to selectively
control at least one passageway member.
[0054] Other disclosed embodiments include manifold string (70 of Figures 6-7, 22-35, 44-45
and 49-50) members that can be usable, for example, to separate or commingle flow
streams and effectively reduce the diameter of the stream for forming a velocity string
of selectable length, that can be usable to increase velocity and associated pressure
in a venturi arrangement to, for example, increase production in a hydrocarbon well
by using the fluid mixture's bubble point or to operate a venturi (85) or jet pump
flow controlling member.
[0055] Still other disclosed manifold string embodiment (70B of Figures 42-43 and 70D of
Figures 49-50) members can be usable, for example, in subterranean fluid processing
for reducing the pressure affecting at least one flow stream with a flow controlling
member (61), or the valve tree (10, 10A), to form a higher velocity flow stream. For
example, a substantially gaseous fluid mixture, comprising a higher velocity flow
stream, can separate from a substantially liquid fluid mixture, comprising a lower
velocity flow stream, to create a separation of liquids, gases, or combinations thereof,
in hydrocarbon or geothermal wells.
[0056] In related disclosed embodiments, manifold string (70B of Figures 42-43 and 70D of
Figures 49-50) members, for example, can form gas lift arrangements, for a hydrocarbon
fluid mixtures of multi-phase flow, from subterranean processing which then forms
a higher velocity substantially gaseous flow stream and a lower velocity substantially
liquid flow stream. A portion of the higher velocity substantially gaseous flow stream
can be injected into a lower velocity substantially liquid flow stream, through one
or more gas lift valve flow controlling members engaged in one or more receptacles
(45, 45A) at selectively controllable depths and pressures, to further urge the lower
velocity fluid mixture of subterranean fluids from a subterranean reservoir than would
otherwise be possible with uncontrolled multi-phase flow.
[0057] In other disclosed embodiments, waste water, from hydrocarbon or steam processing,
can be injected axially downward (31) through a valve tree (10A) and into the subterranean
strata through fractures, wherein energy from injection of the waste water is used
to, for example, operate preferred fluid driven motor and pump (69 of Figures 26-29,
31-37 and 44-45) member embodiments. Alternatively, a hydrocarbon gas or a steam fluid
stream can, for example, be communicated axially upward at a higher velocity, within
a manifold string (70, 76), from a reservoir space or gas storage cavern, wherein
the energy of the higher velocity of fluid gas expansion can be used to operate the
fluid driven motor and pump (69 of Figures 26-29, 31-37 and 44-45) to aid the injection
of fluids or to aid the extraction of lower velocity substantially liquid fluid mixtures.
[0058] Other disclosed manifold string member (70C of Figure 44, 76L of Figure 123) embodiments
are usable, for example, to place proppants during fracture propagation and for cleanout
of proppants after screening out of fracture propagation, using chamber junction crossovers
(21) and bore selectors (47).
[0059] Still in another disclosed embodiments, the manifold string members (76L of Figure
123) can be usable, for example, to connect a plurality of laterally and/or vertically
separated proximal subterranean regions, prior to or after passing through a single
main bore and wellhead to, for example, provide a plurality of wells from a single
main bore to increase the number of proppant fracture stimulations in, for example,
a shale gas deposit.
[0060] As noted above, the present claimed method comprises providing, at the upper end
of the one or more subterranean wells, a subterranean disposed manifold string member
with a plurality of member conduit strings. Embodiments of the present invention can
use any combination of conduit string (2, 2A, 2B, 39, 50, 51) members, which can extend
downward through a single main bore (6) from a wellhead (7), with a main bore first
conduit (71) member, comprising an inner conduit string (2, 39, 50) with an innermost
passageway (25, 53), and at least a main bore second conduit (78) comprising at least
another conduit string (2A, 2B, 2C, 39, 51). The other conduit string (2A, 2B, 2C,
39, 51) can be surrounded by a first annular passageway (55) with one or more intermediate
annular passageways or concentric conduit passageways (24, 24A, 24B, 54) located between
the innermost (25, 53) and first annular passageway (55), within a passageway through
subterranean strata (52). As noted above, the present claimed method comprises providing
at least one manifold crossover member with at least one radial passageway member
in fluid communication with at least one passageway member into communication with
at least one conduit string member extending axially downward from said at least one
manifold crossover member to at least one proximal region of said one or more subterranean
wells. Concentric conduit members forming the concentric passageway members or other
conduits with passageways can be connected to said manifold crossover (23) member,
with at least one radial-extending or radial passageway (75) member, and an innermost
passageway connector (26). The innermost passageway connector (26) can communicate
between passageways above (24, 24A, 24B, 25, 53, 54) and below (24, 24A, 24B, 25,
53, 54), formed by at least one conduit string (2, 2A, 2B, 39, 50, 51) member extending
axially downward from the manifold crossover (23) and formable from a: chamber junction
(43), a chamber junction manifold (43A), a junction of wells (51 A), a slurry passageway
apparatus (58), and/or a combination of manifold crossover members (23 and 23A-23Z)
combinable with flow controlling member(s) (61), which can be usable in combination
for urging a fluid mixture (38) within a subterranean well by using simultaneously
flowing fluid streams (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 36A, 37) of various velocities, to
and/or from a wellhead (7).
[0061] As noted above, the claimed invention provides a subterranean flow controlling member
apparatus of a manifold string that is engagable with a wellhead, wherein said manifold
string is usable for selectively controlling separate simultaneously flowing fluid
mixture streams of varying velocities within one or more subterranean wells extending
from a single main bore and wellhead. Embodiments of a manifold string (49, 70, 76)
can include a combination of member apparatuses, taken from a set of flow controlling
members and configured and arranged for selectively controlling one or more fluid
streams of varying velocities. Functions of the various manifold string embodiments
can include selective control of one or more fluid streams of varying velocities for
the construction or production of fluid mixtures of liquids, gases and/or solids,
which can be injected into (31, 36), or removed from (34, 36A), one of the following:
one or more proximal regions of a subterranean passageway (52) comprising a strata
bore (17) and/or lined bores (3, 14, 15, 19), a storage space within underground cavern
walls (1A), pore spaces of a subterranean formation or reservoir, fracture spaces
of a subterranean formation or reservoir, or a member passageway and/or processing
spaces within a manifold string member or containing annulus. As noted above, the
present claimed method comprises selectively controlling separate simultaneously flowing
fluid streams of varying velocities between the wellhead and at least one proximal
region using one or more flow controlling members engaged between said member conduit
strings or placeable through innermost passageway members or innermost passageway
member connectors of said at least one manifold crossover member and engagable to
at least one receptacle member placed between member conduit strings or within said
at least one manifold crossover member, thereby urging substantially hydrocarbon or
substantially water fluid mixtures of liquids, gases, solids, or combinations thereof,
to or from said at least one proximal region. The flow of fluid mixtures (38) through
a radial passageway (75) of a manifold crossover (23), between concentric conduit
strings (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 50, 51) and at least one conduit string (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 39,
50, 51), can in one embodiment be controlled with at least one flow controlling member
(61) placed between the conduits of said string members. Alternatively, the flow controlling
member (61) can be placed through the innermost passageway members (25, 26, 53) communicating
directly to (32) said innermost passageway members from another passageway member
(24, 24A, 24B, 25, 26, 53, 54, 55), or indirectly (35) from a first concentric passageway
through another secondary concentric passageway. In another alternative, the flow
controlling members (61) can be placed through the innermost passageway members (25,
26, 53) communicating directly to (33) a concentric passageway (24, 24A, 54, 55) from
a first passageway member, or indirectly (37) from a secondary passageway member through
a first passageway member. The concentric passageways can be formed within and between
concentric conduit string members (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 39, 50, 51) and/or between the manifold
string and the passageway through subterranean strata (52). The fluid communication
can be controlled by the arrangement of the string, manifold crossover (23) and flow
controlling (61) members, which can be configurable from a set of various members
for various configurations of one or more substantially hydrocarbon or substantially
water wells formed from a single main bore (6) and single wellhead (7) or valve tree
(10, 10A), that is engaged to the wellhead.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figures 1, 2 and 3 depict conventional hydrocarbon/water, solution mining/underground
storage wells and a wireline rig, respectively, with a reconfigured arrangement forming
an embodiment of the present invention shown under Figure 1.
Figures 4, 5 and 5A depict prior art diagrams of hydrocarbon pressure flow rate, bubble
point, and sandface pressure versus mass rate functions, respectively.
Figures 6 to 7 illustrate an embodiment of a manifold string arranged to selectively
vary the length of an internal velocity string.
Figures 8 to 19 and 20 to 21, depict various embodiments of a manifold crossover and
adapted chamber junction usable with manifold crossovers, respectively.
Figures 22 to 25 show the manifold crossover members of Figures 10 to 13 or 14-16
with a blocking flow controlling member installed within an internal receptacle.
Figures 26 to 29 illustrate an embodiment of a fluid motor and pump flow controlling
member engaged within the manifold crossover of Figures 10 to 16.
Figures 30 to 35 depict the fluid motor and pump flow controlling member of Figures
36 to 37 disposed within an embodiment of a manifold crossover.
Figures 36 to 37 show an embodiment of a fluid motor and pump flow controlling member.
Figures 38 to 39 illustrate alternative motor and pump member arrangements usable
in an embodiment of a fluid motor and pump flow controlling member.
Figures 40, 41 and 47-48 depict a conventional waste disposal well, hydrocarbon separation
and gas lift arrangements, respectively.
Figures 42 to 45 and 49 to 53 depict various embodiments within a manifold string
member set. There is no Figure 46 in the drawings.
Figure 54 shows a subsea wellhead and chamber junction arrangement usable with the
manifold string of Figure 59.
Figures 55 to 57 illustrate embodiments of a manifold crossover with radial passageways
usable to convert the chamber junction of Figure 58 to the manifold string of Figure
59.
Figures 58 to 59 depict a chamber junction and a manifold string member embodiment,
respectively, formed by adapting the chamber junction of Figure 58 with the manifold
crossover member of Figures 55 to 57.
Figures 60 to 61 and Figures 62 to 66, show a chamber junction and manifold string
member embodiment adapted from said chamber junction, respectively, and usable for
simultaneous injection and production.
Figures 67, 67A and 68 illustrate various valve flow controlling member and crossover
member arrangement embodiments, used in various manifold string members, usable with
still other members of the set of manifold string members.
Figures 69 to 75 depict various embodiments of manifold crossover members usable with
adapted chamber junctions to form manifold string members.
Figures 76 to 80 show an adapted chamber junction member usable with the manifold
crossover member of Figures 73 to 75.
Figure 81 illustrates a conduit member usable between the manifold crossover of Figures
73 to 75 and the adapted chamber junction of Figures 76 to 80.
Figure 82 depicts an embodiment of a manifold string member, formed by combining the
member parts of Figures 73 to 81, usable with other members to form the embodiment
of Figures 106-116.
Figures 83 to 87 show an embodiment of a manifold member, of a chamber junction manifold
crossover, adapted to form lower frictional flow stream member passageways with a
blocking and diversional flow controlling member engaged within an associated receptacle.
Figures 88 to 89 and Figure 90 illustrate chamber junction and bore selector members,
respectively, usable with embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 91, Figure 92, Figure 93, Figure 93A and Figure 94, depict prior art valve,
packer, plug, straddle and nipple flow controlling members, respectively.
Figures 95 to 96, show a bore selector member usable with adapted chamber junction
embodiments of the present invention.
Figures 97 to 99 and 100 to 105 show an adapted chamber junction and manifold string
member embodiment, respectively formed from a managed pressure conduit string assembly.
Figures 106 to 116, illustrate an embodiment of a junction of wells manifold string
for a plurality of wells from a single main bore.
Figures 117, 118 and 119 to 122 illustrate a chamber junction crossover, bore selector
and various manifold string member embodiments, respectively, usable for accessing
different concentric passageways from the innermost passageway.
Figure 123 shows an embodiment of a diagrammatic manifold string member, with a plurality
of wells extending from a junction of wells, configurable to control flow streams
in hydrocarbon, water and/or underground storage wells simultaneously to perform various
well formation, operation and/or processing functions.
[0063] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the listed
Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0064] Before explaining selected embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is
to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments
described herein and that the present invention can be practiced or carried out in
various ways.
[0065] Referring now to Figures 1 to 5, various conventional well configurations and fluid
dynamic methodical functions for substantially hydrocarbons and/or substantially water
fluid mixtures that can be injected into or produced from a reservoir, are depicted.
The fluid mixtures also can be injected into or produced from underground storage
or salt dissolution spaces using conventional single flow systems in addition to simultaneously
flowing fluid streams and various well configurations.
[0066] Despite the use of conventional apparatus between hydrocarbon, water and under storage
wells, very few practical applications relating to the use of simultaneously flowing
fluids, used during solution mining and/or operation of an underground storage cavern,
have been adopted by hydrocarbon well artisans.
[0067] Growth in demand and decreases in the economic return and size of conventional discoveries
have increased the need for new technologies, which are usable to increase the volume
of hydrocarbons recovered from both conventional and unconventional reservoirs, for
example tar sands and shale gas reservoirs. Innovations in the use of separately and
simultaneously flowing fluid streams, of varying velocity, to enhance production,
dispose of wastes, and/or to perform underground storage are becoming more economically
applicable to hydrocarbons, thereby increasing the applicability of developing off-the-shelf
well construction, production, injection and processing members of a compatible set,
which are analogous to building blocks and combinable in various arrangements, configurations,
and/or orientations to enhance substantially hydrocarbon and substantially water operations,
such as geothermal, waste disposal, solution mining, and storage, well operations.
[0068] Additionally, large scale hydrocarbon tar sands and shale gas reservoirs are currently
considered unconventional sources, due to the difficulties in developing such reserves
with current technology. However, embodiments of the present invention provide technologies
for increasing the efficiency of heat transfer and fracture propagation, below a single
main bore, to decrease the viscosity or to increase the effective permeability of
unconventional tar sand and shale gas reservoirs, thereby further justifying development
of off-the-shelf simultaneous flow stream technology to transition such reserves into
a conventional reserves category.
[0069] Figures 1 and 2 depict an elevation diagrammatic cross section view of a conventional
subterranean well, that can be usable for hydrocarbon/water/storage and solution mining
wells, respectively. The Figures illustrate conventional flow control devices in addition
to presenting flow controlling members of a manifold string member set, comprising
a wellhead (7) and valve tree (10) with surface valves (64) engaged to casings (3,
14, 15) that extend through a bore through strata (17) and, together, comprise a passageway
through subterranean strata (52). A manifold string embodiment (70M of Figure 1) can
be formed by adapting the conventional well depicted at the top of Figure 1 and is
illustrated with a process diagram at the bottom of Figure 1. Manifold string embodiments
(70P of Figure 1 and 70N of Figure 2) can be formed by adapting the conventional wells
of Figures 1 and Figure 2 with the addition of a flow controlling member (21 of Figures
117-122). A similar completion (2, 40, 61, 10) to Figure 1 is commonly used after
the solution mining (1) configuration of Figure 2 is removed for underground storage
within the walls of a salt cavern (1A).
