US20050133226A1 - Modular hydrojetting tool - Google Patents

Modular hydrojetting tool Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050133226A1
US20050133226A1 US10/739,431 US73943103A US2005133226A1 US 20050133226 A1 US20050133226 A1 US 20050133226A1 US 73943103 A US73943103 A US 73943103A US 2005133226 A1 US2005133226 A1 US 2005133226A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
jetting
sleeve
tool
module
nozzles
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/739,431
Inventor
Lyle Lehman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Original Assignee
Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Halliburton Energy Services Inc filed Critical Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Priority to US10/739,431 priority Critical patent/US20050133226A1/en
Assigned to HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. reassignment HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LEHMAN, LYLE V.
Priority to PCT/GB2004/004726 priority patent/WO2005059305A1/en
Publication of US20050133226A1 publication Critical patent/US20050133226A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/11Perforators; Permeators
    • E21B43/114Perforators using direct fluid action on the wall to be perforated, e.g. abrasive jets
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B34/00Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
    • E21B34/06Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
    • E21B34/14Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by movement of tools, e.g. sleeve valves operated by pistons or wire line tools
    • E21B34/142Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by movement of tools, e.g. sleeve valves operated by pistons or wire line tools unsupported or free-falling elements, e.g. balls, plugs, darts or pistons
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/25Methods for stimulating production
    • E21B43/26Methods for stimulating production by forming crevices or fractures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to hydrojetting tools for fracturing oil and gas wells, and more particularly, to a hydrojetting tool with jetting openings which may be sequentially opened during a jetting operation.
  • Hydraulic fracturing is often utilized to stimulate the production of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations penetrated by wellbores.
  • a portion of the formation to be fractured is isolated using conventional packers or the like, and a fracturing fluid is pumped through the wellbore and perforations into the isolated portion of the formation to be stimulated at a rate and pressure such that fractures are formed and extended in the formation.
  • Propping agent is suspended in the fracturing fluid to keep the fractures from closing and thereby provide conductive channels in the formation through which produced fluids can readily flow to the wellbore.
  • One method that has been developed for such fracturing is to use a hydrojetting tool having at least one fluid jet forming nozzle.
  • the hydrojetting tool is positioned adjacent to a formation to be fractured, and fluid is then jetted through the nozzle against the formation at a pressure sufficient to form a cavity therein.
  • the high pressure exerted on the formation causes a microfracture to occur.
  • Hydrojetting has been used in cased wellbores as well as uncased ones.
  • Hydrojetting has worked well to create a controlled fracture.
  • the process is limited in that the method uses a tool that inherently is limited in its ability to deliver large volumes of proppant through the orifices.
  • a problem that can arise with hydrojetting is that the jetting nozzles can erode to an extent that they can no longer jet the fluid at a sufficient pressure to cut into the formation.
  • the tool With present hydrojetting tools, the tool must be retrieved from the well and refitted with new jetting nozzles. Obviously, this is a costly and time-consuming procedure.
  • the present invention solves this problem by providing a hydrojetting tool with a series of modules, each module having at least one jetting nozzle therein.
  • the jetting nozzles may be sequentially opened so that a new jetting nozzle is available when it is determined that the previous jetting nozzle has had too much erosion.
  • the tool may be run into the wellbore with as many modules as necessary.
  • the modular hydrojetting tool of the present invention comprises a plurality of jetting modules that can be opened sequentially from the surface when desired. Each module has at least one jetting nozzle therein.
  • the invention may be described as a hydrojetting tool for use in a well adjacent to a formation of interest, wherein the tool comprises a plurality of jetting modules, each jetting module having jetting nozzles therein adapted for jetting fluid into the formation
  • the jetting modules may be operated sequentially.
  • At least one of the modules has a sleeve therein moveable from a first position covering the jetting nozzles in the one module to a second position covering the jetting nozzles in an adjacent module.
  • a plug may be pumped into engagement with the sleeve for moving it from the first position to the second position.
  • the sleeve preferably comprises an inwardly extending mandrel adapted for engagement by the plug. The plug may be further pumped through the sleeve after moving it from the first position to the second position thereof.
  • the apparatus is a hydrojetting tool comprising a plurality of jetting modules with jetting nozzles therein adapted for jetting fluid into a well formation, and a sleeve slidably disposed in all but one of the jetting modules.
  • Each sleeve has a first position covering the jetting nozzles in the corresponding jetting module and is moveable to a second position uncovering the jetting nozzles in the corresponding jetting module and covering the jetting nozzles in an adjacent jetting module.
  • the sleeves may be moved sequentially such that the jetting modules may be operated sequentially.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a plurality of plugs, wherein each plug may be pumped into engagement with a corresponding one of the sleeves for moving the corresponding sleeve from its first position to its second position.
  • each sleeve comprises an upper sleeve portion which covers the jetting nozzles in the corresponding jetting module when the sleeve is in the first position, a lower sleeve portion which covers the jetting nozzles in the adjacent jetting module when the sleeve is in the second position, and an inwardly extending mandrel disposed between the upper and lower sleeve portions and adapted for engagement by the corresponding plug.
  • the mandrels define holes therein, and the holes are progressively larger from a lowermost sleeve to an uppermost sleeve.
  • the jetting module not having a sleeve therein is the lowermost jetting module.
  • the lowermost jetting module may have a shoulder therein for limiting movement of the sleeve in the adjacent jetting module.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a modular hydrojetting tool of the present invention in position in a tool string in a deviated portion of a well.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B show a cross-sectional view of the modular hydrojetting tool.
  • Hydrojetting tool 10 is positioned in a wellbore 12 on a tubing string 14 .
  • Wellbore 12 is shown as a deviated wellbore that penetrates a subterranean formation 16 .
  • Wellbore 12 includes a substantially vertical portion 18 which extends to the surface and a substantially horizontal portion 20 which extends into formation 16 .
