MX2008001064A - A shoe for wellbore lining tubin - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a shoe for wellbore lining tubing and to a method of locating wellbore lining tubing in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a shoe (30) is disclosed which includes a tubular outer body (32) that is coupled to a wellbore lining tubing (28), and a tubular inner body (36) located within the outer body and coupled to fluid supply tubing (38). A generally annular flow area (44) is defined between the bodies which is in selective fluid communication with the wellbore (10), for the return flow of fluid from the wellbore through a flow port (62) in the outer body, along the shoe and into an annulus (46) defined between the wellbore lining tubing and the fluid supply tubing. A valve assembly (40) of the shoe has an actuating member (92) located within the inner body, and a flow controller (96) for selectively closing the flow port. A ball (98) is used to prevent further fluid flow through the inner body into the wellbore. Exposure of the actuating member to fluid at a first fluid pressure then causes the actuating member to move to an actuating position where the flow controller closes the flow port. Exposure to fluid at a second fluid pressure higher than said first pressure reopens fluid flow from the inner body into the wellbore.

Description

A PIPE REINFORCEMENT FOR COATING PIPE FOR PERFORATION HOLE DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY The present invention relates to a pipe reinforcement for casing for drill hole and to a method for locating the casing for drill hole in a drill hole. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a pipe reinforcement for drilling bore pipeline that has a valve assembly that includes at least one valve to prevent the flow of return fluid pass from the drilling hole to a fluid supply pipe coupled with the pipe reinforcement. In the oil and gas exploration and production industry, a drilling hole or drilling hole is drilled from the surface to access underground rock formations that have hydrocarbons. The drilling hole is generally drilled to a first depth and the drilling hole casing known as a liner is located in the drilled drilling hole and fixed with cement at that site. The cladding supports the perforated rock formations, while preventing undesirable ingress of fluids. The drill hole is then generally extended and a small diameter coating is located within the extended section, passing through the first coating to the surface. This is repeated as many times as necessary to gain access to a production training. Frequently, a drilling hole liner known as a liner engages and extends from the bottom of the lower liner section to gain access to a production formation. Although this method has been employed for many years in the industry, there are disadvantages associated with coating a drilling hole in this manner. In particular, in the installation of small diameter casing sections with larger diameter outer casings, it is necessary to pump fluid down through the small diameter casing and into the drilling hole. These fluid flows to the extended drill hole, towards the larger diameter liner and towards the surface, transport solid residual waste present in the drilling hole. Once the small diameter liner has been located in a desired position, the liner is fixed with cement at that site. Relatively large radial spacings are required between concentric sections of the small diameter liners to allow fluid flow to pass along the liner sections during operation and cement bonding. As a result, the diameters of the external coating are relatively large, which causes a significant waste of material, particularly as each of the coating sections extends towards the surface. Additionally, the drilling process of relatively large diameter upper sections of the drill hole produces large volumes of drilling cuts, which must be stored to be cleaned in view of making a safe disposal. In addition, as each lining chain is fixed with cement in place, large volumes of cement are required. In an effort to resolve these disadvantages, it has been proposed to seek to reduce the radial spacings between the coating sections. However, this has required the development of alternative methods and tools to circulate the fluid to the drilled hole. U.S. Patent No. 6,223,823 (assigned to the applicant herein) discloses a method for installing a casing section in a well wherein a flow path is provided through an annular space between descent means to lower a section of coating to an existing coating. Although the apparatus and method of the US 6 document, 223, 823 is a significant step forward in relation to the conventional methods and apparatus for installing coatings, in general it is desired to improve the structure and method described. Therefore, among the purposes of the embodiments of the present invention, it is intended to eliminate or mitigate at least one of the above disadvantages. In particular, in the modalities of this invention, one of the purposes is to provide a better pipe reinforcement for casing for drill hole and a better method for locating the casing for drill hole in a drilling hole. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a pipe reinforcement is provided for casing for drill hole, the pipe reinforcement comprising: an outer tubular body adapted to be coupled with a casing for drill hole; a tubular internal body located inside the external body, the internal body being adapted to be coupled with a fluid supply pipe located inside the casing for drilling hole, for the flow of fluid that traverses the internal body towards a hole of drilling; a valve assembly comprising at least one valve to prevent fluid flow from passing from the bore hole through the internal body and into the fluid supply line; and a generally annular flow area defined between the internal and external bodies, for the selective return fluid flow from the drilling hole along the pipe reinforcement and towards a ring defined between the drilling hole and casing pipe. the fluid supply pipe, a radial width of the annular flow area varying in a direction about a circumference of the inner body.

In use, part of the fluid directed towards the drilling hole returns to surface to the outside of the pipe reinforcement and the casing for drill hole. However, at least part of the fluid directed towards the drilling hole is diverted to the annular flow area of the pipe reinforcement and, therefore, to the ring defined between the drill pipe liner and the pipeline. fluid supply. The pipe reinforcement may be a flow bypass pipe reinforcement to divert fluid flow from the drill hole to the annular flow area. Therefore, although some of the fluid returns to the surface along the outside of the casing reinforcement for drill hole, diverting at least part of the return fluid flow to the annular flow area of the casing reinforcement, it is possible to reduce the radial separation between concentric sections of the casing for drill hole. By providing a pipe reinforcement comprising a generally annular flow area, wherein a radial width of the flow area varies in a direction about a circumference of the inner body, the flow of fluid from the bore hole along the Pipe reinforcement and made the ring defined between the drilling hole casing and the fluid supply pipe, is improved compared to the previous apparatus. In this way, the probability that the annular flow area is blocked is reduced, for example, by debris present in the drill hole.