[0070] Where conventional practice for applications involving apparatus, such as sliding
side doors (123), jet pumps (85), frac sleeves and gas lift valves, may form simultaneously
flowing fluid streams, the applications of such practices across various well types
are limited; and therefore, prevent standardization of a member set of apparatus and
methods, usable to form readily available off-the-shelf applications that are coveted
by well construction practitioners and operators.
[0071] Embodiments of the present invention can be combined with conventional apparatus.
For example, a valve tree (10A of Figure 2), jet pump (85) and concentric conduit
(2A or 3), that is suited for simultaneously flowing fluid mixtures (38) and circulating
water with a pump (116), are usable to form the member embodiment (70M) of Figure
1 or the member embodiment (70N) of Figure 2, along with the addition of a chamber
junction manifold crossover (21) embodiment to the well.
[0072] Generally, for the hydrocarbon, water, and storage wells depicted in Figures 1 and
2, flow streams of approximately the same velocity, using mono-bore strings and/or
completions of approximately the same internal diameter, that are conducive with common
flow stream velocities, occur through the innermost tubing string (2) passageway (25),
controlled by a subterranean valve (74) in instances where escape of subterranean
pressures is a risk, as shown in Figure 1.
[0073] Figure 1, shows the subterranean valve (74) and packer (40) flow controlling members
(61) controlling the adjacent concentric passageways (24, 54) with a sliding side
door (123) or a jet pump (85) controlling communication between the passageways (24,
54) and the casing shoes (16). The sealed annular spaces can be monitored with annuli
gauges (13) to confirm well pressure integrity, between a fluid mixture (38) entering
or exiting the tubing at the well's lower end and exiting (34) or being injected (31)
into the valve tree (10) at the well upper end. The concentric passageways (54) are
not generally designed for continuous flow of production or injected fluids, except
in special instances, such as the using of a sliding side door (123) to change annulus
fluids, the supply of jet pump (85) water, or in instances later described in Figures
40-41 and 47-48.
[0074] The conventional jet pump reconfiguration of the Figure 1 well, uses the annulus
between the tubing (2) and the final cemented casing (3) to provide water for a venturi
(85) (referred to as a jet pump), that is placed within the tubing. When using a conventional
jet pump, the utility of this approach may be limited as, water combined with the
produced fluid mixture (38) stream and must later be removed. However, the depicted
embodiments (70M, 70P) form separate flow stream velocities in singular flow stream
applications, such as velocity strings of selectively controllable length, and/or
forms a plurality of separate flow streams, for example in jet pump applications and
downhole processing.
[0075] Embodiments of the present invention include, jet pump applications that form separate
simultaneously flowing fluid streams of varying velocity to urge production. For example,
the manifold string member (70M) embodiment, depicted at the bottom of Figure 1, is
formed using the final cemented casing (3) and valve tree (10) of Figure 1, or the
valve tree (10A) of Figure 2 and associated wellhead (7), for inclusion of a concentric
string (2A) between the tubing (2) and the final cemented casing (3). This forms a
circulation pathway between the concentric string member (2A), or final cemented casing
member (3) and the inner string (2) member, to form a pumped (116) closed system with
a high-velocity, continuously-circulated, flow stream connected, via a venturi (85),
to the tubing (2). A portion of the production is sucked from the tubing (2) to create
a vacuum venturi effect for removing hydrostatic pressure from a first produced fluid
mixture flow stream to further urge its production (34), while urging a second flow
stream produced with pumped (116) water and separated at a circulating system tank.
The circulating tank separates the portion of second flow stream produced fluid mixture
into a liquid stream (119), that is taken from between the water contact (117) and
the liquid contact (118). In addition, a gas stream (120) can be taken from the circulation
tank upper end. The circulating fluid may be reused or replaced, with the circulated
liquid typically being treated water, other mixtures of liquids, gases and/or solids
as applicable.
[0076] Traditionally, jet pumps are generally used in water flooded or sweep reservoir applications
with high water cuts, wherein water handling facilities limit their application. However,
embodiments of the present invention can include vacuuming the hydrocarbon portion
of the production with a device, such as the venturi, so that later separation of
the fluids within the circulating tank will be generally small, as will be the impact
of limited water handling facilities.
[0077] The arrangement of apparatus in Figure 1 can also be applicable to underground storage
wells, wherein the final cemented casing (3) shoe (16) can be a flow controlling member
for products stored within the cavern walls (1A). A manifold string member (70P) embodiment
can be formed with the addition of a chamber junction crossover (21) member and associated
conduit (2, 2A) members, that can be usable to selectively access and flow separate,
simultaneous fluid streams of gravity-separated products, such as crude oil and liquid
natural gas (LNG), that is floating above the oil and brine within a salt cavern walls
(1A). The separate and simultaneous flow streams can be used to selectively displace
the gravity-separated products within the cavern by selectively placing a bore selector
within a selected chamber junction crossover (21) coinciding with the depth of the
selected gravity-separated product.
[0078] As depicted in Figure 2, conventional solution mining configurations are not capable
of performing a subterranean manifold function of selective control of simultaneously
flowing fluid streams, as an innermost leaching string (2) freely hangs within an
outer leaching string (2A) without a crossover radial passageway or the ability to
selectively direct and/or re-direct flow streams. Simultaneous flow streams for the
conventional configuration shown consist of injecting (31) water and extracting (34)
brine, wherein the injection (31) or extraction (34) may occur through the innermost
string (2) passageway (25) with contrary flow orientations within the concentric passageway
(24), or vice versa. A leaching cushion or blanket of hydrocarbons or inert gases,
such as nitrogen or diesel, is generally communicated through the first annular passageway
(55) to control salt dissolution axially upward.
[0079] In conventional applications, simultaneously flowing streams within the subterranean
cavern space, that is being solution mined using a salt dissolution process, are restricted
to injection (31) of a salt inert cushion fluid and water with production (34) of
salt saturated brine from, and into, the innermost passageway (25) and concentric
passageway (24, 54). Flow into the innermost passageway (25) from the concentric passageway
(24), and vice versa, is not possible without first passing through the first annular
passageway (55).
[0080] Conventional practice does not provide communication between concentric passageways
(24, 25) without first entering the first annular passageway, and only innermost string
(2) depth may be adjusted with a large hoisting capacity rig being required to remove
and rearrange both conduit strings (2, 2A) to affect water exit and brine entry depths.
Conversely, a manifold string member (70N) embodiment, having one or more manifold
crossovers (for example 21 of Figures 117-122), can be usable to selectively control
simultaneously flowing fluid streams, between the innermost and concentric passageways,
by placing straddles and plugs to isolate and divert fluid through one or more radial
passageways without cutting or removing conduit strings with a large hoisting capacity
rig.
[0081] After solution mining the well, a completion (2, 40, 74 and 10 of Figure 1) can be
installed to form an underground storage well through the final cemented casing (3),
once the dual string (2 and 2A) arrangement used to enlarge the space within the cavern
walls (dashed lines 1A of Figures 1 and 2) using a salt dissolution process, is removed.
This salt dissolution process includes the use of a leaching valve tree (10A) to inject
(31) water for producing (34) a substantially water brine, that comprises liquid water
and solid salt dissolved within a fluid mixture (38), to enlarge the space within
the cavern walls (1A), formed in the_salt deposits (5) that are disposed within the
subterranean regions. A member embodiment manifold string (70N) with free hanging
conduit string members (2, 2A), that are engaged with chamber junction crossovers
(21) can be usable to prevent the need to remove the outer leaching string for adjustment
of solution mining operations. A valve tree (10A) with associated wellhead (7), that
can support concentric conduit string members (2, 2A), together with a chamber junction
manifold crossover (21), can be usable to access different specific gravity products
stored in a cavern and naturally separated by gravity where the manifold string (70P
of Figure 1) with a production packer (40 of Figure 1) and subsurface valve (74 of
Figure 1) replaces the conventional solution mining configuration or manifold string
(70N).
[0082] Referring now to Figure 3, a conventional wireline rig (4A) is shown, that can be
usable to selectively place flow controlling members, for reconfiguring a manifold
string member arrangement, or to physically reconfigure a manifold string member using
rotary cable tools. The rotary cable tools can be conveyed, for example, through a
valve tree (10) and wellhead (7) for placement within the innermost passageway or
innermost passageway connector of a manifold string. In addition, Figure 3 shows closable
surface valves (64) engageable to a blow out preventer (9) and lubricator (8), that
can be separated to place flow controlling members within the lubricator. Then, the
valves can be opened while a wire or cable (11), that is passing through a pressure
containing stuffing box or grease injector head at the upper end of the lubricator
provides pressure containment, with flow controlling apparatuses lowered or hoisted
(12) with a winching apparatus for placement within the passageways through subterranean
strata (52 of Figures 1-2).
[0083] Any form of rig (4), comprising, for example, a coiled tubing unit or drilling rig,
using continuous or jointed conduit-in-conduit operations, are usable to convey flow-controlling
members within a manifold string. During well construction, when, for example, a managed
pressure conduit assembly (49 of Figures 100-105) functions as a manifold string member,
placed through a drilling rig blow out preventer, that can be used to control the
first annular passageway (55 of Figures 1-2), until the manifold string may be engaged
to the wellhead (7), for controlling the annular passageways (24, 24A of Figures 1-2),
with a surface valve (64) tree installed later for controlling inner passageways and
engagement with a slickline rig (4A). A fluid mixture, referred to as drilling mud,
can pass through a drilling rig riser to a bell nipple where circulated drilling mud
returns after passing through the string and drilling rig blow out preventer. A drilling
rig diverter may perform a similar fluid control function as a stuff box, should the
drilling mud fail to contain subterranean pressures. Similar to the wireline rig (4A),
a drilling rig (4) can be usable to place a manifold string or flow controlling device
by using a drawworks to hoist (12) a cable (11), passing through the crown block of
a derrick for placement within the passageway through subterranean strata (52). The
manifold string can be used to selectively control a fluid mixture of drilling mud,
cement and proppant fracture liquids and solids or other construction fluid mixtures,
that are simultaneously flowing through an innermost passageway and concentric passageway.
[0084] Embodiments of the present invention provide at least one direct crossover through
a radial passageway, between the innermost passageway (25) and one of concentric passageways
(24, 24A, 54), with or without first passing through an adjacent concentric passageway
(24, 24A, 54) or the first annular passageway (55), wherein a flow controlling member
selectively affects fluid communication through the radial passageway using, for example,
a valve tree (10A) or standpipe manifold to affect fluid velocity and associated pressure
within one or more of the passageways (24, 25). This selective control of the velocities
and associated pressures within the passageways can be used to, for example, construct
a well and/or provide production simulation similar to a velocity string or subterranean
processing, for the purpose of separating hydrocarbon gas so that such gas may be
used to gas lift one or more the remaining passageways of a substantially liquid flow
stream at selected depths and pressures, thus further enhancing production.
[0085] Figure 4, shows a chart depicting exemplary relationships present within a prior
art velocity string, explanatory of a flowing bottom hole pressure versus a flow rate
method function chart for hydrocarbon flow. The bottom hole pressure increases upward
along the vertical axis of the chart, and flow rate increases to the right along the
horizontal axis of the chart. Over the life of a hydrocarbon reservoir, the pressure
function (Fl, F2, F3) of flow rate versus flowing bottom-hole pressure decreases from
F1 to F3 as the reservoir pressure depletes. The diameter of a production string (2
of Figures 1) affects the velocity and the associated frictional resistance and pressure,
determining where the minimum unaided flow rate (PI, P4) occurs, which can be compared
to the critical flow rate (P2, P3), that is associated with the bubble point of gas
within the hydrocarbon fluid mixture, described by functions F4 and F5.
[0086] When a well is initially constructed, the economic decision between installation
of a larger diameter string (F5) and a smaller diameter velocity string (F4) must
be made by comparing the initial flow rate (FR1) and final flow rate (FR3) of the
larger diameter string to the lower initial flow rate (F2) and higher final flow rate
(F4) of the velocity string, relative to reservoir pressure depletion and natural
flow.
[0087] As the economics of replacing the larger diameter production string (F5) with a smaller
diameter production string (F4) for a depleted reservoir are often unfavourable, the
lower flow rates of the larger string (FR3) may be accepted over the higher potential
flow rates (FR4) of a velocity string.
[0088] Manifold string members usable within the scope of the present disclosure can provide
a means to follow the flow rates from FR1 to FR2 with a large diameter string, followed
by wireline rig (4A of Figure 3) intervention to selectively place flow controlling
members to adjust the effective diameter of the producing string at the flow rate
FR5, by diverting all or a portion of production through one or more manifold crossovers.
Through repeated wireline intervention, the velocity string function between F5 and
F4 may be followed to produce hydrocarbons at a higher rate without the need to remove
the producing string.
[0089] Referring now to Figure 5, an example of a hydrocarbon liquid, gas phase explanatory
pressure versus temperature functional chart is shown. The chart shows pressure increasing
upward along the vertical axis and temperature increasing to the right along the horizontal
axis. The chart of Figure 5 includes a bubble point curve 1 function of a more liquid
fluid mixture (F6) and a bubble point curve 2 for a more gaseous fluid mixture (F7)
intersecting a vertical line of constant temperature at point C. The bubble point
curve 1 function (F6) shows that outside the bubble curve envelope, above the critical
point, an all liquid fluid mixture exists and below the critical point, outside the
bubble curve envelope, an all gas fluid mixture exists. However, within the bubble
curve a liquid and gas fluid mixture exists. Functions F8, F9 and F10 show 25 percent,
50 percent and 75 percent liquid fluid mixtures, respectively.
[0090] During production, as pressure exerted on the reservoir is decreased from A1 to A2
by opening the valve (64 of Figure 1) of a surface valve tree (10 of Figure 1), the
all liquid subterranean hydrocarbon fluid mixture transitions from liquid to a mixture
of liquid and gas at point A2. If it was possible to maintain temperature during extraction
through the cooler subterranean strata above a reservoir, the percentage of liquid
would decrease to 75% at point B on function F10.
[0091] When hydrocarbons are passed through a surface separator the fluid mixture may, for
example, separate to 75% liquid at point S2 pressure and temperature. If the temperature
drop, as a result of production, can be minimized to point S1 of a higher pressure,
using the process of subterranean separation that uses the heat of the subterranean
strata, a higher flow rate can achieved for the same 75% liquid fluid mixture. For
the more gaseous fluid mixture function bubble point curve 2, the increase in pressure
from S4 to S3 is more pronounced, thus, resulting in relatively higher flow rates
when subterranean fluid separation is used to retain temperature.
[0092] As described, since the produced flow rate is not only a function of pressure and
temperature, but also reservoir depletion and the diameter of the producing string,
the ability of the present embodiments to more selectively control flowing velocities,
pressures and temperatures within the manifold string is usable to better manage flow
rates over the life of a well, and includes better control of thermal factors affecting
flow assurance when performing subterranean fluid processing.
[0093] Additionally, a manifold string member, usable to provide subterranean separation,
can also be usable to control simultaneously flowing fluid streams by gas lifting
a substantially liquid flow stream with a selectively controlled and substantially
gaseous flow stream, using gas lift valves between the two flow streams to further
aid production using subterranean processing.