  • hydrojetting tool 10 may be used in virtually any type of wellbore and is not intended to be limited to use in deviated wells.
  • hydrojetting tool 10 Additional tools may be run with hydrojetting tool 10 as desired.
  • a centralizer 22 may be run to keep hydrojetting tool 10 in a central position within wellbore 12 .
  • Other tools could also be run with hydrojetting tool 10 but are not shown for simplicity.
  • Hydrojetting tool 10 comprises a plurality of jetting modules.
  • First module 24 is the lowermost module.
  • Second module 26 is above first module 24
  • third module 28 is above second module 26 .
  • any number of modules can be included in hydrojetting tool 10 , and the invention is not intended to be limited to the three shown.
  • Hydrojetting tool 10 has a housing 30 which includes an upper adapter 32 connected to tubing string 14 in a known manner.
  • Housing 30 also includes a first module housing 34 which is the outer portion of first module 24 , a second module housing 36 which is the outer portion of second module 26 , and a third module housing 38 which is the outer portion of third module 28 .
  • First module housing 34 is attached to second module housing 36 by a threaded connection 40 .
  • Second module housing 36 is attached to third module housing 38 by a threaded connection 42 .
  • Third module housing 38 is attached to upper adapter 32 by threaded connection 44 .
  • First module housing 34 of first module 24 defines a bore 46 therein with an inwardly extending shoulder 48 at the lower end thereof. Above shoulder 48 , a plurality of openings 50 are defined in first module housing 34 . A first jetting nozzle 52 is disposed in each opening 50 . Each of first jetting nozzles 52 defines an orifice 54 therein. First jetting nozzles 52 may be replaceable.
  • Hydrojetting tool 10 has a central opening 56 therethrough.
  • first jetting nozzles 52 are in communication with central opening 56 .
  • Second module housing 36 of second module 26 defines a bore 58 therein.
  • a second module sleeve 60 is slidably disposed in bore 58 .
  • Second module sleeve 60 has an inwardly extending mandrel 62 therein with a hole 64 therethrough. Extending upwardly from mandrel 62 is an upper sleeve portion 66 , and extending downwardly from mandrel 62 is a lower sleeve portion 68 .
  • Second module sleeve 60 is initially held in second module housing 36 by a shear pin 69 .
  • Second jetting nozzles 72 may be replaceable. In the configuration of hydrojetting tool 10 as it is run into wellbore 12 , second jetting nozzles 72 are covered by upper sleeve portion 66 of second module sleeve 60 so that second jetting nozzles 72 are not in communication with central opening 56 . This is a first position of second module sleeve 60 .
  • Third module 28 is substantially identical to second module 26 .
  • Third module housing 38 of third module 28 defines a bore 76 therein.
  • a third module sleeve 78 is slidably disposed in bore 76 .
  • Third module sleeve 78 has an inwardly extending mandrel 80 therein with a hole 82 therethrough. Hole 82 in third module sleeve 78 is larger than hole 64 in second module sleeve 60 .
  • Extending upwardly from mandrel 80 is an upper sleeve portion 84 , and extending downwardly from the mandrel 80 is a lower sleeve portion 86 .
  • Third module sleeve 78 is initially held in third module housing 38 by a shear pin 87 .
  • third jetting nozzle 90 is disposed in each opening 88 .
  • Each of third jetting nozzles 90 defines an orifice 92 therein.
  • Third jetting nozzles 90 may be replaceable.
  • third jetting nozzles 90 are covered by upper sleeve portion 84 of third module sleeve 78 so that third jetting nozzles 90 are not in communication with central opening 56 . This is a first position of third module sleeve 78 .
  • First, second and third jetting nozzles 52 , 72 and 90 are illustrated as being oriented substantially perpendicular to a central axis of hydrojetting tool 10 and wellbore 12 . However, if so desired, any or all of the first, second and third jetting nozzles 52 , 72 and 90 could be positioned at a different angle so that fractures may be initiated at such angles.
  • modular hydrojetting tool 10 is run into wellbore 12 on tubing string 14 in a conventional manner. As already indicated, other tools, such as centralizer 22 may also be run on tubing string 14 as needed. Hydrojetting tool 10 is positioned at the desired location within formation 16 .
  • hydrojetting tool 10 is initially in a configuration in which first jetting nozzles 52 are open and in communication with central opening 56 , and second and third jetting nozzles 72 and 90 are closed and covered by second and third module sleeves 60 and 78 , respectively, which are in the first positions thereof.
  • Jetting fluid is pumped down tubing string 14 and jetted out first jetting nozzles 52 to begin initiation of fractures 94 in formation 16 and then propagation of propped fractures.
  • fluid rate is increased and injection via the annulus between tubing string 14 and wellbore 12 is initiated and established.
  • Bemouli's principle allows the hydraulic fracture to remain isolated at the point of the jetting, and proppant fluid is pumped in the flow via tubing string 14 and through first jetting nozzles 52 . This proppant increases the erosion process of first jetting nozzles 52 , and the pressure due to the nozzle diameter starts to decrease and can be detected at the surface.
  • Plug 96 When the operator determines when or if first jetting nozzles 52 have eroded or “washed” out too much for effective further jetting, a plug 96 is dropped into tubing string 14 and pumped down into hydrojetting tool 10 .
  • Plug 96 has a plurality of wipers 98 to engage the inner surface of tubing string 14 and has a nose 100 on a lower end.
  • Plug 96 is adapted to pass through hole 82 in third module sleeve 78 and to engage mandrel 62 on second module sleeve 60 .
  • Nose 100 is adapted to fit in hole 64 in second module sleeve 60 .
  • jetting with second jetting nozzles 72 may then be carried out to form additional fractures 102 .
  • Plug 104 When or if it is determined that second jetting nozzles 72 have incurred too much erosion, then another trip plug 104 is dropped into tubing string 14 and pumped down into hydrojetting tool 10 .
  • Plug 104 has a plurality of wipers 106 to engage the inner surface of tubing string 14 and has a nose 108 on a lower end.
  • Plug 104 is adapted to engage mandrel 80 on third module sleeve 78 .
  • Nose 108 is adapted to fit in hole 82 in third module sleeve 78 .
  • third module sleeve 78 After plug 104 thus engages third module sleeve 78 , further pressure applied will force plug 104 to shear shear pin 87 and move third module sleeve 78 downwardly until it contacts the upper end of second module sleeve 60 . This is a second position of third module sleeve 78 . When third module sleeve 78 moves to this second position, it covers and recloses second jetting nozzles 72 and uncovers and thus opens third jetting nozzles 90 to communication with central opening 56 .
  • jetting with third jetting nozzles 90 may then be carried out to form additional fractures 110 .
  • First module housing 34 has been illustrated herein as having central opening 56 continue below shoulder 48 so that fluid can be flowed through hydrojetting tool 10 to any other tools therebelow and also to allow full circulation of fluid through tubing string 14 and hydrojetting tool 10 as required.
  • Plugs 96 and 104 may be configured so that they can be pumped on through hydrojetting tool 10 by the application of additional pressure thereon to provide for such further fluid flow or circulation. If this flow is not necessary, a lower end of first module housing 34 is simply closed.