The drilling hole casing may comprise a liner or a liner and, therefore, the piping reinforcement may be a liner piping reinforcement or a casing reinforcement. However, it will be understood that the pipe reinforcement may alternatively be for any other type of suitable downhole pipe. The external pipe body can be provided as part or integrally with the casing for drill hole. Preferably, the internal body is located eccentrically within the external body. A main axis of the inner body can therefore be off center, i.e., misaligned or non-coaxial with a main axis of the outer body. This can facilitate the definition of the variable radial width of the annular flow area. Preferably, the valve assembly additionally comprises a drive member located within the inner body; and a flow controller to selectively allow fluid flow to pass from the borehole to the flow area. The actuating member may be adapted to drive the flow controller to move between open and closed positions to control the flow of fluid to the flow area. The tubular outer body may have at least one flow port for fluid communication between the bore hole and an interior of the outer body, to facilitate the return fluid flow to pass. from the drilling hole to the annular flow area. The valve assembly may comprise a ball and the actuating member may include a ball seat. In use, the ball may be adapted to abut the ball seat, to selectively prevent additional fluid flow from passing through the inner body to the drill hole. This can facilitate the generation of a back pressure behind the ball, to close the flow port. In particular, exposure of the fluid actuation member to a first fluid pressure may cause the actuator member to move to a driving position, thereby moving the flow controller to close the flow port. This first fluid pressure may be greater than that which would be generated due to the normal flow of fluids through the inner body towards the drilling hole and, therefore, it may be necessary to increase the fluid pressure to drive the flow controller. The actuating member may be movable to a further position on exposure to fluid at a second fluid pressure greater than said first pressure, whereby the flow of fluid from the inner body toward the piercing hole is reopened. It will be understood that, when the flow port in the outer body is closed and the drive member has moved to the additional position so that the flow of fluid to the drill hole is reopened, all the fluid flowing into the hole drilling passes over an outer ring defined between the drilling hole (or a pipe of outer diameter of larger diameter for drilling hole) and an external surface of the external body of the pipe reinforcement / casing for drill hole. This can facilitate, for example, the fixing with cement of the casing for drill hole inside the drilling hole. By providing a valve assembly in which the flow controller is operated to close the flow port in the drive member with a first fluid pressure and where the fluid flow from the internal body towards the drill hole is reopened in the drive member with a second higher fluid pressure, an indication is provided that the drilling hole casing pipe has been correctly fixed in the drilling hole and that the fixing with cement can proceed. This is because two variations or pressure signals are detected: a first when the flow controller has been correctly driven and a second when the drive member is moved to reopen the flow to the drill hole. However, if, for example, the fluid pressure rises prematurely to a level sufficient for the drive member to move to the additional position before the flow controller has been fully actuated, only a single variation of fluid pressure will be detected on the surface, which will indicate that the flow controller has not been operated correctly.