[0094] In Figure 5A, an example of a prior art hydrocarbon sandface pressure versus mass
rate function chart is shown. The Figure shows increasing pressure upward on the vertical
axis and increasing mass rate to the right on the horizontal axis. F11 represents
the bubble point function with function F12, extending from point P5, representing
the decrease in pressure exerted on the sandface of a reservoir by opening a valve
tree and flowing at rate measured by the mass of the flowing mixture.
[0095] The flowing function F13 represents a theoretical example of hydrocarbon capable
of stable flow at pressure and flow rate point P6, which becomes unstable at the pressure
and flow rate point P7. Thereafter, the Figure shows that stable flow cannot be achieved
until reaching pressure and flow rate point P8.
[0096] As is often found in practice, the pressure exerted at the sandface of a reservoir,
by the opening of a well, is critical to stable production flow and various flow rates
may work better than others. Hence a practical ability to selectively change the flow
configuration of a hydrocarbon production string over its life span has a value as
flow velocities, pressures and temperatures change with reservoir depletion.
[0097] Prior art production methods typically focus on combinations of apparatus for single
flow streams and relatively static configurations for subterranean separation, ignoring
the dynamic nature of a subterranean fluid mixture flow stream of varying velocities,
pressures and temperatures over the life of a well, because safety and/or economic
factors typically prevent changing a production string once it is installed.
[0098] By using a set of combinable member components, embodiments of the present invention
manifold string can be usable to selectively control flow streams over the life of
a well with flow controlling members, that are placed between the conduits of concentric
strings and/or through the innermost passageway, accounting for theoretical production
or injection functions for substantially water or substantially hydrocarbon wells,
such as those described in Figures 4 and 5. Further, embodiments including manifold
strings usable with flow controlling devices placed between the conduits of the concentric
strings and/or through the innermost passageway, provide practicing artisans accessibility,
through the innermost passageway, to place and/or remove further flow controlling
members, that can selectively control the reality of a non-linear production function,
like that described in Figure 5A, over the life of a well, without incurring the same
safety or economic impacts associated with replacement of a production string.
[0099] Referring now to Figures 6-7, 8-16, 17-20, 21 and 22-37, manifold string and crossover
members usable for changing the effective diameter and, thus, the velocity for a given
flow rate over the length of a manifold string is shown.
[0100] Manifold string members with, for example, the concentric conduit crossovers (23)
of Figures 8 -16 are engagable in series or in parallel above or below other manifold
crossovers (23) of Figures 17-20. This engagement can be used separately or in combination
with, for example, an adapted chamber junction (43) of Figure 21, wherein various
flow controlling members (61) of Figures 22-37 can be engagable with one or more receptacles
(45), and can be further combinable with other members of a manifold string member
set in any combination or arrangement with matching passageway members, to selectively
control a plurality of simultaneously flowing substantially hydrocarbon and/or substantially
water fluid-mixture flow streams.
[0101] Figures 6 and 7 depict elevation cross-section and process diagrammatic views, respectively,
of a member (70A) embodiment of a manifold string (70), usable as a selectively variable
length velocity string. The Figure illustrates the inner concentric string (2) and
outer concentric string (2A) engaged to a wellhead (7) and valve tree (10). A series
of manifold crossovers (23, 23A, 23B of Figs. 8-9, 23C of Fig. 10, and 23Y of Fig.
14) are usable to reduce the effective diameter forming a velocity string, as described
in Figure 4, by diverting at least a portion of a flowing fluid mixture, that is flowing
into (32, 35) the innermost passageway (25) or into (33, 37) the adjacent concentric
passageway (24), to effect the frictional equivalent of a velocity diameter along
the length of a flow stream, by selectively placing flow controlling members. The
upper most manifold crossover (23A) can remove the concentric passageway member (24)
from use to allow valve (74) to control production. Figure 7 shows a valve (74), such
as a safety valve, operating with a control line (79) and a valve tree (10), to provide
selective control of pressures in the well for controlled production from the well.
[0102] The velocity string manifold crossover (23A) can be formed from the manifold crossover
of Figures 8-9, wherein a portion of the concentric annular passageway (24) is permanently
blocked to divert the entire fluid mixture stream (38) into the innermost passageway
(25). Alternatively, the equivalent of a manifold crossover member (23A) can be formed
by covering only the orifices (59 of Figure 13) below the receptacle (45 of Figure
13) in the manifold crossover member (23C of Figure 13).
[0103] Referring now to Figure 8, a plan view with line A-A, associated with Figure 9, of
an embodiment (23B) of a manifold crossover member (23), wherein all of the innermost
passageway (25) flow stream may be diverted through the radial passageway (75 of Fig.
9) to the concentric passageway member (24), if a blocking device is placed in the
receptacle (45 of Fig. 9). However, only a portion of the concentric passageway (24)
flow can be commingled with the innermost passageway, as through passageways are provided.
These through passageway members are permanently blocked in the Figures 6-7 manifold
crossover (23A).
[0104] A manifold crossover member (23B) of this configuration is usable, in a potentially
inverted orientation to that shown in Figure 9, at the lower end of a hydrocarbon
fluid separation member space, for allowing heavier fluids to travel to the passageway
member of least frictional resistance and larger effective diameter, while lighter
and more gaseous fluid streams are more able to expand and travel through the higher
frictional passageway member, forming two separate simultaneously flowing fluid mixture
streams of varying velocities.
[0105] In Figure 9, an elevation cross-section view along line A-A, showing the manifold
crossover (23B) member of Figure 8 is depicted. The Figure illustrates, portions of
the concentric passageway (24) that are blocked by the wall (75A, shown in Figs. 8
and 9) of the radial passageway (75), in fluid communication between the innermost
passageway (25) and the concentric passageway (24), which is between the innermost
string (2) and adjacent concentric string (2A) with ends (90) engagable to other conduits
of a manifold string members. The crossover may be oriented as shown or rotated, wherein
the radial passageway slopes downward and inward instead of upward and inward.
[0106] Fluid mixtures may be injected (31) or produced (34) through any passageway (24,
25), dependent on the engaged flow controlling member. If, for example, a straddle
(22 of Figure 93A) is engaged to the receptacle (45) to block the radial passageway
(75) orifices (59), unidirectional or axially opposing flow orientations between passageway
member flow streams can be usable to operate a well. If a choke controls the orifices
(59) of the radial passageway (75) to commingle only a portion of a flow stream (32,
33) through either passageway (24, 25), then other various flow arrangements, including
for example separation and/or gas lift, can be facilitated selectively by installing
a plurality of manifold crossovers (23B), then selectively placing straddles and chokes
to define flow of the fluid mixture stream configurations.
[0107] The manifold crossover (23B) is similar to the orifice manifold crossover (23) member
at the lower end of the chamber junction crossover (21) of Figures 117 and 119-122,
wherein the radial passageway wall (75A) is more suited for higher erosional velocities.
[0108] Referring now to Figures 10 and 12, plan views with lines B-B and C-C associated
with Figures 11 and 13, respectively, of an embodiment (23C) of a manifold crossover
member (23) are shown. The Figures illustrate a section line (B-B) through the concentric
passageway (24) and another section line (C-C) through the radial passageway (75)
wall (75A), contained between an inner concentric conduit (2) and outer concentric
conduit (2A).
[0109] Figures 11 and 13, depict elevation cross-section views along lines B-B and C-C of
Figures 10 and 12, respectively, showing a manifold crossover (23C). The Figures illustrate
an embodiment where two flow streams can be separated, crossed-over or commingled,
dependent upon the flow controlling member engaged to the receptacle (45). The injection
(31) or extraction (34) of a fluid mixture may occur through either the innermost
passageway (25) or the adjacent concentric passageway (24), between conduits (2, 2A)
with ends (90) engagable to other conduits of manifold string members, wherein flow
streams above and/or below the receptacle (45) may be crossed over through the radial
passageway (75). Various flow arrangements, using various flow controlling members
engaged within this manifold crossover (23C), are shown in Figures 22-29.
[0110] An exemplary arrangement of an engaged flow controlling member includes using a straddle
to block the orifices (59) above or below the receptacle (45) for blocking the concentric
passageway (24) below or above the receptacle (45), respectively, while commingling
the contrary concentric passageway (24) with the innermost passageway (25). Other
examples of arrangements of engaged flow controlling members includes blocking orifices
(59), both above and below the receptacle (45), with a straddle to block the concentric
passageway (24) while allowing the innermost passageway (25) flow stream to flow through
the bore of the straddle, or by placing a blocking flow controlling member, engaged
to the receptacle (45) within the innermost passageway, to cross over flow streams
between the innermost (25) and concentric (24) passageway members, as described in
Figures 22-25.
[0111] The manifold crossover (23C), of Figures 10-13, compliments the chamber junction
crossover (21) member, of Figures 117 and 119-122, by providing the ability to block
all or to divert part of a flow stream that can be communicated through the concentric
passageway (24). The chamber junction crossover (21 of Figures 117 and 119-122) can
only divert to the concentric passageway. Combining these two manifold crossover members
(21 and 23C) in series provides the ability to selectively block both the innermost
(25) and concentric (24) passageways or to divert one to the other.
[0112] The manifold crossover (23C) of Figures 10-13 also compliments the manifold crossover
(23Y) of Figures 14-16, engaged axially above or axially below the depicted manifold
crossover (23C) providing the ability to block all or to divert part of a flow stream
communicated through the concentric passageway (24) to the innermost passageway (25).
The manifold crossover (23Y of Figures 14-16) can be usable to block all or to divert
part of a flow stream, communicated through the concentric passageway (24) to a different
concentric passageway (24A) and/or the innermost passageway (25). Combining these
two manifold crossover members (23C and 23Y) in series, with an additional conduit
string member (2B) placed about 23C, provides the ability to selectively block or
divert a plurality of concentric passageway members (24, 24A of Fig. 14).
[0113] Referring now to Figures 14 and 15, isometric and magnified views are shown with
detail line D and within detail line D, respectively, and dashed lines show hidden
surfaces in Figure 15, of a manifold crossover member (23) or slurry passageway (58)
embodiment (23Y) that can be associated with Figure 16. The embodiments depicted in
the Figures show a crossover similar to that of Figures 11 to 13, with a dashed line
representing an additional concentric conduit (2B or 51) or the passageway through
subterranean strata (52), with an additional concentric conduit passageway (24A) if
the additional conduit (2B or 51) is present, or with the first annular passageway
(55) if the additional conduit (2B, 51) represented by the dashed line is not present.
[0114] Radial passageway (75) orifice (59) members can be located within the innermost passageway
(25, 53), formed by the inner conduit string (2, 50). The members can be arranged
similar to the manifold crossover (23C) of Figures 10-13, except an additional wall
(82) can be placed within every other radial passageway (75) wall (75A), with an associated
orifice (59A) of the concentric conduit (2A). Every other radial passageway can fluidly
communicate between the concentric passageway (24, 54) or the additional concentric
passageway (24A, 55) and the innermost passageway (25, 53). The arrangement of radial
passageways (75) between passageway members (24, 24A, 25, 53, 54, 55) and the innermost
passageway (25, 53) is similar to the chamber junction (21) manifold crossovers of
Figures 117 and 119-122 or a slurry passageway apparatus (58), in that a radial passageway
(75) passes through an adjacent concentric passageway (24, 54) to connect the innermost
passageway (25, 53) directly to a non-adjacent concentric passageway (24A, 55).
[0115] Figure 16 depicts an isometric view associated with the manifold crossover (23Y)
of Figures 11 to 15. The Figure illustrates the apparatus without the outer concentric
strings (2A, 2B of Fig. 15) to show the arrangement of radial passageways, where every
other passageway communicates between the innermost passageway (25, 53) and the adjacent
passageway (24, 54 of Figures 14-15). The remaining radial passageways (75) can be
diverted, by an additional wall (82) to an orifice (59A of Figures 14-15) in the adjacent
outer wall (2A of Figures 14-15), to form a direct passageway between the innermost
passageway (25, 53) and the first annular passageway (55 of Figures 14-15), or an
additional concentric passageway (24A, 54 of Figures 14-15) with the outer wall of
the receptacle (45) protruding into, but not blocking, the concentric passageway (24,
54 of Figures 14-15).
[0116] Referring now to Figures 17, 18 and 19: plan, elevation and isometric views, respectively,
associated with Figure 75, are shown, with dashed lines depicting hidden surfaces
of an embodiment (23D) of a manifold crossover member (23). The manifold crossover
member can be usable with the adapted chamber junction of Figures 20 and 21. The Figures
show the innermost passageway connectors (26), engagable between, for example, exit
bore conduits (39 of Figures 20-21) and conduits continuing the innermost passageway
(25 of Figures 20-21) of each exit bore conduit. The Figures include two radial passageways
(75), between the left innermost passageway connector (26), which can fluidly communicate
with two orifices (59) of the manifold crossover (23D), engagable to the orifices
(59B of Figure 20) of the concentric passageway (24 of Figure 20) located between
the inner concentric conduit (2 of Figure 20) and an outer concentric conduit (2A
of Figure 20). An example of an analogous arrangement is shown in Figure 82.
[0117] Straddles may be placed across one or both of the radial passageways (75) to prevent
radial flow. Alternatively, a plug may be placed within the left innermost passageway
connector (26) to urge radial passageway flow. The orifices (59) can be engaged to
the same concentric passageway (24 or 24A of Figures 15 and 20) or to different concentric
passageways (24 and 24A of Figures 15 and 20) to allow simultaneous flow into (32,
35) the innermost passageway members (26 and 25 of Figures 19-21) or into (33, 37)
a concentric passageway (24, 24A of Figures 15 and 20), for injection or production
through either the innermost passageways or the concentric passageways.
[0118] Figures 20 and 21 depict plan and isometric views of an adapted chamber junction
(43), usable to form a manifold crossover member (23) when combined, for example,
with the manifold crossover (23D) of Figures 17 to 19. The Figures depict an inner
concentric string member (2) within an outer concentric string member (2A), forming
a chamber wall (41) and additional single main bore conduit (78) with orifices (59B)
in the chamber junction bottom (42), for fluid communication of the concentric passageway
(24). Other concentric conduits (2B shown as a dashed line) and other orifices (59C)
can be added to fluidly communicate with one or more orifices (for example 59 of Figures
17-19) or concentric string members (for example 2, 2A and 2B of Figures 14 and 15)
of a manifold crossover (23).
[0119] Referring now to Figures 22 and 24, plan views with lines B-B and C-C associated
with Figure 23 and 25, respectively, of a manifold string member (70) embodiment (70J)
are shown. The Figures depict the manifold string member (70) embodiment (70J) with
a manifold crossover (23C of Figures 10-13 or 23Y of Figures 14-16) and a flow controlling
member (61), shown, for example, as a blocking plug (25A) installed within a receptacle
(45 of Figs. 23 and 25). The Figures illustrate the inner concentric string (2 of
Figs. 23 and 25) and outer concentric string (2A of Figs. 23 and 25) forming a concentric
passageway (24), that can be diverted by radial passageway walls (75A) to orifices
in the innermost passageway member (25 of Figs. 23 and 25).