Abstract

A modular hydrojetting tool for fracturing well formations. The tool has a plurality of jetting modules. Each jetting module has a plurality of jetting nozzles therein. A sleeve is disposed in each jetting module except the lowermost module, and each sleeve is moveable from a first position covering the jetting nozzles in the corresponding module to a second position covering the jetting nozzles in an adjacent module. Plugs may be pumped into the tool to move each sleeve sequentially, thereby operating the jetting modules sequentially.

Description

    BACKGROUND
  • The present invention relates to hydrojetting tools for fracturing oil and gas wells, and more particularly, to a hydrojetting tool with jetting openings which may be sequentially opened during a jetting operation.
  • Hydraulic fracturing is often utilized to stimulate the production of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations penetrated by wellbores. In performing hydraulic fracturing treatments, a portion of the formation to be fractured is isolated using conventional packers or the like, and a fracturing fluid is pumped through the wellbore and perforations into the isolated portion of the formation to be stimulated at a rate and pressure such that fractures are formed and extended in the formation. Propping agent is suspended in the fracturing fluid to keep the fractures from closing and thereby provide conductive channels in the formation through which produced fluids can readily flow to the wellbore.
  • One method that has been developed for such fracturing is to use a hydrojetting tool having at least one fluid jet forming nozzle. The hydrojetting tool is positioned adjacent to a formation to be fractured, and fluid is then jetted through the nozzle against the formation at a pressure sufficient to form a cavity therein. The high pressure exerted on the formation causes a microfracture to occur. Hydrojetting has been used in cased wellbores as well as uncased ones.
  • Hydrojetting has worked well to create a controlled fracture. However, the process is limited in that the method uses a tool that inherently is limited in its ability to deliver large volumes of proppant through the orifices.
  • A problem that can arise with hydrojetting is that the jetting nozzles can erode to an extent that they can no longer jet the fluid at a sufficient pressure to cut into the formation. With present hydrojetting tools, the tool must be retrieved from the well and refitted with new jetting nozzles. Obviously, this is a costly and time-consuming procedure. The present invention solves this problem by providing a hydrojetting tool with a series of modules, each module having at least one jetting nozzle therein. The jetting nozzles may be sequentially opened so that a new jetting nozzle is available when it is determined that the previous jetting nozzle has had too much erosion. The tool may be run into the wellbore with as many modules as necessary.
  • SUMMARY
  • The modular hydrojetting tool of the present invention comprises a plurality of jetting modules that can be opened sequentially from the surface when desired. Each module has at least one jetting nozzle therein.
  • The invention may be described as a hydrojetting tool for use in a well adjacent to a formation of interest, wherein the tool comprises a plurality of jetting modules, each jetting module having jetting nozzles therein adapted for jetting fluid into the formation The jetting modules may be operated sequentially.
  • At least one of the modules has a sleeve therein moveable from a first position covering the jetting nozzles in the one module to a second position covering the jetting nozzles in an adjacent module. A plug may be pumped into engagement with the sleeve for moving it from the first position to the second position. The sleeve preferably comprises an inwardly extending mandrel adapted for engagement by the plug. The plug may be further pumped through the sleeve after moving it from the first position to the second position thereof.
  • Stated in another way, the apparatus is a hydrojetting tool comprising a plurality of jetting modules with jetting nozzles therein adapted for jetting fluid into a well formation, and a sleeve slidably disposed in all but one of the jetting modules. Each sleeve has a first position covering the jetting nozzles in the corresponding jetting module and is moveable to a second position uncovering the jetting nozzles in the corresponding jetting module and covering the jetting nozzles in an adjacent jetting module. The sleeves may be moved sequentially such that the jetting modules may be operated sequentially.
  • The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of plugs, wherein each plug may be pumped into engagement with a corresponding one of the sleeves for moving the corresponding sleeve from its first position to its second position.
  • In the preferred embodiment, each sleeve comprises an upper sleeve portion which covers the jetting nozzles in the corresponding jetting module when the sleeve is in the first position, a lower sleeve portion which covers the jetting nozzles in the adjacent jetting module when the sleeve is in the second position, and an inwardly extending mandrel disposed between the upper and lower sleeve portions and adapted for engagement by the corresponding plug. The mandrels define holes therein, and the holes are progressively larger from a lowermost sleeve to an uppermost sleeve.
