WO2006064184A1 - Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006064184A1
WO2006064184A1 PCT/GB2005/004684 GB2005004684W WO2006064184A1 WO 2006064184 A1 WO2006064184 A1 WO 2006064184A1 GB 2005004684 W GB2005004684 W GB 2005004684W WO 2006064184 A1 WO2006064184 A1 WO 2006064184A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
casing
housing
wellbore
section
casing string
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2005/004684
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Henry E. Rogers
Earl D. Webb
Original Assignee
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
Wain, Christopher, Paul
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., Wain, Christopher, Paul filed Critical Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
Priority to DE602005015620T priority Critical patent/DE602005015620D1/en
Priority to CA002591038A priority patent/CA2591038C/en
Priority to EP05813539A priority patent/EP1834064B1/en
Priority to MX2007007370A priority patent/MX2007007370A/en
Publication of WO2006064184A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006064184A1/en
Priority to NO20073520A priority patent/NO20073520L/en

Links

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
    • E21B33/00Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/02Surface sealing or packing
    • 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
    • E21B33/00Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/02Surface sealing or packing
    • E21B33/03Well heads; Setting-up thereof
    • E21B33/04Casing heads; Suspending casings or tubings in well heads
    • 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
    • E21B33/00Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/02Surface sealing or packing
    • E21B33/03Well heads; Setting-up thereof
    • E21B33/04Casing heads; Suspending casings or tubings in well heads
    • E21B33/05Cementing-heads, e.g. having provision for introducing cementing plugs
    • 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
    • E21B33/00Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/10Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
    • E21B33/13Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like
    • E21B33/14Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for cementing tubing or casing in downhole environments, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore.
  • fluid circulation is generally performed by pumping down the inside of the tubing or casing and then back up the annular space around the casing.
  • This type of circulation has been used successfully for many years.
  • the pressures required to "lift” the cement up into the annular space around the casing can sometimes damage the formation.
  • it takes a fair amount of time to deliver the fluid to the annular space around the casing in this fashion.
  • reverse circulation techniques are not even available in the first instance, because there is no access to the annulus from outside the system to pump the cement down the annulus.
  • Such systems include open-hole wells in which casing pipe has been suspended by elevators that rest on boards, such as railroad ties or other similar supports.
  • the problem with these inexpensive well designs is that the elevators and supports block access to the annulus, so it is not possible to employ reverse circulation techniques on them.
  • Such applications are therefore necessarily limited to traditional cementing techniques, i.e., pumping the cement down the casing and back up the annulus. Such applications are therefore susceptible to all of the drawbacks of traditional cementing techniques.
  • the present invention is directed to a surface pack-off device, which attaches between the wellbore sidewall and casing that allows for reverse circulation down the annulus formed between the casing to be cemented and the wellbore sidewall.
  • the present invention is directed to a surface pack-off device for reverse circulation cementing a casing to an open-hole wellbore, comprising: a housing having an upper section and a lower section; a load plate secured to the housing between the upper section and the lower section; at least one fluid inlet formed in the upper section of the housing; and a casing hanger adapted to fit within the upper section of the housing.
  • the casing hanger connects to a section of casing string, which in turn connects to the casing string installed in the wellbore.
  • An annulus is formed between an inside surface of the housing and the casing suspended from the casing hanger. It is through this void that the cement is pumped downhole.
  • the cement composition enters the annulus through the at least one fluid inlet.
  • the surface pack-off device is removable.
  • the upper section of the housing is detachable from the lower section of the housing and a split casing ring is provided to enable the upper section of the housing to be removed.
  • it is designed to be a permanent structure secured at the opening of the wellbore.
  • the present invention is directed to a method of reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore.
  • the method comprises the steps of: installing the casing into the open-hole wellbore; installing the pack-off device at a surface opening of the open-hole wellbore, wherein a lower portion of the housing and the load plate cooperate to prevent collapse of the wellbore at the surface; connecting the casing string to the casing hanger; and pumping cement down the annulus.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a surface pack-off device in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a surface pack-off device in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 3 illustrates the step of drilling a wellbore in accordance with the reverse circulation cementing technique of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the step of suspending a casing from elevators into the wellbore of Figure 4 in accordance with the reverse circulation cementing technique of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 illustrates the step of lifting the surface pack-off device of Figure 1 with a handling sub prior to stabbing the suspended casing of Figure 4 with the surface pack-off device in accordance with the reverse circulation cementing technique of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 illustrates the step of stabbing the suspended casing with the surface pack-off device in accordance with the reverse circulation cementing technique of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 illustrates the state of the well after the surface pack-off device has been stabbed into the suspended casing and the handling sub has been removed in accordance with the reverse circulation cementing technique of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 illustrates the step of pumping a cement composition down the annulus between the casing and wellbore sidewall using the surface pack-off device of Figure 1 in accordance with the reverse circulation technique of the present invention.
  • Figures 9-11 illustrate the steps of removing the upper section of the housing of the surface pack-off device from the lower section of the housing of the surface pack-off device after the cementing job has been completed.
  • the surface pack-off device 10 includes a housing 12, which is generally cylindrical in shape.
  • the housing 12 is defined by an upper section 14 and lower section 16.
  • the upper section 14 narrows at its top forming a neck 18 and shoulder 20 therebetween.
  • the housing 12 is designed to fit over and attach to a casing string 22 (shown in Figure 8), which is the casing to be cemented.
  • An annulus 24 is formed between the casing string 22 and wellbore sidewall 26, as shown in Figure 8. Cement is pumped into the annulus 24 through the surface pack-off device 10 to secure the casing string 22 to the wellbore sidewall 26.
  • the housing 12 of the surface pack-off device 10 in accordance with the present invention may be formed, e.g., by casting, as one piece, as shown in Figure 1, or multiple pieces, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the surface pack-off device 10 of Figure 1 is designed to be a permanent structure and therefore can serve as an inexpensive wellhead for the well.
  • the upper section 14 of the surface pack-off device 10' of Figure 2 is designed to be removable and therefore reusable in other wells..
  • the upper section 14' of the housing 12' fits within a recess formed in the lower section 16' and is held in place by a plurality of pins 27, which can easily be removed when it is desired to remove the upper half of the surface pack-off device 10' for later reuse.
  • the design can be such that the lower section 16' sits in a recess formed in the upper section 14', i.e., the reverse of what is shown in Figure 2.
  • other means of attaching the upper section 14' of the housing 12' to the lower section 16' now known or later developed may be employed.
  • the housing 12 of the surface pack-off device 10 in accordance with the present invention is formed of a ferrous metal similar to that which is used to make the pipe forming casing string 22.
  • the surface pack-off device 10 further comprises a casing hanger 28, which is adapted to fit within a recess formed in the neck portion 18 of the housing 12.
  • the casing hanger 28 can take many forms.
  • the casing hanger 28 is a simple threaded coupling.
  • the casing hanger 28 sits on a flexible disc 30 formed of a material such as rubber, an elastomer, or a metal having a high modulus of elasticity, which seals the casing hanger 28 against the neck portion 18 of the housing 12.