[0120] Figures 23 and 25 depict elevation cross-section views along lines B-B and C-C of
Figures 22 and 24, respectively. The Figures show a manifold string (70J), with a
blocking or plug (25A) flow controlling member (61) engaged to a receptacle (45) via
mandrels connectors (89) located within the manifold crossover (23C) of Figures 22
and 24. The ends (90) of the manifold string (70J) are engagable with other manifold
string members. The plug (25A) can be placed through the innermost passageway (25)
with a wireline rig (4A of Figure 3) cable (11 of Figure 3) and engaged to a connector
(68) for hoisting (12 of Figure 3) into, or out of, the passageway through subterranean
strata (52 of Figures 1 and 2). After placing or removing the plug (25A), the cable
engagement with the connector (68) may be disengaged.
[0121] The innermost passageway (25) of the inner concentric string (2) can be blocked by
the plug (25A), forcing injection (31) or production (34) to cross from the innermost
passageway (25) to (33) the concentric passageway (24) or from the adjacent concentric
passageway to (32) the innermost passageway through the radial passageways (75).
[0122] Crossing over flow streams, between the innermost passageway and a concentric passageway,
can be usable to, for example, form the preferred manifold crossover valve embodiment
(23F) of Figures 42 and 44-45. In this embodiment, a subterranean valve (74 of Figures
42 and 44-45) can be placed on either end of the manifold crossover (23C) with a plug
(25A) installed to provide selective control of each flow stream with the subterranean
valves, while providing access through the innermost passageway (25) when the plug
is removed. The subterranean valve can be controlled, independently, in applications
were separate selective control is required or controlled together if, for example,
the subterranean valve is a subsurface safety valve intended to fail safe shut.
[0123] Alternatively, the crossover over of flow streams with a flow controlling member
(61) comprising, for example, a choke or a pressure-controlled valve or one way valve
installed within the receptacle (45) instead of the plug (25A), can provide a space
within the passageways for varying the velocity of flow streams and the associated
pressures at varying subterranean depths. The temperature of the strata can be factored
in when selectively reconfiguring a subterranean processing space to, for example,
separate fluids and/or gas lift a substantially liquid flow stream by allowing a portion
of a crossed over gas stream under the flow controlling member to enter a substantially
liquid crossed-over flow stream, without the need to use conventional side pocket
mandrels and gas lift valves that, in practice, are often more difficult to access
than a valve placed in a nipple profile receptacle, across the innermost passageway
member.
[0124] Alternatively, if the manifold string (70J) is adapted with the crossover (23Y) of
Figures 14-16 is used instead of the manifold crossover (23C) shown in Figures 22-25,
flow can be selectively directed into (35) the innermost passageway (25) from a non-adjacent
concentric passageway (24A or 55 of Figures 14 and 16), or selectively directed into
(37) a non-adjacent concentric passageway (24A or 55 of Figures 14 and 16) through
the innermost passageway (25).
[0125] Referring now to Figures 26 to 39, apparatuses for performing rotary operations usable
with other rotary cable apparatuses and methods within conduits of a manifold string
(70 and 76 of Fig. 51) member over the life of a subterranean well, are shown. The
Figures include a cable (11 of Figure 3) engagable downhole motor and/or pump assembly
(69) flow control device (61), that can be placeable, suspendable and retrievable
via a cable hoisted with a wireline rig (4A of Figure 3). The Figures further include
an electric motor (111) or fluid motor, using, for example turbines, impellors or
rotors and stators, with fluid inlets and outlets (59) associated with a radial passageway
(75) located within a manifold crossover (23) for directing a first fluid mixture
flow stream to act upon a fluid motor, that can be operable with differential fluid
pressure or velocity of expanding or compressed gases for pumping a second fluid mixture
flow stream.
[0126] As energy within any system is conserved, being neither created nor destroyed, using
a manifold string to selectively place flow controlling apparatus within separate
flow streams of varying velocity, can be usable to provide artisans of the art with
a means to control how energy is distributed from a first simultaneously flowing fluid
mixture stream to the second to, in use, better allocate available energy within the
system.
[0127] Referring now to Figures 26 and 28, plan views with lines B-B and C-C associated
with Figure 27 and 29, respectively, are depicted and show an embodiment (70K) of
a manifold string member (70) with a manifold crossover (23C of Figures 10-13, 23Y
of Figures 14-16) and concentric conduits (2, 2A) about an embodiment (69A) of a fluid
motor and fluid pump (69 of Figs. 27 and 29) flow controlling member (61 of Figs.
27 and 29). The Figures illustrate an arrangement, usable to pump a fluid through
a passageway, using the velocity and pressure of flowing fluids or gas expansion of
a first flow stream to pump a second flow stream.
[0128] Figures 27 and 29 depict elevation cross-section views along lines B-B and C-C of
Figures 26 and 28, respectively. The Figures show the manifold string (70K) arrangement
with a motor and a fluid pump (69A) flow controlling member (61), that is engaged
to a receptacle (45) with an engaging connection (89) to the manifold crossover (23C
or 23Y). The Figure illustrates the inner concentric string (2) and outer concentric
string (2A) forming the concentric passageway (24) and innermost passageway (25),
usable to place and operate the flow controlling member (61), using the engagement
(68) and a wireline rig (4A of Figure 3) for placement. The ends (90) of the manifold
string member can be engagable with other conduit members of the manifold string (70)
arrangement to flow a first simultaneously flowing fluid mixture, which can be used
for operating the fluid motor to pump a second simultaneously flowing fluid mixture
of varying velocity.
[0129] Internal components of the fluid motor and fluid pump (69) are similar to that shown
in Figures 36-37, with a shaft connecting two fluid rotatable devices (112), for example
a turbine or an impellor that can be configured to be operated with the fluid and
to pump the fluid from two separate simultaneously flowing fluid mixtures. For example,
fluid injected (31) into (32 and 35) the innermost passageway (25), through a radial
passageway (75) from a concentric passageway (24 and 24A of Figures 14-15, respectively)
below the crossover (23C, 23Y), can operate a rotatable turbine (112) that is engaged
with a shaft connected to another turbine (112), which can be usable to pump produced
(34) fluid into (32 and 35) the innermost passageway (25), through a radial passageway
(75), from a concentric passageway (24 and 24A of Figures 14-15, respectively) above
the crossover (23C, 23Y). As an alternative example, fluid produced (34) through member
passageways by natural expansion and/or subterranean pressure of a stored compressed
gas or by gas entrained fluid to (33, 37) a concentric passageway (24A, 24) that flows
through a radial passageway (75) from the innermost passageway (25) below the crossover
(23C, 23Y), can operate the rotatable turbine (112). The rotatable turbine (112) can
turn an engaged shaft connected to another turbine (112) and can be usable to pump,
for example, a substantially liquid produced (34) fluid from a subterranean separation
process or, for example, a substantially water fluid mixture injected (31) into a
proximal region of the passageway through subterranean strata. The substantially water
fluid can be used for solution mining or disposal between the innermost passageway
(25) and a concentric passageway (24, 24A) through the radial passageway members (75).
[0130] Referring now to Figure 30, a plan view with line F-F associated with Figure 31 and
detail line G associated with Figure 35 is shown. The Figure depicts a manifold string
embodiment (70G) with an embodiment (69B) of a motor and a fluid pump (69 of Fig.
31) flow controlling member (61 of Fig. 35) placed within a manifold crossover member
(23) embodiment (23E of Fig. 31).
[0131] Figures 31 and 34 depict elevation cross-section and isometric views, respectively,
along line F-F of Figure 30.The detail lines H and I of Figure 31 are associated with
Figures 32 and 33, respectively, and the break line of Figure 31 is associated with
Figure 34. Figure 34 depicts an axial cross-section representing a portion of concentric
conduits that are removed from a manifold string (70G), potentially extending to an
engagement with a wellhead and/or valve tree at the upper ends (90) as shown in Figure
31. Figures 31 and 34 show a motor and fluid pump (69B), placeable with the cable
connector (68) and engaged within the manifold crossover (23E) receptacle (45 of Figure
32) with engagement apparatus (89 of Figure 32). The inner concentric string (2) and
outer concentric string (2A) lower ends (90) are shown as engagable to other conduits
within the passageway through subterranean strata (52 of Figures 42 and 44) to vertically
separate subterranean proximal regions. This separation of the subterranean regions
can be accomplished by using, for example a chamber junction crossover (21 of Figures
117 and 119-122) and/or laterally separated regions, using, for example, the chamber
junction manifold crossover (23T of Figures 83-87) access through exit bore conduits
(39 of Figures 83-87). This separation can be used when, for various reasons, it is
desirable to keep simultaneously flowing fluid streams within the same passageway
member, above and below the manifold crossover member (23E).
[0132] Within the manifold crossover (23E) embodiment, fluid mixtures of liquids, gases
and/or solids may be injected (31) or produced (34) through member passageways (24,
25), wherein fluid is communicated through radial passageways (75) and orifices (59)
out of a passageway (24, 25) to operate any rotatable device (112), and returning
the flow stream to the originating innermost and concentric passageway members. Rotatable
devices (112) are shown, for example, as a fluid motor and a fluid pump member (69B).
[0133] Referring now to Figure 32, a magnified view of the portion of the motor and fluid
pump (69B) receptacle engagement (45 and 89), within detail line H of Figure 31, is
shown. The Figure shows injection (31) and production (34) travelling through the
radial passageway (75). Sealing (66) flow controlling members (61) are provided to
contain the pressure of one fluid mixture stream from commingling with another.
[0134] Figure 33 depicts a magnified view of the manifold crossover (23E). The Figure illustrates
an innermost passageway, blocking, rotatable, shaft engagement member portion of the
motor and fluid pump (69B) within detail line I of Figure 31. The Figure includes
a rotary connector (72) engaged in a receptacle (45A) member that is blocking (25A)
the innermost passageway (25) to which a turbine (112) shaft (113 of Figure 37) is
engaged, and wherein injected (31) or extracted (34) fluid mixture, flowing within
the innermost passageway, engages and operates the rotatable turbine (112), or is
pumpable by the turbine, if the fluid mixture passing the associated turbine at the
other end of the shaft drives the assembly. Sealing members (66 and 66 of Figure 32)
control the flow, within the innermost passageway, of the fluid mixture flowing (31,
34) above and below the plug (25A) and entering orifices (59) for flowing to the radial
passageway (75) members on the right and left, to the engaging turbines (112 and 112
of Figure 31) at opposite ends of the shaft, within the innermost passageway (25).
[0135] Other manifold string (70G of Figure 30) conduit string members are engagable to
the ends (90), wherein a plurality of concentric conduits (2, 2A) or a single conduit
(2) can be usable with a concentric conduit passageway or the first annular passageway,
respectively, below the manifold crossover (23E).
[0136] Figure 35 depicts a magnified view of the portion of the manifold string (70G) motor
and fluid pump arrangement (69B) within detail line G of Figure 30. Dashed lines,
showing hidden surfaces, illustrate the inner concentric string (2) and outer concentric
string (2A) between which, the flow-controlling member (61) manifold crossover (23E)
alternating upper and lower orifices (59), leading to radial passageways (75), urge
injection (31) and/or production (34) through the manifold crossover (23E). The flow
through the manifold crossover can be used for operating a flow controlling member
(61), shown in the Figure, for example, to be a fluid motor and fluid pump (69B) operated
by simultaneously flowing fluid streams of various velocities and/or associated pressures.
[0137] Referring now to Figures 36 and 37, plan and elevation cross-section views with line
J-J and along line J-J, respectively, of a flow controlling device (61), are depicted.
The flow controlling device is shown comprising a motor and fluid pump (69) embodiment
(69B), showing a rotatable fluid operatable apparatus (112) engaged with a shaft to
the apparatus (112), which can be usable to pump a fluid, shown for example, as a
fluid turbine arranged to drive and be driven at the ends of a shaft (113) within
a housing (114) by passing fluid. The Figures include connectors (89), engagable to
associated receptacles (45 of Figure 32), for anchoring the member flow controlling
apparatus (61). In addition, blocking (25A) and/or sealing (66) apparatus members
can be usable for controlling fluid within and between the innermost passageway and
concentric passageway through the radial passageway members.
[0138] Any form of engagement or fluid operatable components, for example a rotary connector
(72) with seals (66) or bearings, races, slidable engagement components or mechanical
features, such as a planetary gearing arrangements for differing upper and lower turbine
or impeller rotational speeds, that is usable in a subterranean environment to operate
the fluid operatable motor or pump, can be usable with the present invention. The
apparatus can be selectively placeable within a manifold string receptacle (45 of
Figure 32, 45A of Figure 33), using a cable connector (68) and cable rig (4A of Figure
3) or conduit connector and coiled tubing or drilling rig. Alternatively, the apparatus
can be selectively placeable between conduits of conduit string members with such
devices as a drawworks, during conventional installation. Other operatable component
alternatives, for example, can be formed when the innermost passageway member is fluidly
communicated through the shaft with various other flow streams that can be communicated
through various other concentric passageways and/or the first annular passageways,
usable to operate the fluid motor and pump.
[0139] Figures 38 and 39 depict elevation cross-section views of alternative motor and pump
arrangements for various motor and fluid pump (69) embodiments (69C, 69D, respectively).
The Figures depict: a rotor (109) and stator (108) arrangement (69C), that can be
operatable with injection (31) or production (34) and usable to rotate a fluid pump
comprising, for example, a turbine or a positive displacement rotor (109) and stator
(108) pump, as shown in Figure 38. Figure 39 shows an electric motor (111) arrangement
(69D), that can be usable with an electrical cable (110A) and fixed or sealed (66)
wet connections (110), to operate any downhole fluid pump for producing (34) or injecting
fluid, if the orientation is inverted. Fluid to either arrangement can be supplied
by a manifold crossover through a radial passageway of a manifold string member.
[0140] As demonstrated in Figures 6 to 39, and later described in Figures 69-75 and 83-87,
preferred manifold crossover (23) embodiments of the present invention provide systems
and methods combinable in any configuration or orientation to selectively control
separate flowing fluid streams of injection (31) and/or production (34) fluid mixtures
(38) of liquid, gases and/or solids. This selective control can be achieved at varying
velocities and associated pressures, selectively communicated through radial passageways
(75) and orifices (59), either directly (32) or indirectly (35) into the innermost
passageway members (25, 26) from another concentric passageway (24, 24A, 24B, 25,
26, 54, 55) member, and/or directly (33) or indirectly (37) into a concentric passageway
(24, 24A, 24B, 55) member from the innermost passageways (25, 26) or other concentric
passageways (24, 24A, 24B, 55) with selectively placed flow controlling members (61
of Figures 1-123) and/or flow controlling member embodiments (69A, 69B, 69C, 69D).
The flow controlling members can be engaged between the conduits of an inner concentric
string (2) and/or outer concentric string (2A), or conveyed, placed and/or retrieved
through the innermost passageways (25, 26) and engaged to a receptacle (45, 45A).
The combined manifold string (70,76) embodiments can be usable to operate one or more
substantially hydrocarbon and/or substantially water wells, from a single main bore
and wellhead.
[0141] Referring now to Figures 40 and 41, elevation diagrammatic cross section views of
prior art subterranean production and waste water disposal simultaneous flow stream
application and a surface hydrocarbon fluid separation process, respectively, that
together with wells described in Figures 1-2 and Figures 47-48 depict conventional
processes improvable, combinable and/or replaceable with preferred embodiments of
the present invention.