  • The jetting module not having a sleeve therein is the lowermost jetting module. The lowermost jetting module may have a shoulder therein for limiting movement of the sleeve in the adjacent jetting module.
  • Numerous objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following detailed description of the invention is read in conjunction with the drawings illustrating such embodiment.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a modular hydrojetting tool of the present invention in position in a tool string in a deviated portion of a well.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B show a cross-sectional view of the modular hydrojetting tool.
  • DESCRIPTION
  • Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, a modular hydrojetting tool of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the numeral 10. Hydrojetting tool 10 is positioned in a wellbore 12 on a tubing string 14. Wellbore 12 is shown as a deviated wellbore that penetrates a subterranean formation 16. Wellbore 12 includes a substantially vertical portion 18 which extends to the surface and a substantially horizontal portion 20 which extends into formation 16. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that hydrojetting tool 10 may be used in virtually any type of wellbore and is not intended to be limited to use in deviated wells.
  • Additional tools may be run with hydrojetting tool 10 as desired. For example, but not by way of limitation, a centralizer 22 may be run to keep hydrojetting tool 10 in a central position within wellbore 12. Other tools could also be run with hydrojetting tool 10 but are not shown for simplicity.
  • Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the details of hydrojetting tool 10 will be discussed. Hydrojetting tool 10 comprises a plurality of jetting modules. In the illustrated embodiment, there are a first module 24, a second module 26 and a third module 28. First module 24 is the lowermost module. Second module 26 is above first module 24, and third module 28 is above second module 26. As will be further described herein, any number of modules can be included in hydrojetting tool 10, and the invention is not intended to be limited to the three shown.
  • Hydrojetting tool 10 has a housing 30 which includes an upper adapter 32 connected to tubing string 14 in a known manner. Housing 30 also includes a first module housing 34 which is the outer portion of first module 24, a second module housing 36 which is the outer portion of second module 26, and a third module housing 38 which is the outer portion of third module 28. First module housing 34 is attached to second module housing 36 by a threaded connection 40. Second module housing 36 is attached to third module housing 38 by a threaded connection 42. Third module housing 38 is attached to upper adapter 32 by threaded connection 44.
  • First module housing 34 of first module 24 defines a bore 46 therein with an inwardly extending shoulder 48 at the lower end thereof. Above shoulder 48, a plurality of openings 50 are defined in first module housing 34. A first jetting nozzle 52 is disposed in each opening 50. Each of first jetting nozzles 52 defines an orifice 54 therein. First jetting nozzles 52 may be replaceable.
  • Hydrojetting tool 10 has a central opening 56 therethrough. In the configuration of hydrojetting tool 10 as it is run into wellbore 12, first jetting nozzles 52 are in communication with central opening 56.
  • Second module housing 36 of second module 26 defines a bore 58 therein. A second module sleeve 60 is slidably disposed in bore 58. Second module sleeve 60 has an inwardly extending mandrel 62 therein with a hole 64 therethrough. Extending upwardly from mandrel 62 is an upper sleeve portion 66, and extending downwardly from mandrel 62 is a lower sleeve portion 68. Second module sleeve 60 is initially held in second module housing 36 by a shear pin 69.
  • Above mandrel 62 a plurality of openings 70 are defined in second module housing 36. A second jetting nozzle 72 is disposed in each opening 70. Each of second jetting nozzles 72 defines an orifice 74 therein. Second jetting nozzles 72 may be replaceable. In the configuration of hydrojetting tool 10 as it is run into wellbore 12, second jetting nozzles 72 are covered by upper sleeve portion 66 of second module sleeve 60 so that second jetting nozzles 72 are not in communication with central opening 56. This is a first position of second module sleeve 60.
  • Third module 28 is substantially identical to second module 26. Third module housing 38 of third module 28 defines a bore 76 therein. A third module sleeve 78 is slidably disposed in bore 76. Third module sleeve 78 has an inwardly extending mandrel 80 therein with a hole 82 therethrough. Hole 82 in third module sleeve 78 is larger than hole 64 in second module sleeve 60. Extending upwardly from mandrel 80 is an upper sleeve portion 84, and extending downwardly from the mandrel 80 is a lower sleeve portion 86. Third module sleeve 78 is initially held in third module housing 38 by a shear pin 87.
  • Above mandrel 80, a plurality of openings 88 are defined in third module housing 38. A third jetting nozzle 90 is disposed in each opening 88. Each of third jetting nozzles 90 defines an orifice 92 therein. Third jetting nozzles 90 may be replaceable. In the configuration of hydrojetting tool 10 as it is run into wellbore 12, third jetting nozzles 90 are covered by upper sleeve portion 84 of third module sleeve 78 so that third jetting nozzles 90 are not in communication with central opening 56. This is a first position of third module sleeve 78.