  • the flexible disc 30 prevents leakage of the cement composition out of the surface pack-off device 10 during the reverse circulation cementing operation.
  • the embodiment of Figure 2 further includes a split casing ring 25 which fits within a recess in neck portion 18.
  • the split casing ring 25 is formed into two or more arcuate shaped members which are detachable from an outer surface.
  • the split casing ring 25 has an upper and lower recess.
  • the upper recess is adapted to receive and support casing hanger 28.
  • a flexible disc 29 sits between the upper recess of the split casing ring 25 and the casing hanger 28.
  • Another flexible disc 31 sits between the lower recess of the split casing ring 25 and the recess in neck portion 18.
  • the flexible discs 29 and 31 can be formed of a material, such as rubber, an elastomer, or a metal having a high modulus of elasticity.
  • the flexible discs 29 and 31 can be formed of a material, such as rubber, an elastomer, or a metal having a high modulus of elasticity.
  • the split casing ring 25 enables the upper section 14' of the housing 12' to be removed after the cementing job is complete as described more fully below with reference to Figures 9-11.
  • the surface pack-off device 10 further comprises a section of casing string 32, which couples to, and is suspended from, the casing hanger 28.
  • the section of casing string 32 is threaded at both ends and mates with the casing hanger 28 via a threaded connection.
  • the casing hanger 28 is fitted with a female thread and the section of casing string 32 is fitted with a male thread.
  • the section of casing string 32 is adapted to mate with the casing string 22 at the end opposite that suspended from the casing hanger 28.
  • a threaded connection is illustrated as the means for joining these components, other means of joining these components may be employed.
  • the surface pack-off device 10 further comprises a limit clamp 34, which in one exemplary embodiment is formed in two half-sections hinged together.
  • the limit clamp 34 may be formed as a unitary ring that is capable of slipping onto the outer circumferential surface of the casing string 32.
  • the limit clamp 34 is secured around the outer circumferential surface of the section of casing string 32 with a plurality of bolts 36 or other similar securing means and functions to prevent the section of casing string
  • the surface pack-off device 10 further includes a load plate 40, which is secured, e.g., by welding or brazing, to the outer surface of the housing 12 between the upper section 14 and the lower section 16.
  • the load plate 40 is generally washer-shaped; although it may have another configuration.
  • the load plate 40 has an inner diameter of about 1 ft, which approximates the outer diameter of the housing 12, and an outer diameter of about 3 ft.
  • the load plate 40 is provided to carry the weight of the casing string 22 being cemented to the wellbore sidewall 26.
  • load plate 40 eliminates the need for conventional retention methods such as elevators and boards, such as railroad ties. Furthermore, the combination of the load plate 40 and the lower section 16 of the housing 12 prevents the wellbore from sloughing due to the weight of the casing being exerted on the earth near the opening of the wellbore 1. As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the dimensions of load plate 40 may vary depending upon the overall dimensions of the wellbore being cased.
  • the surface pack-off device 10 further comprises a plurality of fluid inlets 42 attached to the housing 12 in the shoulder section 20.
  • the fluid inlets 42 pass fluids, e.g., cement, from outside of the well into annulus 24.
  • the surface pack-off device 10 has four fluid inlets 42, equally spaced around the circumference of the housing 12.
  • Each fluid inlet 42 is adapted to couple the surface pack-off device 10 to a fluid supply line (not shown), so that fluid can be injected into annulus 24.
  • the fluid inlets 42 are a Weco Model No. 1502 fluid inlet.
  • the exact number, size and spacing of the fluid passages may be varied depending upon a number of factors, including, the amount of fluid needed to be delivered and the desired rate at which the fluid is to be delivered.
  • the present invention is directed to a method of reverse circulation cementing a casing string 22 in an open-hole wellbore, which employs the surface pack-off device 10.
  • wellbore 1 is drilled in subterranean formation 2, as illustrated in Figure 3, and the casing string 22 is installed in the wellbore 1, as illustrated in Figure 4.
  • the wellbore 1 can be drilled using any conventional technique.
  • a drilling rig (not shown) can be used to drill wellbore 1.
  • the casing string 22 is installed into the wellbore 1 using a conventional drilling rig or other similar device.
  • sections of the casing string 22 are lowered into the wellbore 1 using elevators 44 or some other similar device. Adjacent sections of the casing string 22 are joined using simple threaded couplings 46.
  • the elevators 44 are lowered onto support members 48, e.g., a pair of railroad ties, until the surface pack-off device 10 is ready to be installed at the surface of the wellbore 1.
  • the surface pack-off device 10 is stabbed into the hanging casing 22 using handling sub 38.
  • the handling sub 38 is then removed and the surface pack-off device 10 is ready for reverse circulation.
  • the handling sub 38 is coupled to the surface pack-off device 10.
  • the handling sub 38 comprises elevators 50 clamped around threaded pipe 52, which is in turn connected to threaded coupling 54. Coupling of the handling sub 38 to the surface pack-off device is accomplished by threading threaded pipe 52 to the casing hanger 28.
  • the surface pack-off device can be lifted off of the surface from which it had been set on initial delivery to the well site. This is accomplished by aid of a workover rig (not shown), which lifts the assembly via one or more suspension bales 56 secured to elevators 50. As shown in Figure 6, the limit clamp 34 operates to retain the section of casing string 32 within the housing 12 and through abutment against the shoulder 20 operates to carry the housing 12. The workover rig then stabs the surface pack-off device 10 into the casing string 22 suspended by elevators 44 and support members 48, as shown in Figure 6. During this step, the well operator connects section of casing string 32 to threaded coupling 46. Once this connection is made, the elevators 44 can be undamped from casing string 22 and the support members 48 removed. The surface pack-off device 10 can then be landed onto the opening of the wellbore 1.
  • Figure 7 illustrates the surface pack-off device 10 stabbed into the suspended casing string 22 with the elevators 44, support members 48 and handling sub 38 removed.
  • a cement composition 58 is pumped downhole through the annulus 24 between the casing string 22 and wellbore sidewall 26 as indicated by the arrows in Figure 8. This is accomplished first by connecting a tank containing the cement composition (not shown) to the fluid inlets 42 via a plurality of conduits or hoses (also not shown). Positive displacement pumps or other similar devices (not shown) can then be used to pump the cement composition 58 into the well. As pointed about above, by pumping the cement 58 down the annulus 24 rather than up through the casing string 22, it takes approximately half the time to fill the annulus 24 with cement and less pump pressure, since there is no need to lift the cement 58 up the annulus 24.
  • the drilling mud, debris and other contents in the wellbore can be recovered back up the casing string 22, as indicated by the arrows labeled 60 in Figure 8. Although this involves lifting fluids back up the wellbore, because the mud, debris and other contents of the well 60 are typically lighter than the cement 58, not as much pump pressure is required.
  • the surface pack-off device 10 can optionally be left in place and thus serve as a permanent wellhead, or it can be removed, if, e.g., the embodiment of the surface pack-off device 10' illustrated in Figure 2 is employed. If the surface pack-off device 10' is to be removed, the step of decoupling the threaded pipe 52 from the casing hanger 28 is not carried out until after the cement job is completed. Rather, after the cement job is completed, the handling sub 38 is lifted upward by the rig by pulling on bales 56. This causes the casing hanger 28 to be lifted off of the split casing ring 25 and associated flexible disc 30, as shown in Figure 9.
  • the split casing ring can be removed.
  • the threaded pipe 52 can be decoupled from the casing hanger 28 (shown in Figure 10) and the pins 27, which secure the upper section 14' of the surface pack-off device 10' to the lower section 16' of the pack-off device 10' can be removed.
  • the workover rig can then lift the upper section of the surface pack-off device 10' off of the well using bales 56, as shown in Figure 11, and place it on a transport vehicle (not shown) for subsequent use. Also, if a hinged limit clamp 34 is used, it can be removed and reused.
  • the benefit of the surface pack-off device 10' is that all of the components, except for the lower section 16', the section of casing pipe 32, and load plate 40', can be salvaged for reuse, thereby making the surface pack-off device 10' essentially reusable.

