WO2005073508A1

WO2005073508A1 - Method for the generation of deep-drillings in geological structures

Info

Publication number: WO2005073508A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/000453
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Beck
Original assignee: Max Streicher Gmbh & Co. Kg Aa
Priority date: 2004-01-28
Filing date: 2005-01-18
Publication date: 2005-08-11
Also published as: DE102004004316A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the generation of deep drillings in geological layers, comprising the following steps: tapping the surface layer at a non-vertical angle, deep drilling at an arbitrary angle to a depth of a deposit bed, at least partial drilling through the deposit and generation of a driving force in the drilling device acting in or against the direction of drilling, such that a suitable pressure is exerted on the drilling tool at all times by means of the drilling string. In a related method, the tapping is carried out at an arbitrary, particularly vertical, angle and the complete piercing of the deposit is concluded with an inclined upward drilling at an arbitrary angle until the surface is reached. The above method permits an improvement in the yield and profitability of a development of deposits in which long horizontal and rising drilling runs can be driven by means of a driven feed.

Description

METHOD FOR PRODUCING DEEP HOLES IN GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES

description

The present invention relates to a method for producing holes in deep geological structures or layers e.g. to develop deposits. Here, the term "deposit" generally includes an occurrence of a substance in liquid, gaseous or solid form or energetically usable conditions in geological layers, in particular of oil, natural gas and geothermal energy. State of the art

Vertical drilling for the exploration of oil and gas fields and for geothermal projects at depths of up to 9000 are now carried out with steel drilling rigs (derrick) or drilling mast systems. Although the most varied structural designs exist, their mode of operation is always the same. A drilling tool (the drilling head) is connected to a rotary drive arranged above the surface of the earth by a drill string. The drill string consists of standard rods screwed together and special units such as drill rods, non-magnetic rods, centering units, flushing motors, etc., which are used as required. In particular, a large number of standard rods are gradually joined together depending on the drilling progress. The rotary movement is either carried out by a rotary table via driving rods (so-called Kelly rods) or by a so-called top drive (a vertical slidably guided drill motor at the upper end of the drill string).

Conventionally, the entire drill string (possibly including Topdrive) depends on a suspension system consisting of hook, pulley, rope pulley and winch, so that the contact pressure on the drilling tool is due to the weight of the string and excess weight is absorbed by the lifting system. Plants of this type are characterized by a drilling mast with a gable-like construction, inside which the drill string and the drill drive are located.

Due to the design, all previously known drilling devices for deep holes have in common that the direction of the hole is introduced vertically. Later changes in direction are made possible by controllable drilling tools, provided that the minimum boom or pipe radius and the available load from the weight of the string allow.

Due to the above-mentioned principle of action of a conventional drilling rig, it is not possible to apply this pressure actively, ie independently of the weight of the drilling or casing string. This sets directional bores narrow limits, for example, when the transition to the horizontal, the skin friction on the strand increases continuously and at longer horizontal or even rising sections the point is reached at which the dead weight from the vertical bore section is no longer sufficient for jacking. One reason to drill directional wells at all may be because a deposit is near or below populated areas. There is often not enough space for a drilling site in towns themselves. In addition, a drilling project is often associated with considerable noise emissions, which may be undesirable in or near localities.

Another reason for horizontal drilling sections can be to drill a deposit from the side or at an angle, in order to create a deposit in a deposit which, due to the layered structure of the geological subsoil, usually has a greater extent in the vertical or oblique direction than in the vertical direction cover a longer distance than when drilling vertically. The longer the distance covered in a deposit, the greater the directly accessible volume and the more optimally and evenly the raw material can therefore be extracted from the rock. A long drilling section at a flat or horizontal angle therefore reduces the number of holes required, which is desirable in particular in the case of poor accessibility from above, but also reduces the development costs overall. As already mentioned, known deep drilling methods are subject to technical limits with regard to the length of the flat or horizontal drilling sections.