  • First, second and third jetting nozzles 52, 72 and 90 are illustrated as being oriented substantially perpendicular to a central axis of hydrojetting tool 10 and wellbore 12. However, if so desired, any or all of the first, second and third jetting nozzles 52, 72 and 90 could be positioned at a different angle so that fractures may be initiated at such angles.
  • Operation of the Invention
  • In operation, modular hydrojetting tool 10 is run into wellbore 12 on tubing string 14 in a conventional manner. As already indicated, other tools, such as centralizer 22 may also be run on tubing string 14 as needed. Hydrojetting tool 10 is positioned at the desired location within formation 16.
  • As previously discussed herein, hydrojetting tool 10 is initially in a configuration in which first jetting nozzles 52 are open and in communication with central opening 56, and second and third jetting nozzles 72 and 90 are closed and covered by second and third module sleeves 60 and 78, respectively, which are in the first positions thereof.
  • Jetting fluid is pumped down tubing string 14 and jetted out first jetting nozzles 52 to begin initiation of fractures 94 in formation 16 and then propagation of propped fractures. As the fracture propagates, fluid rate is increased and injection via the annulus between tubing string 14 and wellbore 12 is initiated and established. Bemouli's principle allows the hydraulic fracture to remain isolated at the point of the jetting, and proppant fluid is pumped in the flow via tubing string 14 and through first jetting nozzles 52. This proppant increases the erosion process of first jetting nozzles 52, and the pressure due to the nozzle diameter starts to decrease and can be detected at the surface.
  • When the operator determines when or if first jetting nozzles 52 have eroded or “washed” out too much for effective further jetting, a plug 96 is dropped into tubing string 14 and pumped down into hydrojetting tool 10. Plug 96 has a plurality of wipers 98 to engage the inner surface of tubing string 14 and has a nose 100 on a lower end. Plug 96 is adapted to pass through hole 82 in third module sleeve 78 and to engage mandrel 62 on second module sleeve 60. Nose 100 is adapted to fit in hole 64 in second module sleeve 60. After plug 96 thus engages second module sleeve 60, further pressure applied will force plug 96 to shear shear pin 69 and move second module sleeve 60 downwardly until it contacts shoulder 48 in first module housing 34. This is a second position of second module sleeve 60. When second module sleeve 60 moves to this second position, it covers and closes first jetting nozzles 52 and uncovers and thus opens second jetting nozzles 72 to communication with central opening 56.
  • Further jetting with second jetting nozzles 72 may then be carried out to form additional fractures 102.
  • When or if it is determined that second jetting nozzles 72 have incurred too much erosion, then another trip plug 104 is dropped into tubing string 14 and pumped down into hydrojetting tool 10. Plug 104 has a plurality of wipers 106 to engage the inner surface of tubing string 14 and has a nose 108 on a lower end. Plug 104 is adapted to engage mandrel 80 on third module sleeve 78. Nose 108 is adapted to fit in hole 82 in third module sleeve 78. After plug 104 thus engages third module sleeve 78, further pressure applied will force plug 104 to shear shear pin 87 and move third module sleeve 78 downwardly until it contacts the upper end of second module sleeve 60. This is a second position of third module sleeve 78. When third module sleeve 78 moves to this second position, it covers and recloses second jetting nozzles 72 and uncovers and thus opens third jetting nozzles 90 to communication with central opening 56.
  • Further jetting with third jetting nozzles 90 may then be carried out to form additional fractures 110.
  • While three modules have been shown herein for hydrojetting tool 10, those skilled in the art will see that additional modules could also be used as necessary to carry on jetting of formation 16 until the desired amount of fluid is flowed out formation 16. The above-described procedure would simply be repeated for each module. It is important to note that each succeeding trip plug must be larger than the previous one so that the plug and mandrel systems match and the next series of jetting nozzles are opened and used as desired.
  • First module housing 34 has been illustrated herein as having central opening 56 continue below shoulder 48 so that fluid can be flowed through hydrojetting tool 10 to any other tools therebelow and also to allow full circulation of fluid through tubing string 14 and hydrojetting tool 10 as required. Plugs 96 and 104 may be configured so that they can be pumped on through hydrojetting tool 10 by the application of additional pressure thereon to provide for such further fluid flow or circulation. If this flow is not necessary, a lower end of first module housing 34 is simply closed.
  • It will be seen, therefore, that the modular hydrojetting tool of the present invention is well adapted to carry out the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment has been shown for the purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes in the arrangement and construction of the parts and steps in the method of use may be made by those skilled in the art. All such changes are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (29)