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore. The apparatus includes a surface pack-off device, which has a housing defined by an upper section and lower section. A load bearing plate is secured to the housing between the upper and lower sections. The load plate and lower section of the housing cooperate to prevent sloughing of the earth at the surface of the wellbore via a section of casing string. The surface pack-off device also includes a casing hanger, which couples to the casing in the wellbore. Fluid inlets allow the cement to be pumped into the wellbore in the annulus formed between the casing and wellbore sidewall. The method includes the steps of installing the surface pack-off device and operation on reverse circulation of the cement down the annulus.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REVERSE CIRCULATION CEMENTING A CASING IN AN OPEN-HOLE WELLBORE
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for cementing tubing or casing in downhole environments, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore.
During downhole cementing operations, fluid circulation is generally performed by pumping down the inside of the tubing or casing and then back up the annular space around the casing. This type of circulation has been used successfully for many years. However, it has several drawbacks. First, the pressures required to "lift" the cement up into the annular space around the casing can sometimes damage the formation. Furthermore, it takes a fair amount of time to deliver the fluid to the annular space around the casing in this fashion.
In an effort to decrease the pressures exerted on the formation and to reduce pump time requirements, a solution involving pumping the fluid down the annular space of the casing rather than down the casing itself has been proposed. This technique, known as reverse circulation, requires lower delivery pressures, because the cement does not have to be lifted up the annulus. Furthermore, the reverse circulation technique is less time consuming than the conventional method because the fluid is delivered down the annulus only, rather than down the inside of the casing and back up the annulus. Accordingly, the cement travels approximately half the distance with this technique.
There are a number of drawbacks of current reverse circulation methods and devices, however. Such methods require a wellhead or other conventional surface pack-off to be attached to the surface casing that is sealably attached to the casing being cemented in place via the reverse circulation technique. These structures are often complex, permanent and expensive, thus increasing the cost of completing the well.
Furthermore, in some applications, reverse circulation techniques are not even available in the first instance, because there is no access to the annulus from outside the system to pump the cement down the annulus. Such systems include open-hole wells in which casing pipe has been suspended by elevators that rest on boards, such as railroad ties or other similar supports. The problem with these inexpensive well designs is that the elevators and supports block access to the annulus, so it is not possible to employ reverse circulation techniques on them. Such applications are therefore necessarily limited to traditional cementing techniques, i.e., pumping the cement down the casing and back up the annulus. Such applications are therefore susceptible to all of the drawbacks of traditional cementing techniques.
SUMMARY
The present invention is directed to a surface pack-off device, which attaches between the wellbore sidewall and casing that allows for reverse circulation down the annulus formed between the casing to be cemented and the wellbore sidewall.
More specifically, the present invention is directed to a surface pack-off device for reverse circulation cementing a casing to an open-hole wellbore, comprising: a housing having an upper section and a lower section; a load plate secured to the housing between the upper section and the lower section; at least one fluid inlet formed in the upper section of the housing; and a casing hanger adapted to fit within the upper section of the housing. The casing hanger connects to a section of casing string, which in turn connects to the casing string installed in the wellbore. An annulus is formed between an inside surface of the housing and the casing suspended from the casing hanger. It is through this void that the cement is pumped downhole. The cement composition enters the annulus through the at least one fluid inlet. In one embodiment, the surface pack-off device is removable. In this embodiment, the upper section of the housing is detachable from the lower section of the housing and a split casing ring is provided to enable the upper section of the housing to be removed. In another embodiment it is designed to be a permanent structure secured at the opening of the wellbore.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore. The method comprises the steps of: installing the casing into the open-hole wellbore; installing the pack-off device at a surface opening of the open-hole wellbore, wherein a lower portion of the housing and the load plate cooperate to prevent collapse of the wellbore at the surface; connecting the casing string to the casing hanger; and pumping cement down the annulus.
The features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the description of the exemplary embodiments, which follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which:
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a surface pack-off device in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a surface pack-off device in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates the step of drilling a wellbore in accordance with the reverse circulation cementing technique of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates the step of suspending a casing from elevators into the wellbore of Figure 4 in accordance with the reverse circulation cementing technique of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates the step of lifting the surface pack-off device of Figure 1 with a handling sub prior to stabbing the suspended casing of Figure 4 with the surface pack-off device in accordance with the reverse circulation cementing technique of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates the step of stabbing the suspended casing with the surface pack-off device in accordance with the reverse circulation cementing technique of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates the state of the well after the surface pack-off device has been stabbed into the suspended casing and the handling sub has been removed in accordance with the reverse circulation cementing technique of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates the step of pumping a cement composition down the annulus between the casing and wellbore sidewall using the surface pack-off device of Figure 1 in accordance with the reverse circulation technique of the present invention.
Figures 9-11 illustrate the steps of removing the upper section of the housing of the surface pack-off device from the lower section of the housing of the surface pack-off device after the cementing job has been completed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The details of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Turning to Figure 1, a surface pack-off device in accordance with the present invention is shown generally by reference numeral 10. The surface pack-off device 10 includes a housing 12, which is generally cylindrical in shape. The housing 12 is defined by an upper section 14 and lower section 16. The upper section 14 narrows at its top forming a neck 18 and shoulder 20 therebetween.
The housing 12 is designed to fit over and attach to a casing string 22 (shown in Figure 8), which is the casing to be cemented. An annulus 24 is formed between the casing string 22 and wellbore sidewall 26, as shown in Figure 8. Cement is pumped into the annulus 24 through the surface pack-off device 10 to secure the casing string 22 to the wellbore sidewall 26.
The housing 12 of the surface pack-off device 10 in accordance with the present invention may be formed, e.g., by casting, as one piece, as shown in Figure 1, or multiple pieces, as shown in Figure 2. The surface pack-off device 10 of Figure 1 is designed to be a permanent structure and therefore can serve as an inexpensive wellhead for the well. The upper section 14 of the surface pack-off device 10' of Figure 2 is designed to be removable and therefore reusable in other wells.. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the upper section 14' of the housing 12' fits within a recess formed in the lower section 16' and is held in place by a plurality of pins 27, which can easily be removed when it is desired to remove the upper half of the surface pack-off device 10' for later reuse. As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the design can be such that the lower section 16' sits in a recess formed in the upper section 14', i.e., the reverse of what is shown in Figure 2. Also, other means of attaching the upper section 14' of the housing 12' to the lower section 16' now known or later developed may be employed. In one exemplary embodiment, the housing 12 of the surface pack-off device 10 in accordance with the present invention is formed of a ferrous metal similar to that which is used to make the pipe forming casing string 22.