The drive member can be mounted to move relative to the inner body and can be mounted to move within an internal bore of the inner body. The actuating member may be movable between an initial position in which the flow port is open and a driving position in which the flow port is closed. The valve assembly may comprise a stop to prevent the drive member from moving relative to the inner body, in particular, to hold the drive member in the initial position. It may be that the movement of the actuating member is prevented by a pin or bolt, which can be adapted to shear with a first shearing force exerted on the pin when the actuating member is exposed to fluid at the first fluid pressure. The actuator member can be operatively associated with the flow controller, so that the movement of the drive member moves the flow controller to close the flow port. The actuating member can be coupled to the flow controller by a pin, a bolt or the like, which can be adapted to shear with a second shearing force exerted on the pin, when the actuating member is exposed to fluid with the second pressure of fluid. The pin of the flow controller can extend through a wall of the inner body to engage the flow controller with the actuating member and can be movable within a slot or channel formed in the wall of the internal body. Therefore, the movement of the actuating member beyond the driving position by the pin which reaches the bottom of the groove can be prevented until sufficient force is exerted for the shearing of the pin. In this way, an incorrect installation of the flow controller can be detected on the surface. This is because, in the event that the pin of the flow controller has not reached the bottom of the slot, the pin shears with a lower fluid pressure exerted on the actuator member, as a bending moment is generated at along the pin. The flow controller can be located in the annular flow area and can take the form of a flow diverter. The flow controller may be generally annular and a radial width of the flow controller may vary around a circumference thereof, corresponding to the variation in radial width of the annular flow area. The flow controller may include at least one flow passage to allow the flow to pass from the drilling hole (through the flow port) and into the annular flow area. The flow controller may comprise a channel that extends around a circumference of the controller and the flow passage may open to the channel and extend along at least part of a length of the flow controller. This can allow fluid flow from the drilling hole (through the flow port) into the channel, from the channel to the flow passage and from the flow passage to the area flow. The flow port can be adapted to close by moving the flow controller to a position where the flow port and channel are misaligned. The valve of the valve assembly can initially be held in an open position and can be isolated from exposure to the fluid that is flowing. In this way, the wear of the valve (due, for example, to abrasive particles present in the flow flowing through the internal body) is avoided until such time as it is desired to operate the valve for closing. The valve may take the form of a check valve and, in preferred embodiments, the valve assembly comprises two of said check valves: a primary check valve and a secondary check valve. The primary check valve can be initially isolated from the fluid that is flowing, the secondary valve providing initial prevention of the return fluid flow from the drilling hole, until the moment when the primary valve has been actuated. The primary and secondary check valves can be flap valves or ball valves and a spring or actuator for closing the primary valve can be adapted to exert a relatively greater force on the primary valve than a corresponding actuator of the secondary valve. The pipe reinforcement may comprise a unidirectional valve to selectively allow fluid communication between the annular flow area and the interior of the inner body. This can avoid Hydraulic blocking during the use of the pipe reinforcement. In particular, the inner body can be adapted to be coupled with the fluid supply pipe through a connector such as a beam, which can be located and sealed in relation to the internal body, or with an intermediate coupling or similar connected device. with the internal body. The unidirectional valve can thus facilitate the removal of the beam after closing the valve of the valve assembly, thus preventing hydraulic blocking. The pipe reinforcement may comprise a hose provided in the lower part of the pipe reinforcement and coupled with the internal and external bodies, wherein the hose may define a main flow port for the flow of fluid to pass from the inner body towards the drilling hole. Preferably, the pipe reinforcement comprises a bypass surface for deflecting a drill or shred path to the pipe reinforcement to drill the pipe reinforcement, to subsequently open the drill hole pipe for further downhole procedures . The deflection or inclination surface can deflect the bore towards an inner wall of the internal body, to help cause the bore to grip the internal body. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for locating the casing for drilling hole in a drilling hole, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a pipe reinforcement with a casing for drill hole to be located in a drilling hole; running the casing pipe for drilling hole and the pipe reinforcement towards the drilling hole; directing fluid along a fluid supply pipe located within the drill hole liner, through an internal body of the pipe reinforcement coupled with the fluid supply pipe and into the drill hole; prevent fluid flow from the drilling hole through the internal body and into the fluid supply pipe; allowing the return flow of the fluid from the drilling hole to a generally annular flow area defined between an outer body of the pipe reinforcement and the inner body, wherein the annular flow area varies in radial width in a direction around a circumference of the internal body; and directing the fluid returned from the annular flow area to a ring defined between the drilling hole casing and the fluid supply pipe. In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a pipe reinforcement is provided for casing for drill hole, the pipe reinforcement comprising: an outer tubular body adapted to be coupled with a casing for drill hole, the external body having at least one flow port for fluid communication between the drill hole and an interior of the external body; a tubular inner body located within the outer body and adapted to mate with the fluid supply pipe located within the drilling bore liner for the flow of fluid through the inner body toward the bore hole; a generally annular flow area defined between the internal and external bodies, the flow area being in selective fluid communication with the drilling hole through the flow port, for the return of fluid flow from the drilling hole to the length of the pipe reinforcement and towards a defined ring between the drilling hole casing and the fluid supply pipe; and a valve assembly comprising a drive member located within the inner body and defining a ball seat, a flow controller for selectively closing the flow port and a ball adapted to abut in a sealed manner with the seat of the valve. valve, wherein the ball is adapted to come to abut the valve seat to prevent additional fluid flow passing through the inner body towards the drill hole, as well as where the exposure of the actuating member to fluid to a first fluid pressure causes the drive member to move to a position of drive thus moving the flow controller to close the flow port and wherein the actuating member is movable to a further position in the fluid exposure at a second fluid pressure greater than said first pressure, wherein the flow Fluid from the internal body towards the drilling hole is reopened. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for locating the casing for drill hole in a drill hole, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a pipe reinforcement with a casing pipe for hole of drilling to be located in a drilling hole; running the casing pipe for drilling hole and the pipe reinforcement towards the drilling hole; directing fluid along a fluid supply pipe located within the drilling hole casing pipe, through an internal body of the pipe reinforcement coupled with the fluid supply pipe and towards the drill hole; allowing the return flow of the fluid from the drilling hole to a generally annular flow area defined between an outer body of the pipe reinforcement and the inner body through at least one flow port of the outer body; Place a ball in a valve seat defined by a drive member located inside the inner body, to avoid that additional fluid flow passes through the internal body and into the drill hole; exposing the drive member to fluid at a first fluid pressure, to move the drive member to a driving position, to cause a flow controller of the valve assembly to close the flow port; and subsequently exposing the drive member to fluid at a second fluid pressure greater than said first fluid pressure, to reopen the flow of fluid from the inner body to the bore hole. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a pipe reinforcement is provided for drilling hole casing pipe, the pipe reinforcement comprising: an outer tubular body adapted to be coupled with a casing for drill hole; a tubular inner body located within the outer body and adapted to be coupled with a fluid supply pipe located within the drilling hole casing for the flow of fluid passing through the inner body toward the drilling hole; a generally annular flow area defined between the internal and external bodies, for the return of fluid flow from the drilling hole along the pipe reinforcement and towards a ring defined between the casing pipe for drilling hole and fluid supply piping; and a valve assembly including a valve to selectively prevent the flow of return fluid from passing from the bore hole to the inner body, where the valve is initially in an open position and isolated from the fluid found flowing. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for locating the casing for drill hole in a drill hole, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a pipe reinforcement with a casing pipe for hole of drilling to be located in a drilling hole; directing fluid along a fluid supply pipe located within the drill hole liner, through an internal body of the pipe reinforcement coupled with the fluid supply pipe and into the drill hole; running the casing for drill hole and the pipe reinforcement towards the drilling hole with a valve of a valve assembly of the pipe reinforcement in an open position in which the valve is isolated from the fluid that is flowing; allowing the return flow of fluid from the drilling hole to a generally annular flow area defined between an outer body of the pipe reinforcement and the inner body; and subsequently actuating the valve assembly to expose the valve and move the valve to a closed position, thereby preventing the flow of fluid back from the bore hole to the internal body. Additional features of the third to sixth aspects of the invention in common with the first and second aspects are defined above. Additionally, the features of one or more of the above aspects of the invention may be provided in isolation or in combination. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a drilling hole coating line comprising the pipe reinforcement of any of the first, third or fifth aspects of the invention is provided. Now embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a drilling hole during drilling and coating with a casing for drill hole; Figure 2 is a view of the drill hole of Figure 1 shown during the installation of a casing section for drill hole in an extended open section of the drill hole, the casing for drill hole being coupled with a pipe reinforcement in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the pipe reinforcement of Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a longitudinal medial sectional view of a beam assembly used to couple the pipe reinforcement of Figure 2 with the fluid supply pipe. Turning first to Figure 1, a drilling hole 10 is shown during drilling and coating with casing for drill hole. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, drilling hole 10 is drilled from surface 12 to gain access to an underground rock formation 14 containing well fluids including oil and / or gas. The drilling hole 10 is shown in Figure 1 after drilling a first drilling hole section 16 at a first depth, which has been coated with drilling hole casing in the form of a first liner section 18 and the lining section 18 has been fixed with cement at 20, both to hold the perforated rock formations and to prevent the entry of unwanted fluid into the lining section 18. The hole perforation 10 has been extended to a second depth by drilling a second smaller diameter drill hole section 22, as well as a second smaller diameter liner section 24 s has located within the first liner section 18, extending from the surface 12 through the first liner section 18. The second liner section 24 has been fixed with cement in place within the open bore hole section 22 and the first liner section 16, which uses the pipe reinforcement of the present invention, which will be described. Turning now to Figure 2, the drill hole 10 is shown following the extension to a third depth by drilling a third drill hole section 26 of a diameter smaller than the second drill hole section 22 and illustrated during installation of a third liner section 28 within the second liner section 22. A pipe reinforcement 30 for drilling hole liner pipe, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, engages with the third liner section 28 and is used both to assist the operation and to cement the liner section 28 with cement. In particular, and as will be described below, the pipe reinforcement 30 facilitates the minimization of the radial separation between each successive lining section located at the drilling hole 10, thus offering advantages compared to the conventional methods of coating an ag drill hole, including the reduction of material waste and, therefore, the cost of using more diameter liner sections small, the reduction of the volumes resulting from drilling cuts with consequent cost savings in terms of drilling time, cleaning, storage and disposal of drilling cuts, as well as reductions in cement volumes required, with consequent savings in costs and storage. The pipe reinforcement 30 is also shown in the enlarged middle sectional view of Figure 3, separately from the drill hole 10, for ease of illustration. The pipe reinforcement 30 takes the form of a flow diverter pipe reinforcement and serves both to circulate fluid to the drill hole 10 during the operation and installation of the liner section 28 and to subsequently control the supply of cement towards the drill hole 10, to seal the liner 28 in the drilling hole 10. The pipe reinforcement 30 includes a tubular external body 32 which engages the liner 26 through an intermediate coupling fitting 34, although it will be understood that the external body 32 can alternatively coupled directly with the liner 28. A tubular inner body 36 is located within the external body 32 and is coupled with a fluid supply pipe 38 which is located within and extends through the liner 28 and which is shown with dotted lines in figure 2. The fluid supply pipe 38 serves for the flow of fluid passing through the inner body 36 towards the drill hole 10 during the operation / fixing with cement.