There are usually several in geothermal projects

Drilling is required to allow at least the removal of heated water or steam and the return of the condensate. Again, it would be desirable to reduce the number of holes. In a more recent technical development, which goes back to the applicant of the present application and was registered at the same time, the load application and load absorption takes place in the vertical direction on the drilling device, i.e. feed and retention force, via a rack and pinion system which is driven by feed motors. In a system of this type, the drill string runs outside a drilling mast, on which a slide runs, which carries the drill drive (top drive) and the feed motors. The drilling mast is supported by rear supports, whereby almost any drilling angle is possible by using supports of different lengths. This expands the possibilities of directional and resistance drilling and allows advanced and partly completely new drilling methods to be devised.

Summary of the Invention It is the primary object of the present invention to overcome the above disadvantages of the prior art.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing deep holes in geological layers, which improves the accessibility of deposits that are located at locations that are inaccessible on the surface. Another object of the invention is to provide a method for producing deep holes in geological layers, which allows the number of the Reduce the required drilling of a deposit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method for producing deep holes in geological layers, which allows several holes to be made to a deposit with a single hole. The object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention form the subject of the subclaims. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for producing deep holes in geological layers by means of a drilling device, a drill string and a drilling tool comprises the steps: drilling the layer near the ground at an angle deviating from the vertical; Deep drilling from any angle to the depth of a deposit; at least partially drilling the deposit in the horizontal direction or at a substantially flat descending or ascending angle; and generating a motor force in the drilling device in or against the drilling direction such that a suitable contact pressure is exerted on the drilling tool via the drill string in each phase of the drilling. With this drilling method, it is possible to make deposits that are wholly or partly located at locations inaccessible to the surface more efficient and economical. licher to develop. The diagonal drilling reduces the overall height of the drilling device and reduces noise emissions. Depending on the circumstances, deep drilling can be carried out vertically or at an angle. If it is vertical, a quick gain in depth is achieved. If it is done at an angle, the required change in angle in the deflection phase is reduced and the drilling progress from the side increases. As a result, the distance from the drilling site to inhabited areas or areas that are inaccessible for other reasons can be increased and noise emissions can be reduced there.

The penetration of the deposit under additional longitudinal force allows the deposit to be penetrated to a large extent or even completely. This creates a channel within the deposit following the geometry of the deposit, with which it can be exploited more efficiently than with a short vertical tapping. This reduces the number of wells required to exploit the deposit, thereby reducing preparation times and drilling costs and making the exploitation of such deposits that are located in inhabited or inaccessible areas more economical.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for producing deep holes in geological layers by means of a drilling device, a drill string and a drilling tool comprises the steps: drilling the layer near the ground at an arbitrary angle; Deep drilling from any angle to the depth of a deposit; Drilling the deposit in the horizontal direction or at a substantially flat descending or ascending angle; Rise drilling from the La from upwards at any angle until reaching the ground level; and generating a motor force in the drilling device in or against the drilling direction in such a way that in each phase of the drilling an appropriate contact pressure is exerted on the drilling tool via the drilling string. The drilling is preferably carried out in the vertical direction.

With this method, it is possible to create a drilling channel in a single hole, which creates two connections from the deposit to the surface. Thus, one connection can act as a production hole and the other as a pressure compensation hole. In geothermal projects, one connection can act as a flow and the other as a return.

The drilling angle can be selected and / or adjusted depending on the course of the deposit when drilling through the deposit for optimal adaptation to the local conditions in order to optimize the pressure distribution and the partial volume of the deposit reached.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a drilling campaign carried out in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 shows a sectional view of a drilling campaign carried out according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows a side view of a drilling device used in the drilling campaign of the first or second embodiment in a vertical configuration. Fig. 4 shows a side view of the drilling device of Fig. 3 in an oblique configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a drilling campaign carried out according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the situation shown, a deposit 1 is located at a depth T below the surface 2 of the earth, specifically under an area 3 which, because of the dense population, does not offer any space for a drilling site. It is understood that area 3 could also be inaccessible to drilling for other reasons, for example due to a nature reserve or scenic features such as e.g. rugged mountain ranges or larger bodies of water. A drilling device 4 is arranged outside the region 3. In the illustrated case, the drilling device 4 is inclined at an angle A between the horizontal and the drilling direction, but it can also be inclined at a different angle or also set up vertically (A = 90 °).