The surface pack-off device 10 further comprises a casing hanger 28, which is adapted to fit within a recess formed in the neck portion 18 of the housing 12. As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the casing hanger 28 can take many forms. In one exemplary embodiment, the casing hanger 28 is a simple threaded coupling. The casing hanger 28 sits on a flexible disc 30 formed of a material such as rubber, an elastomer, or a metal having a high modulus of elasticity, which seals the casing hanger 28 against the neck portion 18 of the housing 12. The flexible disc 30 prevents leakage of the cement composition out of the surface pack-off device 10 during the reverse circulation cementing operation.
The embodiment of Figure 2 further includes a split casing ring 25 which fits within a recess in neck portion 18. The split casing ring 25 is formed into two or more arcuate shaped members which are detachable from an outer surface. The split casing ring 25 has an upper and lower recess. The upper recess is adapted to receive and support casing hanger 28. A flexible disc 29 sits between the upper recess of the split casing ring 25 and the casing hanger 28. Another flexible disc 31 sits between the lower recess of the split casing ring 25 and the recess in neck portion 18. The flexible discs 29 and 31 can be formed of a material, such as rubber, an elastomer, or a metal having a high modulus of elasticity. The flexible discs 29 and
31 prevent leakage of the surface pack-off device 10' during the reverse circulation cementing operations. The split casing ring 25 enables the upper section 14' of the housing 12' to be removed after the cementing job is complete as described more fully below with reference to Figures 9-11.
The surface pack-off device 10 further comprises a section of casing string 32, which couples to, and is suspended from, the casing hanger 28. In one exemplary embodiment, the section of casing string 32 is threaded at both ends and mates with the casing hanger 28 via a threaded connection. In such an embodiment, the casing hanger 28 is fitted with a female thread and the section of casing string 32 is fitted with a male thread. However, as those of ordinary skill will appreciate, the exact form of the connection between these two components is not critical to the invention. The section of casing string 32 is adapted to mate with the casing string 22 at the end opposite that suspended from the casing hanger 28. Again, although a threaded connection is illustrated as the means for joining these components, other means of joining these components may be employed.
The surface pack-off device 10 further comprises a limit clamp 34, which in one exemplary embodiment is formed in two half-sections hinged together. In another embodiment, the limit clamp 34 may be formed as a unitary ring that is capable of slipping onto the outer circumferential surface of the casing string 32. The limit clamp 34 is secured around the outer circumferential surface of the section of casing string 32 with a plurality of bolts 36 or other similar securing means and functions to prevent the section of casing string
32 from being pulled out of the housing 12. More specifically, the limit clamp 34 enables the surface pack-off device 10 to be transported by a handling sub 38, as described further below. The surface pack-off device 10 further includes a load plate 40, which is secured, e.g., by welding or brazing, to the outer surface of the housing 12 between the upper section 14 and the lower section 16. The load plate 40 is generally washer-shaped; although it may have another configuration. In one exemplary embodiment, the load plate 40 has an inner diameter of about 1 ft, which approximates the outer diameter of the housing 12, and an outer diameter of about 3 ft. The load plate 40 is provided to carry the weight of the casing string 22 being cemented to the wellbore sidewall 26. It also eliminates the need for a rig to remain over the well during cementing. Additionally, the load plate 40 eliminates the need for conventional retention methods such as elevators and boards, such as railroad ties. Furthermore, the combination of the load plate 40 and the lower section 16 of the housing 12 prevents the wellbore from sloughing due to the weight of the casing being exerted on the earth near the opening of the wellbore 1. As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the dimensions of load plate 40 may vary depending upon the overall dimensions of the wellbore being cased.
The surface pack-off device 10 further comprises a plurality of fluid inlets 42 attached to the housing 12 in the shoulder section 20. The fluid inlets 42 pass fluids, e.g., cement, from outside of the well into annulus 24. In one exemplary embodiment, the surface pack-off device 10 has four fluid inlets 42, equally spaced around the circumference of the housing 12. Each fluid inlet 42 is adapted to couple the surface pack-off device 10 to a fluid supply line (not shown), so that fluid can be injected into annulus 24. In one exemplary embodiment, the fluid inlets 42 are a Weco Model No. 1502 fluid inlet. As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the exact number, size and spacing of the fluid passages may be varied depending upon a number of factors, including, the amount of fluid needed to be delivered and the desired rate at which the fluid is to be delivered.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of reverse circulation cementing a casing string 22 in an open-hole wellbore, which employs the surface pack-off device 10. In the first phase of the method, wellbore 1 is drilled in subterranean formation 2, as illustrated in Figure 3, and the casing string 22 is installed in the wellbore 1, as illustrated in Figure 4. The wellbore 1 can be drilled using any conventional technique. For example, a drilling rig (not shown) can be used to drill wellbore 1. Once the wellbore 1 has been drilled, the casing string 22 is installed into the wellbore 1 using a conventional drilling rig or other similar device. During this step in the process, sections of the casing string 22 are lowered into the wellbore 1 using elevators 44 or some other similar device. Adjacent sections of the casing string 22 are joined using simple threaded couplings 46. Once the entire length of casing string 22 has been lowered into the wellbore 1 by the drilling rig or other such device, the elevators 44 are lowered onto support members 48, e.g., a pair of railroad ties, until the surface pack-off device 10 is ready to be installed at the surface of the wellbore 1.
In the next phase of the method, the surface pack-off device 10 is stabbed into the hanging casing 22 using handling sub 38. The handling sub 38 is then removed and the surface pack-off device 10 is ready for reverse circulation. In describing this part of the process, reference is made to Figures 5-8. In the first step in this part of the process, the handling sub 38 is coupled to the surface pack-off device 10. The handling sub 38 comprises elevators 50 clamped around threaded pipe 52, which is in turn connected to threaded coupling 54. Coupling of the handling sub 38 to the surface pack-off device is accomplished by threading threaded pipe 52 to the casing hanger 28. Once the handling sub 38 has been coupled to the surface pack-off device 10, the surface pack-off device can be lifted off of the surface from which it had been set on initial delivery to the well site. This is accomplished by aid of a workover rig (not shown), which lifts the assembly via one or more suspension bales 56 secured to elevators 50. As shown in Figure 6, the limit clamp 34 operates to retain the section of casing string 32 within the housing 12 and through abutment against the shoulder 20 operates to carry the housing 12. The workover rig then stabs the surface pack-off device 10 into the casing string 22 suspended by elevators 44 and support members 48, as shown in Figure 6. During this step, the well operator connects section of casing string 32 to threaded coupling 46. Once this connection is made, the elevators 44 can be undamped from casing string 22 and the support members 48 removed. The surface pack-off device 10 can then be landed onto the opening of the wellbore 1.
In the embodiment of Figure 1 where the surface pack-off device 10 remains permanently in the wellbore 1, the handling sub 38 is decoupled from the surface pack-off device 10 by unthreading threaded pipe 52 from casing hanger 28. The handling sub 38 can then be lifted away from the well site. Figure 7 illustrates the surface pack-off device 10 stabbed into the suspended casing string 22 with the elevators 44, support members 48 and handling sub 38 removed.