1. A hydrojetting tool for use in a wellbore, comprising a plurality of jetting modules, wherein:
each jetting module has jetting nozzles therein adapted for jetting fluid into a formation adjacent the wellbore; and
the jetting modules may be operated sequentially.
2. The tool of claim 1 wherein at least one of the jetting modules has a sleeve therein moveable from a first position covering the jetting nozzles in the one jetting module to a second position covering the jetting nozzles in an adjacent jetting module.
3. The tool of claim 2 further comprising a plug which may be pumped into engagement with the sleeve for moving it from the first position to the second position.
4. The tool of claim 3 wherein the sleeve comprises an inwardly extending mandrel adapted for engagement by the plug.
5. The tool of claim 3 wherein the plug may be further pumped through the sleeve after moving the sleeve from the first position to the second position.
6. The tool of claim 1 wherein:
there are at least three jetting modules;
each of the jetting modules except one has a sleeve therein; and
each sleeve is moveable from a first position covering the jetting nozzles in the corresponding jetting module to a second position covering the jetting nozzles in an adjacent jetting module.
7. The tool of claim 6 further comprising a plurality of plugs, wherein each plug is adapted for engagement with a corresponding one of the sleeves for moving the sleeve from its first position to its second position.
8. The tool of claim 7 wherein the plugs may be further pumped through the corresponding sleeve after moving the sleeve from the first position to the second position.
9. The tool of claim 6 wherein the jetting module without a sleeve therein is a lowermost jetting module.
10. The tool of claim 1 wherein the jetting nozzles are replaceable.
11. A hydrojetting tool for use in a wellbore, comprising:
a plurality of jetting modules, wherein each jetting module has jetting nozzles therein adapted for jetting fluid into a formation adjacent the wellbore; and
a sleeve slidably disposed in all but one of the jetting modules, wherein each sleeve has a first position covering the jetting nozzles in the corresponding jetting module and is moveable to a second position uncovering the jetting nozzles in the corresponding jetting module and covering the jetting nozzles in an adjacent jetting module.
12. The tool of claim 11 wherein the sleeves may be moved sequentially such that the jetting modules may be operated sequentially.
13. The tool of claim 11 wherein the sleeves are moved downwardly from the first to second positions thereof.
14. The tool of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of plugs, wherein each plug may be pumped into engagement with a corresponding one of the sleeves for moving the corresponding sleeve from its first position to its second position.
15. The tool of claim 14 wherein each sleeve comprises:
an upper sleeve portion which covers the jetting nozzles in the corresponding jetting module when the sleeve is in the first position;
a lower sleeve portion which covers the jetting nozzles in the adjacent jetting module when the sleeve is in the second position; and
an inwardly extending mandrel disposed between the upper and lower sleeve portions and adapted for engagement by the corresponding plug.
16. The tool of claim 15 wherein the mandrels define holes therein, the holes being progressively larger from a lowermost sleeve to an uppermost sleeve.
17. The tool of claim 14 wherein the plugs may be further pumped through the tool after moving the corresponding sleeve from its first position to its second position.
18. The tool of claim 11 wherein the jetting module not having a sleeve therein is a lowermost jetting module.
19. The tool of claim 18 wherein the lowermost jetting module has a shoulder therein for limiting movement of the sleeve in the adjacent jetting module.
20. The tool of claim 11 wherein the jetting nozzles are replaceable.
21. A hydrojetting tool for use in a wellbore, comprising:
a plurality of jetting modules, wherein each jetting module has jetting nozzles therein adapted for jetting fluid into a formation adjacent the wellbore;
a sleeve slidably disposed in all but one of the jetting modules, wherein each sleeve has a first position covering the jetting nozzles in the corresponding jetting module and is moveable to a second position uncovering the jetting nozzles in the corresponding jetting module and covering the jetting nozzles in an adjacent jetting module; and
a plurality of plugs, wherein each plug is adapted for being pumped into engagement with a corresponding one of the sleeves and thereby moving the corresponding sleeve from its first position to its second position.
22. The tool of claim 21 wherein the sleeves may be engaged and moved sequentially such that the jetting modules may be operated sequentially.
23. The tool of claim 21 wherein the sleeves are moved downwardly from the first to second positions thereof.
24. The tool of claim 21 wherein each sleeve comprises:
an upper sleeve portion which covers the jetting nozzles in the corresponding jetting module when the sleeve is in the first position;
a lower sleeve portion which covers the jetting nozzles in the adjacent jetting module when the sleeve is in the second position; and
an inwardly extending mandrel disposed between the upper and lower sleeve portions and adapted for engagement by the corresponding plug.
25. The tool of claim 24 wherein the mandrels define holes therethrough, the holes being progressively larger from a lowermost sleeve to an uppermost sleeve.
26. The tool of claim 21 wherein the plugs may be further pumped through the tool after moving the corresponding sleeve from the first position to the second position.
27. The tool of claim 21 wherein the jetting module not having a sleeve therein is a lowermost jetting module.
28. The tool of claim 21 wherein the jetting nozzles are replaceable.
29. A method of treating a formation located adjacent a wellbore, comprising the steps of:
providing a tool comprising first and second jetting modules, wherein each jetting module has at least one jetting nozzle therein adapted for jetting fluid into the formation;
positioning the tool adjacent the formation;
pumping fluid to the tool, wherein the fluid is jetted out the at least one jetting nozzle in the first jetting module but not out the at least one jetting nozzle in the second jetting module; and
pumping a plug to the tool, wherein fluid stops being jetted out the at least one jetting nozzle in the first jetting module and starts being jetted out the at least one jetting nozzle in the second jetting module.
US10/739,431 2003-12-18 2003-12-18 Modular hydrojetting tool Abandoned US20050133226A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/739,431 US20050133226A1 (en) 2003-12-18 2003-12-18 Modular hydrojetting tool
PCT/GB2004/004726 WO2005059305A1 (en) 2003-12-18 2004-11-09 Modular hydrojetting tool

