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EP0251881B1 - Enhanced recovery method to continually produce a fluid contained in a geological formation - Google Patents

Enhanced recovery method to continually produce a fluid contained in a geological formation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0251881B1
EP0251881B1 EP87401421A EP87401421A EP0251881B1 EP 0251881 B1 EP0251881 B1 EP 0251881B1 EP 87401421 A EP87401421 A EP 87401421A EP 87401421 A EP87401421 A EP 87401421A EP 0251881 B1 EP0251881 B1 EP 0251881B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
well
production
effluent
formation
accordance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP87401421A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0251881A1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Renard
Jean-François Giannesini
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
IFP Energies Nouvelles IFPEN
Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine Production SA
Original Assignee
IFP Energies Nouvelles IFPEN
Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine Production SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from FR8609419A external-priority patent/FR2600713B1/en
Priority claimed from FR8609420A external-priority patent/FR2601998B1/en
Priority claimed from FR8609422A external-priority patent/FR2600714B1/en
Application filed by IFP Energies Nouvelles IFPEN, Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine Production SA filed Critical IFP Energies Nouvelles IFPEN
Publication of EP0251881A1 publication Critical patent/EP0251881A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0251881B1 publication Critical patent/EP0251881B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/30—Specific pattern of wells, e.g. optimising the spacing of wells
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/16—Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of assisted production of a petroleum effluent, in particular viscous, contained in a geological formation surmounting another formation which does not contain the effluent to be produced and which is impermeable to said effluent.
  • the method according to the present invention allows better exploitation of the formation containing the effluent to be produced, while limiting the number of wells to be drilled relative to the methods used according to the prior art, which can be illustrated by the US patent. A-3.386.508.
  • a main well is drilled as well as other wells which will be qualified as auxiliary wells.
  • auxiliary wells which are inclined, join the main well at the level of the formation containing the effluent to be produced.
  • the production mechanism described in this prior patent resides in the fact that it is the portion of the auxiliary well located in the formation to be produced which is used to collect the effluent to be produced which is located in the vicinity of the auxiliary well.
  • this height is more equal to that of the formation containing the fluid to be produced.
  • Prior document CH-A-653.741 describes an oil production method using three types of wells, a central production well, a first series of vertical wells drilled in the formation containing oil and a second series of through wells the formation containing oil to reach the central production well below the production formation.
  • the vertical portions of the different wells are placed on coaxial cylinders.
  • Document US-A-2,825,408 describes a method of injecting a mixture through a central well to destroy by erosion unconsolidated asphalt sands. The production of the mixture, hydrocarbons and sands is done by auxiliary wells.
  • Document CA-1.173.356 describes a drainage method by digging vertical mine-type wells and horizontal tunnels from which substantially horizontal drains are drilled. These two methods only apply to shallow formations.
  • the present invention provides a method for improving the recovery of the fluid to be produced.
  • This improvement is reflected, for certain embodiments, by a better recovery rate due to the increase in gravity effects allowing drainage and by the exploitation of an extended area with a reduced number of wells drilled.
  • subhorizontal drain is meant a drain whose inclination approaches 90 °, but without actually reaching it.
  • the present invention relates to a method for producing an effluent contained in a geological formation forming a reservoir for said effluent, or producing formation, using a central well, at least one subhorizontal drain, as well as a displacing or displacing agent, said geological formation surmounting another geological formation substantially impermeable to said effluent or impermeable formation, the interface between said formations Geological being qualified as the wall of said reservoir, said displacement agent causes the migration of the effluent to be produced.
  • said displacement agent is injected into said formation from the central well, said drain is drilled at least to a depth close to the level of said reservoir wall, the entry point of said drain in the wall or the end of said drain above the wall, is located at a non-zero distance from the central well, and said effluent is drained by means of said drain.
  • said effluent to be produced can be collected by several sub-horizontal drains. These could be located all around said central well.
  • the vertical central well is not used to convey to the surface the production collected by the subhorizontal drains, but it is equipped with a completion allowing the injection of a fluid into the reservoir.
  • the sub-horizontal drains themselves, which are used to route production to the surface.
  • a central well as production well and at least one subhorizontal drain as production stimulation well.
  • the stimulation well may be drilled from the surface and reach at least a depth close to the level of said reservoir wall, and the entry point of said stimulation well into the wall or the end of said stimulation well above the wall , is located at a non-zero distance from the central well and said stimulation well has at least one subhorizontal portion in said producing formation.
  • the stimulation well can join part of the central well lower than the wall of the reservoir.
  • the stimulation well may be perforated over a portion of its length, this portion corresponding substantially to the fraction of the stimulation well passing through the producing formation.
  • a fluid suitable for reducing the viscosity of the petroleum effluent to be produced can be injected into the stimulation well, in order to increase the flow speed in the stimulation well.
  • the stimulation well may be interrupted after reaching the producing formation, but before it reaches the producing well.
  • the present invention also relates to a system for producing an effluent contained in a geological formation comprising a central well and subhorizontal drains, said producing formation surmounting another geological formation substantially impermeable to said effluent or impermeable formation, the interface between said geological formations. being qualified as the wall of said reservoir, said sub-horizontal drains pass through said formation.
  • the main well comprises a perforated zone at the level of said geological formation and an injection conduit connecting said perforated zone to a source of injection of a displacement product, the conduit being adapted to inject said agent from the central well, said drains are drilled at least until reaching a depth close to the level of said reservoir wall and the point of entry of said drain into the wall or the end of said drain above the wall is located at a distance not zero from the central well.
  • This production system may include a plug which isolates the perforated area from a lower area of said central well.
  • the central well may also include a transit zone located below the level of said tank wall, said transit zone being connected to the surface by a production pipe and in that said drains subhorizontal join said transit zone.
  • the production system used for this embodiment may also include a tube located in said well constituting the production conduit.
  • the injection conduit may consist of the annular space delimited by said main well. Said tube can pass through said plug.
  • This tube can slide in said plug.
  • Said tube may include a pump.
  • the transit zone may have a cross section larger than the cross section of the upper part of the central well, thus forming a collection pit for the effluent produced.
  • the production system can be characterized in that some of the sub-horizontal drains may include equipment for producing the effluent.
  • FIG. 1 represents the implementation of a variant of the method according to the present invention for the production of a geological formation 1 from the ground surface 2.
  • the geological layer 1 contains a viscous petroleum effluent to be produced .
  • Reference 3 designates a geological formation located below the producing formation 1. This lower formation is impermeable to the effluent to be produced contained in the producing formation.
  • the reference 4 designates a central well drilled from the surface 2 and passing through the producing formation 1, this central well being interrupted at 5 in the impermeable formation 3.
  • the producing formation is overcome by another formation bearing the reference 6 and which will be called higher formation.
  • Reference 7 designates a well used to stimulate and drain at least a fraction of the production of the viscous effluent contained in formation 1.
  • this stimulation well crosses the upper formation 6 as well as the producing formation 1 and passes into the lower impermeable formation 3 to join the central well 4 at the level of this lower formation.
  • the auxiliary well opens into the central well at the level of a formation located below the producing formation, after having entered a formation impermeable to the fluid to be produced.
  • the reference 8 designates the place where the stimulation well or drain 7 enters the producing formation 1 and the reference 9 the place from where it leaves it.
  • the reference 10 designates the portion of the stimulation well included in the producing formation 1.
  • the portion 10 of the stimulation drain 7 located in the producing formation 1 is as long as possible.
  • the production is carried out by making circulating a displacement agent in the stimulation drain 7. This agent causes a decrease in the viscosity of the effluent to be produced, close to the drain.
  • the effluent to be produced then flows towards the central well 4 via the stimulation drain itself.
  • the portion 10 of the stimulation drain 7 located in the producing formation 1, when this portion does not consist of an exposed well, may already be perforated before its descent into the well, such a perforated portion of the drain is generally designated by the Anglo-Saxon term of "liner", or be perforated on the spot.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a second mode of production according to the present variant.