In the last phase of the method, a cement composition 58 is pumped downhole through the annulus 24 between the casing string 22 and wellbore sidewall 26 as indicated by the arrows in Figure 8. This is accomplished first by connecting a tank containing the cement composition (not shown) to the fluid inlets 42 via a plurality of conduits or hoses (also not shown). Positive displacement pumps or other similar devices (not shown) can then be used to pump the cement composition 58 into the well. As pointed about above, by pumping the cement 58 down the annulus 24 rather than up through the casing string 22, it takes approximately half the time to fill the annulus 24 with cement and less pump pressure, since there is no need to lift the cement 58 up the annulus 24. As also shown, the drilling mud, debris and other contents in the wellbore can be recovered back up the casing string 22, as indicated by the arrows labeled 60 in Figure 8. Although this involves lifting fluids back up the wellbore, because the mud, debris and other contents of the well 60 are typically lighter than the cement 58, not as much pump pressure is required.
After the cement 58 has set, the surface pack-off device 10 can optionally be left in place and thus serve as a permanent wellhead, or it can be removed, if, e.g., the embodiment of the surface pack-off device 10' illustrated in Figure 2 is employed. If the surface pack-off device 10' is to be removed, the step of decoupling the threaded pipe 52 from the casing hanger 28 is not carried out until after the cement job is completed. Rather, after the cement job is completed, the handling sub 38 is lifted upward by the rig by pulling on bales 56. This causes the casing hanger 28 to be lifted off of the split casing ring 25 and associated flexible disc 30, as shown in Figure 9. Once the casing hanger 28 has been lifted off of the split casing ring 25, the split casing ring can be removed. Next, the threaded pipe 52 can be decoupled from the casing hanger 28 (shown in Figure 10) and the pins 27, which secure the upper section 14' of the surface pack-off device 10' to the lower section 16' of the pack-off device 10' can be removed. Finally, the workover rig can then lift the upper section of the surface pack-off device 10' off of the well using bales 56, as shown in Figure 11, and place it on a transport vehicle (not shown) for subsequent use. Also, if a hinged limit clamp 34 is used, it can be removed and reused. The benefit of the surface pack-off device 10' is that all of the components, except for the lower section 16', the section of casing pipe 32, and load plate 40', can be salvaged for reuse, thereby making the surface pack-off device 10' essentially reusable.
Therefore, the present invention is well-adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those which are inherent therein. While the invention has been depicted, described, and is defined by reference to exemplary embodiments of the invention, such a reference does not imply a limitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The invention is capable of considerable modification, alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent arts and having the benefit of this disclosure. The depicted and described embodiments of the invention are exemplary only, and are not exhaustive of the scope of the invention. Consequently, the invention is intended to be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims, giving full cognizance to equivalents in all respects.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for reverse circulation cementing a casing to an open-hole wellbore, comprising: a housing; a load plate secured to the housing; at least one fluid inlet formed in the housing; and a casing hanger adapted to fit within the housing.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a section of casing string disposed within the housing, wherein the casing string is hung from the casing hanger and adapted to mate with the casing.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is further defined by a generally cylindrically-shaped main body portion, a neck portion, and a shoulder portion connecting the neck portion to the main body portion.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the neck portion of the housing has a recess formed therein.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the casing hanger is disposed within the recess formed in the neck portion of the housing.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a flexible disc disposed between the casing hanger and the recess of the neck portion of the housing.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein a removable split casing ring is disposed between the casing hanger and the recess.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising: a flexible disc disposed between the removable split casing ring and the recess; and a flexible disc disposed between the removable casing ring and the casing hanger.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the casing hanger is defined by a threaded connector adapted to mate with a section of casing string.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the threaded connector is further adapted to mate with a handling sub, thereby enabling the housing to be lifted off the wellbore.
11. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a limit clamp secured around an outer circumferential surface of the section of casing string, wherein the limit clamp is adapted to retain the section of casing string within the housing.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the limit clamp is removably secured to the outer circumferential surface of the section of casing string.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the limit clamp is formed into two semi-circular half sections.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the limit clamp is formed as a unitary ring that is capable of slipping onto the outer circumferential surface of the casing string.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the load plate extends outwardly from the housing.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is defined by an upper section and a lower section, and the upper section of the housing is removably secured to the lower section of the housing.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein a plurality of pins secure the upper section of the housing to the lower section of the housing.
18. A method of reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore, comprising the steps of:
(a) installing the casing into the open-hole wellbore;
(b) installing a surface pack-off device at a surface opening of the open-hole wellbore, wherein: the pack-off device comprises: a housing; a casing hanger suspended from the housing; a section of casing string suspended from the casing hanger; and a load plate secured to the housing; an annulus is formed between the section of casing string and the housing; and a lower portion of the housing and the load plate cooperate to prevent collapse of the wellbore at the surface;
(c) connecting the section of casing string to the casing; and
(d) pumping cement down the annulus.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the surface pack-off device remains permanently installed at the surface opening of the wellbore after the casing has been cemented to a sidewall of the wellbore.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the lower section of the housing and the load plate remain permanently installed at the surface opening of the wellbore after the casing has been cemented to a sidewall of the wellbore while the remaining components of the pack-off device are removed for reuse at another wellbore site.
21. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of retaining the section of casing string within the housing using a limit clamp secured to an outer circumferential surface of the section of casing string.
22. The method of claim 18 wherein step (a) is performed by lowering the casing into the wellbore with elevators and one or more support members.
23. The method of claim 18 wherein step (b) is performed by stabbing the casing with the surface pack-off device.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the stabbing step is performed using a handling sub.
PCT/GB2005/004684 2004-12-16 2005-12-06 Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore WO2006064184A1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE602005015620T DE602005015620D1 (en) 2004-12-16 2005-12-06 DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE INVERTED CIRCULATION CEMENTATION OF A FEED TUBE IN AN UNPROTECTED HOLE
CA002591038A CA2591038C (en) 2004-12-16 2005-12-06 Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore
EP05813539A EP1834064B1 (en) 2004-12-16 2005-12-06 Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore
MX2007007370A MX2007007370A (en) 2004-12-16 2005-12-06 Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore.
NO20073520A NO20073520L (en) 2004-12-16 2007-07-09 Device and method of reverse circulation for cementing a casing in an open borehole