Such a drilling device 4 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in detail. Fig. 3 shows the drilling device in a vertical position, while Fig. 4 shows an inclined configuration. The device essentially consists of a drilling mast 10, a slide 20 movable vertically thereon and a platform 30 supporting the drilling mast.

The drilling mast 10 is pivotally mounted in a pivot bearing 32, which is fastened on a base frame 31 of the platform 30, and is supported against tipping over a strut 60 in a support bearing 33, which is also fastened to the base frame 31. By means of a lifting cylinder 70, which runs from the base frame 31 to the drilling mast 10, the drilling mast 10 can be completely erected or lowered for assembly and disassembly. A deflection cylinder 61 allows the length of the strut 60 to be changed within certain limits, as a result of which the drilling mast 10 can deviate from the vertical. The support bearing 33 and the strut 60 with the deflection cylinder 61 are each provided in pairs, the struts 60 running from a bearing point 12 in the upper region of the drilling mast 10 to the rear and to the sides. This also prevents the drilling mast 10 from swinging out to the sides.

The carriage 20 is mounted in the longitudinally attached to the drilling mast 10 with rollers and via gears or pinions 24, which are driven by gears 22 or holding brakes 23 by feed motors 21 and in two pairs on the sides of the drilling mast 10 in its longitudinal direction engage attached racks 14, movable along the drilling mast. In addition to an arrangement of six feed motors 21, gears 22, holding brakes 23 and pinions 24, for example, Ten 20 a drill motor 25 attached, which holds a drill rod holder or a drill chuck 26.

In the illustrated embodiment, the motors 21, 25 are hydraulic motors and the holding brakes 23 are spring-loaded, hydraulically releasable multi-plate brakes. The hydraulic energy is generated in an aggregate container (not shown in detail) and supplied via hydraulic lines (not shown in detail) which are guided in a link chain 86 in the upper region of the drilling mast 10.

A breaking and countering device 83 can be moved on the drilling mast 10 independently of the carriage 20. A cable winch 84 is attached to the side of the drilling mast 10 and is provided for the manual handling of loads on the platform 30.

A drilling device of the aforementioned type is the subject of an independent invention by the applicant of the present invention and forms the subject of the German utility model application entitled "Device for producing deep drilling in geological structures" (attorney file number B / 11ST0408 / DE) from the same filing date. The drilling device can be mounted with its platform on a substructure. An advantageous substructure, which was developed by the assignee of the present invention is the subject of interpreting ^¬ rule utility model application entitled "substructure for a deep drilling platform" (Attorney Docket B / 11ST0409 / DE) from the same application. A handling system can be used to transfer drill rods from a bearing to the drilling device, among other things. A new Total, automated tube or rod storage, which was developed by the applicant of the present invention, forms the subject of the German utility model application entitled "Tube or rod storage for a drilling rig" (attorney file number B / 11ST0411 / DE) from the same filing date. An advantageous handling device for drill rods and other objects, which was developed by the applicant of the present invention, forms the subject of the German patent application with the title "Device and method for handling objects on a drilling rig" (attorney file number P / 11ST0412 / DE) from the same filing date. The content of the disclosure of the aforementioned applications is referred to in full in the context of the present application.

In Fig. 1 the drilling device is shown in an inclined position. A drill channel 5 is driven from its place by means of the drill string (not shown in detail). The drill string essentially consists of a drilling tool or drill head and a plurality of standardized rods or pipes which are connected to one another. The connection of the rods is designed so that small, controlled angular deviations are possible. In this way, a curve can be drilled with such a drill string.

Starting from the drilling point, the drilling channel 5 initially has an approximately straight piece 5a, the inclination of which corresponds to that of the drilling mast of the drilling device 4. In this phase of the drilling, the drilling channel 5 approaches the deposit 1. This phase is therefore also called the approximation phase. Shortly before reaching deposit 1, a slight directional correction is made in order to optimally hit deposit 1. The drilling channel 5 is then driven a considerable distance into the deposit 1. In this part 5b of the drilling channel 5, it becomes flatter and flatter until it almost reaches the horizontal. It is understood that the direction of this part 5b of the drilling channel 5 depends on the geometry and location of the deposit 1 itself. Long horizontal or even increasing drilling distances can also be covered. The drilling phase within deposit 1 is also called the penetration phase.