[0142] Figure 40 shows a valve tree (10) engaged to a wellhead (7) with an annulus valve
(81) controlling injection (31) through an annular passageway, between the intermediate
(15) and final cemented casing (3) and into a fracture (18) below the casing shoe
(16), which prevents upward flow within the annulus space outside the intermediate
casing. The Figure shows that pressure can propagate (28) to the point of fracture
propagation (30), allowing waste fluids to be disposed of within a subterranean feature.
Fractures (18) may be allowed to close with stoppage of injection (31). Waste solids
may act as proppants, in a similar manner to the single stage shale gas fracture stimulation
at the lower end of the production tubing (2), where proppants (generally sand sized
particles), are injected to hold fractures open. This opening of the fractures can
maintain, for example, fluid communication throughout the fractures (18) for gas production
(34), from relatively impermeable shale formations otherwise incapable of significant
production. Production flow (34) controlled by a subsurface valve (74), may occur
at the same time as waste injection (31) into the upper fracture (18). Alternatively,
dedicated conventional waste disposal well injection (31) can occur through the valve
tree (10) controlled by a surface valve (64) and the tubing (2) to the lower fracture
(18) point of propagation (30) for substantially water injection wells.
[0143] Figure 41 shows an above ground level (121) surface hydrocarbon separator (115) taking
a fluid mixture (38) of liquids, gases and/or solids, which was produced (34) from
the tubing conduit string (2) controlled by a subterranean valve (74), operated with
a control line (79). A space of reduced pressure within the separator (115) allows
a heavier specific gravity substantially water fluid stream to be pumped (116) to
disposal processing. The lighter specific gravity substantially liquid hydrocarbon
is shown floating (117) on the water flowing in an intermediate substantially liquid
fluid flow stream (119) of hydrocarbons, with formerly compressed substantially lighter
specific gravity gases expanding and exiting the upper fluid level (118), to be produced
in an uppermost substantially gaseous fluid stream (120).
[0144] Figures 1-2, 6-7, 42-45, 49-53, 67-68 depict elevation diagrammatic cross section
views of manifold string members (70, 76), wherein single well manifold string (70)
arrangements are usable, individually, or in combination below a junction of wells
(51A of Fig. 51). The combined manifold strings can be used to form a plurality of
wells manifold string (76) members, which can be usable for subterranean processing
and/or providing a plurality of fluid streams, wherein the combinable members are
usable to replace one or more convention wells and/or supplement or replace conventional
processing arrangements, for example those described in Figures 1-2, 40-41 and 47-48.
[0145] For the purposes of forming an off-the-shelf manifold string member set applicable
to substantially hydrocarbon and/or substantially water wells and processing systems,
members comprising, for example, conventional flow controlling members (61), that
can be operatable with other set members, can be usable for urging, measuring and/or
selectively controlling fluid mixtures of liquid, gas and/or solids, for one or more
substantially hydrocarbon wells, substantially water wells, or combinations thereof,
such as combined solution mining and storage wells. Examples of such flow controlling
members include: surface pumps (116), surface valves (64, 81), valve trees (10, 10A)
and wellheads (7) that can be engagable to the upper end of a manifold string (70,
76) member and that are usable to control a single fluid mixture flow stream (31,
34) with a plurality of velocities and/or a plurality of fluid mixture flow streams
(31, 34), with varying flow stream velocities. In addition, subterranean valves (63,
74, 84) can be used for controlling the flow of fluid mixtures in passageways (24,
24A, 25, 26, 55) members. Additional flow controlling members include downhole gauges,
velocity switches, pressure activation mechanisms, acoustic or fluid-pulse signals
for passing a fluid, control lines (79) and/or other selective measurement, activation
and/or control means, including one way devices, surface or subterranean chokes (77),
venturi (85), jet pumps (85), plugs (25A), casing shoes (16), packers (40), fracturing
technologies, and/or, motor and fluid pumps (69).
[0146] Figures 42 and 43 depict elevation cross-section and process control diagrammatic
views, respectively, of an embodiments (70B, 70L, respectively) of subterranean flow-stream,
separation, manifold string (70) members with a motor and fluid pump (69) flow controlling
member (61), that can be used to pump separated liquids. The Figures show a manifold
crossover embodiment (23F) flow controlling member (61) with a subsurface valve arrangement.
The Figures include a fluid mixture (38), produced (34) through passageway members,
that is separated into a plurality of simultaneous flowing fluid mixture streams controlled
separately by a plurality of valves (74). For example, the subsurface fail safe shut
safety valve (74) of Figure 91, operated with a control line (79) connected in series
or independently to each valve, and whereby, for example, the arrangement may be formed
by engaging valves to the upper and lower ends (90) of the manifold crossover (23C
or 23Y) member of Figures 22-25.
[0147] A check valve (84), located at the lower end of the well, controls one way flow of
the fluid mixture (38) into a conduit string (2, 2A) at the lower end of the manifold
string (70B, 70L), which can be produced (34) into various arrangements of passageway
member spaces formed by concentric conduit string (2,2A, 2B of Figures 14-16, 20 and
43, 2C of Figures 43, 55 and 59) members, the first annular passageway (55 of Figure
1) and/or salt cavern walls (1A of Figure 1). A liquid interface (118) and/or water
interface (117 of Figure 43) can result from the pressure applied to, or released
from, the passageway member space by a flow controlling member (61), such as the valve
tree (10A), and a substantially gaseous naturally expanding flow stream (120) can
be extracted (34) through a conduit (2, 2A) for urging a substantially liquid flow
stream (119). Alternatively, the substantially liquid flow stream (119) can be urged
by: natural subterranean pressure, a motor and fluid pump (69), a surface pump (116),
an electrical submersible pump and/or other flow controlling members, through a conduit
string (2, 2A, 2B) passageway or concentric passageway that can be formed between
the conduit strings and/or the passageway through subterranean strata.
[0148] The depicted single well manifold string (70L), or a plurality of similar wells,
stemming from, for example, the manifold string member (70F) of Figures 100-105, can
be installable with a managed pressure conduit assembly (49) with inner (50) and outer
(51) concentric conduit strings and slurry passageway fluid stream crossover tool
(58) can be usable to, for example, provide larger conduit sizes than are generally
practiced during well formation for subterranean separation purposes. Once engaged
to the wellhead and/or tree, the managed pressure arrangement becomes a manifold string
(70, 76) with concentric strings (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) and manifold crossovers (21, 23)
members to perform injection or production functions, usable to configure one or more
wells to separate fluid mixture streams (70L) for individual or junctions of wells
(51A of Figures 51-53) applications similar to the manifold string (76L) of Figure
123.
[0149] Manifold strings (70L, 76L) of Figures 43 and 123, respectively, are usable for separation
of a fluid mixture into a plurality of simultaneously flowing fluid mixture streams
from a single well, from one or more vertically and/or laterally separated subterranean
regions, or from caverns where large suitable salt deposits are usable for solution
mining a separation space, that can be usable for wells or a transportation pipeline.
Larger separation spaces are formable with a managed pressure string of the present
inventor or may be formed by various other methods, such as using subterranean separation
to solution mine cavern walls (1A) with produced water or as described in methods
of the present inventor, or using abundant available water sources such as the ocean.
In instances where waste water is produced or readily available, the present invention
can be usable to perform simultaneous production, solution mining, underground storage
and/or separation of a plurality of fluid mixture streams, entering and/or leaving
a subterranean space or proximal region accessed through a manifold string.
[0150] Referring now to Figures 44 and 45, elevation cross-section and process control diagrammatic
views, respectively, of an embodiment (70C) of subterranean manifold string member
(70), with selectable internal velocity string manifold crossovers (23), fracture
propagation chamber junction manifold crossovers (21) and motor and fluid pump (69)
flow controlling members (61) are shown. The Figures illustrate an inner concentric
string (2) and outer concentric string (2A) extending downward from a wellhead (7)
and valve tree (10A). During well construction, a chamber junction manifold crossover
(21) can be usable to urge (28A) proppant into support fractures (18A), with, for
example a shale gas or waste disposal well, through a perforated liner (19) that is
cemented (20) within the strata bore (17) and engaged via a liner top packer to the
final cemented casing (3), within which the manifold string (70C) is engaged with
a packer (40). Later, in the well's life cycle, the manifold crossovers (23A) can
be usable to reconfigure and form a velocity string to accelerate production velocity
and to prevent water production from inhibiting, for example, associated hydrocarbon
production.
[0151] The arrangement also can be usable to access a first annular passageway (55) through
the manifold string (70C of Figures 44-45), to, for example, provide waste injection
disposal, wherein the manifold crossover (23) that is adjacent to the shallow strata
fracture (18) can be formable from various manifold crossover members, for example
a chamber junction (21) and manifold crossover arrangement (23C and 23Y of Figures
22-25). A plug (25A of Figures 22-25) can be usable to crossover fluid communication
of the passageways (24, 25), with the chamber junction crossover (21) usable to access
the first annular passageway (55) from the inner passageway (25), whereby production
from the velocity string manifold crossover (23A) flows through the concentric passageway
(24) and axially upward, while waste water below a water interface (117), from surface
separation (115) of the production, can be pumped (116) and injected (31) through
the valve tree (10A) and chamber junction crossover (21) axially downward to operate
a fluid motor and pump (69) urging production axially upward.
[0152] The manifold string (70B, 70L, 70C) arrangements of Figures 43-45 describe various
possible arrangements for subterranean separation and subsequent waste disposal. For
example, a substantially liquid flow stream (119) can be further processed and pumped
(116) for disposal into an annulus shown as a dashed line in Figure 42. Then, the
flow stream (119) can be pumped through an annulus valve (81), within the annulus
between the intermediate (15) and final cemented casing (3), that can be controlled
by a casing shoe (16) for resisting fluid flow into an outer annulus, and injected
(31) through the valve tree (10A), as shown in Figure 44. The waste water can be disposed
by pressure communicating (28) to the point of fracture propagation (30) within a
subterranean strata feature. As shown in the Figures, extracted subterranean pressurized
fluids, such as compressed gas, high pressure production or the injected waste fluid
mixture (31 of Figure 44), can be usable to operate the fluid motors and fluid pumps
(69).
[0153] The manifold string (70L) arrangement of Figure 43 can be usable with a chamber junction
manifold crossover (21) to selectively communicate with a subterranean hydrocarbon
interface (118) that is separated from a subterranean water interface (117). One or
more submersible pumps (69) operated by, for example, electricity, expanding compressed
gas from the separation process, or injected fluids (31 of Figure 44), can be usable
to assist selective removal of liquid hydrocarbon or water between the various interface
layers. If motors and pumps are not desired, the gas stream may simply be closed in,
to allow pressure to build within the well to u-tube the fluids through one or more
passageway members.
[0154] Manifold string (70C) of Figures 44 and 45 can be usable with a chamber junction
manifold crossover (21) to selectively communicate fracture propagation fluid and
proppants during well formation. After which, the chamber junction manifold can be
used for selective extraction from desired subterranean regions or water shut-off
with, for example, gas expansion from a shale gas deposit usable to drive fluid motors
and fluid pumps (69) for injecting waste fluids into the shallower strata feature
shown. Figure 44 shows a manifold valve crossover (23F) that can be adapted for use
with a chamber junction and further manifold crossover (23) for selective control
of fluid mixtures flow streams in the manifold string.
[0155] Figures 47 and 48 depict elevation cross-section and process control diagrammatic
views, respectively, of a prior art gas lift arrangement. The Figures show a wellhead
(7) from which a fluid mixture (38) can be produced (34) through tubing (2) and a
valve tree (10), wherein a substantially liquid fluid flow stream (119) can be lifted
through the innermost concentric passageway (25) with the use of a substantially gas
fluid stream (120). The lifting occurs by injecting the gas stream from the surface
through an annulus valve (81) and into the concentric passageway (24), formed between
the tubing (2) and casing (3) that is cemented (20) into the strata bore hole (17).
The injection passes through the passageway through subterranean strata (52) to a
gas lift valve (84), placeable through the innermost passageway (25), to create a
fluid mixture of liquid and gas, thus increasing the fluid stream velocity and reducing
the sandface pressure exerted on the producing formation to increase production (34)
above what is possible using normal producing pressures. A subterranean fail-safe
safety valve (74) can be operated with a control line (79), valve tree (10), one way
gas lift valves (84) and annulus valve (81) to be usable to selectively contain subterranean
pressures in the well and to urge production (34), provided surface processing and/or
gas is available for lifting production.
[0156] Conventional gas lift arrangements are widespread, but require a surface supply of
injectable gas that, together with the associated surface facilities, represent a
significant economic and logistical hurdle for remote and/or environmentally sensitive
developments. For many hydrocarbon developments, the present invention is usable to
selectively control and re-inject subterranean separated gas at locations suited for
extraction, wherein a surface supply of injection gas and associated surface facilities
are not required.
[0157] Figures 49 and 50 depict elevation cross-section and process control diagrammatic
views, respectively, of an embodiment (70D) of a subterranean manifold string member
(70), usable to separate a fluid mixture of liquid and compressed gas into substantially
liquid and substantially gas fluid streams, The separated streams can be usable to
selectively re-inject and to gas lift the substantially liquid flow stream, particularly
where surface processing and gas injection are uneconomical and/or impractical. For
example, the embodiments shown in Figures 49 and 50 can be used economically in remote
subsea and marginal developments, that are lacking infrastructure.
[0158] A fluid mixture (38) can be produced (34) through a conduit (2), engaged by a packer
(40), to the passageway through subterranean strata (52), comprising the production
casing (3) cemented (20) into the strata bore (17) and conductor casing (14). The
fluid mixture (38) can reach a pressure activated valve (63) that controls the radial
passageway of a manifold crossover (23W) embodiment, usable with a one-way valve and
venturi (85) manifold crossover (23H) embodiment to vacuum liquid from the gas lift
separation space. Pressures within the concentric passageway (24) can be selectively
controlled by a choke valve (77), located on the valve tree (10A), against a separated
substantially gas fluid stream (120), that can be all or partially diverted through
gas lift valve (84) manifold crossover (23G) embodiments to aid the lifting of a substantially
liquid fluid stream (119) taken from the concentric passageway (24), below the liquid
level (118) and through the venturi (85) manifold crossover (23H).
[0159] To maintain well integrity if the valve tree (10A) fails, a subterranean valve (74),
operated with a control line (79), and the pressure activated valve (63) manifold
crossover (23W) contain the ingress of subterranean pressurized fluid mixture (38),
wherein similar to a conventional gas lifted well, only the limited inventory in the
annular space is uncontained. The addition of an annular safety valve or an additional
valve controlled manifold crossover (23F) usable to control both the innermost and
concentric passageways can be usable to pressure contain the space, if required.
[0160] Referring now to Figures 51, 52 and 53, elevation diagrammatic views of various manifold
string (76) plurality of wells embodiments (76A, 76B, 76C), usable with substantially
hydrocarbon and substantially water wells, are shown as production/waste-fluid-injection,
water-flood and solution mined/storage wells, respectively, using a junction of wells
(51A) with a plurality of wells extending downward from a single main bore (6) and
wellhead (7). The plurality of wells may access subterranean injection features (103),
relatively horizontal or folded (94) reservoirs (95), and salt deposits (5) disposed
between subterranean formations (106).