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/014,350 US7290612B2 (en) 2004-12-16 2004-12-16 Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore
US11/014,350 2004-12-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006064184A1 true WO2006064184A1 (en) 2006-06-22

Family

ID=35645598

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2005/004684 WO2006064184A1 (en) 2004-12-16 2005-12-06 Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US7290612B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1834064B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2591038C (en)
DE (1) DE602005015620D1 (en)
MX (1) MX2007007370A (en)
NO (1) NO20073520L (en)
WO (1) WO2006064184A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007045820A1 (en) * 2005-10-21 2007-04-26 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore
WO2008041006A1 (en) * 2006-10-06 2008-04-10 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods and apparatus for reverse circulation cementing of casing strings in wellbores
US7654324B2 (en) 2007-07-16 2010-02-02 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Reverse-circulation cementing of surface casing
US7938186B1 (en) 2004-08-30 2011-05-10 Halliburton Energy Services Inc. Casing shoes and methods of reverse-circulation cementing of casing

Families Citing this family (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070149076A1 (en) * 2003-09-11 2007-06-28 Dynatex Cut-resistant composite
US7290611B2 (en) * 2004-07-22 2007-11-06 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods and systems for cementing wells that lack surface casing
US7252147B2 (en) * 2004-07-22 2007-08-07 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Cementing methods and systems for initiating fluid flow with reduced pumping pressure
US7284608B2 (en) * 2004-10-26 2007-10-23 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Casing strings and methods of using such strings in subterranean cementing operations
US7303008B2 (en) * 2004-10-26 2007-12-04 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods and systems for reverse-circulation cementing in subterranean formations
US7303014B2 (en) * 2004-10-26 2007-12-04 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Casing strings and methods of using such strings in subterranean cementing operations
US7533729B2 (en) * 2005-11-01 2009-05-19 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Reverse cementing float equipment
JP4410195B2 (en) * 2006-01-06 2010-02-03 株式会社東芝 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
US20080196889A1 (en) * 2007-02-15 2008-08-21 Daniel Bour Reverse Circulation Cementing Valve
US20090107676A1 (en) * 2007-10-26 2009-04-30 Saunders James P Methods of Cementing in Subterranean Formations
WO2011057416A1 (en) 2009-11-13 2011-05-19 Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. Stage tool for wellbore cementing
US9238952B2 (en) 2011-05-25 2016-01-19 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Annular isolation with tension-set external mechanical casing (EMC) packer
CA2867871C (en) 2012-03-22 2019-05-21 Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. Stage tool for wellbore cementing
US9334700B2 (en) 2012-04-04 2016-05-10 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Reverse cementing valve
US9683416B2 (en) 2013-05-31 2017-06-20 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. System and methods for recovering hydrocarbons

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2230589A (en) * 1938-06-13 1941-02-04 Lawrence F Baash Casing suspension head
US2407010A (en) * 1945-08-08 1946-09-03 Lester C Hudson Adapter head for wells
US2472466A (en) * 1947-11-10 1949-06-07 Shaffer Tool Works Landing head for plural casings and oil tubings
US2675082A (en) * 1951-12-28 1954-04-13 John A Hall Method for cementing oil and gas wells
US5494107A (en) * 1993-12-07 1996-02-27 Bode; Robert E. Reverse cementing system and method
US5890538A (en) * 1997-04-14 1999-04-06 Amoco Corporation Reverse circulation float equipment tool and process
US20040231846A1 (en) * 2003-05-21 2004-11-25 Griffith James E. Reverse circulation cementing process