  • the portion 10 of the stimulation drain located in the producing formation 1 is perforated only over two portions of its length 11 and 13, a plug 17 being placed in said drain so as to separate these two portions.
  • An agent is injected into the stimulation drain 7 making it possible to reduce the viscosity of the petroleum effluent to be produced which is found in the producing formation 1, this in order to facilitate the flow of the effluent to be produced.
  • Such an agent can consist of water vapor or comprise other products, such as a solvent, for example based on hydrocarbon.
  • the agent considered will be water vapor.
  • the water vapor injected from the surface enters the producing formation 1 through the upper portion of the perforations 11.
  • the diffusion of water vapor in the producing formation 1 is represented by arrows 12.
  • the water vapor heats the petroleum effluent contained in the producing formation 1, in particular by condensing, thereby causing the viscosity of the effluent to be produced to decrease, a fraction of which consequently flows towards the lower part of the perforations 13.
  • the flow of the effluent produced is represented by the arrows 14.
  • This flow occurs in the direction of the lower part of the stimulation well 1 by gravity, on the one hand, and by the presence of a decreasing pressure gradient in the direction of the stimulation well, on the other hand.
  • This decrease in the pressure gradient is due to the fact that the stimulation well 10 is placed in communication with the central well 4 which itself is in communication with the surface and is therefore substantially at atmospheric pressure at the surface.
  • the effluent to be produced flows through the part of the stimulation drain 15 located in the lower formation 3 up to the central well 4 at the bottom of which it gathers.
  • the effluent thus produced is returned in a conventional manner from the main well 4, for example by pumps 21 controlled from the surface.
  • the separation between the portion 11 of the perforations from which the water vapor diffuses in the producing formation and the portion 13 of the perforations from which the effluent flows. to be produced is done by interposing the plug 17.
  • the steam 12 is forced to leave the auxiliary drain 7 upstream of the plug 17 and the petroleum effluent is produced downstream of the plug 14.
  • a fraction of the injected vapor 12 diffuses into the producing formation 1, that is to say towards the well 4, thus sweeping a large area 20 belonging to the producing formation and lying between the portion 10 of the stimulation drain 7 and the main well.
  • This fraction is represented by the arrows 19 and directly causes the arrival of the effluent to be produced in the well 4, this is represented by the arrows 22.
  • the lower part 15 of the stimulation drain 7 produces nothing. All the production is done directly in the well 4, as represented by the arrows 22.
  • the stimulation drain 7 is used only for injecting the stimulation agent. This is symbolized by the arrows 19 (Fig. 3).
  • Figures 5 and 6 show a general production scheme.
  • the main well 4 is surrounded by a number of stimulation wells 7 a ... 7 i .
  • these wells are, on the surface, equidistant from the main well 4. This is by no means compulsory and the wells 7 a ... 7 i can be placed at distances from the main well which is best suited to exploitation producer training.
  • the references 8 a ... 8 i designate the places where the drains 7 a ... 7 i enter the production formation 1 and the references 9 a ... 9 i the places where they come out.
  • this vertical central well 101 is drilled to the wall 102 of a tank 113, then cased and cemented.
  • the casing 103 thus prevents any flow of fluids from the reservoir into the well.
  • the wall of the reservoir means the lower part of the geological formation containing the petroleum effluent and the roof of the reservoir the upper limit of this geological formation.
  • the drilling is then continued at a larger diameter using a widener in the layer 104 located under the reservoir, in order to produce a pit 105 intended to receive the fluids collected by subhorizontal drains 106.
  • This pit will be isolated from the rest of the hole using a tight plug 107 of the type generally designated by the Anglo-Saxon term of "packer”, allowing the passage of a conduit 108 serving to raise the production of the fluids collected towards the surface using of a pumping device 109.
  • the watertight plug 107 may be fitted with a sliding joint allowing vertical movement of the duct, while ensuring perfect sealing.
  • the pipe 108 may include several pipe elements connected one after the other.
  • the collection device will be completed by drilling sub-horizontal drains 106, from the surface to the collection pit 105, each of these drains intersecting the wall 102 of the reservoir at a point 110 whose distance from the central well, depending on the The inclination of the drain will be an important parameter of the system, since all the production, of fluids in place or of injected fluid, will leave the reservoir at this point.
  • the production rate of the system will be chosen so that the liquid level in the pit is always below the side of the wall of the tank to allow the evacuation of the fluids collected by the drains at the right of the tank.
  • the injection of the fluid intended to mobilize and move the fluids in place will be done in the reservoir 113 by means of perforations 111 produced in a conventional manner in the casing 103 of the central well 101.
  • the communication can be improved by acidification and stimulation of the reservoir at the perforations.
  • the dimension of these perforations 111 can be chosen after simulation at using digital programs capable of representing the flows involved in order to obtain the best volumetric scanning of the reservoir by the fluids injected (hot water, steam, CO2, gas, foam, ...) until penetration into the drains.
  • the parameters to be taken into account are also: the thickness of the tank, the viscosity of the oil in place, the angle of the drains relative to the horizontal, the points of exit of the tank from each drain, the flow d injection, the number of drains, ...
  • the displacement agent or displacing agent 115 is introduced into the producing formation 113 from the annular space 116 delimited by the casing 103 and the conduit 108 which is located in this casing 103 by passing through the 111 perforations made on the same casing.
  • the displacing agent will diffuse in the producing formation 113 by causing the migration of the petroleum effluent towards the drains manifolds 106 which are perforated over the portion of their length located in the producing formation 113.
  • the drain 106 collects the petroleum effluent and pours it into the pit 105 from which it is produced.
  • this vertical central well 201 is drilled to the wall 202 of a reservoir 213, then cased and cemented.
  • the casing 203 prevents any flow of fluids from the reservoir into the well.
  • the wall of the reservoir means the lower part of the geological formation containing the petroleum effluent and the roof of the reservoir the upper limit of this geological formation.
  • Drilling can then be interrupted. If it were continued in the layer 204 located under the tank, this extension would be advantageously isolated from the rest of the hole using a tight plug 207 preventing the passage of any product towards the extension of the well, in order to achieve an extension the well intended for later use.
  • the extension of the well can be considered in particular when there are several geological formations containing an effluent to be produced, separated by formations impermeable to this effluent.
  • the system or device for collecting the effluent to be produced is produced by drilling subhorizontal drains 206, from the surface to the producing formation. 213, each of these drains intersecting the wall 202 of the reservoir at a point 10 distant from the central well and are substantially interrupted at this point.
  • the injection of the fluid intended to mobilize and move the fluids in place will be done in the reservoir 213 by means of perforations 211 produced in a conventional manner in the casing 203 of the central well 201.
  • the communication can be improved by acidification and stimulation of the reservoir at the perforations.
  • the dimension of these perforations 211 may be chosen after simulation using digital programs capable of representing the flows involved in order to obtain the best volumetric scanning of the reservoir by the fluids injected (hot water, steam, CO2, gas, foam, ...) until penetration into the drains 206.
  • the parameters to be taken into account are also: the thickness of the tank, the viscosity of the oil in place, the angle of the drains relative to the '' horizontal, the outlet points of the tank of each drain, the injection rate, the number of drains,
  • the displacing agent 215 is introduced into the producing formation 213 from the main well, passing through the perforations 211 made on this same casing.
  • the displacing agent will diffuse in the producing formation 213 by causing the migration of the petroleum effluent towards the collecting drains 206 which are perforated over the portion of their length located in the producing formation 213.
  • the drains 206 collect the petroleum effluent which is produced separately from each of these drains towards the surface 209.
  • the production takes place either naturally or using pumps. These pumps can be placed on the surface or inside at least some of the sub-horizontal drains at the level of the producing formation.
  • the petroleum effluent is produced from subhorizontal drains surrounding the main well. These drains are interrupted before meeting the axis of the main well and at a certain distance L from this axis.
  • the present invention therefore makes it possible to increase the operated volume of the tank.
  • the sub-horizontal drains are substantially interrupted at the level of the wall 202, however it would not go beyond the scope of the present invention if the drains were interrupted before or after this wall.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Consolidation Of Soil By Introduction Of Solidifying Substances Into Soil (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Edible Oils And Fats (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne une méthode de production assistée d'un effluent pétrolier, notamment visqueux, contenu dans une formation géologique surmontant une autre formation qui ne contient pas l'effluent à produire et qui est imperméable audit effluent.The present invention relates to a method of assisted production of a petroleum effluent, in particular viscous, contained in a geological formation surmounting another formation which does not contain the effluent to be produced and which is impermeable to said effluent.