Oil and gas fields are usually drilled vertically at several points so that the raw material can be extracted at several points. A vertical drilling site can only open up a small part of the deposit. By drilling the oil field horizontally, a much larger part of the volume can be accessed with one hole. Due to the motorized propulsion of the drill string on the drilling device 4, considerably longer horizontal or flat inclined distances can be covered than without additional propulsion. 2 shows a sectional view of a drilling campaign carried out according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the situation shown, there is a deposit 1 at a depth T below the earth's surface 2. On the earth's surface 2 is in the horizontal direction by one

Distance L from the deposit, a drilling device device 4 arranged. In the illustrated case, the drilling device 4 is placed vertically, but it can also be inclined at any angle. A drill channel 5 is driven from the drill site by means of the drill string (not shown). In the situation shown, the drilling channel 5 describes a wide arc in a region 5a until it strikes the deposit 1 at an approximately horizontal angle. The illustrated shape of the drilling channel 5 in this approach phase is only intended as an example. In this part 5a, the drilling channel 5 can also initially run straight and only swivel to the deposit 1 at a considerable depth. The path of the drilling channel 5 and the optimal angle of incidence on the deposit 1 depends on the location and geometry of the deposit 1.

A part 5b adjoins the part 5a of the drilling channel 5, which penetrates the deposit 5 almost horizontally. Depending on the geometry of the deposit 1, the drilling channel 5 in this part 5b can have several changes of direction and can be horizontal, obliquely downwards in places or run diagonally upwards. After exiting the deposit, the drilling channel 5 runs upwards in a part 5c adjoining the part 5b until it emerges from the surface 2 of the earth almost vertically. This phase of the drilling is also called the rising phase. In this phase too, the course of the drilling channel 5 depends on the geological, geographic and geopolitical conditions below and above from the earth's surface 2. Curvy as well as straight, horizontal, inclined and vertical sections are possible.

The borehole part 5c can serve, for example, as a compensating borehole or measuring borehole for the production of oil or gas from the deposit 1.

In geothermal projects, the borehole section 5a can serve as an inlet, the borehole section 5b as a heater and the borehole section 5c as a return line, while a power plant is arranged between the two boreholes or at one of the two, which converts the geothermal energy obtained or feeds it into a district heating network. This new technology eliminates the need for the second drilling, which simplifies the use of the deposit and makes it more economical. The additional advance of the drill string on the drilling device 4 makes such a drilling route guidance possible.

Claims

claims

1. A method for producing deep drilling in geological layers by means of a drilling device, a drill string and a drilling tool, the method comprising the steps of: drilling the layer near the ground at an angle deviating from the vertical; Deep drilling from any angle to the depth of a deposit; at least partially drilling the deposit in the horizontal direction or at a substantially flat descending or ascending angle; and generating a motor force in the drilling device in or against the drilling direction such that in each phase of the drilling a suitable contact pressure is exerted on the drilling tool via the drilling string.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the deep drilling is carried out at substantially the same angle as as drilling.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the deep drilling takes place essentially in the vertical direction.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the deposit is drilled through at least up to half of its extent in the drilling direction.

5. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the deposit is substantially completely pierced.

6. A method for producing deep boreholes in geological layers by means of a drilling device, a drill string and a drilling tool, the method comprising at least the following steps: drilling the layer close to the ground at any angle; Deep drilling from any angle to the depth of a deposit; Drilling through the deposit in a horizontal direction or at an angle that increases or decreases substantially flat; Drill upward from the deposit at any angle to ground level; and generating a motor force in the drilling device in or against the drilling direction so that in each phase of the drilling a suitable contact pressure is exerted on the drilling tool via the drilling string.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the tapping takes place in the vertical direction.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the deep drilling is carried out at substantially the same angle as the drilling.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the deep drilling is carried out at a substantially different angle than the drilling.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the rising drilling is carried out so that the surface of the earth is reached in a substantially vertical direction.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drilling angle is selected and / or updated depending on the course of the deposit when drilling.