[0161] Manifold string (76A, 76B) member arrangements of hydrocarbon or geothermal wells,
usable for water or produced water disposal and water floods, can inject water into
a feature (103) or relatively horizontal water drive (104) reservoir, while producing
from a folded (94), faulted, fractured and/or water driven reservoir using one or
more of a plurality of wells to dispose of waste water and/or to increase reservoir
pressure for production of hydrocarbons or steam from a geothermal reservoir.
[0162] Manifold string (76C) member arrangements can be usable for solution mining and selective
access of gravity separated hydrocarbon products within the space of cavern walls
(1A) of a salt deposit (5), that is sealed at its upper end by the final cemented
casing (3) and casing shoe (16). Solution mining of a cavern space may use ocean,
waste or produced water from various other embodiments. Substantially hydrocarbon
fluid mixtures of liquids, gases, and/or solids from wells or pipelines can be separated,
stored and/or selectively accessed within a cavern space with the use of manifold
crossovers selectively flowing different fluid mixtures from between specific gravity
separated fluid levels (105), using, for example, a chamber junction manifold crossovers
(21). Substantially water fluids sinking to the lower level (104) are usable to simultaneously
displace storage, increase cavern pressure and/or solution mine the space.
[0163] Referring now to Figures 54 to 59, wherein methods and apparatus shown in Figures
54 and 58 are adaptable with the manifold crossover (23J) of Figures 55-57 to form
the manifold string (76K) of Figure 59, to complete the subsea well of Figure 54.
[0164] Figure 54 depicts an elevation cross-section view of a subsea wellhead (7), positioned
above the sea floor (122), that can be usable with manifold strings (70A, 70B, 70C)
of Figures 51-53 and the adapted chamber junction manifold crossover of Figure 59.
The Figure shows subsea connectors (107), a wellhead (7) and a single main bore (6),
that is located within a strata formation (106) and which comprises a chamber junction
(43) engaged to the wellhead, with exit bores extending to the well's lower end. The
ends (90) of the exit bore conduits (39) can be engaged to a plurality of wells.
[0165] Referring now to Figure 55, a plan above an elevation view is shown, with dashed
lines showing hidden surfaces of a manifold crossover (23) embodiment (23J). The Figure
depicts innermost passageway connectors (26), usable to connect the innermost passageway
above and below the manifold crossover with the radial passageways (75), to fluidly
communicate with orifices (59) that can be connected to a concentric passageway. As
shown in the Figure, receptacles (45) can be used to selectively control the innermost
passageway and/or radial passageway with a flow controlling member, for example, with
as a straddle (22 of Figure 93A) or plug (25A of Figure 93) placed through the innermost
passageway and engaged with the receptacle. A plurality of concentric conduits (2A,
2B, 2C of Figure 55 and 59) can be usable to form a plurality of concentric conduit
passageways for connection to one or more of the orifices (59), from a radial passageway
(75).
[0166] Figures 56 and 57 depict an isometric view with line K and a magnified view within
line K, respectively, showing a cut-out section of the manifold crossover (23J) of
Figure 55. The Figures depict orifices (59) of the radial passageway (75) and receptacles
(45), that can be usable for selective engagement of flow controlling members to control
the flow of fluid mixture streams.
[0167] Referring now to Figures 55-57, concentric passageways (24, 24A, 24B, 25, 26, 53,
54, 55) can be formed between concentric conduits (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 50, 51) and the
passageway through subterranean strata (52 of Figure 54), and each orifice can be
configurable to individually access a different concentric passageway (24, 24A, 24B).
Flow streams can flow into (32, 35) the innermost passageway, directly (32), from
a first concentric passageway or, indirectly (35), from a first concentric passageway
through another secondary concentric passageway. Alternatively, flow streams can flow
into (33, 37) the concentric passageway through an orifice (59), either directly (33)
or indirectly (37) from a first concentric passageway or from a first concentric passageway
through a secondary concentric passageway. This allows any configuration or flow orientation
between passageways with a plurality of manifold crossovers (23J), which can be engaged
in series with the orientation of the radial passageway that can be changed, for example,
by reversing or turning over one of the manifold crossovers. The orifices (59) can
be connected to form fluid communication between the passageway members, and the orifices
can be engagable to a plurality of concentric passageway members (25, 24, 24A, 24B,
55), within and between an innermost conduit (2) and a plurality of concentric conduit
(2A, 2B, 2C) strings and the passageway through subterranean strata (52).
[0168] Referring now to Figures 58 and 59, isometric views of a chamber junction manifold
(43A) and manifold string embodiment (76K), respectively, are shown. The chamber junction
manifold (43A) comprises a chamber wall (41) with engaged (44) exit bore conduits
(39), that can be controlled by valves (74) and seal stacks (66) that can be engagable
to another chamber junction (43 of Figure 54). The chamber junction shown in Figures
58 and 59 includes a landing plate (67) and indexing key (65). The chamber junction
manifold (43A) can be adapted with a plurality of concentric strings (2, 2A, 2B, 2C)
and a manifold crossover (23K) of Figure 59 for replacing the valve (74) arrangement
of Figure 58. The manifold string (76K) shown in Figure 59 and formed by the adaptation,
can be usable to selectively control a plurality of simultaneously flowing fluid streams,
when placed, for example, in the subsea well of Figure 54.
[0169] Referring now to Figures 60 to 66, which illustrate another chamber junction manifold
adaptation that uses a plurality of manifold string set members of the present invention.
The chamber junction manifold (43A) of Figures 60-61 is adaptable to form the manifold
crossover (23L) embodiment of Figures 62-66, which can be used in combination with
the manifold crossover (23X) embodiment to form a manifold string embodiment (76J),
that can be usable to perform the same function with concentric conduits (2, 2A) of
Figures 62-66 instead of parallel conduits (78 (also shown in Fig. 59) and 71 of Figures
60-61). Concentric conduits can be usable to improve flowing capacity within the passageway
through subterranean strata for producing and injecting simultaneously flowing fluid
mixture streams of various velocities, whereby a dual bore valve tree, necessary for
the chamber junction manifold (43A) of Figures 60-61, can be replaced with a single
bore valve tree, for the manifold string (76J) of Figures 62-66, for easier placement
of flow controlling members within the innermost passageway, by, for example, removing
the need for a plurality of wireline (4A of Figure 3) rig-ups, which are needed for
dual bore valve trees.
[0170] Chamber junction members can comprise a chamber bottom (42) with a receptacle (for
example 45A shown in Fig 33 if an exit bore extends axially downward or 45C of Fig.
66) for engagement of a bore selector (47 of Figure 95-96) extension (48 of Figures
95-96), that can be used to complete the fluid and apparatus guiding surface (87)
within the chamber junction. Chamber walls (41) can be engaged (44) to the exit bore
conduits (39) and further engaged to upper end innermost passageway connectors of
a manifold crossover (23X), with a receptacle (45) for engagement of flow controlling
members (25A, 61) and a radial passageway (75) for fluid communication between passageways.
As shown in the Figures, the assemblies ends (90) can be engagable to conduits (2,
2A, 71, 78) of a single main bore at the upper end and plurality of well conduits
at the lower ends.
[0171] Figures 60 and 61 depict plan and isometric views, respectively, of a chamber junction
manifold crossover (43A) usable for simultaneous injection and production flow streams.
As shown in the Figures, the main bore first conduit (71) and main bore second conduit
(78) are parallel and access segregated portions of the chamber with valves (74),
below controlling exit bore conduits engagable, with seal stacks (66), to other chamber
junctions (43 of Figure 54). The chamber junctions of the present inventor shown in
Figures 60 and 61 allow, for example, the simultaneous production from two wells and
injection into one well, similar to the manifold string (76B) of Figure 52.
[0172] Referring now to Figures 62 and 63, plan and elevation views, respectively, with
dashed lines showing hidden surfaces of a manifold string (76J) and chamber junction
manifold (43A), with a manifold crossover embodiment (23X) for adapting a chamber
junction (43), are shown. The Figures illustrate an inner concentric string (2) and
outer concentric string (2A) which are equivalent in function to a main bore first
conduit (71) and a main bore second conduit (78), respectively, wherein simultaneous
fluid mixture flows into (32, 35) one of the three innermost passageway members (25,
26), either directly (32) or indirectly (35) from a concentric conduit passageway
(2B, 2C of Figures 55 and 59), or into (33, 37) the concentric passageway (24) through
the orifice (59), either directly (33) or indirectly (37), and then through concentric
passageways (24, 24A, 24B, 55), when additional concentric conduits are present (2B,
2C of Figures 55 and 59) at the upper end (90A).
[0173] A bore selector (47 of Figures 95-96) extension (48 of Figures 95-96) can be engagable
with the chamber junction bottom receptacle (83), wherein the guiding surface (87)
is completed across a single innermost passageway (25), blocking other innermost passageways
to, for example, place a plug (25A of Figure 66) to divert flow into (33, 37) the
concentric passageway (24) or into (32, 35) the lower left innermost passageway (25).
[0174] Figure 64 depicts an isometric view of the manifold string (76K) and manifold crossover
(23X) of Figure 62. Figure 64 shows the inner concentric string (2, 71) and outer
concentric string (2A, 78), with dashed lines showing an optional additional concentric
conduit (2B) end location (90A) and associated optional orifice (59A), which can be
usable with other manifold crossovers (23Y of Figures 14-16, for example) that are
engaged to the upper end (90). The engagement can provide fluid communication between
the lower left innermost passageway (25 of Figure 62) to alternate passageway members
using crossover members of the present invention.
[0175] Referring now to Figures 65 and 66, plan and elevation cross-section views with and
along line L-L, respectively, of the manifold string (76K) and manifold crossover
(23X) of Figure 62 are shown. The Figures include a flow controlling member (61),
that is shown, for example, as a plug (25A), installed through the innermost passageway
of the inner concentric string (2) using a bore selector. As depicted in the Figures,
the outer concentric string (2A) is placed in fluid communication through the chamber
junction manifold (43A) and radial passageway (75) of the manifold crossover (23X).
Alternatively, a straddle (22 of Figure 93A) can be engaged to one or more of the
receptacles (45) to cover the radial passageway and to selectively commingle fluid
communication between all three innermost passageways (25) extending from the exit
bore conduits (39) of the chamber junction (43). Various combinations of injection
(31) and production (34) between the member passageways (25) can be usable to selectively
control simultaneously flowing fluid mixture streams.
[0176] Figures 67, 67A and 68 show elevation diagrammatic views of various valve (74) flow
control and manifold string (70, 76) embodiments (76D, 76E and 70E respectively).
The Figures show valve flow controlling members (61) above, below, and between chambers
junction (43) and manifold crossover (23) members to selectively control the innermost
passageway (25) flow stream that is passing through the straddle (22) and concentric
passageway (24), between the inner concentric string (2) and outer concentric string
(2A), which is shown blocked from the innermost passageway and diverted through a
radial passageway of the manifold crossover with a blocking plug (25A). Figure 67
includes a manifold valve crossover (23F) that can be adapted with a chamber junction
and, further, a manifold crossover (23) with a plug (25A) and straddle (22) for forming
the manifold string embodiment (76D) of Figure 67. Figure 67A includes a chamber junction
(43) and manifold crossover (23), with a plug (25A) and straddle (22) located above
selectively controlled valve flow controlling members (61) engaged between conduits
of each exit bore string. For forming the manifold string embodiment (76E) of Figure
67A. Figure 68 includes a manifold crossover (23M) embodiment with concentric conduits
(2, 2A) at upper and lower ends, with intermediately selectively controlled valve
flow controlling members (61) engaged to exit bore conduits (39), for forming the
manifold string embodiment (70E) of Figure 68.
[0177] Selectively controlled and/or fail-safe shut valve manifold strings (70E, 76D, 76E)
are usable, for example, in hydrocarbon or geothermal wells where the unplanned release
of flammable or superheated production is unacceptable, should other surface containment
equipment fail to operate.
[0178] Referring now to Figures 69 to 74, the Figures illustrate manifold crossover embodiments
(23N, 23P) combinable as building blocks through integral construction, or as members
with intermediate conduits and member passageways, to form a new manifold crossover
(23Q) embodiment. The new embodiment (23Q) includes an increased number of selectively
controllable reconfigurations, which is more than either of the crossovers, and further
demonstrates that various combinations of members may form new embodiments of the
present invention.
[0179] Referring now to Figures 69 and 70, a plan view above an elevation view and an isometric
view, respectively, of an embodiment of manifold crossover (23P) is shown, with dashed
lines depicting hidden surfaces. The Figures illustrate flow orientations (32) through
a radial passageway (75), between innermost passageway connectors (26). Blocking the
orifices (59) with, for example, a straddle can prevent flow through the radial passageway
or placement of, for example, a blocking plug, can divert flow through the radial
passageway.
[0180] Figures 71 and 72 depict a plan view above an elevation view and an isometric view,
respectively, of an embodiment of manifold crossover (23N), with dashed lines depicting
hidden surfaces, showing flow orientations (32, 33) through a radial passageway (75),
between innermost passageway connectors (26) and orifices (59), that are engagable
with a concentric passageway. Passageway members can be blocked, when covered by a
straddle, and diverted through when a blocking member is selectively placed. Intermediate
flow diverting apparatus, using various flow controlling members, for example, fixed
or variable chokes and pressure activated valves, can be usable to selectively control
a portion of the flow through passageway members.
[0181] Referring now to Figures 73 and 74, a plan view above an elevation view and an isometric
view, respectively, of a manifold crossover (23Q) embodiment is shown. The embodiment
(23Q) is formed by combining other manifold crossovers (23P, 23N of Figures 69-72),
with cut-out and dashed lines depicting hidden surfaces. The Figures illustrate selectively
configurable flow streams, that flow directly (32) to the innermost passageway or
indirectly (35) through the upper right intermediate commingled innermost passageway
(26) or, alternatively, directly (33) into the concentric passageway or indirectly
(37) through lower innermost passageway connector (26) intermediate commingled passageway.
Orifices (59) are shown that can be engagable to one or more concentric passageways,
between two or more conduits, wherein flow controlling members are selectively placeable
and/or configurable across orifices of the radial passageways or other member passageways
to selectively affect flowing fluid streams, passing through the manifold crossover
(23Q).
[0182] Figure 75 depicts an isometric view of the manifold crossover of Figures 17 to 19,
which can be usable with the adapted chamber junction (43) of Figures 76 to 80 and
the radial passageway (75) orifices (59), engaged to the connecting conduit (93) of
Figure 81, to form the manifold string (76F) of Figure 82.
[0183] Referring now to Figure 76, a plan view of an embodiment of an adapted chamber junction
(43), with dashed lines showing hidden surfaces, is shown. The Figure illustrates
the inner concentric string (2) communicating with innermost passageways (25) of the
exit bore conduits (39) and outer concentric string (2A) for forming a concentric
passageway (24), with orifices (59) engagable to a connecting conduit (93 of Figure
81), to form the manifold string (76F) of Figure 82.
[0184] Figures 77 and 79 depict plan views, with lines M-M and N-N above cross section elevation
views and along lines M-M and N-N, respectively. The embodiments shown in the Figures
are associated with the manifold crossover of Figure 76, with detail line P of Figure
77 associated with Figure 78. Break lines, representing removed portions, show an
adaptation of a chamber junction (43), usable with the flow controlling members of
Figures 75 and 81 to form the manifold crossover (23R) of Figure 82.