The pipe reinforcement 30 also includes a valve assembly 40 comprising a valve 42 to prevent fluid flow back from the bore hole 10 through the inner body 36 and to the fluid supply pipe 38. In addition , a generally annular flow area 44 is defined between the inner and outer bodies 36, 32 and serves for the selective return fluid flow to pass from the bore hole 10 along the pipe reinforcement 30 and towards a ring 46 (Figure 2) defined between the liner 26 and the fluid supply pipe 38. A radial width of the annular flow area 44 varies in a direction around a circumference of the inner body 36, so that the flow area 44 has a maximum radial width in a region 48 and a minimum radial width in a region 50, which has a 180 ° separation in torus to the circumference of the internal body 36. By varying the radial width of the flow area 44 of Thus, the dimensions of the flow area in the region 48 are maximized, facilitating the flow of fluid to pass along the flow area 44 and reducing or avoiding the likelihood that the flow area 44 will be blocked, for example, for solid waste. Generally speaking, the pipe reinforcement 30 is used in the following manner. The pipe reinforcement 30 is provided in the lower part of the liner section 28 and engages the liner on the surface. The liner 28, which carries the pipe reinforcement 30, is brought to the drilling hole 10 through a second liner of larger diameter 24 and towards the open section of the drilling hole 26. During the introduction of the liner 28, fluid as the drilling fluid is circulated towards the drilling hole 10, to facilitate the passage of the liner. The fluid is pumped down via the fluid supply pipe 38 and flows through the internal body 36 of the pipe reinforcement 30, exiting the open section 26 of the drill hole 10 through an inclined passage 52 provided in a hose 54 of the pipe reinforcement 30. The pipe reinforcement 30 initially has the configuration shown in Figure 3 and the fluid flow flowing towards the drill hole section 26 through the passage 52 flows upwards along a surface external 56 of the external body 32. Part of the fluid continues along a major external ring 58 (Figure 2) defined between the pipe reinforcement 30 / liner 28 and a wall 60 of the drill hole section 26, which continues towards the second section of existing lining 24 and, therefore, up to the surface. However, the radial spacing between the second largest liner 22 and the third liner section 28 is minimal and a significant portion of fluid is deflected and returned to the pipe reinforcement 30. To facilitate this, the outer body of the pipe reinforcement 32 includes at least one flow port 62 and, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a plurality of flow ports 62 spaced around a circumference of the external body 32. In the configuration of FIG. 3 of the pipe reinforcement 30, the Flow ports 62 are open and in fluid communication with the annular flow area 44, so that the fluid that is introduced into the pipe reinforcement 30 through the ports 62 flows into the area of flow. flow 44 and, therefore, along the pipe reinforcement 30 towards the ring 46 defined between the fluid supply pipe 38 and the liner 28. Therefore, it will be understood that a significant portion of the fluid directed towards the hole The perforation 10 returns to the surface along the ring 46, which facilitates the minimization of the radial gap between concentric lining sections. Additionally, it will be understood that the fluid returning from the drilling hole 10 to the reinforcement of pipe 30, carries solid waste that it carries (such as drilling cuts)., cement or other similar residues present in the drilling hole 10 after the performance of early bottomhole procedures). By providing a flow area 44 of variable radial width, with a maximum width in the region 48, the likelihood of a blockage of the flow area 44 is reduced or prevented, thus ensuring the subsequent correct operation of the pipe reinforcement. Once the pipe reinforcement 30 has been located at the desired depth and the liner section 28 has then been placed within the section of the drill hole 26, the pipe reinforcement 30 is actuated to close the flow ports 62. This ensures that additional fluid pumped into the drilling hole 10 through the pipe reinforcement 30, is directed to the main outer ring 58 and allows the cement to be fastened to the liner 28 in place, without the return flow of cement pass to the pipe reinforcement through the flow ports 62. After fixing with cement, the pipe reinforcement 30 is drilled to open the section of liner 28, allowing the completion of the drill hole 10 to gain access to the production formation 14, or the extension of the drill hole 10, to allow the location of an additional smaller diameter liner section (not shown) within the section 28 extending to the surface, or a liner (not shown) extending from the base of the liner section 28 to a desired depth. The structure and method of operation of the pipe reinforcement 30 will now be described in greater detail, also referring to Figure 4, which is a longitudinal medial sectional view of a beam assembly 64 used to couple the pipe reinforcement with the pipeline. fluid supply 38. The internal body of the pipe reinforcement 36 is located eccentrically within the external body 32, so that the main shaft 66 of the internal body 36 is separated (non-coaxial) with respect to a main shaft 68. of the external body 32. Since the internal and external bodies 36, 32 are cylindrical tubular, this eccentric location of the internal body 36 inside the external body 32, defines the shape of the annular flow area 44, where the radial width varies around to a circumference of the internal body 36. The internal body 36 engages and, therefore, is limited with respect to the external body 32 by two fixing pins 70 and n receptacle 72, which is screwed into a lower end 74, engages the inner body 36. The beam assembly 64 includes a beam 76 which is received within the receptacle 72 and the beam 76 carries a series of O-rings or similar seals 78, which provide a seal between the beam 76 and the receptacle 72. The receptacle 72 includes an upper flange 80 defining a seat for abutment with a shearing ring 82 in the beam 76, to prevent the beam 76 passes completely into the receptacle 72. The beam 76 engages an upper end 84 with a lower section of the fluid supply pipe 38 and, therefore, provides a sealed connection between the supply pipe 38 and the inner body 36. Providing beam 76 ensures that the fluid supply pipe 38 is sealed with respect to the internal pipe reinforcement body 36, regardless of whether there is a relative axial position of the fluid supply pipe 38 within the section Liner 28. Valve 42 of valve assembly 40 is provided below receptacle 72 and takes the form of a clapper-type check valve, which allows fluid flow to pass through the body. or internal 36 in the direction of the arrow A, on exposure to a sufficient fluid pressure force to move the flap valve 42 from the closed position shown to an open position, against the action of an inclining spring 86. In addition, the valve assembly includes an additional clapper check valve 88 which, as will be described below, is initially held in an open position and is isolated from the fluid flow: which flows through the internal body 36. In fact, the clapper valve 88 forms a primary check valve 88, while valve 42 forms a secondary check valve. In fact, the check valve 88 is incited to passing to a closed position by an inclining spring 90, similar to that of the valve 42 shown in Figure 3. However, the inclining spring 90 is located higher than the spring 86, so that a greater closing force is exerted. on the primary check valve 88, with respect to the secondary check valve 42. As described above, the secondary check valve 42 prevents the flow of return fluid from the drilling hole 10 to the supply pipe. of fluid 38. Once the primary check valve 88 has been released to move to a closed position, a safer double barrier is provided., to prevent said return fluid flow. The valve assembly 40 also includes a drive member in the form of a tubular piston 92, which is mounted within an internal bore 94 of the internal body 36 and which is selectively movable along a length of the bore. Additionally, the valve assembly includes a flow controller in the form of a generally annular flow controlling piston 96, which is located within the annular flow area 44 and is selectively movable relative to the internal and external bodies 36, 32 In addition, the valve assembly 40 includes a ball 98, which is placed in a ball seat 100 defined by the piston 92 to drive the flow controller 96, as will be described. The tubular piston 92 engages with an internal separator 102, which is mounted in the bore of