Family Cites Families (102)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1115717A (en) * 1912-04-11 1914-11-03 Moser Mfg Company Casing-head.
US1629022A (en) * 1924-04-22 1927-05-17 Herbert A Davis Cementing head
US1627945A (en) * 1925-11-10 1927-05-10 Wilson B Wigle Casing head for oil wells
US1935027A (en) * 1930-10-31 1933-11-14 Alfred G Heggem Packing casing head
US2104270A (en) * 1937-05-24 1938-01-04 Halliburton Oil Well Cementing Cementing equipment for wells
US2223509A (en) 1939-05-24 1940-12-03 Leo F Brauer Float valve
US2647727A (en) 1951-04-20 1953-08-04 Edwards Frances Robertha Pipe releasing means
US2849213A (en) 1953-11-12 1958-08-26 George E Failing Company Apparatus for circulating drilling fluid in rotary drilling
US2919709A (en) 1955-10-10 1960-01-05 Halliburton Oil Well Cementing Fluid flow control device
US3051246A (en) 1959-04-13 1962-08-28 Baker Oil Tools Inc Automatic fluid fill apparatus for subsurface conduit strings
US3193010A (en) 1963-07-10 1965-07-06 Exxon Production Research Co Cementing multiple pipe strings in well bores
US3277962A (en) 1963-11-29 1966-10-11 Pan American Petroleum Corp Gravel packing method
US3871486A (en) 1973-08-29 1975-03-18 Bakerdrill Inc Continuous coring system and apparatus
US3951208A (en) 1975-03-19 1976-04-20 Delano Charles G Technique for cementing well bore casing
US3948322A (en) 1975-04-23 1976-04-06 Halliburton Company Multiple stage cementing tool with inflation packer and methods of use
USRE31190E (en) 1976-02-02 1983-03-29 Halliburton Company Oil well cementing process
US4105069A (en) 1977-06-09 1978-08-08 Halliburton Company Gravel pack liner assembly and selective opening sleeve positioner assembly for use therewith
US4271916A (en) 1979-05-04 1981-06-09 Paul Williams System for adapting top head drilling rigs for reverse circulation drilling
GB2063962B (en) 1979-12-03 1983-06-02 Shell Int Research Method of cementing wells
US4531583A (en) 1981-07-10 1985-07-30 Halliburton Company Cement placement methods
US4469174A (en) 1983-02-14 1984-09-04 Halliburton Company Combination cementing shoe and basket
US4548271A (en) 1983-10-07 1985-10-22 Exxon Production Research Co. Oscillatory flow method for improved well cementing
US4555269A (en) 1984-03-23 1985-11-26 Halliburton Company Hydrolytically stable polymers for use in oil field cementing methods and compositions
US4519452A (en) 1984-05-31 1985-05-28 Exxon Production Research Co. Method of drilling and cementing a well using a drilling fluid convertible in place into a settable cement slurry
US4676832A (en) 1984-10-26 1987-06-30 Halliburton Company Set delayed cement compositions and methods of using the same
US4671356A (en) 1986-03-31 1987-06-09 Halliburton Company Through tubing bridge plug and method of installation
US4791988A (en) 1987-03-23 1988-12-20 Halliburton Company Permanent anchor for use with through tubing bridge plug
US4961465A (en) 1988-10-11 1990-10-09 Halliburton Company Casing packer shoe
US4917184A (en) * 1989-02-14 1990-04-17 Halliburton Company Cement head and plug
US5024273A (en) 1989-09-29 1991-06-18 Davis-Lynch, Inc. Cementing apparatus and method
US5117910A (en) 1990-12-07 1992-06-02 Halliburton Company Packer for use in, and method of, cementing a tubing string in a well without drillout
US5133409A (en) 1990-12-12 1992-07-28 Halliburton Company Foamed well cementing compositions and methods
US5147565A (en) 1990-12-12 1992-09-15 Halliburton Company Foamed well cementing compositions and methods
US5125455A (en) 1991-01-08 1992-06-30 Halliburton Services Primary cementing
US5297634A (en) 1991-08-16 1994-03-29 Baker Hughes Incorporated Method and apparatus for reducing wellbore-fluid pressure differential forces on a settable wellbore tool in a flowing well
US5188176A (en) 1991-11-08 1993-02-23 Atlantic Richfield Company Cement slurries for diviated wells
US5213161A (en) 1992-02-19 1993-05-25 Halliburton Company Well cementing method using acid removable low density well cement compositions
US5318118A (en) 1992-03-09 1994-06-07 Halliburton Company Cup type casing packer cementing shoe
US5323858A (en) 1992-11-18 1994-06-28 Atlantic Richfield Company Case cementing method and system
US5273112A (en) 1992-12-18 1993-12-28 Halliburton Company Surface control of well annulus pressure
US5361842A (en) 1993-05-27 1994-11-08 Shell Oil Company Drilling and cementing with blast furnace slag/silicate fluid
US5559086A (en) 1993-12-13 1996-09-24 Halliburton Company Epoxy resin composition and well treatment method
US5484019A (en) 1994-11-21 1996-01-16 Halliburton Company Method for cementing in a formation subject to water influx
US5507345A (en) 1994-11-23 1996-04-16 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Methods for sub-surface fluid shut-off
US5728171A (en) * 1995-06-07 1998-03-17 Ohio Willow Wood Company Composite/metal pyramid prosthetic components
US5803168A (en) 1995-07-07 1998-09-08 Halliburton Company Tubing injector apparatus with tubing guide strips
US5577865A (en) 1995-07-28 1996-11-26 Halliburton Company Placement of a substantially non-flowable cementitious material in an underground space
US5641021A (en) 1995-11-15 1997-06-24 Halliburton Energy Services Well casing fill apparatus and method
US5671809A (en) 1996-01-25 1997-09-30 Texaco Inc. Method to achieve low cost zonal isolation in an open hole completion
US5571281A (en) 1996-02-09 1996-11-05 Allen; Thomas E. Automatic cement mixing and density simulator and control system and equipment for oil well cementing
US6204214B1 (en) 1996-03-18 2001-03-20 University Of Chicago Pumpable/injectable phosphate-bonded ceramics
US5647434A (en) 1996-03-21 1997-07-15 Halliburton Company Floating apparatus for well casing
US5718292A (en) 1996-07-15 1998-02-17 Halliburton Company Inflation packer method and apparatus
US5762139A (en) 1996-11-05 1998-06-09 Halliburton Company Subsurface release cementing plug apparatus and methods
US5829526A (en) 1996-11-12 1998-11-03 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Method and apparatus for placing and cementing casing in horizontal wells
US5738171A (en) 1997-01-09 1998-04-14 Halliburton Company Well cementing inflation packer tools and methods
US6258757B1 (en) 1997-03-14 2001-07-10 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Water based compositions for sealing subterranean zones and methods
US5913364A (en) 1997-03-14 1999-06-22 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods of sealing subterranean zones
US6060434A (en) 1997-03-14 2000-05-09 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Oil based compositions for sealing subterranean zones and methods
US5968255A (en) 1997-04-14 1999-10-19 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Universal well cement additives and methods
US5749418A (en) 1997-04-14 1998-05-12 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Cementitious compositions and methods for use in subterranean wells
US5897699A (en) 1997-07-23 1999-04-27 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Foamed well cement compositions, additives and methods
AU738096B2 (en) 1997-08-15 2001-09-06 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Light weight high temperature well cement compositions and methods
US5900053A (en) 1997-08-15 1999-05-04 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Light weight high temperature well cement compositions and methods
US5873413A (en) 1997-08-18 1999-02-23 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods of modifying subterranean strata properties
US6481494B1 (en) 1997-10-16 2002-11-19 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Method and apparatus for frac/gravel packs
US6098710A (en) 1997-10-29 2000-08-08 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Method and apparatus for cementing a well
US6196311B1 (en) 1998-10-20 2001-03-06 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Universal cementing plug
OA11859A (en) 1999-04-09 2006-03-02 Shell Int Research Method for annular sealing.
US6063738A (en) 1999-04-19 2000-05-16 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Foamed well cement slurries, additives and methods
US6318472B1 (en) 1999-05-28 2001-11-20 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Hydraulic set liner hanger setting mechanism and method
US6371207B1 (en) 1999-06-10 2002-04-16 M-I L.L.C. Method and apparatus for displacing drilling fluids with completion and workover fluids, and for cleaning tubular members
US6244342B1 (en) 1999-09-01 2001-06-12 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Reverse-cementing method and apparatus
US6138759A (en) 1999-12-16 2000-10-31 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Settable spotting fluid compositions and methods
US6390200B1 (en) 2000-02-04 2002-05-21 Allamon Interest Drop ball sub and system of use
US6311775B1 (en) 2000-04-03 2001-11-06 Jerry P. Allamon Pumpdown valve plug assembly for liner cementing system
US6454001B1 (en) 2000-05-12 2002-09-24 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Method and apparatus for plugging wells
US6488088B1 (en) 2000-06-29 2002-12-03 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Mixing and pumping vehicle
US6505685B1 (en) 2000-08-31 2003-01-14 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods and apparatus for creating a downhole buoyant casing chamber
US6457524B1 (en) 2000-09-15 2002-10-01 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Well cementing compositions and methods
US6367550B1 (en) 2000-10-25 2002-04-09 Halliburton Energy Service, Inc. Foamed well cement slurries, additives and methods
US6491421B2 (en) 2000-11-29 2002-12-10 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Fluid mixing system
FI20010699A0 (en) 2001-04-04 2001-04-04 Jorma Jaervelae Method of drilling and drilling
US6488089B1 (en) 2001-07-31 2002-12-03 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods of plugging wells
US20030029611A1 (en) 2001-08-10 2003-02-13 Owens Steven C. System and method for actuating a subterranean valve to terminate a reverse cementing operation
US6732797B1 (en) 2001-08-13 2004-05-11 Larry T. Watters Method of forming a cementitious plug in a well
US6810958B2 (en) 2001-12-20 2004-11-02 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Circulating cementing collar and method
US6802373B2 (en) 2002-04-10 2004-10-12 Bj Services Company Apparatus and method of detecting interfaces between well fluids
US6666266B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2003-12-23 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Screw-driven wellhead isolation tool
US6622798B1 (en) 2002-05-08 2003-09-23 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Method and apparatus for maintaining a fluid column in a wellbore annulus
US6808024B2 (en) 2002-05-20 2004-10-26 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Downhole seal assembly and method for use of same
AU2003260210A1 (en) 2002-08-21 2004-03-11 Presssol Ltd. Reverse circulation directional and horizontal drilling using concentric coil tubing
US6802374B2 (en) 2002-10-30 2004-10-12 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Reverse cementing float shoe
US6883605B2 (en) 2002-11-27 2005-04-26 Offshore Energy Services, Inc. Wellbore cleanout tool and method
US7204304B2 (en) * 2004-02-25 2007-04-17 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Removable surface pack-off device for reverse cementing applications
US7290611B2 (en) * 2004-07-22 2007-11-06 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods and systems for cementing wells that lack surface casing
US7252147B2 (en) * 2004-07-22 2007-08-07 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Cementing methods and systems for initiating fluid flow with reduced pumping pressure
US7225871B2 (en) * 2004-07-22 2007-06-05 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore
US7322412B2 (en) * 2004-08-30 2008-01-29 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Casing shoes and methods of reverse-circulation cementing of casing
US7284608B2 (en) * 2004-10-26 2007-10-23 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Casing strings and methods of using such strings in subterranean cementing operations
US7303014B2 (en) * 2004-10-26 2007-12-04 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Casing strings and methods of using such strings in subterranean cementing operations
US7303008B2 (en) * 2004-10-26 2007-12-04 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods and systems for reverse-circulation cementing in subterranean formations