[0185] Referring now to Figures 78 and 80, a magnified view of the portion of the adapted
chamber junction (43) within detail line P of Figure 77 and an isometric view, respectively,
are shown. The Figures depict the inner concentric string (2) and outer concentric
string (2A) members forming a concentric passageway (24), with orifices (59) engagable
to the upper end (90 of Figure 81) of the connecting conduit (93 of Figure 81), and
with the lower end (90 of Figure 81) engaged to the manifold crossover (23D of Fig.
75) orifices (59 of Figure 75), to form the manifold string (76F) of Figure 82. A
receptacle (83) is shown in the chamber bottom (42) for the orientation and engagement
of the bore selector (47 of Figure 95-96), which can be usable to communicate between
the innermost passageways (25) above the chamber (41) and the innermost passageways
of the exit bore conduits (39), to provide selectable control.
[0186] Referring now to Figure 81, an isometric view of a connecting conduit (93), usable
between the kidney-shaped chamber junction orifices (59 of Figure 76) and small diameter
orifices (59 of the Figure 75) of the manifold crossover (23D of Figure 75), is shown,
which can be usable to form the manifold string (76F) of Figure 82.
[0187] Figure 82, an isometric view of an embodiment (76F) of a manifold string (76) associated
with Figures 106-116, is shown. The embodiment (76F) is assembled from the associated
manifold crossover member parts of Figures 75, 80 and 81 with flow controlling members
(74 and 91 of Figures 91 and 94, respectively). The Figure depicts a manifold crossover
embodiment (23R) formed by the combination of members comprising a chamber junction,
a nipple (91 of Fig. 94) or selected nipple receptacle (45 of Figure 94), connecting
conduit (93 of Figure 81), and a manifold crossover (23D of Figure 75).
[0188] As fluid mixtures of liquid and/or gas may contain abrasive solids, fluid mixtures
flowing at varying velocities may erode paperwork functional variations of manifold
crossovers with longer more gradual flow path deviations are needed for various applications,
such as solution mining and high pressure hydrocarbon fluid mixtures with high velocities.
[0189] Referring now to Figures 83 to 87, the Figures depict a manifold crossover embodiment
(23T) usable to minimize frictional resistance to flow in high velocity or high erosion
environments. As such long sweeping embodiments are more difficult to comprehend than
shorter versions with right angles, various embodiments of manifold crossovers have
been described with emphasis. However it should be understood that within the scope
of the appended claims, that previously described manifold crossovers embodiments
are constructible from chamber junctions (21, 43) of the present invention to minimize
frictional resistance in high velocity and high erosion environments similar to 23T
of Figures 83 to 87 for plurality of well applications or 23Z and 47A of Figures 117
to 122 for single well applications. More than two exit bores and/or more than one
radial passageway blisters and/or segregated concentric passageways can be usable
with two chamber junction manifold crossovers (23T) having exit bore ends engaged,
similar to the crossover 23M of Figure 68, for concentric conduit applications. For
example, straddles, blocking plugs, and pressure controlled, acoustically controlled,
fluid pulse controlled, and/or choking flow control devices can be placed within exit
bore receptacles to selectively control member passageways.
[0190] Referring now to Figure 83, an isometric view of an embodiment of adapted chamber
junction manifold crossover (23), associated with Figures 84 to 87, is shown. The
Figure illustrates an inner concentric string (2), outer concentric string (2A) or
second main bore conduit (78) with ends (90), that can be engagable to conduit strings
of a single main bore above a chamber junction (43), for forming a manifold (43A)
with the addition of receptacles and a radial passageway (75) blister, between the
exit bore conduits (39) and the chamber junction bottom (42).
[0191] Figures 84 and 86 depict plan views above elevation cross-sectional views with, and
along, lines Q-Q and R-R, respectively, with break lines removing portions of the
assembly associated with cross sections in Figures 85 and 87 isometric views, showing
the manifold crossover (23T) of Figure 83. The Figures illustrate the placement of
a flow controlling member, shown as a cable (11 of Figure 3) placeable and retrievable
blocking plug (25A), that can be placeable through the inner concentric string (2)
innermost passageway (25) with a bore selector (47 of Figure 96), usable to complete
the innermost passageway guiding surface (87) and excluding other exit bore plug flow
controlling members engaged with a selected nipple profile receptacle (45) for blocking
fluid communication within one exit bore conduit (39) innermost passageway (25). The
concentric passageway (24) flow stream may communicate from below the plug, directly
(32, 33), with the exit bore conduit passageway or, indirectly (35, 37), with various
other manifold crossovers (21, 23) engagable to the upper end (90) of the chamber
junction, through the radial passageway (75) blister. Commingled flow within the chamber
junction manifold (43A), from both exit bores, can be operable by placing a straddle
(22 if Figure 93A) across the orifice (59) of the radial passageway (75).
[0192] Referring now to Figures 85 and 87, the Figures show projected isometric views, with
cross sections associated with Figures 84 and 86 and break lines of the manifold crossover
(23T) of Figure 83. The Figures show isometric views from different orientation perspectives
of the radial passageway (75) blister flow passageway member and the flow controlling
member (61), shown as a blocking device (25A). Other flow controlling members, such
a pressure activated one-way valve, can be usable to feed a substantially lighter,
specific-gravity, fluid-stream, first well into a heavier flow-stream, second well
to reduce hydrostatic pressure on the second well and, thus, increase flowing velocity.
[0193] Chamber junction crossovers, of similar construction, with radial passageway blisters
(75) and discontinuous exit bore conduits with receptacles (24) can be usable to replace
connecting conduits (93 of Figure 81) and manifold crossover (23D of Figure 75) or
to replace the manifold crossover (23R of Figure 82) in the manifold string of Figures
88-116 when, for example, erosion or flow cutting of an assembly from flow streams
of higher velocity is of concern. For example, such concerns include during solution
mining in substantially water wells, or proppant facture propagation operations in
shale gas or low permeability sandstone reservoirs, in substantially hydrocarbon wells.
[0194] Referring now to 75-82 and 88-116, the Figures show member embodiments usable to
construct and complete a well with a manifold string (76F) member, that can be usable
within a chamber junction member (43 of Figure 88-89 adaptable into a managed pressure
conduit assembly (49) manifold string 70F during installation) and various flow controlling
members to form an adapted manifold string (76G of Figures 106-116) member.
[0195] Figures 88 and 89 depict isometric and magnified views with and within detail line
S, respectively, of a chamber junction (43), with dashed lines showing hidden surfaces.
The embodiments shown in the Figures can be usable within a managed pressure string
(49 of Figures 97-105) or as a member of a junction of wells (51A of Figures 51-54
and 106-116). The Figures include a chamber (41), chamber bottom (42), and exit bores
usable with a bore selector (47 of Figure 90).
[0196] Referring now to Figure 90, an isometric view of a bore selector (47), that can be
usable with the chamber junction of Figure 88 and 89, is shown with dashed lines,
illustrating hidden surfaces, depicting the guiding surface (87) for communicating
fluids and the apparatus through its lower orifice (88), wherein a receptacle (45B)
is usable to place, rotate and remove the bore selector (47).
[0197] Figures 91, 92, 93, 93A and 94 show examples of valve, packer, plug, straddle and
nipple prior art flow controlling members, which can be usable with the present invention,
respectively. Figure 91 depicts a plan view, with section line T-T above an elevation
view along section line T-T of a subterranean valve (74) of flapper (127) type, which
comprises a flow controlling member (61). Figure 92 depicts an isometric view, with
a quarter section removed and detail line U above the magnified portion within line
U, of a production packer (40) flow-controlling member (61) with engaging connectors
(60) and sealing engagement (97), that can be activated by pressure shearing pins
(92). Figure 93 depicts an isometric view of a plug (25A) flow controlling member.
Figure 93A depicts a plan view, with line AK-AK above an elevation cross section along
line AK-AK, of a straddle (22) flow-controlling member (61), with sealing apparatus
(97) and snap-in (96) engaging connectors (60). Figure 94 is a plan view, with section
line V-V above an elevation cross section along line V-V, showing a nipple profile
(91) flow-controlling member (61) with a receptacle (45) for engagement of various
other flow controlling members. The upper and lower ends of the flow controlling members
of Figures 91-94 can be engagable between conduits of concentric conduit strings of
the present invention.
[0198] Referring now to Figures 95 and 96, the Figures depict an isometric view and a right
adjacent to a front view, respectively, of a bore selector (47), with dashed lines
illustrating hidden surfaces. The bore selectors shown Figures 95 and 96 include engagement
receptacles (45B) and bore selector extensions (48), and the bore selectors can be
usable with various adapted chamber junction crossover embodiments of the present
invention for example, the embodiments shown in Figures 106 to 116.
[0199] Referring now to Figure 97, an isometric view with detail lines AE and AF associated
with Figures 98 and 99, respectively, of an adapted chamber junction is shown. The
chamber junction shown in Figure 97 can be usable to form a managed pressure conduit
assembly (49 of Figures 100-105) and manifold string member embodiment (70F of Figures
100-105). The Figure includes dashed lines showing hidden surfaces.
[0200] Figures 98 and 99 depict magnified views of a portion of the chamber junction (43)
within detail lines AE and AF of Figure 97, with dashed lines showing hidden surfaces.
The Figures illustrate a chamber junction (43 of Figures 88-89) adapted with whipstocks
(124) extending from exit bore conduits (39), that can be usable to laterally separate
bored strata passageways, forming innermost passageway connectors (26) of a manifold
crossover (23), which can be usable for boring with a casing bit (125). Circulation
of a fluid slurry can occur through bit orifices (59) during well construction. The
chamber bottom (42) orifices (59) can be usable for engaging a radial passageway (75
of Figures 102 and 104) of a slurry passageway apparatus (58 of Figures 100-104),
whereby the assembly member can be usable to form a manifold crossover (23U of Figures
102-104).
[0201] Referring now to Figure 100, the Figure shows a plan view with line AG-AG associated
with Figure 101, of an adapted slurry passageway tool (58). The Figures includes the
adapted chamber junction of Figure 97 forming a managed pressure conduit (49) member
embodiment (70F) of a manifold string (70), which can be usable to form a plurality
of well passageways through subterranean strata, usable to form further embodiments
(for example 76G of Figures 106-116).
[0202] Figure 101 depicts an elevation cross-section view along line AG-AG, associated with
Figure 102 of the manifold string (70F) of Figure 100, with break lines indicating
missing portions. The Figure shows an inner concentric string (50), outer concentric
string (51), rotary connector (72) and slurry passageway apparatus (58) for placing
and securing the member (70F) with, for example, simultaneously circulated, separate,
cement and drilling slurry fluid-mixture flow streams of varying velocities, within
the passageway through subterranean strata.
[0203] Referring now to Figure 102, the Figure shows a projected isometric view of Figure
101 with cross-sections at associated break lines of Figure 101, and with detail lines
AH, AI and AJ associated with Figures 103, 104 and 105, respectively, of the manifold
string (70F) of Figure 100. The Figure illustrates an adapted slurry passageway apparatus
(58) usable as a manifold crossover member (23U) with a slip joint (126) flow controlling
member used to facilitate spaceout of the concentric conduits of the assembly.
[0204] Figures 103, 104 and 105 depict magnified views of the portion of manifold string
(70F) of Figure 102, within detail lines AH, AI and AJ, respectively. The Figures
show an innermost passageway (2, 53) within an inner concentric conduit (50), with
an upper end rotary connector (72), engageable to a drill string, that can be engaged
at its lower end to the slurry passageway tool (58) engaged with mandrels (89) to
a receptacle (45) in the outer concentric conduit (2A, 51). Direct (32, 33) or indirect
(35, 37) flow streams, between the innermost passageway (25, 53) and concentric passageway
(24, 54), can be usable within the inner (2, 50) and outer (2A, 51) concentric conduits
for selectively controlling flow streams. The slurry passageway member (58) can be
placeable and removable from the chamber junction (43). Whipstocks (124) can be usable
to laterally separate more than one passageway through subterranean strata from a
single main bore (6 of Figures 51-54 and 106-116). The remaining portion of the managed
pressure conduit assembly (49) can be usable as an outer member of a junction of wells
(51A of Figures 51-54 and 106-116).
[0205] Referring now to Figures 106-116, the Figures depict a manifold string (70) member
embodiment (76G) comprising a manifold crossover (23R of Figure 82) member that can
be engaged, with a packer (40 of Figure 92) member, to a chamber junction member (43
of Figures 88-89) forming a junction of wells (51A) member. The Figures show the manifold
crossover (23R) can be formed from a chamber junction manifold (43A) member that can
be formed from a chamber junction (43 of Figure 80), with nipple (91 of Figure 94)
members providing receptacles (45) engaged to the manifold crossover (23D of Figure
75) member, which can be engaged to valves (74 of Figure 91) usable to divert flow
from one well of the junction of wells (51A) through the radial passageway (75) of
the manifold crossover (23D). The left well flow stream can be diverted through a
radial passageway (75) to the concentric passageway (24) by using a plug (25A of Figure
93) member, engageable to the receptacle (45) and conveyable through the innermost
passageway (25), while the flow stream of the right well can be urged through the
innermost passageway (25), with both wells controlled by subsurface safety valves
(74), between conduits of the innermost string (2) members and production packers
(40) in the annular spaces (24A) at the lower end of the well.
[0206] A valve tree and/or wellhead can be usable when engaged to the upper ends (90) of
the single main bore (6) from which the two wells extend axially downward, at the
junction of wells (51), to laterally and/or vertically separated subterranean regions,
thereby providing the pressure integrity of two conventional wells through the single
wellhead and main bore.
[0207] Referring now to Figure 106, the Figures shows a plan view with line X-X associated
with Figures 107 to 111, with detail line W associated with Figure 112, of a plurality
of wells manifold string (76) embodiment (76G).
[0208] Figures 107 to 111 show elevation cross-sectional views along line X-X of the manifold
crossover of Figure 106, with Figures 108, 109, 110 and 111 having lines Y, Z, AA
and AB, respectively, associated with Figures 113 to 116 magnified views. The Figures
illustrate the combination of manifold string members (23R, 76F of Figure 82 and 43
of Figure 88-89) with various flow controlling members (61) forming a junction of
wells (51), with upper ends (90) engageable to conduits of a single main bore and/or
wellhead. After construction, concentric conduits (50, 51) and associated passageways
(53, 54, 55) can become production and/or injection conduits (2 or 71, 2A or 78, 51)
with associated passageways (24, 24A, 25, 55), respectively. The chained dashed line,
between upper and lower ends, represents a continuation of the apparatus across Figures
107-111, and the close lateral proximity of the two wells below the junction of wells
(51A) is for illustration purposes, as wells below a junction of wells and single
main bore have, generally, significant lateral separation to access both significantly
vertically and laterally separated subterranean regions.