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/739,431 US20050133226A1 (en) 2003-12-18 2003-12-18 Modular hydrojetting tool

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050133226A1 true US20050133226A1 (en) 2005-06-23

Family

ID=34677603

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/739,431 Abandoned US20050133226A1 (en) 2003-12-18 2003-12-18 Modular hydrojetting tool

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20050133226A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005059305A1 (en)

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050263284A1 (en) * 2004-05-28 2005-12-01 Justus Donald M Hydrajet perforation and fracturing tool
US20080047707A1 (en) * 2006-08-25 2008-02-28 Curtis Boney Method and system for treating a subterranean formation
WO2008041010A1 (en) * 2006-10-06 2008-04-10 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods and systems for well stimulation using multiple angled fracturing
WO2008093047A1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2008-08-07 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc Hydrajet bottomhole completion tool and process
US20090133876A1 (en) * 2007-11-27 2009-05-28 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Method and Apparatus for Moving a High Pressure Fluid Aperture in a Well Bore Servicing Tool
US20110162843A1 (en) * 2010-01-04 2011-07-07 Maier Gary A Process and apparatus to improve reliability of pinpoint stimulation operations
WO2015105488A1 (en) * 2014-01-09 2015-07-16 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Re-fracturing a fracture stimulated subterranean formation
WO2016022146A1 (en) * 2014-08-08 2016-02-11 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Flow conditioning openings
WO2016209214A1 (en) * 2015-06-23 2016-12-29 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Jetting apparatus for fracturing applications
US9932803B2 (en) 2014-12-04 2018-04-03 Saudi Arabian Oil Company High power laser-fluid guided beam for open hole oriented fracturing
US10450813B2 (en) 2017-08-25 2019-10-22 Salavat Anatolyevich Kuzyaev Hydraulic fraction down-hole system with circulation port and jet pump for removal of residual fracking fluid
WO2020018755A1 (en) * 2018-07-18 2020-01-23 Saudi Arabian Oil Campany Method of subterranean fracturing

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7431090B2 (en) * 2005-06-22 2008-10-07 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods and apparatus for multiple fracturing of subterranean formations

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3066735A (en) * 1960-05-25 1962-12-04 Dow Chemical Co Hydraulic jetting tool
US3193012A (en) * 1961-05-29 1965-07-06 Gulf Research Development Co Method of cutting a notch in an underground formation penetrated by a well
US3912173A (en) * 1974-04-25 1975-10-14 Donald F Robichaux Formation flushing tool
US4893678A (en) * 1988-06-08 1990-01-16 Tam International Multiple-set downhole tool and method
US4974675A (en) * 1990-03-08 1990-12-04 Halliburton Company Method of fracturing horizontal wells
US5226445A (en) * 1992-05-05 1993-07-13 Halliburton Company Valve having convex sealing surface and concave seating surface
US5361856A (en) * 1992-09-29 1994-11-08 Halliburton Company Well jetting apparatus and met of modifying a well therewith
US5499678A (en) * 1994-08-02 1996-03-19 Halliburton Company Coplanar angular jetting head for well perforating
US5765642A (en) * 1996-12-23 1998-06-16 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Subterranean formation fracturing methods
US6006838A (en) * 1998-10-12 1999-12-28 Bj Services Company Apparatus and method for stimulating multiple production zones in a wellbore
US6286600B1 (en) * 1998-01-13 2001-09-11 Texaco Inc. Ported sub treatment system

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2323871A (en) * 1997-03-14 1998-10-07 Well-Flow Oil Tools Ltd A cleaning device

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3066735A (en) * 1960-05-25 1962-12-04 Dow Chemical Co Hydraulic jetting tool
US3193012A (en) * 1961-05-29 1965-07-06 Gulf Research Development Co Method of cutting a notch in an underground formation penetrated by a well
US3912173A (en) * 1974-04-25 1975-10-14 Donald F Robichaux Formation flushing tool
US4893678A (en) * 1988-06-08 1990-01-16 Tam International Multiple-set downhole tool and method
US4974675A (en) * 1990-03-08 1990-12-04 Halliburton Company Method of fracturing horizontal wells
US5226445A (en) * 1992-05-05 1993-07-13 Halliburton Company Valve having convex sealing surface and concave seating surface
US5361856A (en) * 1992-09-29 1994-11-08 Halliburton Company Well jetting apparatus and met of modifying a well therewith
US5499678A (en) * 1994-08-02 1996-03-19 Halliburton Company Coplanar angular jetting head for well perforating
US5765642A (en) * 1996-12-23 1998-06-16 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Subterranean formation fracturing methods
US6286600B1 (en) * 1998-01-13 2001-09-11 Texaco Inc. Ported sub treatment system
US6006838A (en) * 1998-10-12 1999-12-28 Bj Services Company Apparatus and method for stimulating multiple production zones in a wellbore