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2230589A (en) * 1938-06-13 1941-02-04 Lawrence F Baash Casing suspension head
US2407010A (en) * 1945-08-08 1946-09-03 Lester C Hudson Adapter head for wells
US2472466A (en) * 1947-11-10 1949-06-07 Shaffer Tool Works Landing head for plural casings and oil tubings
US2675082A (en) * 1951-12-28 1954-04-13 John A Hall Method for cementing oil and gas wells
US5494107A (en) * 1993-12-07 1996-02-27 Bode; Robert E. Reverse cementing system and method
US5890538A (en) * 1997-04-14 1999-04-06 Amoco Corporation Reverse circulation float equipment tool and process
US20040231846A1 (en) * 2003-05-21 2004-11-25 Griffith James E. Reverse circulation cementing process

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
MARQUAIRE R ET AL: "Primary Cementing by Reverse Circulation Solves Critical Problem in the North Hassi-Messaoud Field, Algeria", JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY, AIME, DALLAS, TX, US, February 1966 (1966-02-01), pages 146 - 150, XP002317158, ISSN: 0149-2136 *

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7225871B2 (en) 2004-07-22 2007-06-05 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore
US7938186B1 (en) 2004-08-30 2011-05-10 Halliburton Energy Services Inc. Casing shoes and methods of reverse-circulation cementing of casing
WO2007045820A1 (en) * 2005-10-21 2007-04-26 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore
WO2008041006A1 (en) * 2006-10-06 2008-04-10 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods and apparatus for reverse circulation cementing of casing strings in wellbores
US7654324B2 (en) 2007-07-16 2010-02-02 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Reverse-circulation cementing of surface casing
US8162047B2 (en) 2007-07-16 2012-04-24 Halliburton Energy Services Inc. Reverse-circulation cementing of surface casing

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1834064A1 (en) 2007-09-19
NO20073520L (en) 2007-09-17
US7290612B2 (en) 2007-11-06
CA2591038A1 (en) 2006-06-22
EP1834064B1 (en) 2009-07-22
MX2007007370A (en) 2008-01-22
CA2591038C (en) 2009-06-02
US20060131018A1 (en) 2006-06-22
DE602005015620D1 (en) 2009-09-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2591038C (en) Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore
US7225871B2 (en) Apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore
US6220358B1 (en) Hollow tubing pumping system
US7866390B2 (en) Casing make-up and running tool adapted for fluid and cement control
EP2236739B1 (en) Well unloading package
US8573328B1 (en) Hydrocarbon well completion system and method of completing a hydrocarbon well
WO2004044368A2 (en) Orientation system for a subsea well
US9506329B2 (en) Rotating hanger
US10161210B2 (en) Hydraulically actuated wellhead hanger running tool
US10760347B2 (en) System and method for offline suspension or cementing of tubulars
US11187053B2 (en) Casing hanger assembly
US20030198562A1 (en) Submersible pump assembly for removing a production inhibiting fluid from a well and method for use of same
US8919453B2 (en) Scalloped landing ring
WO2021016053A1 (en) Retrievable adapter for liner hanger systems
US10513914B1 (en) Casing hanger assembly
EP3087246B1 (en) Method for running conduit in extended reach wellbores
WO2020006640A1 (en) Systems for improving downhole separation of gases from liquids while producing reservoir fluid using a pump whose intake is disposed within a shroud
Campbell Installation of 2 7/8-in. Coiled-tubing tailpipes in live gas wells
US6915846B2 (en) Production tubing joint
US4995763A (en) Offshore well system and method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KM KN KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV LY MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NG NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SM SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GM KE LS MW MZ NA SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: MX/a/2007/007370

Country of ref document: MX

Ref document number: 2591038

Country of ref document: CA

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2005813539

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2005813539

Country of ref document: EP