La méthode selon la présente invention permet une meilleure exploitation de la formation contenant l'effluent à produire, tout en limitant le nombre de puits à forer relativement aux méthodes mises en oeuvre selon l'art antérieur, qui peut être illustré par le brevet US-A-3.386.508.The method according to the present invention allows better exploitation of the formation containing the effluent to be produced, while limiting the number of wells to be drilled relative to the methods used according to the prior art, which can be illustrated by the US patent. A-3.386.508.

Selon ce brevet antérieur, un puits principal est foré ainsi que d'autres puits qui seront qualifiés de puits auxiliaires. Ces puits auxiliaires qui sont inclinés, rejoignent le puits principal au niveau de la formation contenant l'effluent à produire.According to this prior patent, a main well is drilled as well as other wells which will be qualified as auxiliary wells. These auxiliary wells which are inclined, join the main well at the level of the formation containing the effluent to be produced.

Le mécanisme de production décrit dans ce brevet antérieur réside dans le fait que c'est la portion du puits auxiliaire située dans la formation à produire qui sert à collecter l'effluent à produire qui se trouve au voisinage du puits auxiliaire.The production mechanism described in this prior patent resides in the fact that it is the portion of the auxiliary well located in the formation to be produced which is used to collect the effluent to be produced which is located in the vicinity of the auxiliary well.

Par ailleurs, selon ce brevet antérieur, la production se fait en utilisant le phénomène de gravité pour drainer l'effluent vers le puits principal. Or, l'intensité de l'effet de la gravité est limitée par la hauteur comprise entre le toit de la formation contenant l'effluent à produire et l'endroit où le puits auxiliaire débouche dans le puits principal, ceci lorsque la formation contenant l'effluent à produire est comprise entre deux autres formations qui ne contiennent pas l'effluent à produire.Furthermore, according to this prior patent, production is done using the phenomenon of gravity to drain the effluent to the main well. However, the intensity of the effect of gravity is limited by the height between the roof of the formation containing the effluent to be produced and the place where the auxiliary well opens into the main well, this when the formation containing l 'effluent to be produced is between two other formations which do not contain the effluent to be produced.

Selon ce brevet antérieur, cette hauteur est plus égale à celle de la formation contenant le fluide à produire.According to this prior patent, this height is more equal to that of the formation containing the fluid to be produced.

Le document antérieur CH-A-653.741 décrit une méthode de production d'huile utilisant trois types de puits, un puits de production central, une première série de puits verticaux forés dans la formation contenant de l'huile et une deuxième série de puits traversant la formation contenant de l'huile pour rejoindre le puits de production central en dessous de la formation de production. Les portions verticales des différents puits sont placées sur des cylindres coaxiaux.Prior document CH-A-653.741 describes an oil production method using three types of wells, a central production well, a first series of vertical wells drilled in the formation containing oil and a second series of through wells the formation containing oil to reach the central production well below the production formation. The vertical portions of the different wells are placed on coaxial cylinders.

Dans la première série de puits sont insérées des électrodes pour réchauffer la formation et de la vapeur d'eau y est injectée. Dans la seconde série de puits, on fait circuler un solvant.In the first series of wells are inserted electrodes to warm the formation and water vapor is injected there. In the second series of wells, a solvent is circulated.

Le document US-A-2.825.408 décrit une méthode d'injection par un puits central d'une mixture pour détruire par érosion des sables asphaltiques non consolidés. La production de la mixture, d'hydrocarbures et de sables se faisant par des puits auxiliaires. Le document CA-1.173.356 décrit une méthode de drainage en creusant des puits verticaux type minier et des tunnels horizontaux à partir desquels on fore des drains sensiblement horizontaux. Ces deux méthodes ne s'appliquent qu'à des formations de faible profondeur.Document US-A-2,825,408 describes a method of injecting a mixture through a central well to destroy by erosion unconsolidated asphalt sands. The production of the mixture, hydrocarbons and sands is done by auxiliary wells. Document CA-1.173.356 describes a drainage method by digging vertical mine-type wells and horizontal tunnels from which substantially horizontal drains are drilled. These two methods only apply to shallow formations.

La présente invention propose une méthode permettant d'améliorer la récupération du fluide à produire.The present invention provides a method for improving the recovery of the fluid to be produced.

Cette amélioration se traduit, pour certains modes de réalisation, par un meilleur taux de récupération dû à l'augmentation des effets de gravité permettant le drainage et par l'exploitation d'une zone étendue avec un nombre réduit de puits forés.This improvement is reflected, for certain embodiments, by a better recovery rate due to the increase in gravity effects allowing drainage and by the exploitation of an extended area with a reduced number of wells drilled.

Dans le but d'améliorer la productivité du système, on propose selon la présente invention de balayer le réservoir en injectant dans la formation un agent de déplacement ou agent déplaçant, soit à partir d'un puits central, soit à partir d'un ou plusieurs drains subhorizontal.In order to improve the productivity of the system, it is proposed according to the present invention to sweep the tank by injecting into the formation of a displacement agent or displacement agent, either from a central well, or from one or more subhorizontal drains.

Par drain subhorizontal, on entend un drain dont l'inclinaison approche 90°, mais sans réellement l'atteindre.By subhorizontal drain is meant a drain whose inclination approaches 90 °, but without actually reaching it.

Les avantages de ce nouveau système sont de permettre :

  • l'exploitation d'une gamme plus étendue de réservoirs, en particulier ceux renfermant une huile de moindre viscosité,
  • l'amélioration du balayage volumétrique,
  • de distinguer la production de chaque drain et de remédier aux problèmes d'hétérogénéités locales du réservoir en recherchant une solution adéquate dans le drain concerné,
  • et pour certains modes de réalisation, notamment lorsque l'agent de déplacement est injecté par le puits central, la mise à profit du phénomène de ségrégation dans le réservoir de fluides de densités très différentes, par injection de gaz ou de vapeur permettant de former une ombrelle de gaz au toit du réservoir, sans percée prématurée aux drains, étant donné la forte inclinaison de ceux-ci, cette inclinaison étant proche de l'horizontale,
  • de diminuer les pertes de fluides injectés en dehors de l'aire couverte par le système.
  • de disposer d'une seule source d'injection située près du centre de production,
The advantages of this new system are:
  • the exploitation of a wider range of tanks, in particular those containing an oil of lower viscosity,
  • improved volumetric scanning,
  • to distinguish the production of each drain and to remedy the problems of local heterogeneities of the reservoir by seeking an adequate solution in the drain concerned,
  • and for certain embodiments, in particular when the displacement agent is injected through the central well, taking advantage of the phenomenon of segregation in the reservoir of fluids of very different densities, by injection of gas or vapor making it possible to form a gas umbrella on the roof of the tank, without premature breakthrough at the drains, given the strong inclination of the latter, this inclination being close to the horizontal,
  • to reduce the losses of fluids injected outside the area covered by the system.
  • to have a single injection source located near the production center,

La présente invention concerne une méthode de production d'un effluent contenu dans une formation géologique formant un réservoir pour ledit effluent, ou formation productrice, en utilisant un puits central, au moins un drain subhorizontal, ainsi qu'un agent déplaçant ou de déplacement, ladite formation géologique surmontant une autre formation géologique sensiblement imperméable audit effluent ou formation imperméable, l'interface entre lesdites formations géologiques étant qualifiée de mur dudit réservoir, ledit agent de déplacement provoque la migration de l'effluent à produire.The present invention relates to a method for producing an effluent contained in a geological formation forming a reservoir for said effluent, or producing formation, using a central well, at least one subhorizontal drain, as well as a displacing or displacing agent, said geological formation surmounting another geological formation substantially impermeable to said effluent or impermeable formation, the interface between said formations Geological being qualified as the wall of said reservoir, said displacement agent causes the migration of the effluent to be produced.

Selon une première variante de la présente invention, on injecte ledit agent de déplacement dans ladite formation à partir du puits central, on fore ledit drain au moins jusqu'à une profondeur proche du niveau dudit mur du réservoir, le point d'entrée dudit drain dans le mur ou l'extrémité dudit drain au-dessus du mur, est situé à une distance non nulle du puits central, et on draine ledit effluent au moyen dudit drain.According to a first variant of the present invention, said displacement agent is injected into said formation from the central well, said drain is drilled at least to a depth close to the level of said reservoir wall, the entry point of said drain in the wall or the end of said drain above the wall, is located at a non-zero distance from the central well, and said effluent is drained by means of said drain.