the internal body 94 and engages with the internal body by placing the pin 104. The tubular piston 92 is fixed to the separator internal 102 by a shearing pin 106, which initially prevents movement of the tubular piston 92, to maintain the piston in the position shown in Figure 3. The actuating piston 92 also engages the flow controller 96 through a pin shear 108, which extends through a wall 110 of the internal body 36 and which is movable within an axial groove or channel 112 formed in the wall of the body 110. Therefore, the flow controller 92 is initially maintained in the open position shown in Figure 3, by virtue of the driving piston 92 which is supported by the shearing pin 106. In this position, the flow controller 96 allows fluid communication between the flow ports of the external body 62 and the annular flow area 44. In more detail, the flow controller 96 includes a circumferentially extending recess or channel 114 which, in the open position of the flow controller, is aligns axially with the flow ports 62. An axial flow passage 116 extends along part of a length of the flow controller in the region of the flow controller of greatest radial width and opens at one end towards the channel 114 and, at the other end, to the annular flow area 44 above the flow controller 96. It will be understood that a series of said passages 116 can be provided. In the initial closed position of the drive piston 92 shown in the figure 3, the primary check valve 88 is isolated from the fluid that is flowing, to reduce wear of the check valve 88 until it is driven to a closed position. It will be understood that the check valve is isolated because it is maintained in a position where there is no fluid on the valve, but fluid communication is between a space 118 in which the check valve 88 is located (when it is in the closed position) and an internal hole 120 of the drive piston 92, through a small communication port 122. This avoids the hydraulic locking of the drive piston 92. The valve assembly 40 is operated to close the flow ports 62 and, therefore, , to close the path of fluid flow between the drilling hole 10 and the annular flow area 44, in the following manner. The flow controller 96 is initially in the open position shown in Figure 3. The ball 98 is pumped down through the fluid supply line 98, through an internal hole 124 of the beam 76 and, for therefore, towards and along the receptacle 72. The ball 98 then flows through the secondary check valve 42 (which is forced open by the force of the fluid that is flowing through the internal body 36) and reaches the ball seat 100. With the ball 98 positioned in the ball seat 100, an additional fluid flow is prevented or prevented from passing through the inner body 36, causing an increase in the back pressure behind the ball 98. This causes a fluid pressure force is exerted on the drive piston 92, whose movement is initially limited by the shear pin 106, as described above. The fluid pressure is then increased above the typical operating pressure and, when the fluid pressure reaches a first level of threshold, the first shearing pin 106 shear, releasing the drive piston 92 for movement with respect to the inner body 36. Thus, the driving piston 92 is forced to move axially downstream, carrying the flow controller 96 under the connection between the piston and the flow controller through the second shearing pin 108. Since the second shearing pin 108 is located higher than the first shearing pin 106, the second pin remains initially intact. The translation of the drive piston 92 carries the flow controller 96 axially downstream, misaligning the channel 114 with respect to the flow ports 62, thus closing the flow ports. The flow controller 96 carries a split ring, retaining ring 126 or the like which is housed in a recess 128 formed in the external body 32, to maintain the flow controller 96 in the closed position. Therefore, the drive piston 92 has moved from the initial position shown in Figure 3 to a driving position, wherein the second shearing pin 108 has reached the bottom of a base of the axial channel 112, thereby preventing the further movement of the driving piston 92 beyond the driving position. With the drive piston 92 in this position, an additional fluid flow to the drill hole is prevented through the inclined passage 52. When it is desired to reopen the fluid flow towards the drill hole 10 through the passage 52, the fluid pressure is increased beyond the first level to a second threshold pressure, with which a pressure force sufficient Large is felt by the drive piston 92 for the shearing of the second shearing pin 108. This frees the drive piston 92 to move beyond the driving position to a further position, wherein the piston resides in a reinforcement base 130. of pipe 30, which is defined by hose 54. In this additional position, a piston head 132 of drive piston 92 has moved axially beyond an inlet 134 of passage 52, thereby reopening the communication of fluids with the drilling hole 10. The driving piston 92 has now moved out of the primary check valve 88, which is forced to pass to the closed position by the spring 90, providing a double barrier so that the fluid flow return to the fluid supply pipe 38. After said movement of the drive piston 92 towards the reinforcement of the base pipe 130, as well as the movement From the flow controller 96 to close the flow ports 62, an additional fluid flow to the drilling hole 10 is directed to the outside of the pipe reinforcement 30, along the main outer ring 58, allowing cement fixation of the liner section 28. The beam assembly 64 can then be pulled and the beam 76 retracted from the receptacle 72. To facilitate this movement, the pipe reinforcement 30 includes a unidirectional valve 136 that allows fluid communication between the area of flow 44 and an inner hole 138 of the receptacle 72, thereby preventing hydraulic locking. The pipe reinforcement 30 can then be drilled to open the section of liner 28, by passing a drilling tool or shredder (not shown) toward the pipe reinforcement 30. To facilitate drilling of the pipe reinforcement 30, the pipe reinforcement includes a biasing or sloping surface 140, which deflects the bore radially toward outside, to assist the drill to grip the inner body 36 to drill the pipe reinforcement. After drilling of the pipe reinforcement 30, additional downhole procedures can be performed. For example, a termination chain may be placed and finishing procedures performed to achieve access to the production fluids of the formation 14. Alternatively, the perforation hole 10 may be extended to an additional depth and the procedure described above may be repeated. for placing an additional small diameter liner section (not shown) within the liner fixed with cement 28. In a further alternative, a liner can be placed in said extension, fixed to the lower part of the liner section 28. For lining new, the lining section 28 is operated and positioned in the following manner. During the operation of the liner section 28, the fluid as the drilling fluid is pumped down through the fluid supply pipe 38, out of the pipe reinforcement 30 through the passage 52 and towards the drill hole 10. Part of the fluid returns to the surface along the main outer ring 58, but a significant portion of the fluid flows passes into the annular flow area 44 through the flow ports 62 and, therefore, reaches as far as possible. the surface, transporting the washed up waste. During operation, the flow of return fluid from the bore hole 10 to the fluid supply pipe 38 is retained by the secondary check valve 42. When the liner section 28 has been located in the desired position within the section of the drill hole 26, the ball 98 is pumped down through the fluid supply pipe 38, towards the pipe reinforcement 30, and is housed in the ball seat 100. This prevents an additional fluid flow pass to the drilling hole 10 through the pipe reinforcement 30. The fluid pressure then increases above the first threshold level and the shear pin 106 breaks, allowing the drive piston 92 to move downstream, carrying the flow controller 96 and closing the flow ports 62. This closes the fluid communication between the bore hole 10 and the annular flow area 44. The piston drive 92 is then moved to the additional position, to reopen the flow of fluid to the bore hole 10, increasing the fluid pressure above the threshold level of the section, thereby breaking the second shearing pin 108. The cement is pumped then down through the pipe reinforcement 30 and into the drill hole 10 through the passage 52, to fix with cement and seal the liner 28 in place. The return of the cement from the drilling hole 10 to the fluid supply pipe 38 is avoided by the double barrier of the primary and secondary check valves 38, 42.

The provision of the two shearing pins 106, 108, wherein the second pin 108 is located higher than the first pin 106, provides a double pressure signal on the surface, thus indicating the correct placement of the flow controller 96. For example , if only a first pressure signal is detected on the surface, where a pressure reduction occurs due to the shearing of the two pins 106, 108 simultaneously, this indicates that the connection between the drive piston 92 and the flow control 96 has prematurely sheared and that the flow controller 62 is unlikely to have moved to the closed position. Accordingly, the flow ports 62 would remain open and the liner 28 could not be fixed with cement. The liner 28 would then need to be brought to the surface and the pipe reinforcement 30 relocated for deployment. Additionally, in the event that the second shear pin 108 does not reach the bottom of the axial channel 112, indicating that the flow controller 96 has not moved to the closed position, the shear pin 108 would shear at a lower applied fluid pressure. This is because a bending moment must be exerted along the shearing pin 108, causing it to shear prematurely. Similarly, this provides an indication of an incorrect installation of the flow controller 96. Various modifications may be made to the foregoing without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, pipe reinforcement may be suitable for use with other types of downhole pipe where fluid is directed through the pipeline into the drill hole, or liner / liner in the drilling hole, in use.

Claims (35)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A pipe reinforcement for casing for drill hole, the pipe reinforcement comprising: an outer tubular body adapted to be coupled with a casing for drill hole, the outer body having at least one flow port for the communication of fluids between the drilling hole and an interior of the external body; a tubular inner body located within the outer body and adapted to be coupled with the fluid supply pipe located within the drilling hole casing for the flow of fluid through the inner body toward the drill hole; a generally annular flow area defined between the internal and external bodies, the flow area being in selective fluid communication with the drilling hole through the flow port, for the return of the fluid flow from for the return of the flow of fluid from the drilling hole along the pipe reinforcement and towards a ring defined between the drilling hole coating pipe and the fluid supply pipe; and a valve assembly comprising a drive member located within the inner body and defining a ball seat, a flow controller for selectively closing the flow port and a ball adapted to adjoin in a manner sealed with the valve seat; wherein the ball is adapted to come to abut the valve seat to prevent additional fluid flow passing through the inner body towards the drill hole, as well as where the exposure of the actuating member to fluid at a first pressure of fluid causes the drive member to move to a driving position, thereby moving the flow controller to close the flow port; and wherein the actuating member is movable to a further position upon exposure to the fluid at a second fluid pressure greater than said first pressure, wherein the fluid flow from the inner body toward the piercing hole is reopened.

2. The pipe reinforcement according to claim 1, further characterized in that a radial width of the annular flow area varies in a direction around a circumference of the internal body.

3. The pipe reinforcement according to any of claims 1 or 2, further characterized in that, in use, at least part of the fluid directed towards the drill hole is subsequently diverted towards and, therefore, the defined ring between the drilling bore liner and the fluid supply pipe.

4. The pipe reinforcement according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the internal body is located eccentrically inside the external body.

5. The pipe reinforcement according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that when the The actuating member is in the additional position, all the fluid flowing towards the drilling hole passes above an outer ring defined between the drilling hole and an external surface of the external body of the pipe reinforcement.

6. The pipe reinforcement according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that in the initial position of the actuating member, the flow port is open and in the driving position of the actuating member, the flow port It is closed.

7. The pipe reinforcement according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the valve assembly comprises a stop for restricting the drive member against movement in relation to the inner body and keeps the drive member in the initial position.

8. The reinforcement pipe according to claim 7 further characterized in that the stop is adapted to shear with a first shear force exerted on the pin when the actuating member is exposed to fluid in the first fluid pressure.

9. The pipe reinforcement according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the flow controller is located in the annular flow area, is generally annular and has a radial width that varies around a circumference thereof corresponding to the variation in radial width of the annular flow area.

10. - The pipe reinforcement according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the flow controller includes at least one flow passage to allow the flow from the drill hole to pass through the flow port and into the area of ring flow. 11.- The pipe reinforcement in accordance with the claim 10, further characterized in that the flow controller comprises a channel that extends around a circumference of the controller and because the flow passage opens to the channel and extends along at least part of a length of the flow controller . 12.- The pipe reinforcement in accordance with the claim 11, further characterized in that the flow port is adapted to close by moving the flow controller to a position in which the flow port and the channel are misaligned. 13. The pipe reinforcement according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the valve assembly comprises at least one valve to prevent the flow of fluid from the drill hole passing through the internal body and made the fluid supply pipe and because the at least one valve is initially held in an open position insulated from exposure to the fluid that is flowing. 14. The pipe reinforcement according to claim 13, further characterized in that the valve assembly comprises a valve primary retaining and secondary check valve, the valve primary retention finding initially isolated from the fluid which is flowing, the secondary check valve providing initial prevention of fluid flow return from the bore hole, until the time the one that the primary check valve has been activated. 15. The pipe reinforcement according to claim 14, further characterized in that it comprises actuators for closing the primary and secondary check valves, wherein the actuator for closing the primary check valve is adapted to exert a relatively greater force on the primary check valve that the corresponding actuator of the secondary check valve. 16. A method for locating the casing to borehole in a drill hole, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a reinforcing pipe with a casing for the bore hole to be located in a drill hole; running the casing pipe for drilling hole and the pipe reinforcement towards the drilling hole; directing fluid along a fluid supply pipe located within the drill hole liner, through an internal body of the pipe reinforcement coupled with the fluid supply pipe and into the drill hole; allow the return flow of fluid from the drilling hole to a generally defined annular flow area between an external body of the pipe reinforcement and the internal body through at least one external body flow port; placing a ball in a valve seat defined by a drive member located within the inner body, to prevent additional fluid flow passing through the inner body and into the bore hole; exposing the drive member to fluid at a first fluid pressure, to move the drive member to a driving position, to cause a flow controller of the valve assembly to close the flow port; and subsequently exposing the drive member to fluid at a second fluid pressure greater than said first fluid pressure, to reopen the flow of fluid from the inner body to the bore hole. 17. A pipe reinforcement for casing for drill hole, the pipe reinforcement comprising: an outer tubular body adapted to be coupled with a casing for drill hole; a tubular internal body located inside the external body, the internal body being adapted to be coupled with a fluid supply pipe located inside the casing for drilling hole, for the flow of fluid that traverses the internal body towards a hole of drilling; a valve assembly comprising at least one valve to prevent fluid flow from the drilling hole passing through the internal body and into the fluid supply line; and a generally annular flow area defined between the internal and external bodies, for the flow of selective return fluid from the bore hole along the pipe reinforcement and towards a ring defined between the bore pipe for drilling hole and the fluid supply pipe, a radial width of the annular flow area varying in a direction about a circumference of the internal body. 18. The pipe reinforcement according to claim 17, further characterized in that, in use, part of the fluid directed towards the drilling hole returns to exit the surface out of the pipe reinforcement and the casing pipe for drill hole . 19. The pipe reinforcement according to any of claims 17 or 18, further characterized in that at least part of the fluid directed towards the drilling hole is diverted towards the annular flow area of the pipe reinforcement and, therefore, , made the ring defined between the drilling hole casing pipe and the fluid supply pipe. 20. The pipe reinforcement according to any of claims 17 to 19, further characterized in that the external pipe body is provided as part of the drilling hole casing. 21. The pipe reinforcement according to any of claims 17 to 20, further characterized in that the valve assembly additionally comprises a localized drive member inside the internal body; and a flow controller to selectively allow fluid flow from the drilling hole to pass into the flow area. 22. The pipe reinforcement according to claim 21, further characterized in that the drive member is adapted to drive the flow controller to move between open and closed positions, to control the flow of fluid to the flow area. 23. The pipe reinforcement according to any of claims 21 or 22, further characterized in that the valve assembly comprises a ball and the actuating member includes a ball seat and because, in use, the ball is adapted to arrive to adjoin the ball seat, to selectively prevent additional fluid flow from passing through the inner body to the drill hole. 24. The pipe reinforcement according to any of claims 21 to 23, further characterized in that the valve assembly comprises a first pin to prevent the drive member from moving with respect to the inner body, wherein the pin is adapted for shearing with a first shearing force exerted on the pin when the drive member is exposed to fluid at the first fluid pressure. 25. The pipe reinforcement according to any of claims 21 to 24, further characterized in that the drive member is coupled to the flow controller by a second pin that is adapted to shear with a second shearing force exerted on the pin, when the actuating member is exposed to fluid at the second fluid pressure. 26. The pipe reinforcement according to any of claims 21 to 25, further characterized in that the flow controller includes at least one flow passage to allow the flow to pass from the drilling hole and into the flow area cancel. 27.- The pipe reinforcement in accordance with the claim 26, further characterized in that the flow controller comprises a channel extending around a circumference of the controller, the flow passage opening into the channel and extending along at least part of a length of the flow controller. 28.- The pipe reinforcement according to any of claims 17 to 27, further characterized in that it comprises a unidirectional valve to selectively allow the communication of fluids between the annular flow area and the interior of the internal body, to avoid hydraulic blockage during the use of the pipe reinforcement. 29. The pipe reinforcement according to any of claims 17 to 28, further characterized in that the internal body is adapted to be coupled with the fluid supply pipe through a connector that is located inside and sealed with respect to to the internal body. 30. The pipe reinforcement according to any of claims 17 to 29, further characterized in that it comprises a deflection surface for deflecting a drill hole path towards the pipe reinforcement to drill the pipe reinforcement, to subsequently open the drill hole liner for further downhole procedures. 31.- The pipe reinforcement in accordance with the claim 30, further characterized in that the deflecting surface is adapted to bias the drilling hole towards an inner wall of the inner body, to help cause the drill to be fastened to the internal body. 32.- A method for locating the casing for drill hole in a drill hole, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a pipe reinforcement with a casing for drill hole to be located in a drill hole; running the casing pipe for drilling hole and the pipe reinforcement towards the drilling hole; directing fluid along a fluid supply pipe located within the drill hole liner, through an internal body of the pipe reinforcement coupled with the fluid supply pipe and into the drill hole; prevent fluid flow from passing from the drilling hole through the internal body and into the fluid supply line; allowing the return flow of the fluid from the drilling hole to a generally annular flow area defined between an outer body of the pipe reinforcement and the inner body, wherein the annular flow area varies in radial width in a direction around a circumference of the internal body; and directing the fluid returned from the annular flow area to a ring defined between the drilling hole casing and the fluid supply pipe. 33.- A pipe reinforcement for casing pipe for drilling hole, the pipe reinforcement comprising: an external tubular body adapted to be coupled with a casing pipe for drilling hole; a tubular inner body located within the outer body and adapted to be coupled with a fluid supply pipe located within the drilling hole casing for the flow of fluid passing through the inner body toward the drilling hole; a generally annular flow area defined between the internal and external bodies, for the return of the fluid flow from the drilling hole along the pipe reinforcement and towards a ring defined between the drilling hole casing and the pipe of fluid supply; and a valve assembly including a valve to selectively prevent the flow of return fluid from passing from the bore hole to the inner body, where the valve is initially in an open position and isolated from the fluid found flowing. 34.- A method for locating the casing for drilling holes in a drilling hole, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a pipe reinforcement with a casing for drilling holes to be located in a drilling hole. drilling; directing fluid along a fluid supply pipe located within the drill hole liner, through an internal body of the pipe reinforcement coupled with the fluid supply pipe and into the drill hole; running the casing for drill hole and the pipe reinforcement towards the drilling hole with a valve of a valve assembly of the pipe reinforcement in an open position in which the valve is isolated from the fluid that is flowing; allow the return flow of fluid from the drilling hole to a generally annular flow area defined between an external body of the pipe reinforcement and the inner body; and subsequently actuating the valve assembly to expose the valve and move the valve to a closed position, thereby preventing the flow of fluid back from the bore hole to the internal body. 35.- A casing for drill hole comprising a pipe reinforcement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, 17 to 31 or claim 33. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a pipe reinforcement for casing for drill hole and to a method for locating the casing for drill hole in a drill hole; in one embodiment, a pipe reinforcement 30 is described which includes a tubular outer body 32 which engages with a casing pipe for bore hole 28, as well as an internal tubular body 36 located within the outer body and coupled with the pipeline fluid supply 38; a generally annular flow area 44 is defined between the bodies, being in selective fluid communication with the bore hole 10, for the return of fluid flow from the borehole through a flow port 62 in the outer body , along the pipe reinforcement and towards a ring 46 defined between the drilling hole coating pipe and the fluid supply pipe; a valve assembly 40 of the pipe reinforcement has a drive member 92 located within the inner body, as well as a flow controller 96 for selectively closing the flow port; a ball 98 is used to prevent additional fluid flow passing through the inner body towards the drill hole; exposing the drive member to fluid at a first fluid pressure then causes the drive member to move to an actuation position in which the flow controller closes the flow port; exposure to fluid in a second fluid pressure greater than said first pressure reopens the flow of fluid from the internal body towards the drilling hole. LF / cgt * P08 / 111 F