[0209] Referring now to Figure 112, a magnified view of the portion of manifold string (76G)
within detail line W of Figure 106, showing an inner concentric string (2), outer
concentric string (2A), forming inner (25) and concentric (24) passageways with a
chamber junction (43) about a chamber junction manifold (43A) for forming a junction
of wells (51A). Various flow controlling members can be placed through the innermost
passageway (25) using a cable (11 of Figure 3) and wireline rig (4A of Figure 3),
with a bore selector (47 of Figures 95-96) that can be engageable with the receptacle
(83) to selectively block one innermost passageway and to communicate with the other
to convey apparatus for placement within. Alternatively, the bore selector (47 of
Figures 95-96) engageable with the receptacle (83) can be used to simultaneously flow
fluid mixture streams into (32, 35) the innermost passageway, or to communicate fluid
into (33, 37) the concentric passageway (24), dependent on the other engagable manifold
crossover members used.
[0210] Referring now to Figure 113, a magnified view of the portion of the manifold string
(76G) within detail line Y of Figure 108, is shown. The Figure illustrates the manifold
crossover (23D) with a radial passageway (75) and nipple profile receptacle (45) between
exit bore conduits (39) and inner concentric conduit strings (2).
[0211] Figure 114 depicts a magnified view of the portion of the manifold string (76G) within
detail line Z of Figure 109. The Figure shows subterranean valve (74) flow controlling
members (61), that can be usable for selectively controlling the innermost passageway
(25). For example, the Figure shows the subterranean valve (74) controlling members
flapper (127) valve, with associated receptacles for isolating the flapper or setting
other flow controlling members.
[0212] Referring now to Figure 115, the Figure depicts a magnified view of the portion of
the manifold string (76G) within detail line AA of Figure 110, showing inner concentric
strings (2) passing through a chamber junction (43) bottom (42) with chamber walls
(41) and associated exit bore conduits (39) functioning as a concentric conduit for
a common concentric passageway (24). The common concentric passageway can be usable
for injection (31) and circulated returns (34), prior to setting of the packer (40
of Figure 116) and two innermost concentric passageways (25), also usable for injection
(31) or production (34) to laterally and/or vertically separated subterranean regions.
[0213] Figure 116 depicts a magnified view of the portion of the manifold string (76G) within
detail line AB of Figure 111. The Figure shows exit bore conduits (39) engaged to
the upper end of production packer (40) flow controlling members, which are shown
engaged to concentric conduits (2A) with engagement devices (60) or gripping slips
segments. The concentric passageway (24A) is shown blocked by the packer (40), and
the innermost passageways (25) of the two wells extending from the chamber junction
of wells (51 of Figure 107) can be separatable to vertically and/or laterally separated
subterranean regions.
[0214] Referring now to Figure 117, a plan view, with line AK-AK above an elevation view
along line AK-AK, of a manifold crossover (23) is shown. The embodiment (23Z) of the
manifold crossover (23) is shown comprising a chamber junction manifold crossover
(21) member, depicting an adapted chamber junction (43) member with ends (90) engagable
to other member conduit strings, comprising at least an outer (2A) and inner concentric
conduit string (2) with an innermost bore (25) and upper end first receptacle (45)
above a chamber junction bottom (42), that can be usable as an engageable second receptacle.
The axial lower exit bore (39) can be isolated from the lateral sloping exit bore
(39) by engaging a straddle or conduit across the first and second receptacles for
sealing across the exit bore connection (44), to function as a bore selector for the
axial aligned exit bore. Extending a straddle or sealing conduit from the first receptacle
(45) to the third lower end receptacle (45) can separate the innermost (25) passageway
from the concentric passageway (24), by sealing across the flow stream crossover orifices
(59). Alternatively, a blocking flow-controlling member or bore selector can be engaged
in the second receptacle (42) to cross flow streams from the innermost passageway,
through the concentric passageway members (24, 24A), to the surrounding passageway
member, which can include, for example, the first annular passageway. Flow below the
blocking or bore selector can be diverable to the concentric passageway (24) through
orifice crossover members, below the chamber junction crossover (21) bottom receptacle
(42). The angular orientation of exit bores can be usable with high velocity or erosion
prone fluid mixtures to prevent flow cutting of the manifold crossover (23Z).
[0215] The chamber junction crossover (21) can be adaptable with an additional concentric
conduit string member (2B), shown as a dashed line, forming an additional concentric
passageway (24A) to which an exit bore (39) may communicate with or pass through moving
the truncation (46) of the exit bore conduit (39) to the outermost conduit (2B). A
plurality of exit bore conduits can selectively communicate with a plurality of additional
concentric conduits using an exit bore conduit and bore selector to pass through intermediate
passageway members to form new manifold crossover (23Z) member embodiments, that can
be usable to communicate from the innermost bore (25) to any concentric passageway
member. A plurality of manifold crossover members (23Z) can be combinable to form
new manifold crossover members for fluidly communicating between a plurality of different
concentric passageway members, through the innermost bore between the plurality of
manifold crossovers (23Z).
[0216] Figure 118 depicts a plan view, with line AQ-AQ above an elevation view along line
AQ-AQ with break lines indicating removed portions, of an adapted bore selector (47A)
member embodiment, that can be usable in the manifold string members of Figures 119-122.
The Figure illustrates a plurality of guiding surfaces (87) for an associated plurality
of additional exit bore orifices (59 of Figures 119-122), usable to urge the bore
selector within the innermost passageway using the pressure of a flowing fluid stream.
An optional flow controlling member (61) shown, for example, as a one-way ball valve
(84) can provide flow through the bore selector as it is pumped through the innermost
passageway for alignment with an exit bore of the manifold string (70G of Figures
119-120).
[0217] The adapted bore selector (47A) member embodiments can be combinable with other flow
controlling members (61), for example, engagements (60) for receptacles (45 of Figures
119-122), conduit straddles (22) for blocking chamber junction exit bore passageways
and/or blocking orifices (59) between member passageways, internal one way valves
(84), or an engagement receptacle (45B) for a cable, jointed conduit work strings
or coiled tubing operational tooling. The fluid circulated between the innermost passageway
(25) and concentric passageway (24 of Figure 119-122) can be usable to aid movement
of the bore selector member within the innermost passageway to, for example, perform
one or more stage fracture propagation operations within a shale gas deposit.
[0218] Bore selector member embodiments may be pumped through the innermost passageway to
engage orifices within the innermost passageway. Alternatively, the pumped bore selector
embodiments can be suspended, for example, from a cable (11 of Figure 3) and wireline
rig (4A of Figure 3) or a jointed conduit work string or coiled tubing rig, wherein
the lifting capacity of a supporting rig can be supplemented by the ability to selectively
control circulation of the bore selector, with simultaneously flowing fluid streams
of varying velocity to remove or to place a fluid mixture. For example, fluid mixtures
of liquids, gases and/or solids can be removed or placed during such operations as
a proppant fracture operation for waste disposal, shale gas production, or the gravel
packing of an unconsolidated reservoir.
[0219] Referring now to Figures 119 and 120, a plan view, with line AP-AP above an elevation
cross-sectional view along line AP-AP and an isometric view showing cross-sections
along Figure 119 elevation view break lines, respectively, of a manifold string (70G)
member embodiment is shown. The Figures show a bore selector (47A) member with an
engagement profile (60), engaged within a receptacle (45) of a chamber junction manifold
crossover (21) member, with three exit bore orifices (59) aligned with the bore selector
of Figure 118. The Figures show an associated straddle that can be usable to crossover
orifices, wherein fluid below the bore selector can be usable to circulate to (33)
the concentric passageway (24), through the lowest manifold crossover (23) orifices,
to aid placement of the bore selector, so that a fluid mixture of liquids, gases and/or
solids can be communicated through the innermost passageway to (33) the first annular
passageway, using the guiding surface (87) and exit bore conduit (39) forming a radial
passageway (75) member.
[0220] Placement of the bore selector within the innermost passageway for subsequent operations
may occur, for example, using a wireline rig (4A of Figure 3) and a cable (11 of Figure
3) to selectively place the bore selector adjacent to exit bore conduits. Straddles
(22) can be usable to cover orifices within the wall of the innermost conduit to form
a circulated flow path within the manifold string passageway members (24, 25) for
injection and/or extraction, for example, when propagating (28B of Figure 123) subterranean
fractures (18B of Figure 123) through injection of proppant, followed by extraction
of screened out proppants and subsequent selective flow of production and/or water
shut-off.
[0221] Alternatively, for example, urging a bore selector into alignment with an exit bore
of a chamber junction crossover (21) member of a manifold string (70G), with, for
example, coiled tubing or jointed conduit work strings, aided by pumping between passageway
members (24, 25) through orifices in the inner concentric conduit (2), can be usable
to place a fluid mixture of liquids and solid proppants that can be pumped through
the coiled tubing and exit bore to propagate factures. After which, fluid injected
through the concentric passageway (24) passing through the check valve can be usable
to flow fluid through the bore selector (47A) member, and into the innermost passageway
member (25), to lift screened out proppants from the bottom up. In comparison, conventional
practice requires the top downward venturi removal of screened out proppants. After
the fluid flow has passed through the bore selector, the bore selector can be repositioned
for directly circulating out proppants, as described in Figures 121-122. In this manner,
multiple fracture propagation stages can be carried out without the need to remove
the coiled tubing or jointed tubing conduit work strings from the well.
[0222] Figures 121 and 122 depict a plan view, with line AN-AN above an elevation view along
line AN-AN with dashed lines showing hidden surfaces, and an isometric view, showing
cross-sections along break lines of the Figure 121 elevation view, respectively, of
a manifold string (70H) embodiment, that can be usable for removing solids from the
innermost passageway. After aligning the bore selector (47A of Figures 119-120) and
injecting or extracting a fluid mixture through an exit bore conduit (39) radial passageway
(75), as described in Figures 119-120, the bore selector (47A) can be realigned with
the orifices (59) in the innermost conduit (2) to provide a higher circulating flow
rate between the passageway members (24, 25), while using a straddle wall (22) to
block the exit bore conduit (39) radial passageway (75) initially used to place, for
example, proppants.
[0223] If, for example, a proppant frac job is carried out in a shale gas deposit with a
bore selector first placed at the lower end of the manifold string (70G of Figures
119-120), after screen out of the proppants, fluid circulation may be injected through
the concentric passageway and returned through a bore selector one-way valve (84)
to lift the proppants and to allow downward movement of the bore selector with, for
example, coiled tubing, until aligning the guiding surface (87) of the bore selector
(47A) with the orifices (59) just below the radial passageway (75), to allow a larger
volume of circulated fluid between member passageways (24, 25) to clear the proppant
screened out. After which, the bore selector (47A) can be aligned with the next radial
passageway and the process can be repeated. One possible arrangement is a bottom up-staged
operation of circulating through coiled tubing, that can be engaged to the bore selector
receptacles (45B of Figure 118), with a fluid that is injected down the concentric
passageway (24), turning at the first open orifices in the innermost passageway (25)
below the coiled tubing string sealing engagement with the bore selector receptacle
(45B). Other possible arrangements include, for example, jointed tubing which can
be used with pressure control at the surface, comprising, for example, a rotating
head.
[0224] Referring now to Figure 123, a diagrammatic elevation cross-sectional view of a manifold
string (76L) embodiment, usable for a plurality of wells and well types, is shown.
The Figure depicts a single conduit string member (51), on the right, placed with
a managed pressure string to form a single injection and/or production concentric
conduit (2) string member within the passageway through subterranean strata, engaged
to a junction of wells (51A) and further engagable to a manifold string (70) member
with chamber junction crossovers (21), straddles (22) and plugs (25A) for forming
the manifold string (76L) fluidly communicating between the subterranean proximal
regions (below 1Y, 1W, IV, 1U, IT) and a wellhead (not shown), at the upper end of
the single main bore (6). Concentric conduit string members (50, 51) can be installed
with a managed pressure conduit assembly member, for becoming the inner (2) and (2A)
outer concentric conduits, respectively, after forming the well, dependent upon the
application and removal of the inner string (50).
[0225] Applicable well types can include substantially hydrocarbon and/or substantially
water wells, for example, a right-hand produced hydrocarbon well can crossover to
(33) the concentric passageway (24) of the left well, wherein produced (34) fluids
are injected (31) downward in the left well to exit the end or enter a chamber junction
crossover (21), with plugs (25A) above and below for directing flow into the first
annular space (55), contained by a cavern wall (1A) or a passageway through subterranean
strata (52) of strata. The hydrocarbon fluid mixture can be separated into gas, liquid
hydrocarbon, water and/or solids. If water is produced, it can be used to solution
mine the cavern walls (1A), wherein the straddles (22) and plugs (25A) can be rearranged
to remove the resulting brine. The manifold string can be usable for production (34),
taken through the concentric passageway (24) by an exit bore conduit from the first
annular passageway (55) into (35) the innermost bore where it is produced upward.
A substantially gas fluid mixture may be taken from the uppermost chamber junction
manifold crossover (21), or varying specific gravity fluids of substantially gas or
liquid hydrocarbon and/or water may be taken from other chamber junction manifold
crossovers (21), between proximal regions (IT, 1U, 1V, 1W, 1Y) through rearrangement
of flow controlling device members (22, 25A).
[0226] Still other applicable well types include, for example, substantially hydrocarbon
wells where chamber junction manifold crossover members (21) can be usable to perform
multi-stage fracture propagation operations to create fractures (18A) within proximal
regions (1T, 1U, IV, 1W, 1Y), wherein pressures can be transmitted (28A) to the point
of fracture propagation, and wherein proppants can be used to keep fractures open
to flow, for example, gas from shale gas deposits or a fluid mixture from low permeability
sandstone reservoirs, and whereby the right well may access other deposits, reservoirs
or act as a disposal well for produced water.
[0227] Other applicable well types include, for example, substantially water geothermal
or waste disposal wells, for example, removing the plug (25A) from the junction of
wells (51A) and installing a straddle to: allow injection of water into the right
well produced through a geothermal reservoir fracture (18A) of the left well that
can be selectively controlled by chamber junction manifold crossover (21) members
which are accessing select proximal regions (1T, 1U, IV, 1W, 1Y) or injection of waste
fluids produced from the right well into vertically separated proximal regions (IT,
1U, IV, 1W, 1Y) of the left well.
[0228] Still other applicable well types include, for example, combinations of substantially
hydrocarbon and substantially water wells producing high-temperature and pressure
water from the right well or feeding water to a geothermal reservoir on the right
well and producing steam, further directed to heat tar sands or cold viscous arctic
reservoirs on the left side, which can be selectively accessed through chamber junction
manifold crossover (21) members to place the heated water in one or more of the proximal
regions (1T, 1U, IV, 1W, 1Y) to produce heated hydrocarbons from one or more of the
remaining proximal regions.
[0229] Embodiments of the present invention, thereby, provide a member set of combinable
systems, apparatus and methods that enable any configuration or orientation of selectively
controlled separate simultaneously flowing fluid mixture streams, of varying velocities,
within one or more subterranean wells, that can extend from a single main bore and
wellhead, to urge substantially hydrocarbon or substantially water fluid mixtures
of liquids, gases, solids, or combinations thereof, to or from at least one proximal
region, of at least one passageway through subterranean strata, to at least one more
proximal region or to said wellhead, at the upper-end of said subterranean well, wherein
fluid mixture flow streams may be injected or extracted.
[0230] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described with emphasis,
it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present
invention might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.