Selon cette première variante, on pourra recueillir ledit effluent à produire par plusieurs drains subhorizontaux. Ceux-ci pourront être situés tout autour dudit puits central.According to this first variant, said effluent to be produced can be collected by several sub-horizontal drains. These could be located all around said central well.

Egalement, selon cette variante, on pourra drainer ledit effluent à produire dans une partie du puits central inférieure audit mur du réservoir où ledit effluent transite et à partir de laquelle il est produit vers la surface.Also, according to this variant, it will be possible to drain said effluent to be produced in a part of the central well lower than said wall of the reservoir where said effluent transits and from which it is produced towards the surface.

Selon une autre sous-variante, le puits central vertical n'est pas utilisé pour acheminer vers la surface la production collectée par les drains subhorizontaux, mais il est équipé d'une complétion permettant l'injection d'un fluide dans le réservoir. Ce sont les drains subhorizontaux, eux-mêmes, qui sont utilisés pour acheminer la production vers la surface.According to another sub-variant, the vertical central well is not used to convey to the surface the production collected by the subhorizontal drains, but it is equipped with a completion allowing the injection of a fluid into the reservoir. These are the sub-horizontal drains, themselves, which are used to route production to the surface.

Selon une deuxième variante de la présente invention, appliquée à la production d'un effluent pétrolier visqueux, on pourra utiliser un puits central comme puits de production et au moins un drain subhorizontal comme puits de stimulation de la production. Le puits de stimulation pourra être foré depuis la surface et atteindre au moins une profondeur proche du niveau dudit mur du réservoir, et le point d'entrée dudit puits de stimulation dans le mur ou l'extrémité dudit puits de stimulation au-dessus du mur, est situé à une distance non nulle du puits central et ledit puits de stimulation a au moins une portion subhorizontale dans ladite formation productrice.According to a second variant of the present invention, applied to the production of a viscous petroleum effluent, it is possible to use a central well as production well and at least one subhorizontal drain as production stimulation well. The stimulation well may be drilled from the surface and reach at least a depth close to the level of said reservoir wall, and the entry point of said stimulation well into the wall or the end of said stimulation well above the wall , is located at a non-zero distance from the central well and said stimulation well has at least one subhorizontal portion in said producing formation.

Le puits de stimulation pourra rejoindre une partie du puits central inférieure au mur du réservoir.The stimulation well can join part of the central well lower than the wall of the reservoir.

Le puits de stimulation pourra être perforé sur une portion de sa longueur, cette portion correspondant sensiblement à la fraction du puits de stimulation traversant la formation productrice.The stimulation well may be perforated over a portion of its length, this portion corresponding substantially to the fraction of the stimulation well passing through the producing formation.

On pourra injecter dans le puits de stimulation un fluide adapté à diminuer la viscosité de l'effluent pétrolier à produire, afin d'augmenter la vitesse d'écoulement dans le puits de stimulation.A fluid suitable for reducing the viscosity of the petroleum effluent to be produced can be injected into the stimulation well, in order to increase the flow speed in the stimulation well.

On pourra interposer un bouchon dans le puits de stimulation et placer le bouchon dans la portion perforée du puits de stimulation.We can interpose a plug in the stimulation well and place the plug in the perforated portion of the stimulation well.

On pourra aussi interposer un bouchon dans le puits de stimulation, dans la portion dudit drain contenu dans la formation non productrice.It is also possible to interpose a plug in the stimulation well, in the portion of said drain contained in the non-producing formation.

On pourra également placer un bouchon dans le puits de stimulation, sensiblement à la limite de la formation productrice et de la formation non productrice.It is also possible to place a plug in the stimulation well, substantially at the limit of the producing formation and the non-producing formation.

Le puits de stimulation pourra être interrompu après avoir atteint la formation productrice, mais avant qu'il n'atteigne le puits producteur.The stimulation well may be interrupted after reaching the producing formation, but before it reaches the producing well.

Suivant la deuxième variante de la présente invention, on pourra utiliser plusieurs puits de stimulation entourant le puits central.According to the second variant of the present invention, it is possible to use several stimulation wells surrounding the central well.

La présente invention concerne également un système de production d'un effluent contenu dans une formation géologique comportant un puits central et des drains subhorizontaux, ladite formation productrice surmontant une autre formation géologique sensiblement imperméable audit effluent ou formation imperméable, l'interface entre lesdites formations géologiques étant qualifiées de mur dudit réservoir, lesdits drains subhorizontaux passent dans ladite formation. Dans ce système le puits principal comporte une zone perforée au niveau de ladite formation géologique et un conduit d'injection reliant ladite zone perforée à une source d'injection d'un produit de déplacement, le conduit étant adapté à injecter ledit agent à partir du puits central, lesdits drains sont forés au moins jusqu'à atteindre une profondeur proche du niveau dudit mur du réservoir et le point d'entrée dudit drain dans le mur ou l'extrémité dudit drain au-dessus du mur est situé à une distance non nulle du puits central.The present invention also relates to a system for producing an effluent contained in a geological formation comprising a central well and subhorizontal drains, said producing formation surmounting another geological formation substantially impermeable to said effluent or impermeable formation, the interface between said geological formations. being qualified as the wall of said reservoir, said sub-horizontal drains pass through said formation. In this system, the main well comprises a perforated zone at the level of said geological formation and an injection conduit connecting said perforated zone to a source of injection of a displacement product, the conduit being adapted to inject said agent from the central well, said drains are drilled at least until reaching a depth close to the level of said reservoir wall and the point of entry of said drain into the wall or the end of said drain above the wall is located at a distance not zero from the central well.

Ce système de production pourra comporter un bouchon qui isole la zone perforée d'une zone inférieure dudit puits central.This production system may include a plug which isolates the perforated area from a lower area of said central well.

Selon une mise en oeuvre de ce système de production le puits central pourra comporter en outre une zone de transit située sous le niveau dudit mur du réservoir, ladite zone de transit étant reliée à la surface par une conduite de production et en ce que lesdits drains subhorizontaux rejoignent ladite zone de transit.According to an implementation of this production system, the central well may also include a transit zone located below the level of said tank wall, said transit zone being connected to the surface by a production pipe and in that said drains subhorizontal join said transit zone.

Le système de production utilisé pour ce mode de mise en oeuvre pourra également comporter un tube situé dans ledit puits constituant le conduit de production. Le conduit d'injection pourra être constitué de l'espace annulaire délimité par ledit puits principal. Ledit tube pourra traverser ledit bouchon.The production system used for this embodiment may also include a tube located in said well constituting the production conduit. The injection conduit may consist of the annular space delimited by said main well. Said tube can pass through said plug.

Ce tube pourra coulisser dans ledit bouchon.This tube can slide in said plug.

Ledit tube pourra comporter une pompe.Said tube may include a pump.

La zone de transit pourra posséder une section droite plus grande que la section droite de la partie supérieure du puits central, formant ainsi une fosse de collecte de l'effluent produit.The transit zone may have a cross section larger than the cross section of the upper part of the central well, thus forming a collection pit for the effluent produced.

Le système de production pourra être caractérisé en ce que certains des drains subhorizontaux pourront comporter des équipements de production de l'effluent.The production system can be characterized in that some of the sub-horizontal drains may include equipment for producing the effluent.

La présente invention sera mieux comprise et ses avantages apparaitront plus clairement à la description qui suit d'un exemple particulier illustré par les figures ci-annexée,s représentant l'exploitation d'une formation géologique qui renferme un effluent pétrolier.

  • la figure 1 montre la configuration d'un puits central et d'un puits de stimulation, ou puits auxiliaire, permettant la mise en oeuvre de la méthode selon la présente invention,
  • la figure 2 illustre le mécanisme de production selon la présente invention,
  • les figures 3 et 4 représentent différentes variantes selon la présente invention,
  • les figures 5 et 6 illustrent une vue d'ensemble de la mise en production d'une formation contenant un effluent visqueux à produire, et
  • les figures 7 et 8 illustrent deux variantes où le puits central sert à l'injection de l'agent de déplacement.
The present invention will be better understood and its advantages will appear more clearly on the following description of a particular example illustrated by the appended figures, s representing the exploitation of a geological formation which contains a petroleum effluent.
  • FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a central well and a stimulation well, or auxiliary well, allowing the implementation of the method according to the present invention,
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the production mechanism according to the present invention,
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 represent different variants according to the present invention,
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an overall view of the putting into production of a formation containing a viscous effluent to be produced, and
  • Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two variants where the central well is used for the injection of the displacement agent.