Cited By (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7159660B2 (en) * 2004-05-28 2007-01-09 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Hydrajet perforation and fracturing tool
US20050263284A1 (en) * 2004-05-28 2005-12-01 Justus Donald M Hydrajet perforation and fracturing tool
US20080047707A1 (en) * 2006-08-25 2008-02-28 Curtis Boney Method and system for treating a subterranean formation
US8281860B2 (en) * 2006-08-25 2012-10-09 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Method and system for treating a subterranean formation
US8874376B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2014-10-28 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods and systems for well stimulation using multiple angled fracturing
WO2008041010A1 (en) * 2006-10-06 2008-04-10 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods and systems for well stimulation using multiple angled fracturing
US20080083538A1 (en) * 2006-10-06 2008-04-10 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods and systems for well stimulation using multiple angled fracturing
WO2008093047A1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2008-08-07 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc Hydrajet bottomhole completion tool and process
US20090133876A1 (en) * 2007-11-27 2009-05-28 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Method and Apparatus for Moving a High Pressure Fluid Aperture in a Well Bore Servicing Tool
US7849924B2 (en) 2007-11-27 2010-12-14 Halliburton Energy Services Inc. Method and apparatus for moving a high pressure fluid aperture in a well bore servicing tool
US20100243253A1 (en) * 2007-11-27 2010-09-30 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Method and apparatus for moving a high pressure fluid aperture in a well bore servicing tool
US8616281B2 (en) 2007-11-27 2013-12-31 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Method and apparatus for moving a high pressure fluid aperture in a well bore servicing tool
WO2009068839A1 (en) * 2007-11-27 2009-06-04 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Method and apparatus for moving a high pressure fluid aperture in a well bore servicing tool
US8469089B2 (en) 2010-01-04 2013-06-25 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Process and apparatus to improve reliability of pinpoint stimulation operations
WO2011080498A1 (en) * 2010-01-04 2011-07-07 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Process and apparatus to improve reliability of pinpoint stimulation operations
US20110162843A1 (en) * 2010-01-04 2011-07-07 Maier Gary A Process and apparatus to improve reliability of pinpoint stimulation operations
CN102695846A (en) * 2010-01-04 2012-09-26 霍利贝顿能源服务公司 Process and apparatus to improve reliability of pinpoint stimulation operations
WO2015105488A1 (en) * 2014-01-09 2015-07-16 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Re-fracturing a fracture stimulated subterranean formation
AU2014376378B2 (en) * 2014-01-09 2016-11-03 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Re-fracturing a fracture stimulated subterranean formation
US10174602B2 (en) 2014-08-08 2019-01-08 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Flow conditioning openings
WO2016022146A1 (en) * 2014-08-08 2016-02-11 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Flow conditioning openings
US9932803B2 (en) 2014-12-04 2018-04-03 Saudi Arabian Oil Company High power laser-fluid guided beam for open hole oriented fracturing
WO2016209214A1 (en) * 2015-06-23 2016-12-29 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Jetting apparatus for fracturing applications
US10612354B2 (en) 2015-06-23 2020-04-07 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Jetting apparatus for fracturing applications
US10450813B2 (en) 2017-08-25 2019-10-22 Salavat Anatolyevich Kuzyaev Hydraulic fraction down-hole system with circulation port and jet pump for removal of residual fracking fluid
WO2020018755A1 (en) * 2018-07-18 2020-01-23 Saudi Arabian Oil Campany Method of subterranean fracturing
CN112513411A (en) * 2018-07-18 2021-03-16 沙特阿拉伯石油公司 Underground fracturing method
US11156071B2 (en) 2018-07-18 2021-10-26 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Method of subterranean fracturing

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2005059305A1 (en) 2005-06-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10822936B2 (en) Method and apparatus for wellbore fluid treatment
EP0851094B1 (en) Method of fracturing subterranean formation
US9765607B2 (en) Open hole fracing system
CA2611928C (en) Methods and apparatus for multiple fracturing of subterranean formations
EP2126282B1 (en) Hydrajet bottomhole completion tool and process
EP2201212B1 (en) Apparatus and method for ratcheting stimulation tool
US7926571B2 (en) Cemented open hole selective fracing system
US6457525B1 (en) Method and apparatus for completing multiple production zones from a single wellbore
CA2228415C (en) One-trip well perforation/proppant fracturing apparatus and methods
CA2528130C (en) Method and apparatus for stimulating hydrocarbon wells
US7231978B2 (en) Chemical injection well completion apparatus and method
US20090308588A1 (en) Method and Apparatus for Exposing a Servicing Apparatus to Multiple Formation Zones
US20190226282A1 (en) Drilling and stimulation of subterranean formation
US20050133226A1 (en) Modular hydrojetting tool
EP3309350B1 (en) Processes for fracturing a well
US7213648B2 (en) Pressure-actuated perforation with continuous removal of debris
US10961821B1 (en) Ball actuated sleeve with closing feature
CN113847006A (en) Radial well fracturing method and fracturing tool

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC., TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LEHMAN, LYLE V.;REEL/FRAME:015253/0371

Effective date: 20040407

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION