MX2012004961A - Systems and methods for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for initiating annular obstructions in wells used in, or in support of, enhanced oil recovery operations-particularly enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts involving steam injection (e.g., steam flooding). In at least some instances, system and method embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more passively-activated annular obstruction devices (and/or hybrid active/passive devices) for inducing annular obstruction, wherein the associated passive or hybrid activation is at least partially controlled by thermal means such that it can be deemed to be thermally-directed or thermally-controlled. Such thermally-directed passive activation can afford considerably more control over the annular obstruction process and, correspondingly, over the overall steam injection into the formation and associated reservoir-thereby providing more efficient recovery of hydrocarbons.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INITIATING ANY ANNULAR OBSTRUCTION IN A SUBSUPERFICIAL WELL Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to oil field drilling and termination operations, and specifically to systems and methods for initiating annular blockages in wells used in, or in support of, such operations, particularly improved oil recovery operations such as those that involve steam flood.

Background of the Invention Steam flooding is a common method to produce oil from reservoirs that would otherwise be difficult to produce using conventional resources. This type of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technique typically uses a plurality of steam injection wells interspersed with production wells. See, for example, Hutchison et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,099,563, issued July 11, 1978; and Shu, U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,056, issued on February 14, 1984.

Steam injection wells are often partially injected into the interior near the region where steam will be injected. However, region of the well in Ref .: 230253 where steam will be injected must remain open to the formation comprising the target deposit. In this region, a column of auxiliary coating tube typically runs a certain distance (eg, from several hundred to several thousand meters), with slots, holes, or other porous channels that allow fluid communication with the formation along at least portions of the length of the auxiliary coating tube column. See, for example, Theming, U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,925, issued July 24, 1990.

Ideally, during the steam injection, a uniform fluid flow to the reservoir is maintained. However, in practice, an unrestricted flow in the annular space, complicated by reservoir heterogeneities and / or reservoir variable pressures, results in an irregular fluid flow to the reservoir. In turn, this irregular fluid flow to the formation reduces the overall hydrocarbon extraction yields of the reservoir.

Currently, several devices are used in the industry to ensure a fairly uniform fluid flow out of the auxiliary coating tube and into the formation. Such devices generally induce an annular obstruction (i.e., a barrier) in the annular region (see, eg, Grigsby et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,564,870, issued May 20, 2003). In some cases, such devices are actively deployed in such a way that specific actions are taken to activate and / or activate the obstruction (for example, hydraulic and / or mechanical actuation). The disadvantage of such devices, and their method of deployment, is the need to operate mechanical and / or hydraulic drive means at the bottom of the bore.

In other cases, the activation of such aforementioned devices is passive, which does not require direct external intervention, for example, "an inflatable obturator" comprising a mandrel wrapped in an elastomeric material, wherein the elastomeric material swells in the presence of a particular fluid that is introduced into the annular region.

In view of the foregoing, an improved method and / or system for passively obstructing the annular region (or a passive obstruction comprising active elements, eg, a hybrid obstruction) in a steam injection well, particularly where said method and / or system provides better control over the driving process without having to operate tools or devices at the bottom of the hole to mechanically and / or hydraulically actuate an annular obstruction plug.

Brief Description of the Invention The present invention is directed to systems and methods for initiating annular obstructions in wells used in, or in support of, improved oil recovery operations, particularly efforts. of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) that include steam injection (for example, steam flooding). In at least some cases, the system and method embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more passively activated annular obstruction devices (and / or active / passive hybrid devices) to induce annular obstruction, wherein passive or hybrid activation The associated particle is controlled at least partially by thermal means in such a way that it can be considered to be thermally controlled or thermally controlled. Said thermally directed passive activation can provide considerably greater control over the annular clogging process and, correspondingly, over the overall steam injection in the formation and the associated reservoir, thus providing a more efficient hydrocarbon recovery.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to one or more systems of a first type for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well (e.g., vapor injection), said system or more systems of a first type generally comprising: (a) ) a column of at least partially permeable auxiliary coating pipe located in a portion of a hole that is at least partially open to a formation containing hydrocarbons; (b) a sealed metal chamber disposed around a portion of the at least partially permeable auxiliary tube column; (c) a material contained in the sealed metal chamber, wherein said material is initially in a condensed state, but which changes to a gaseous state when heated above a certain threshold temperature; and (d) a means of heating the material contained in the metal chamber in order to effect its transition to the gaseous state where, when changing to gas, the material increases the pressure in the chamber, and where upon experiencing an increase in the pressure, the metal chamber expands in such a way that it engages the formation, thus forming an annular obstruction between the at least partially permeable auxiliary coating tube column and the formation. It can be seen that said system modalities of a first type comprise a chamber-based annular obstruction device (s), that is, the partially permeable portion of the auxiliary tube column that is operably operable to engage the wall of the formation and carry out the annular obstruction in at least one region of the annular space of the hole.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to one or more methods of a first type for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well, said method or methods of a first type generally comprising the steps of: (a) manufacturing a modified length of an at least partially permeable auxiliary tube column, the modified length comprising: (i) a sealed metal chamber disposed around the modified length of the at least partially permeable auxiliary tube column; (ii) a material located within the sealed metal chamber, wherein said material is initially in a condensed state and which changes to gas when heated above a certain threshold temperature; (b) placing the modified length of the at least partially permeable auxiliary tube column in an at least partially open hole region of a borehole, wherein an annular region is established between the modified length of the tube column auxiliary of permeable coating and the region of open hole of the auger; and (c) heating the modified length of the auxiliary coating tube column in order to effect a change of the material contained therein from a condensed state to a gaseous state, where when changing to gas, the material increases the pressure in the sealed metal chamber, and where upon experiencing an increase in pressure the sealed metal chamber expands in such a way that it engages the formation, thus forming an annular obstruction between the modified length of the column of auxiliary coating tube and the formation. In a manner analogous to the corresponding systems (of a first type) mentioned above, the modified length of partially permeable cladding auxiliary tube column can be observed to comprise a chamber-based annular obstruction device.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to one or more systems of a second type for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well, each of one or more systems generally comprising: (a) a column of auxiliary coating tube at less partially permeable located within a hole portion that is at least partially open to a hydrocarbon-containing formation; (b) a helical coil bearing spring disposed about a portion of the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing tube column, wherein the coil bearing load spring is in a load bearing state selected from the group consisting of a tensed state and a compressed state; (c) a spring retainer device attached to the helical spring supporting load in order to maintain it in a load bearing state, wherein the spring retainer device is at least partially made of material designed to melt above a predetermined temperature , and where upon melting it loses its ability to maintain the coil spring in a load-bearing state; and (d) a metal mesh functionally associated (eg, interposed) with the load bearing spring such that removal of the spring load causes the metal mesh to engage the formation, thus forming an annular obstruction between the column of auxiliary coating tube and formation, wherein the removal of charge is effected by applying heat to the annular region | sufficiently to melt at least a portion of the spring retainer device. It can be seen that such systems of a second type comprise an annular obstruction device or means based on helical spring, wherein said device comprises a helical load-bearing spring, a metal mesh, and retention pin (s), which together operate to engage the formation (thus inducing the obstruction) when they are triggered.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to one or more methods of a second type for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well, said methods generally comprising the steps of: (a) fabricating a column of auxiliary coating tube at least partially permeable, the modified coating auxiliary tube column length comprises: (i) a helical coil bearing spring disposed about a portion of the modified coating auxiliary tube column, wherein the coil bearing load spring is in a state that supports load selected from the group consisting of a tensioned state and a compressed state; (ii) a spring retainer device attached to the helical spring supporting load in order to maintain it in the load-bearing state, wherein the spring retainer device is at least partially made of material designed to melt above a temperature predetermined, and where upon melting it loses its ability to maintain the coil spring in a load-bearing state; and (iii) a metal mesh functionally associated with the load bearing spring such that when the coil spring undergoes a transformation from a load bearing state to a state that does not bear load, the metal mesh expands outwardly in one direction radial; (b) placing the at least partially permeable length of the modified casing auxiliary pipe column in an openhole region of a borehole, wherein an annular region is established between the modified length of casing auxiliary pipe column and the hole open hole region; and (c) heating the modified length of the auxiliary coating tube column in order to melt the spring retainer device and effect the transformation of the coil spring to the non-load bearing state., consequently causing the metal mesh to expand outwardly and engage the formation, thereby forming an annular obstruction between the modified length of the auxiliary casing column and the open hole. In a manner analogous to the corresponding systems (of a second type) mentioned above, it can be seen that the modified length of partially permeable cladding auxiliary tube column comprises an annular obstruction device based on helical spring.

The foregoing has very broadly highlighted the features of the present invention in order that the following detailed description of the invention may be better understood. Hereinafter, additional features and advantages of the invention forming the subject of the claims of the invention will be described.

Brief Description of the Figures For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions considered together with the appended figures, in which: Figure 1 is an illustrative overview of the manner in which the systems of the present invention can be configured, wherein the number and placement of the individual components of such systems is considered merely as illustrative, not limiting; Figure 2A illustrates a sealed metal chamber, in its unexpanded state, disposed about a portion of an auxiliary liner tube gasket, wherein the chamber is constructed in such a way as to be an integral part of the auxiliary tube gasket. coating, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2B illustrates the sealed metal chamber of Figure 2A, but in its expanded state, as a result of the material therein contained which changes from a condensed state to a gaseous state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3A illustrates a sealed metal chamber, in its unexpanded state, disposed about a portion of an auxiliary facing pipe gasket in such a way that it is not an integral part of the auxiliary facing pipe gasket, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3B illustrates the sealed metal chamber of Figure 3A, but in its expanded state, as a result of the material contained therein changing from a condensed state to a gaseous state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4 represents, in the form of a flow chart, methods of a first type for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5A illustrates an annular obstruction means for use in some system and method (of a second type) embodiments of the present invention, wherein the load-bearing coil spring, around which a metal mesh is interposed, is in a state stretched or expanded; Figure 5B illustrates the clogging means of Figure 5A, but in its non-load bearing condition, wherein the metal mesh interposed therewith has expanded to engage the formation and thus impart annular clogging; Figure 6A illustrates an annular obstruction means for use in some system and method (of a second type) embodiments of the present invention, wherein the load-bearing helical spring, functionally associated with a metal mesh network, is in a compressed state; Figure 6B illustrates the clogging means of Figure 6A, but in its non-load bearing condition, wherein the metal mesh functionally associated with the coil spring has expanded to engage the formation and thus impart annular clogging; Y Figure 7 represents, in the form of a flow chart, methods of a second type for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention 1. Introduction The present invention is directed to systems and methods for initiating annular obstructions in wells used in, or in support of, improved oil recovery operations, particularly enhanced oil recovery efforts involving vapor flooding. In at least some cases, the system and method embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more devices (or means) to induce annular obstruction., where the associated passive activation is thermally directed. In contrast to the devices and techniques of passive activation mentioned in the background section (see above), said thermally directed passive activation can provide considerably greater control over the obstruction process, consequently, over the overall steam injection within the formation and the associated field.

In the following, the mechanisms and methods of the present invention will be more fully detailed by means of which said passive annular obstruction drive is thermally directed. However, in a general sense, all those systems and methods depend on one or more thermally activated obstructive devices. The relationship of such devices with other components of a steam injection well are illustrated, by way of example, in the figure, where the well is illustrated as a deviated well, but it need not be so in every situation.

Referring now to Figure 1, in a subsurface well 110 extending downwardly from the surface 121, an open-hole region 184 extends from a piped region 174, where the piped region is established by means of the tubing 114 that is typically cemented in place. Within the well, a column of auxiliary casing pipe 120 extends from the piped region to, and mostly through, the open hole region, where the column of auxiliary casing pipe 120 is (typically) functionally connected. to the tubing column 114 through the use of an auxiliary liner or seal plug 118 (or, generally, one or more annular obstruction devices). Along portions of the column length of auxiliary coating pipe 120 (comprising several segments of auxiliary coating pipe joints) is one or more regions of pores (e.g., 128 and 142) from which it may emanate a fluid (e.g., vapor), filling the annular regions 122 and 136 established between the column of auxiliary coating pipe 120 and the wall of formation 123, and accessing reservoirs contained in regions 135 and 155 of the surrounding formation. By carefully positioning and passively actuating annular-inducing devices 124, 126, 130 and 134 (shown in the expanded state), the flow of steam (or other fluid) into the formation can be carefully controlled. Note that the number and relative placement of the devices is intended to be illustrative only, and does not mean that it limits the scope of the invention.

In some embodiments or cases, the means or devices for inducing annular obstruction can (eg, as part of, or used in, systems and methods of the present invention) be generally located in one of two categories depending on the type of mechanism and / or operation that they use. In some cases, the mechanism and / or operation is based on a temperature-controlled expandable metal chamber (e.g., systems and methods of a first type). In other cases, the mechanism and / or the operation is based on a helical spring that supports load (for example, systems and methods of a second type).

With respect to the aforementioned active / passive actuation / activation nature, in some of the embodiments described above the mechanisms and / or means by which the systems and / or methods for inducing annular obstructions operate can be considered to be mechanisms and / or or hybrid means by which thermal addressing (see above) can provide certain activation or actuation measures. 2. Definitions Certain terms are defined throughout the present description at the time they are employed for the first time, while some other terms used in the present description are defined below: An "auxiliary lining column", as defined herein, is similar to a tubing column because it is made of joints (segments of tube threaded onto one another), but does not run down the surface of the well as in the case of the tubing column. Instead, the auxiliary lining column is suspended by means of an auxiliary liner fastener attached to the tubing that is above it. For open-hole wells, the column of auxiliary casing pipe is not cemented and is in fluid communication with the formation.

An "open hole", as defined herein, is a well in which the column of auxiliary casing pipe is in direct fluid communication with the formation. Often, such wells are piped (and cemented) to the source or reservoir rock.

An "annular space", as defined herein, refers to the empty space or volume between two essentially cylindrical objects. As an example, in an open-hole borehole, the space between the auxiliary casing column and the wall of the formation is considered as an annular space.

An "annular region", as defined herein, refers to a portion of the annular space, wherein said portion may be physically or conceptually isolated from the remainder of the annular space of which it forms a part.

The term "annular obstruction", as defined and used herein, refers to a restriction to fluid flow in one or more (annular) regions of the annular space of the borehole.

The term "active drive", as defined herein, describes the process by which a device is actively activated or activated by the direct application of some form of hydromechanical work.

The term "passive drive", as defined herein, describes the process by which a device is operated by its passive exposure to an environmental condition.

The term "hybrid drive", as defined herein, describes the process by which a device is operated by means of an environmental condition that is actively or deliberately altered.

"Vapor injection", as defined herein, is the injection of steam generated at the surface into a subsurface formation typically to aid in the recovery of hydrocarbon materials.

"Steam flooding", as defined herein, is an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technique that employs steam injection to make oil more susceptible to flow (outside the reservoir). Typically, this involves the simultaneous use of multiple steam injection wells. 3. Systems of a First Type As mentioned hereinabove (see above), the systems and methods of the present invention, for initiating annular obstruction in subsurface wells, can be broadly categorized into one of two types, depending on the type of mechanism by which it is operated or another way starts, the annular obstruction. The following discussion, within this section, is directed to systems (ie systems of a first type) that employ a mechanism that is based, in large part, on the expansion of a sealed metal chamber. It can be seen that such systems comprise one or more obstruction devices based on a camera (see below).

With reference to Figures 2A and 2B, and with continued reference to Figure 1 (for a correlation of components of the example system), in some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a system (or systems) for, initiating the obstruction annular in a subsurface well 110, said system comprises: (a) a column of at least partially permeable auxiliary coating tube 120 located in a portion of a borehole (or subsurface well 110) that is at least partially open to a formation containing hydrocarbons (e.g., region 184); (b) a sealed metal chamber (eg, as in 210 and / or 310) disposed about a portion of the at least partially permeable auxiliary coating tube column 120; (c) a material contained in the sealed metal chamber, wherein said material is initially in a condensed state (e.g., 215 and / or 315), but which changes to a gaseous state (e.g., 217 and / or 317). ) when heated above a certain threshold temperature; and (d) a means of heating the material contained in the metal chamber in order to effect its transition to the gaseous state where, when changing to gas, the material increases the pressure in the chamber, and where upon experiencing an increase in pressure, the metal chamber expands in such a way that it engages the formation, thus forming an annular obstruction (e.g. , 126, 130, 134) between the column of the at least partially permeable auxiliary coating pipe 120 and the formation (ie, the wall of the formation 123).

In some of the system modalities described above, the subsurface well 110 is a steam injection well. Although such systems are intended to generate an annular obstruction or isolation in subsurface wells in general, steam injection is an economical and efficient method to additionally serve (in addition to its purpose of improved oil recovery) as a heating medium, capable of effecting the transition of the material contained in the sealed metal chamber from a condensed state (e.g., material 215 and / or 315) to a gaseous state (e.g., material 217 and / or 317) (see below).

In some of the embodiments of the system described above, well 110 is a deviated well, or at least includes sections that deviate from a vertical orientation (relative to the surface). The well of Figure 1, that is, a subsurface well 110, is illustrated as a deviated well, wherein a significant portion of the open hole region of the well runs in a substantially horizontal direction (e.g., greater than a deviation of 45 ° from the vertical) through much of the training.

In some of the system embodiments described above, the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column comprises pores or openings of a type selected from the group consisting of pre-punched holes, slots, screens, and combinations thereof. In Figure 1, the column of auxiliary coating pipe 120 comprises pores 128, 142 represented as pre-drilled holes.

In some of the system embodiments described above, the sealed metal chamber is an integral part of the casing tube (eg, a segment or junction of the auxiliary casing column 120) constituting at least part of the casing column. auxiliary coating pipe at least partially permeable. System modalities such as these are illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, where it can be seen that the outer wall of the auxiliary coating pipe junction 202 forms part of the sealed metal chamber 210. Consequently, the material within the The chamber is in direct contact with the outer wall of the auxiliary casing column. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are several methods for forming said sealed metal chamber that is an integral part of the auxiliary casing pipe, wherein such methods may include welding techniques.

In some system embodiments described above, the sealed metal chamber is an accessory fixed to the column of at least partially permeable auxiliary casing. System modalities such as these are illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, where it is noted that the sealed metal chamber 310 comprises its own wall 311 which protects the casing tube 202 from the material (315, 317) contained within the sealed metal chamber. Similar to the above embodiments (ie, those illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B), the chamber member 311 may be welded or otherwise fixed to the remainder of the sealed metal chamber 310. The sealed metal chamber 310 may slide over the casing tube 202 before the tube is deployed in the well, and the sealed metal chamber can be welded, fixed, or fabricated to otherwise adhere to the casing tube 202 by one or more of a variety of known techniques by those with experience in the art.

In some system embodiments described above, the sealed metal chamber (210, 310) has a geometry configured to improve its ability to engage the formation (i.e., the wall 123) as it expands. Said improved geometric configurations may take a variety of forms including, but not limited to, corrugations, grooves, corrugations, and the like. However, generally said improvements of geometric configurations are designed to allow a better hooking of the wall of the formation when expanding.

In some system embodiments described above, the aforementioned sealed metal chamber (210, 310) comprises at least one safety valve designed to vent below the bursting pressure of the chamber. Such safety valves are known in the art in terms of their form and function, and are within the competence of those skilled in the art to functionally integrate one or more of those valves into the design of one or more of the chambers. of metal mentioned above.

In some of the embodiments of the aforementioned system, the sealed metal chamber (210, 310) typically comprises a volume, in the unexpanded state, from at least about 50 cubic inches (0.8 L) to at most about 1,200 cubic inches (19.7 L). In some other embodiments of the aforementioned system, the sealed metal chamber typically comprises a volume, in the unexpanded state, from at least about 800 cubic inches (13.1 L) to at most about 3,000 cubic inches (49.2 L) . Still others of the embodiments of the aforementioned system, the sealed metal chamber typically comprises a volume, in the unexpanded state, from at least about 45.9 L (2,800 cubic inches) to at most about 196.7 L (12,000 cubic inches).

In some of the embodiments of the aforementioned system, the material (e.g., 215, 315) within the sealed metal chamber, when changing to a gaseous state (e.g., 217, 317), increases the volume of the chamber sealed metal (for example, the chamber changes from 210 to 212 and / or 310 to 312) typically by at least 50 percent; in some or other of these modalities, typically at least 100 percent; and in some or even other modalities, typically at least 200 percent. The upper limits in such expansion are typically approximately 300 percent.

Depending on the mode, the material (eg, 215, 315) inside the sealed metal chamber can be placed inside the chamber during the manufacture of the chamber, or subsequently through a valve or other resealable access port. In some such embodiments of the aforementioned system, the material within the sealed metal chamber is, in its condensed state, in a form selected from the group consisting of liquid, solid, and any mixture thereof. In some such embodiments of the aforementioned system, the material within the sealed metal chamber is selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols, glycols, glycerin, phase-changing materials (PCMs), eutectics , and combinations thereof. Note that in some embodiments, in cases where the condensed material is a solid, the solid may undergo a direct transition to the gaseous state (i.e., sublimation, upon being heated).

It can be seen that some of such modalities of the aforementioned system (of a first type) comprise a camera-based annular obstruction device / means (or a plurality thereof), that is, the part of the auxiliary casing column. partially permeable which is functionally operable to engage the wall of the formation and effect the annular obstruction in at least one region of the annular space of the hole. Such a device or means would correspond, by way of example, to one or more annular obstruction devices 124, 126, 130, and 134, as illustrated in Figure 1.

In some of the embodiments of the aforementioned system, the annular obstruction reduces the flow in the annular space by at least about 20 percent to at most approximately 100 percent. In some other embodiments, the annular obstruction reduces the flow in the annular space by at least about 20 percent to at most about 90 percent. In some or even other embodiments, the annular obstruction reduces the flow in the annular space by at least about 40 percent to at most about 90 percent.

In some of the embodiments of the aforementioned system, the heating means of the condensed material comprises the introduction of a heating source at the bottom of the perforation; that is, the thermal energy necessary to effect a phase change of the material (initially) condensed within the sealed metal chamber is general in the well below the surface. Sources of heat at the bottom of the bore are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, resistive borehole heaters, microwave heaters, and chemical (e.g., exothermic) reactions. See, for example, MacSporran, U.S. Pat. No. 3,072,189, issued January 8, 1953.

In some of the embodiments of the aforementioned system, the heating means involves the injection of a heated fluid into the well; that is, heat a fluid on the surface and then inject it into the well. In some such embodiments, the heating medium of the condensed material involves the injection of steam into the well. Suitable heating means for such fluids on the surface are known in the art, as well as methods for introducing said heated fluid into a well. There are also means for additionally or alternatively heating the fluid at the bottom of the bore. Regardless of whether heating is carried out on the surface or bottom of the perforation, in some embodiments, the heating medium of the condensed fluid uses an exothermic chemical reaction.

• In some of the embodiments of the aforementioned system, such systems additionally comprise one or more additional sealed metal chambers filled with condensed material, in order to effect multiple annular obstructions in the borehole. Such embodiments may be illustrated in Figure 1, wherein four annular obstruction devices (ie, camera-based devices, comprising sealed metal chambers) are illustrated in the figure as devices 124, 126, 130, and 134. 4. Methods of a First Type The modalities of method (of a first type) described in this section generally correspond to a substantial reference to the system modalities (of a first type) described above in Section 3. Consequently, reference will continue to be made, by way of example, to the Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, many of the details being common to both system and method modes.

Referring now to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the present invention is directed to one or more methods for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well, said method (s) or methods comprising the steps of: (Step 401) ) fabricating a modified length of an at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column, the modified length comprising: (i) a sealed metal chamber disposed around the modified length of the auxiliary casing column at least partially permeable; and (ii) a material located within the sealed metal chamber, wherein said material is initially in a condensed state and which changes to gas when heated above a certain threshold temperature; (Step 402) placing the modified length of the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column in an at least partially open hole region of a borehole, wherein an annular region is established between the modified length of the cascade column. auxiliary permeable lining pipe and hole open hole region; and (Step 403) heating the modified length of the auxiliary coating pipe column in order to effect a change of the material contained therein from a condensed state to a gaseous state, wherein when changing to gas, the material increases the pressure inside the sealed metal chamber, and where upon experiencing an increase in pressure the sealed metal chamber expands in such a way that it engages the formation, thus forming. an annular obstruction between the modified length of the auxiliary casing pipe column and the formation.

As in the system modalities (of a first type) described above, the functional components described above in relation to the system modalities, which are operable to engage the formation and induce annular obstruction, can be considered (at least in some cases). modes) which are annular obstruction devices based on a camera (see above).

As in the case of the analogous system embodiment described above, in some of the embodiments of the aforementioned method, the subsurface well is a steam injection well. In some of these modalities, the steam injected into the subsurface (in an effort to improve oil recovery) may also serve as a means by which the modified length of the auxiliary casing pipe column can be heated in order to effect a change of the material contained therein from a condensed state to a gaseous state (see below).

Corresponding to the aforementioned system modalities, in some of the aforementioned method modalities, the subsurface well is a deviated well. In general, a well is considered to be "deviated" if a substantial part of the hole deviates from a vertical axis established with the surface. Note that such a deviation is typically intentional (for example, directional drilling); and although some such subsurface wells formed in this manner are fairly horizontal (common for steam injection wells), it is not required that the wells used in conjunction with at least some embodiments of methods and / or systems of the present invention be of the diverted variety.

In some of the aforementioned system modalities, and - at least to some extent corresponding to the aforementioned analogous system modalities (of a first type), the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column comprises pores (openings, holes) of a type selected from the group consisting of pre-drilled holes, slots, screens, and combinations thereof. The characteristics and variation between these pores is as described above in the analogous system modalities.

In a manner similar to that described for the system modalities (of a first type) in Section 3 above, the sealed metal chamber may be either integral part of the modified length of the auxiliary coating pipe constituting the pipe column. auxiliary coating at least partially permeable (eg, as in Figures 2A and 2B), or can be an accessory fixed to the auxiliary pipe column at least partially permeable (eg as in Figures 3A and 3B) .

In analogous correspondence with one or more system modalities (of a first type) described above, in some of the method modalities described above, the sealed metal chamber has a geometry configured to improve its ability to engage the formation as it expands. Consequently, in some of these modalities, an efficient expansion in the metal chamber is designed and / or constructed by means of its geometry and / or associated geometric characteristics.

In some method embodiments described above, the sealed metal chamber comprises at least one safety valve designed to vent below the bursting pressure of the chamber. In some of those embodiments, when perhaps it serves for a rupture prevention capability, said safety valve can be designed additionally or alternatively to vent in such a way that it controls the pressure and flow of fluid in the annular region.

As is the case with such analogous system embodiments, in some of the aforementioned method embodiments, the sealed metal chamber comprises a volume, in the unexpanded state, from at least about 50 cubic inches (0.8 L) to when much approximately 1,200 cubic inches (19.7 L). In some or other method embodiments the sealed metal chamber, when changing to a gaseous state, increases the volume of the sealed metal chamber by at least about 50 percent.

In some of such aforementioned method embodiments, the material located within the sealed metal chamber is, in its condensed state, in a form selected from the group consisting of liquid, solid, and any mixture thereof. In some such method modalities, the material within the sealed metal chamber is selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols, glycols, glycerin, phase-changing materials, eutectics, and combinations thereof.

In some of the aforementioned method modalities, the annular obstruction reduces the flow in at least some regions of the annular space from at least about 20 percent to at most about 100 percent, i.e., a total annular obstruction or isolation for one or more ring regions. In some or other such embodiments, the annular obstruction reduces the flow in said annular regions from at least about 40 percent to at most about 100 percent.

In some such method modalities described above, the heating medium of the condensed material involves the injection of a heated fluid into the well. This fluid may be heated on the surface prior to injection, and / or may be heated additionally or alternatively in the subsurface through one or more of a variety of subsurface heating means. Further subsurface heating, with strategically placed heaters or other heating means, can impart additional control over the temporary actuation of the annular obstruction devices. As mentioned above, particularly in the case of steam injection wells for improved oil recovery, in such method modalities the heating medium of the condensed material involves injecting steam into the well.

In some of the method modalities described above, the heating medium of the condensed fluid utilizes conventional heating means known to persons skilled in the art. In some or other method modalities, said heating means may additionally or alternatively use irradiating heating means (e.g., microwave- or radiofrequency (RF) heating) and / or chemical heating means (e.g., an exothermic chemical reaction). ).

In some of such method modalities described above, such methods additionally comprise the use of multiple modified lengths of a column of at least partially permeable auxiliary casing pipe, in order to effect multiple annular obstructions in multiple regions of the borehole. An example embodiment is shown in Figure 1, where four annular obstruction devices (124, 126, 130, and 134) are shown. 5. Systems of a Second Type As mentioned hereinabove, the systems and methods of the present invention, to initiate annular obstruction in subsurface wells, can be broadly categorized into one of two types, depending on the type of mechanism by which it is operated or otherwise initiated. the annular obstruction. The following discussion, that is, the discussion in this section, is directed to systems (ie, systems of a second type) that employ a mechanism that is based, in large part, on the expansion of a metallic mesh material that is functionally associated with a helical spring that is initially (i.e., before the expansion of the metal mesh) in a load-bearing state.

The aforementioned mechanism (or means) employed by the aforementioned systems (of a second type) is provided by annular obstruction devices (e.g., devices 124, 126, 130 and 134, as illustrated in Figure 1) , where said devices are said to be based on coil springs. This type of mechanism or means is mechanically different from that used in systems of a first type that use an annular obstruction mechanism based on a camera.

With reference to Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, and with continued reference to Figure 1 (for a correlation of components of the example system), in some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a system (or systems) for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well 110, said systems comprise: (a) a column of at least partially permeable auxiliary casing 120 (comprising multiple junctions or segments of auxiliary casing pipe) located within a portion of borehole (eg, from subsurface well 110) that is at least partially open (eg, region 184) to a formation containing hydrocarbons; (b) a helical load bearing spring (501, 601) disposed about a portion (e.g., a pipe joint or segment) of the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column 202, wherein the coil spring load bearing is in a state that supports load selected from the group consisting of a tensioned state (e.g., coil spring 501) and a compressed state (e.g., coil spring 601); (c) a spring retainer device (503, 603) attached to the helical coil supporting load in order to hold it in a load-bearing state, wherein the spring retainer device is made at least partially of material designed to melt ( or otherwise losing its mechanical integrity) above a predetermined temperature, and where upon melting (eg, molten retainer devices 505, 605) loses its ability to maintain the coil spring in a load bearing state; and (d) a metal mesh (506, 606) interposed with the load bearing spring such that removal of the spring load causes the metal mesh to engage the formation (along the hole wall 123), thus forming an annular obstruction (e.g., 124, 126, 130, and / or 134) between the auxiliary coating pipe column 120 and the formation (any of the regions 125, 135, 145, and 155), wherein the Load removal is effected by applying heat to the annular region sufficiently to melt at least a portion of the spring retainer device.

In some of the system modalities described above, the subsurface well 110 is a steam injection well. Although such systems are intended to generate an annular obstruction or isolation in subsurface wells in general, steam injection is an economical and efficient method to additionally serve (in addition to its main purpose of improved oil recovery) as a heating medium, capable of of melting the spring retainer device and effecting a change in the coil spring from a load bearing state to a state that does not bear load, and thus making the metal mesh engage the formation in order to provide the annular obstruction ( see below).

In some of such system modalities described above, well 110 is a deviated well, or at least includes sections that deviate from the vertical (i.e., the vertical axis it makes with the plane of the surface). The well of Figure 1, that is, the subsurface well 110, is illustrated as a deviated well, wherein a significant portion of the open hole region of the well runs in a substantially horizontal direction through much of the formation. Such horizontal wells are common in steam flooding activities for improved oil recovery.

In some of such system embodiments described above, the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column comprises pores or openings of a type selected from the group consisting of pre-punched holes, slots, screens, and combinations thereof. In Figure 1, the column of auxiliary coating pipe 120 comprises pores 128, 142 illustrated as pre-drilled holes. The term "pore", as used herein, is not particularly limiting, and may be considered to be a hole or, more generally, an opening.

In some of the system embodiments described above, the coil spring is tensioned with a load of at least about 50 Ibf (222 N) (eg, tensioned coil spring 501, as shown in Figure 5A). In some additional or alternative system embodiments, the coil spring is compressed with a load of at least about 50 Ibf (222 N) (e.g., compressed helical spring 601, as shown in Figure 6A). Note that the nature of the load (tension or compression) may have implications for the way in which the metal mesh is functionally associated with the helical spring that supports load (see below).

In some of the system embodiments described above, the spring retainer device (e.g., 503, 603) is attached to at least one end of the load-bearing coil spring. Where the spring retainer device anchors only one end of the load-bearing coil spring, it is contemplated that in such embodiments, the other end is fixed or otherwise adhered to the auxiliary facing pipe column around which it is disposed ( such modalities are illustrated in Figures 5 and 6). In some or other embodiments, both ends of the load-bearing helical spring are anchored to the auxiliary casing pipe column through spring retaining devices, where the helical spring floats around the column of auxiliary casing pipe when removed. load.

Generally, the spring retainer device of the system embodiments described above must respond to the thermal energy such that at certain particular temperatures, the integrity of the device (or a portion thereof) is compromised in such a way that it causes the device to is unable to retain the coil spring in a load bearing state, wherein the loss of mechanical integrity of the spring retainer device is thermally induced. In some of the system embodiments described above, at least the fusible portion of the spring retainer device is made of a thermoplastic polymeric material, ie, a plastic material with a glass transition temperature (as opposed to a thermosetting material that simply decomposes) that "melts" at a particular temperature or above a particular temperature range. Such suitable thermoplastic polymeric materials may include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic, polyvinylidene chloride, mixtures and combinations thereof, and the like.

In some such system embodiments described above, the metal mesh comprises a woven metal mesh. In "some or in other embodiments, the metal mesh comprises a sintered metal mesh." In some or in other embodiments, the metal mesh comprises rolled metal fibers.In some or even in other embodiments, the metal mesh may be impregnated with materials such as for example thermostable polymers, such materials being operable to improve annular obstruction The metal mesh can be of a variety of sizes, but preferably the gauge is selected by considering the characteristics of the coil spring such that it can operate together optimally In addition, in some or other embodiments, a protective cover may be used to prevent damage to the metal mesh while it is deployed in the well.A suitable protective cover may comprise a thermoplastic material.

Similar to systems of a first type, in some of the aforementioned system modalities (ie systems of a second type), annular obstruction reduces the flow in the annular space (or in at least one or more regions of the annulus). same) in at least about 20 percent up to at most about 100 percent. In some other modalities, the annular obstruction reduces the flow in the annular space by at least about 20 percent up to at most about 90 percent. In some or even other embodiments, the annular obstruction reduces the flow in the annular space by at least about 40 percent to at most about 90 percent. Although not intended to be limited by theory, complete annular obstruction (ie annular insulation) is generally more difficult to achieve with annular obstruction devices based on helical spring (which are generally part of a second type system) than with camera-based devices of a first type systems.

In some such system embodiments described above, the heat applied to the annular region to melt the spring retainer device (or a portion thereof) is provided by injecting a heated fluid into the wellbore. In some of the system modalities, the heated fluid is vapor, incidental in the case of steam injection wells, because steam can serve a dual purpose. Additionally or alternatively other heated fluids and / or heating means (e.g., irradiators) may be employed on the surface and / or at the bottom of the bore to melt the aforementioned spring retainer devices.

In some of the aforementioned system modalities, such systems may additionally comprise one or more additional coil-bearing coil springs, spring retainer devices, and metal mesh, in order to effect multiple annular obstructions in the borehole. Said embodiment can be seen illustrated in Figure 1, wherein four of those annular obstruction devices (i.e. helical spring devices of systems / methods of a second type) are illustrated in the figure as devices 124, 126, 130 , and 134. 6. Methods of a Second Type The method modalities (of a second type) described in this section generally correspond substantially to the system modalities (of a second type) described above in Section 5. Consequently, reference will continue to be made, by way of example, to the Figures 1, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, many of the details being common for both system and method modes. In general, such methods use annular obstruction devices (e.g., 124, 126, 130, and 134, as illustrated in Figure 1) that employ a helical spring mechanism, i.e. annular obstruction devices based on coil spring .

Referring now to Figure 7, in some embodiments, the present invention is directed to one or more methods for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well, said methods comprising: (Step 701) fabricating a column of auxiliary coating tubing at less permeable, the length of the modified auxiliary casing pipe column comprises: (i) a helical coil bearing spring disposed about a portion of the modified casing auxiliary pipe column, wherein the coil bearing load spring is in a state that supports load selected from the group consisting of a tensioned state and a compressed state; (ii) a spring retainer device attached to the helical spring supporting load in order to maintain it in the load-bearing state, wherein the spring retainer device is at least partially made of material designed to melt above a temperature predetermined, and where upon melting it loses its ability to maintain the coil spring in a load-bearing state; and (iii) a metal mesh interposed with the helical coil bearing spring such that when the coil spring undergoes a transformation from a load bearing state to a state that does not bear load, the metal mesh expands outwardly in one direction radial; (Step 702) placing the modified length of the modified casing auxiliary pipe column in an open hole region of a hole, where an annular region is established between the modified length of the auxiliary casing pipe column and the hole region open hole; and (Step 703) heating the modified length of the auxiliary casing pipe column in order to melt the spring retainer device and effect the transformation of the coil spring to the non-load bearing state, consequently causing the metal mesh to expand toward outside and engage the formation, thereby forming an annular obstruction between the modified length of the auxiliary coating pipe column and the open hole.

As in the case of the analogous system mode (of a second type) described above, in some of the aforementioned method modalities (of a second type), the subsurface well is a steam injection well. In some of these embodiments, the steam injected into the subsurface (in an effort to improve oil recovery) may also serve as a means by which the modified length of the auxiliary casing pipe column may be heated in order to effect the fusion of (or loss of integrity in) the spring retainer device, which in turn changes the coil spring from a load bearing state to a state that does not bear load.

In a manner corresponding to the analogous system modalities described in Section 5 above, in some of the aforementioned method modalities, the subsurface well is a deviated well. In general, a well is considered to be "deviated" if a substantial part of the hole deviates from a vertical axis established with the surface. Note that such a deviation is typically intentional (for example, directional drilling); and although some such subsurface wells formed in this manner are fairly horizontal (common for steam injection wells), it is not required that the wells used in conjunction with at least some embodiments of methods and / or systems of the present invention be of the diverted variety.

Corresponding to the above analogous system embodiments, in some of the method embodiments described above (ie of a second type), the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column comprises pores (openings) of a type selected from the group consisting of pre-drilled holes, slots, screens, and combinations thereof. The characterization and variation between these pores is as described above in the analogous system modalities.

In some of the method modalities described above (of a second type), the load bearing coil spring is tensioned with a load of at least about 50 lbf (222 N). In some of the method embodiments described above, the helical coil bearing load is compressed with a load of at least about 50 lbf (222 N). In any case (tensioned or compressed), in some of the modalities the load imparted to the spring can well determine the type and characteristics of the helical spring used (or vice versa). Additionally, in some embodiments, the type and characteristics of the coil spring will determine well the type and characteristics of the metal mesh used in combination with the coil spring, where a synergistic balance is desired in order to effect an optimum annular obstruction ( see below).

In some of the method embodiments described above, the spring retainer device (503, 603) is attached to at least one end of the load-bearing coil spring. Where the spring retainer device anchors only one end of the load bearing helical spring, it is contemplated that in such embodiments, the other end is attached or otherwise adhered to the column of auxiliary coating pipe around which it is disposed. (Such embodiments are illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. In some or in other embodiments, both ends of the load bearing coil spring are anchored to the column of auxiliary casing pipe through fusable spring retainer devices, wherein the spring Helical floats freely around the column of auxiliary casing pipe after removing the load.

Generally, the spring retainer device of the method embodiments described above must respond to heat (i.e., thermal energy) in such a way that at certain particular temperatures (or particular temperature range), the mechanical integrity of the device (or a portion thereof) is compromised in such a way that it causes the device to be unable to retain (or maintain) the coil spring in a load-bearing state, wherein the loss of mechanical integrity of the device Spring retainer is thermally induced. In some of the method embodiments described above, at least the fusible portion of the spring retainer device is made of a thermoplastic ("fusible") polymer material, ie, a plastic material with a glass transition temperature (as opposed to a thermostable material that simply decomposes). Such suitable thermoplastic polymeric materials may include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic, polyvinylidene chloride, mixtures and combinations thereof, and the like.

In some of such method embodiments described above, the metal mesh comprises a woven metal mesh. In some or in other embodiments, the metal mesh comprises a sintered metal mesh. In some or in other embodiments, the metal mesh comprises rolled metal fibers. In some or even other embodiments, the metal mesh may be impregnated with materials such as, for example, thermoset polymers, such materials being operable to improve annular clogging. The metal mesh can be of a variety of gauges, but preferably the gauge is selected by considering the characteristics of the coil spring such that it can operate together optimally to effectively induce annular obstruction. Additionally, in some or other embodiments, a protective cover may be used to prevent damage to the metal mesh while deploying in the well. A suitable protective cover may comprise a thermoplastic material.

In some of the aforementioned method modalities, the annular obstruction reduces the flow in at least some regions of the annular space from at least about 20 percent to at most about 100 percent, i.e., a total annular obstruction or isolation for one or more ring regions. In some or other such embodiments, the annular obstruction reduces the flow in said annular regions from at least about 40 percent to at most about 100 percent.

As mentioned above for the corresponding system modalities (of a second type), and although not intending to be limited by theory, it is likely that annular obstruction (ie annular isolation) is achieved less frequently using obstruction devices annular based on helical spring of the methods of the second type, in relation to the methods of a first type using camera-based annular obstruction devices.

In some such method modalities described above, the heat applied to the annular region for melting the spring retainer device is provided by steam injection. Further subsurface heating, with strategically placed heaters or other heating means, can impart additional control over the temporary actuation of the annular obstruction devices. As mentioned above, particularly in the case of steam injection wells for improved oil recovery, in such method modalities the heating medium of the condensed material involves injecting steam into the well.

In some of the method embodiments described above, the heat application means (i.e., heating) utilizes conventional heating means known to persons skilled in the art. In some or other method modalities, said heating means may additionally or alternatively use irradiating heating means (e.g., microwave or radiofrequency (RF) heating) and / or chemical heating means (e.g., an exothermic chemical reaction). .

In some of such method modalities described above (of a second type), said methods additionally comprise the use of multiple modified lengths of a column of auxiliary coating pipe, such as multiple joints in an overall assembly of auxiliary coating pipe, with the In order to effect multiple annular obstructions in multiple regions of the hole. An example embodiment is shown in Figure 1, where four annular obstruction devices (124, 126, 130, and 134) are shown. 7. Variations Variations of modalities of the systems and methods described above include systems and / or methods of a first type that incorporate elements of systems and / or methods of a second type (and vice versa). For example, and with reference to the configuration of the example system of Figure 1, the annular obstruction devices could be based on the sealed metal chamber (systems / methods of a first type), while the annular obstruction devices 130 and 134 could based on the coil spring (systems / methods of a second type) Such embodiments are considered hybrid systems (with corresponding hybrid methods) of the present invention to induce annular obstruction in a subsurface well.

The variation of modalities also include systems and methods that incorporate a plurality of any of the annular obstruction devices described above (based on camera and / or helical spring) that are designed or constructed to operate at different temperatures. It can be seen that such appropriate designs advance significantly to the extent to which said system can be controlled by "hybrid" means Other variations contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, the use of different heating means and / or different heating fluids within the same well, the first with different types of systems (i.e., hybrid systems), and either or the two above used to generate a super system comprising a plurality of any such systems in a plurality of such wells to stimulate hydrocarbon resources in a common reservoir. Additionally or alternatively, any such system may be used in subsurface wells of different type from that described above and / or jointly or in concert between two or more wells of different type.

As described above, the present invention is directed to systems and methods for initiating annular obstructions in subsurface wells used rather in, or in support of, oil recovery operations, particularly enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts that include injection steam (for example, steam flood). In at least some cases, the system and method embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more passively activated / activated annular obstruction devices (or hybrid variants thereof) to induce annular obstruction, wherein activation or actuation The associated passive is controlled at least partially by thermal means in such a way that it can be considered to be thermally controlled or thermally controlled. Said thermally directed passive activation can provide considerably greater control over the annular obstruction process (hence the term "hybrid activation / drive") and, correspondingly, over the overall steam injection in the formation and the associated reservoir, thus providing a more efficient recovery of hydrocarbons.

All patents and publications cited herein are incorporated by reference to a degree not inconsistent with this. It will be understood that certain structures, functions, and operations described above of the aforementioned embodiments are not necessarily for the practice of the present invention and are included in the description merely to satisfy an example modalities or modalities. In addition, it will be understood that the specific structures, functions and operations presented in the cited patents and publications mentioned above may be practiced in conjunction with the present invention, but are not essential to its practice. Therefore, it will be understood that the invention may be practiced in a manner other than that specifically described without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (25)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A system for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well, characterized in that it comprises: a) a column of at least partially permeable auxiliary coating pipe located within a portion of a hole that is partially open to a formation containing hydrocarbons; b) a sealed metal chamber disposed around a portion of the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column; c) a material contained in the sealed metal chamber, wherein the material is initially in a condensed state, but which changes to a gaseous state when heated above a certain threshold temperature; Y d) a means of heating the material contained in the metal chamber in order to effect its transition to the gaseous state where, when changing to gas, the material increases the pressure in the chamber, and where, upon experiencing an increase in the pressure, the metal chamber expands in such a way that it engages the formation, thus forming an annular obstruction between the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column and the formation.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the subsurface well is a steam injection well for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column comprises pores of a type selected from the group consisting of pre-drilled holes, slots, screens, and combinations thereof.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealed metal chamber is selected from the group consisting of: a) an integral part of the coating tube that constitutes at least part of the auxiliary coating line at least partially permeable, or b) an accessory fixed to the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealed metal chamber has a geometry configured to improve its ability to engage the formation upon expansion.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealed metal chamber- comprises at least one safety valve designed to vent below the bursting pressure of the chamber.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealed metal chamber comprises a volume, in the unexpanded state, from at least about 0.8 liters (50 cubic inches) to at most about 19.7 liters (1,200 cubic inches); and wherein the material within the sealed metal chamber, when changing to a gaseous state, increases the volume of the sealed metal chamber by at least 50 percent.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the material within the sealed metal chamber is, in its condensed state, in a form selected from the group consisting of liquid, solid, and any mixture thereof; and wherein the material within the sealed metal chamber is selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols, glycols, glycerin, acrylic, polyvinylidene, and combinations thereof.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular obstruction reduces the flow in the annular space by at least about 20 percent to at most about 100 percent.

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating means of the condensed material comprises the introduction of a heating source at the bottom of the perforation.

11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating means involves the injection of a heated fluid into the well.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the heating means of the condensed material involves the injection of steam into the well.

13. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises one or more additional sealed metal chambers filled with the condensed material, in order to effect multiple annular obstructions in the hole.

14. A method for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well, characterized in that it comprises: a) manufacturing a modified length of a column of at least partially permeable auxiliary casing pipe, the modified length comprising: i) a sealed metal chamber disposed around the modified length of the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column; Y ii) a material located in the sealed metal chamber, where the material is initially in a condensed state and changes to gas when heated above a certain threshold temperature; b) placing the modified length of the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column in an at least partially open hole region of a borehole, where an annular region is established between the modified length of the auxiliary pipe column of at least partially permeable coating and the open hole region of the auger; Y c) heating the modified length of the auxiliary coating pipe column in order to effect a change of the material contained therein from a condensed state to a gaseous state, wherein when changing to gas, the material increases the pressure within the the sealed metal chamber, and where upon experiencing an increase in pressure the sealed metal chamber expands in such a way that it engages the formation, thus forming an annular obstruction between the modified length of the auxiliary casing column and the formation .

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the subsurface well is a steam injection well.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column comprises pores of a type selected from the group consisting of pre-punched holes, slots, screens, and combinations thereof.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the sealed metal chamber is selected from the group consisting of: a) an integral part of the cladding tube constituting at least part of the column of auxiliary cladding pipe at least partially permeable, or b) an accessory fixed to the at least partially permeable auxiliary casing column.

18. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the sealed metal chamber has a geometry configured to improve its ability to engage the formation upon expansion.

19. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the sealed metal chamber comprises at least one safety valve designed to vent below the bursting pressure of the chamber.

20. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the sealed metal chamber comprises a volume, in the unexpanded state, from at least about 0.8 liters (50 cubic inches) to at most about 19.7 liters (1,200 cubic inches); and wherein the sealed metal chamber, when changing to a gaseous state, increases the volume of the sealed metal chamber by at least 50 percent.

21. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the material located inside the sealed metal chamber is, in its condensed state, in a form selected from the group consisting of liquid, solid, and any mixture thereof; and wherein the material located within the sealed metal chamber is selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols, glycols, glycerin, phase-changing materials, eutectics, and combinations thereof.

22. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the annular obstruction reduces the flow in the annular space by at least about 20 percent to at most about 100 percent.

23. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the heating means of the condensed material involves the injection of a heated fluid into the well.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the heating means of the condensed material involves the injection of steam into the well.

25. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that it additionally comprises the use of multiple modified lengths of a pipe column in order to effect multiple annular obstructions in multiple regions of the hole.