La figure 1 représente la mise en oeuvre d'une variante de la méthode selon la présente invention pour la mise en production d'une formation géologique 1 à partir de la surface du sol 2. La couche géologique 1 contient un effluent pétrolier visqueux à produire.FIG. 1 represents the implementation of a variant of the method according to the present invention for the production of a geological formation 1 from the ground surface 2. The geological layer 1 contains a viscous petroleum effluent to be produced .

La référence 3 désigne une formation géologique située au-dessous de la formation productrice 1. Cette formation inférieure est imperméable à l'effluent à produire contenu dans la formation productrice.Reference 3 designates a geological formation located below the producing formation 1. This lower formation is impermeable to the effluent to be produced contained in the producing formation.

La référence 4 désigne un puits central foré depuis la surface 2 et traversant la formation productrice 1, ce puits central s'interrompant en 5 dans la formation imperméable 3.The reference 4 designates a central well drilled from the surface 2 and passing through the producing formation 1, this central well being interrupted at 5 in the impermeable formation 3.

Dans le cas de la figure 1, la formation productrice est surmontée par une autre formation portant la référence 6 et qui sera dite formation supérieure.In the case of FIG. 1, the producing formation is overcome by another formation bearing the reference 6 and which will be called higher formation.

La référence 7 désigne un puits servant à stimuler et à drainer une fraction au moins de la production de l'effluent visqueux contenu dans la formation 1.Reference 7 designates a well used to stimulate and drain at least a fraction of the production of the viscous effluent contained in formation 1.

Sur la figure 1, ce puits de stimulation traverse la formation supérieure 6 ainsi que la formation productrice 1 et passe dans la formation imperméable inférieure 3 pour rejoindre le puits central 4 au niveau de cette formation inférieure.In FIG. 1, this stimulation well crosses the upper formation 6 as well as the producing formation 1 and passes into the lower impermeable formation 3 to join the central well 4 at the level of this lower formation.

D'une manière plus générale, selon la présente invention, le puits auxiliaire débouche dans le puits central au niveau d'une formation se trouvant au-dessous de la formation productrice, après avoir pénétré dans une formation imperméable au fluide à produire.More generally, according to the present invention, the auxiliary well opens into the central well at the level of a formation located below the producing formation, after having entered a formation impermeable to the fluid to be produced.

Sur la figure 1, la référence 8 désigne l'endroit où le puits ou drain de stimulation 7 pénètre dans la formation productrice 1 et la référence 9 l'endroit d'où il en sort. La référence 10 désigne la portion du puits de stimulation comprise dans la formation productrice 1.In FIG. 1, the reference 8 designates the place where the stimulation well or drain 7 enters the producing formation 1 and the reference 9 the place from where it leaves it. The reference 10 designates the portion of the stimulation well included in the producing formation 1.

Bien entendu, il est préférable selon la présente variante que la portion 10 du drain de stimulation 7 se trouvant dans la formation productrice 1 soit la plus longue possible.Of course, it is preferable according to the present variant that the portion 10 of the stimulation drain 7 located in the producing formation 1 is as long as possible.

Dans le cas de la figure 1, la production s'effectue en faisant circuler un agent de déplacement dans le drain de stimulation 7. Cet agent provoque une diminution de la viscosité de l'effluent à produire, voisin du drain. L'effluent à produire s'écoule alors vers le puits central 4 via le drain de stimulation lui-même.In the case of figure 1, the production is carried out by making circulating a displacement agent in the stimulation drain 7. This agent causes a decrease in the viscosity of the effluent to be produced, close to the drain. The effluent to be produced then flows towards the central well 4 via the stimulation drain itself.

Bien entendu, la portion 10 du drain de stimulation 7 se trouvant dans la formation productrice 1, lorsque cette portion n'est pas constituée d'un puit découvert, pourra être déjà perforée avant sa descente dans le puits, une telle portion perforée du drain est généralement désigné par le terme anglo-saxon de "liner", ou bien être perforée sur place. Par ailleurs, il peut être possible de reboucher certaines perforations du drain de stimulation 7.Of course, the portion 10 of the stimulation drain 7 located in the producing formation 1, when this portion does not consist of an exposed well, may already be perforated before its descent into the well, such a perforated portion of the drain is generally designated by the Anglo-Saxon term of "liner", or be perforated on the spot. In addition, it may be possible to plug certain perforations in the stimulation drain 7.

La figure 2 illustre un deuxième mode de production selon la présente variante. Selon ce mode, la portion 10 du drain de stimulation se trouvant dans la formation productrice 1 est perforée uniquement sur deux portions de sa longueur 11 et 13, un bouchon 17 étant placé dans ledit drain de manière à séparer ces deux portions.FIG. 2 illustrates a second mode of production according to the present variant. According to this mode, the portion 10 of the stimulation drain located in the producing formation 1 is perforated only over two portions of its length 11 and 13, a plug 17 being placed in said drain so as to separate these two portions.

On injecte dans le drain de stimulation 7 un agent permettant de diminuer la viscosité de l'effluent pétrolier à produire se trouvant dans la formation productrice 1, ceci afin de faciliter l'écoulement de l'effluent à produire.An agent is injected into the stimulation drain 7 making it possible to reduce the viscosity of the petroleum effluent to be produced which is found in the producing formation 1, this in order to facilitate the flow of the effluent to be produced.

Un tel agent peut être constitué de vapeur d'eau ou comporter d'autres produits, tels un solvant, par exemple à base d'hydrocarbure.Such an agent can consist of water vapor or comprise other products, such as a solvent, for example based on hydrocarbon.

Dans l'exemple décrit, l'agent considéré sera de la vapeur d'eau.In the example described, the agent considered will be water vapor.

La vapeur d'eau injectée depuis la surface pénètre dans la formation productrice 1 par la portion supérieure des perforations 11.The water vapor injected from the surface enters the producing formation 1 through the upper portion of the perforations 11.

La diffusion de la vapeur d'eau dans la formation productrice 1 est représentée par des flêches 12.The diffusion of water vapor in the producing formation 1 is represented by arrows 12.

La vapeur d'eau échauffe l'effluent pétrolier contenu dans la formation productrice 1, notamment en se condensant, provoquant ainsi la diminution de la viscosité de l'effluent à produire dont une fraction s'écoule par voie de conséquence vers la partie inférieure des perforations 13.The water vapor heats the petroleum effluent contained in the producing formation 1, in particular by condensing, thereby causing the viscosity of the effluent to be produced to decrease, a fraction of which consequently flows towards the lower part of the perforations 13.

L'écoulement de l'effluent produit est représenté par les flêches 14.The flow of the effluent produced is represented by the arrows 14.

Cet écoulement se produit dans la direction de la partie inférieure du puits de stimulation 1 par gravité, d'une part, et par la présence d'un gradient de pression décroissant dans la direction du puits de stimulation, d'autre part.This flow occurs in the direction of the lower part of the stimulation well 1 by gravity, on the one hand, and by the presence of a decreasing pressure gradient in the direction of the stimulation well, on the other hand.

Cette décroissance du gradient de pression est due au fait que le puits de stimulation 10 est mis en communication avec le puits central 4 qui lui même est en communication avec la surface et se trouve donc sensiblement à la pression atmosphérique en surface.This decrease in the pressure gradient is due to the fact that the stimulation well 10 is placed in communication with the central well 4 which itself is in communication with the surface and is therefore substantially at atmospheric pressure at the surface.

L'écoulement de l'effluent à produire s'effectue par la partie du drain de stimulation 15 se trouvant dans la formation inférieure 3 jusqu'au puits central 4 au fond duquel il se rassemble.The effluent to be produced flows through the part of the stimulation drain 15 located in the lower formation 3 up to the central well 4 at the bottom of which it gathers.

Cet écoulement est symbolisé par les flêches 16 sur la figure 2.This flow is symbolized by the arrows 16 in FIG. 2.

L'effluent ainsi produit est remonté de manière classique à partir du puits principal 4, par exemple par des pompes 21 commandées depuis la surface.The effluent thus produced is returned in a conventional manner from the main well 4, for example by pumps 21 controlled from the surface.

Dans le cas de l'exemple décrit précédemment, la séparation entre la portion 11 des perforations à partir desquelles la vapeur d'eau diffuse dans la formation productrice et la portion 13 des perforations à partir desquelles s'effectue l'écoulement de l'effluent à produire, se fait par l'interposition du bouchon 17. Dans ce cas, la vapeur 12 est obligée de sortir du drain auxiliaire 7 en amont du bouchon 17 et l'effluent pétrolier est produit en aval du bouchon 14. Ainsi, il est facile de contrôler l'endroit de la séparation.In the case of the example described above, the separation between the portion 11 of the perforations from which the water vapor diffuses in the producing formation and the portion 13 of the perforations from which the effluent flows. to be produced, is done by interposing the plug 17. In this case, the steam 12 is forced to leave the auxiliary drain 7 upstream of the plug 17 and the petroleum effluent is produced downstream of the plug 14. Thus, it is easy to control the location of the separation.

Une fraction de la vapeur injectée 12 diffuse dans la formation productrice 1, c'est-à-dire vers le puits 4, balayant ainsi une grande zone 20 appartenant à la formation productrice et comprise entre la portion 10 du drain de stimulation 7 et le puits principal. Cette fraction est représentée par les flèches 19 et provoque directement la venue de l'effluent à produire dans le puits 4, ceci est représenté par les flèches 22.A fraction of the injected vapor 12 diffuses into the producing formation 1, that is to say towards the well 4, thus sweeping a large area 20 belonging to the producing formation and lying between the portion 10 of the stimulation drain 7 and the main well. This fraction is represented by the arrows 19 and directly causes the arrival of the effluent to be produced in the well 4, this is represented by the arrows 22.

Il est possible de positionner un bouchon 18 sensiblement à la limite de l'interface séparant la formation productrice 1 et la formation imperméable inférieure 3 (Fig. 3), selon la présente variante, le drain de stimulation 7 étant perforé sur toute sa longueur présente dans la formation productrice.It is possible to position a plug 18 substantially at the limit of the interface separating the producing formation 1 and the lower impermeable formation 3 (FIG. 3), according to the present variant, the stimulation drain 7 being perforated over its entire length present in productive training.

Dans ce cas bien entendu, la partie inférieure 15 du drain de stimulation 7 ne produit rien. Toute la production se fait directement dans le puits 4, comme représenté par les flèches 22. Le drain de stimulation 7 sert uniquement à injecter l'agent de stimulation. Ceci est symbolisé par les flèches 19 (Fig. 3).In this case of course, the lower part 15 of the stimulation drain 7 produces nothing. All the production is done directly in the well 4, as represented by the arrows 22. The stimulation drain 7 is used only for injecting the stimulation agent. This is symbolized by the arrows 19 (Fig. 3).

Les figures 5 et 6 montrent un schéma général de production. Le puits principal 4 est entouré d'un certain nombre de puits de stimulation 7a...7i.Figures 5 and 6 show a general production scheme. The main well 4 is surrounded by a number of stimulation wells 7 a ... 7 i .

Sur la figure 5, ces puits sont, en surface, équidistants du puits principal 4. Ceci n'est nullement obligatoire et les puits 7a...7i peuvent être placés à des distances du puits principal convenant au mieux à l'exploitation de la formation productrice.In FIG. 5, these wells are, on the surface, equidistant from the main well 4. This is by no means compulsory and the wells 7 a ... 7 i can be placed at distances from the main well which is best suited to exploitation producer training.

Les références 8a...8i désignent les endroits où les drains 7a...7i penètrent dans la formation productrice 1 et les références 9a...9i les endroits où ils en sortent.The references 8 a ... 8 i designate the places where the drains 7 a ... 7 i enter the production formation 1 and the references 9 a ... 9 i the places where they come out.

Ainsi, il est possible d'exploiter toute la zone hachurée 23 (Fig. 6), ceci par l'interposition de bouchons en 9a...9i.Thus, it is possible to exploit the whole hatched area 23 (FIG. 6), this by the interposition of plugs at 9 a ... 9 i .

Dans le cas représenté à la figure 6, les points 9a...9i sont équidistants du puits principal 4, mais ceci n'est nullement obligatoire.In the case shown in Figure 6, points 9 a ... 9 i are equidistant from the main well 4, but this is by no means mandatory.

Il est possible, lorsque l'on utilise un bouchon 17, de varier la position de ce dernier en fonction de l'exploitation des différentes zones.It is possible, when using a plug 17, to vary the position of the latter as a function of the operation of the different zones.

Ainsi, il sera possible, pour commencer l'injection, de positionner le bouchon 17 de manière à ce qu'il soit situé dans la formation productrice, tout en étant relativement proche de l'interface 25 entre la formation supérieure 6 et la formation productrice 1. Puis, au fur et à mesure de l'avancement de la production, il sera possible de descendre le bouchon 17. L'inverse est également possible, c'est-à-dire de commencer en plaçant le bouchon 17 le plus près possible de l'interface inférieure 25 entre la formation productrice 1 et la formation inférieure 3, puis de remonter la position du bouchon 17 au fur et à mesure de l'exploitation de la formation productrice.Thus, it will be possible, to start the injection, to position the plug 17 so that it is located in the producing formation, while being relatively close to the interface 25 between the higher formation 6 and the producing formation 1. Then, as the production progresses, it will be possible to lower the plug 17. The reverse is also possible, that is to say to start by placing the plug 17 closest possible from the lower interface 25 between the producing formation 1 and the lower formation 3, then to raise the position of the plug 17 as the production formation is used.

Si lors du forage d'un puits de stimulation 7, on rencontre des difficultés alors que celui-ci se trouve dans la formation productrice, il sera possible de se contenter de l'utiliser comme un drain d'injection de stimulation. Ceci est représenté à la figure 4 où le drain 7 ne sert qu'à injecter l'agent stimulant.If when drilling a stimulation well 7, we encounter difficulties while it is in the producing formation, it will be possible to be satisfied with using it as a stimulation injection drain. This is shown in Figure 4 where the drain 7 is only used to inject the stimulating agent.

Suivant une autre variante où le puits central sert à injecter l'agent de déplacement (Fig. 7), ce puits central vertical 101 est foré jusqu'au mur 102 d'un réservoir 113, puis tubé et cimenté. Ainsi le tubage 103 empêche tout écoulement de fluides du réservoir dans le puits.According to another variant where the central well is used to inject the displacement agent (Fig. 7), this vertical central well 101 is drilled to the wall 102 of a tank 113, then cased and cemented. The casing 103 thus prevents any flow of fluids from the reservoir into the well.

On entend par mur du réservoir la partie inférieure de la formation géologique contenant l'effluent pétrolier et par toit du réservoir la limite supérieure de cette formation géologique.The wall of the reservoir means the lower part of the geological formation containing the petroleum effluent and the roof of the reservoir the upper limit of this geological formation.

Le forage est ensuite poursuivi en plus grand diamètre à l'aide d'un élargisseur dans la couche 104 située sous le réservoir, afin de réaliser une fosse 105 destinée à recevoir les fluides collectés par des drains subhorizontaux 106. Cette fosse sera isolée du reste du trou à l'aide d'un bouchon étanche 107 du type généralement désigné par le terme anglo-saxon de "packer", permettant le passage d'un conduit 108 servant à remonter la production des fluides collectés vers la surface à l'aide d'un dispositif de pompage 109. Le bouchon étanche 107 pourra être équipé d'un joint coulissant permettant un mouvement vertical du conduit, tout en assurant une parfaite étanchéïté. Le conduit 108 pourra comporter plusieurs éléments de conduite raccordés les uns au bout des autres.The drilling is then continued at a larger diameter using a widener in the layer 104 located under the reservoir, in order to produce a pit 105 intended to receive the fluids collected by subhorizontal drains 106. This pit will be isolated from the rest of the hole using a tight plug 107 of the type generally designated by the Anglo-Saxon term of "packer", allowing the passage of a conduit 108 serving to raise the production of the fluids collected towards the surface using of a pumping device 109. The watertight plug 107 may be fitted with a sliding joint allowing vertical movement of the duct, while ensuring perfect sealing. The pipe 108 may include several pipe elements connected one after the other.

Le dispositif de collecte sera achevé par le forage de drains subhorizontaux 106, depuis la surface jusqu'à la fosse de collecte 105, chacun de ces drains recoupant le mur 102 du réservoir en un point 110 dont la distance au puits central, fonction de l'inclinaison du drain, sera un paramètre important du système, puisque toute la production, de fluides en place ou de fluide injecté, sortira du réservoir en ce point. Le débit de production du système sera choisi de telle façon que le niveau liquide dans la fosse soit toujours en-dessous de la côte du mur du réservoir pour permettre l'évacuation des fluides collectés par les drains au droit du réservoir.The collection device will be completed by drilling sub-horizontal drains 106, from the surface to the collection pit 105, each of these drains intersecting the wall 102 of the reservoir at a point 110 whose distance from the central well, depending on the The inclination of the drain will be an important parameter of the system, since all the production, of fluids in place or of injected fluid, will leave the reservoir at this point. The production rate of the system will be chosen so that the liquid level in the pit is always below the side of the wall of the tank to allow the evacuation of the fluids collected by the drains at the right of the tank.

L'injection du fluide destiné à mobiliser et à déplacer les fluides en place se fera dans le réservoir 113 par l'intermédiaire de perforations 111 réalisées de manière classique dans le tubage 103 du puits central 101. La communication pourra être améliorée par acidification et stimulation du réservoir au niveau des perforations. La cote de ces perforations 111 pourra être choisie après simulation à l'aide de programmes numériques aptes à représenter les écoulements mis en jeu afin d'obtenir le meilleur balayage volumétrique du réservoir par les fluides injectés (eau chaude, vapeur, CO₂, gaz, mousse, ...) jusqu'à la pénétration dans les drains. Les paramètres à prendre en compte sont en outre : l'épaisseur du réservoir, la viscosité de l'huile en place, l'angle des drains par rapport à l'horizontale, les points de sortie du réservoir de chaque drain, le débit d'injection, le nombre de drains, ...The injection of the fluid intended to mobilize and move the fluids in place will be done in the reservoir 113 by means of perforations 111 produced in a conventional manner in the casing 103 of the central well 101. The communication can be improved by acidification and stimulation of the reservoir at the perforations. The dimension of these perforations 111 can be chosen after simulation at using digital programs capable of representing the flows involved in order to obtain the best volumetric scanning of the reservoir by the fluids injected (hot water, steam, CO₂, gas, foam, ...) until penetration into the drains. The parameters to be taken into account are also: the thickness of the tank, the viscosity of the oil in place, the angle of the drains relative to the horizontal, the points of exit of the tank from each drain, the flow d injection, the number of drains, ...

Dans le cas où le fluide injecté est plus léger que l'huile en place, on profitera de l'effet de ségrégation par gravité, lequel permet d'obtenir une forme d'ombrelle pour l'interface entre l'agent de déplacement et l'effluent à produire. Au cours du temps, cette forme d'ombrelle se développera latéralement autour du puits central. Les paramètres énoncés ci-dessus pourront alors être calculés de telle sorte que la limite atteinte par l'ombrelle soit pratiquement parallèle aux drains subhorizontaux dans les plans respectifs de chacun d'eux. Ainsi, l'huile sera déplacée vers les drains de façon uniforme.In the case where the injected fluid is lighter than the oil in place, we will take advantage of the gravity segregation effect, which makes it possible to obtain a form of umbrella for the interface between the displacement agent and the 'effluent to produce. Over time, this form of umbrella will develop laterally around the central well. The parameters set out above can then be calculated so that the limit reached by the umbrella is practically parallel to the subhorizontal drains in the respective planes of each of them. Thus, the oil will be moved to the drains evenly.

Dans la phase initiale de production, comme pour le système proposé antérieurement, il sera bon, dans le cas de réservoirs d'huiles lourdes, de procéder à une circulation continue de vapeur dans les drains pour améliorer l'écoulement des fluides par diminution de la viscosité.In the initial production phase, as with the previously proposed system, it will be good, in the case of heavy oil tanks, to carry out a continuous circulation of steam in the drains to improve the flow of fluids by reducing the viscosity.

Ainsi selon la présente variante, l'agent de déplacement ou agent déplaçant 115 est introduit dans la formation productrice 113 à partir de l'espace annulaire 116 délimité par le tubage 103 et le conduit 108 qui est situé dans ce tubage 103 en transitant par les perforations 111 pratiquées sur ce même tubage.Thus according to the present variant, the displacement agent or displacing agent 115 is introduced into the producing formation 113 from the annular space 116 delimited by the casing 103 and the conduit 108 which is located in this casing 103 by passing through the 111 perforations made on the same casing.

L'agent déplaçant va diffuser dans la formation productrice 113 en provoquant la migration de l'effluent pétrolier vers les drains collecteurs 106 qui sont perforés sur la portion de leur longueur située dans la formation productrice 113.The displacing agent will diffuse in the producing formation 113 by causing the migration of the petroleum effluent towards the drains manifolds 106 which are perforated over the portion of their length located in the producing formation 113.

Le drain 106 collecte l'effluent pétrolier et le déverse dans la fosse 105 à partir de laquelle il est produit.The drain 106 collects the petroleum effluent and pours it into the pit 105 from which it is produced.

Bien entendu, pour une bonne efficacité de la méthode selon la présente invention, il est nécessaire de disposer plusieurs drains de collecte situés tout autour du puits central vertical.Of course, for a good efficiency of the method according to the present invention, it is necessary to have several collection drains located all around the vertical central well.

Suivant encore une autre variante, où le puits central sert à injecter l'agent de déplacement (Fig. 8), ce puits central vertical 201 est foré jusqu'au mur 202 d'un réservoir 213, puis tubé et cimenté. Ainsi le tubage 203 empêche tout écoulement de fluides du réservoir dans le puits.According to yet another variant, where the central well is used to inject the displacement agent (Fig. 8), this vertical central well 201 is drilled to the wall 202 of a reservoir 213, then cased and cemented. Thus the casing 203 prevents any flow of fluids from the reservoir into the well.

On entend par mur du réservoir la partie inférieure de la formation géologique contenant l'effluent pétrolier et par toit du réservoir la limite supérieure de cette formation géologique.The wall of the reservoir means the lower part of the geological formation containing the petroleum effluent and the roof of the reservoir the upper limit of this geological formation.

Le forage pourra alors être interrompu. S'il était poursuivi dans la couche 204 située sous le réservoir, ce prolongement serait avantageusement isolé du reste du trou à l'aide d'un bouchon étanche 207 interdisant le passage de tout produit vers le prolongement du puits, afin de réaliser un prolongement du puits destiné à un usage ultérieur.Drilling can then be interrupted. If it were continued in the layer 204 located under the tank, this extension would be advantageously isolated from the rest of the hole using a tight plug 207 preventing the passage of any product towards the extension of the well, in order to achieve an extension the well intended for later use.

Le prolongement du puits peut être envisagé notamment lorsqu'il existe plusieurs formations géologiques contenant un effluent à produire, séparées par des formations imperméables à cet effluent.The extension of the well can be considered in particular when there are several geological formations containing an effluent to be produced, separated by formations impermeable to this effluent.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté le système ou dispositif de collecte de l'effluent à produire est réalisé par le forage de drains subhorizontaux 206, depuis la surface jusqu'à la formation productrice 213, chacun de ces drains recoupant le mur 202 du réservoir en un point 10 distant du puits central et s'interrompent sensiblement au niveau de ce point.According to the embodiment shown, the system or device for collecting the effluent to be produced is produced by drilling subhorizontal drains 206, from the surface to the producing formation. 213, each of these drains intersecting the wall 202 of the reservoir at a point 10 distant from the central well and are substantially interrupted at this point.

L'injection du fluide destiné à mobiliser et à déplacer les fluides en place se fera dans le réservoir 213 par l'intermédiaire de perforations 211 réalisées de manière classique dans le tubage 203 du puits central 201. La communication pourra être améliorée par acidification et stimulation du réservoir au niveau des perforations. La cote de ces perforations 211 pourra être choisie après simulation à l'aide de programmes numériques aptes à représenter les écoulements mis en jeu afin d'obtenir le meilleur balayage volumétrique du réservoir par les fluides injectés (eau chaude, vapeur, CO₂, gaz, mousse, ...) jusqu'à la pénétration dans les drains 206. Les paramètres à prendre en compte sont en outre : l'épaisseur du réservoir, la viscosité de l'huile en place, l'angle des drains par rapport à l'horizontale, les points de sortie du réservoir de chaque drain, le débit d'injection, le nombre de drains,The injection of the fluid intended to mobilize and move the fluids in place will be done in the reservoir 213 by means of perforations 211 produced in a conventional manner in the casing 203 of the central well 201. The communication can be improved by acidification and stimulation of the reservoir at the perforations. The dimension of these perforations 211 may be chosen after simulation using digital programs capable of representing the flows involved in order to obtain the best volumetric scanning of the reservoir by the fluids injected (hot water, steam, CO₂, gas, foam, ...) until penetration into the drains 206. The parameters to be taken into account are also: the thickness of the tank, the viscosity of the oil in place, the angle of the drains relative to the '' horizontal, the outlet points of the tank of each drain, the injection rate, the number of drains,

Dans le cas où le fluide injecté est plus léger que l'huile en place, on profitera de l'effet de ségrégation par gravité lequel permet d'obtenir une forme d'ombrelle pour l'interface entre l'agent de déplacement et l'effluent à produire. Au cours du temps, cette forme d'ombrelle se développera latéralement autour du puits central. Les paramètres énoncés ci-dessus pourront alors être calculés de telle sorte que la limite atteinte par l'ombrelle soit pratiquement parallèle aux drains subhorizontaux dans les plans respectifs de chacun d'eux. Ainsi, l'huile sera déplacée vers les drains de façon uniforme.In the case where the injected fluid is lighter than the oil in place, we will take advantage of the gravity segregation effect which allows to obtain a form of umbrella for the interface between the displacement agent and the effluent to produce. Over time, this form of umbrella will develop laterally around the central well. The parameters set out above can then be calculated so that the limit reached by the umbrella is practically parallel to the subhorizontal drains in the respective planes of each of them. Thus, the oil will be moved to the drains evenly.

Ainsi selon la présente variante l'agent déplaçant 215 est introduit dans la formation productrice 213 à partir du puits principal en transitant par les perforations 211 pratiquées sur ce même tubage.Thus, according to the present variant, the displacing agent 215 is introduced into the producing formation 213 from the main well, passing through the perforations 211 made on this same casing.

L'agent déplaçant va diffuser dans la formation productrice 213 en provoquant la migration de l'effluent pétrolier vers les drains collecteurs 206 qui sont perforés sur la portion de leur longueur située dans la formation productrice 213.The displacing agent will diffuse in the producing formation 213 by causing the migration of the petroleum effluent towards the collecting drains 206 which are perforated over the portion of their length located in the producing formation 213.

Les drains 206 collectent l'effluent pétrolier qui est produit séparément à partir de chacun de ces drains vers la surface 209. La production se fait soit naturellement, soit à l'aide de pompes. Ces pompes peuvent être placées en surface ou à l'intérieur de certains au moins des drains subhorizontaux au niveau de la formation productrice.The drains 206 collect the petroleum effluent which is produced separately from each of these drains towards the surface 209. The production takes place either naturally or using pumps. These pumps can be placed on the surface or inside at least some of the sub-horizontal drains at the level of the producing formation.

Ainsi, selon la présente invention, l'effluent pétrolier est produit à partir de drains subhorizontaux entourant le puits principal. Ces drains s'interrompent avant de rencontrer l'axe du puits principal et à une certaine distance L de cet axe. La présente invention permet donc d'augmenter le volume exploité du réservoir.Thus, according to the present invention, the petroleum effluent is produced from subhorizontal drains surrounding the main well. These drains are interrupted before meeting the axis of the main well and at a certain distance L from this axis. The present invention therefore makes it possible to increase the operated volume of the tank.

Dans le cas de la figure les drains subhorizontaux s'interrompent sensiblement au niveau du mur 202, toutefois on ne sortirait pas du cadre de la présente invention si les drains s'interrompaient avant ou après ce mur.In the case of the figure, the sub-horizontal drains are substantially interrupted at the level of the wall 202, however it would not go beyond the scope of the present invention if the drains were interrupted before or after this wall.

Claims (22)

  1. Method for the production of an effluent contained in a geological formation forming a reservoir for the said effluent or productive formation, by using a central well, at least one sub horizontal drain drilled from the surface, together with a displacing or displacement agent, the said geological formation overlying another geological formation substantially impermeable to the said effluent or impermeable formation, the interface between the said geological formations being considered the wall of the said reservoir, the said displacement agent causing the migration of the effluent to be produced, characterised in that the said drain is drilled at least to a depth close to the level of the said wall of the reservoir, in that the point of entry of the said drain into the wall or the end of the said drain above the wall, is situated at a significant distance from the central well, in that the said displacement agent is injected into the said formation from the said central well and in that the said effluent is drained by means of the said drain.
  2. Method of production in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that several sub horizontal drains are used.
  3. Method of production in accordance with claim 2, characterised in that the said sub horizontal drains surround the said central well.
  4. Method of production in accordance with claim 3, characterised in that the said effluent to be produced is drained by the said sub horizontal drains to a part of the central well below the said wall of the reservoir where the said effluent is conveyed and from which it is directed towards the surface.
  5. Method of production in accordance with one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the effluent to be produced is conveyed towards the surface by the said sub horizontal drains.
  6. Method for the production of a viscous petroleum effluent contained in a geological formation forming a reservoir for the said effluent or productive formation, by using a central well, at least one subhorizontal drain, together with a displacing or displacement agent, the said productive formation overlying another geological formation substantially impermeable to the said effluent or impermeable formation, the interface between the said geological formations being considered the wall of the said reservoir, the said displacement agent causing the migration of the effluent to be produced, following which the central well is used as a production well and following which the said displacement agent is injected into the said productive formation from the said sub horizontal drain corresponding to a well for the stimulation of production, the said stimulation well being drilled from the surface, characterised in that the said stimulation well reaches at least a depth close to the level of the said wall of the reservoir, in that the point of entry of the said stimulation well into the wall or the end of the said stimulation well above the wall is situated at a significant distance from the central well, the said stimulation well having at least one sub horizontal portion in the said productive formation.
  7. Method in accordance with claim 6, characterised in that the said stimulation well connects a lower part of the central well to the said wall of the reservoir.
  8. Method in accordance with claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the said stimulation well is perforated over a portion of its length, the said portion corresponding substantially to the portion of the said stimulation well passing through the productive formation.
  9. Method in accordance with one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that a fluid is injected into the said stimulation well, this being designed to reduce the viscosity of the petroleum effluent to be produced.
  10. Method in accordance with one of claims 8 or 9, characterised in that a plug is placed in the said perforated portion of the said stimulation well.
  11. Method in accordance with one of claims 7 to 10, characterised in that a plug is placed in the said portion of the said stimulation well passing through the said impermeable formation.
  12. Method in accordance with one of claims 6 or 7, characterised in that a plug is placed substantially at the level of the said wall of the reservoir.
  13. Method in accordance with claim 6, characterised in that the said stimulation well is interrupted within the productive formation.
  14. Method in accordance with one of claims 6 to 13, characterised in that several stimulation wells surrounding the central well are used.
  15. System for the production of an effluent contained in a geological formation or productive formation comprising a central well (101, 201) and sub horizontal drains (106, 206), the said productive formation overlying another geological formation substantially impermeable to the said effluent or impermeable formation, the interface between the said geological formations being considered a wall of the said reservoir, the said sub horizontal drains drilled from the surface penetrating into the said productive formation, the said central well comprising a perforated zone (111, 211) at the level of the said productive formation, an injection pipe connecting the said perforated zone to a source of injection (115, 215) of a displacement agent, characterised in that the said pipe is designed to inject the said agent from the central well, in that the said drains are drilled at least to reach a depth close to the level of the said wall of the reservoir and in that the point of entry of the said drain into the wall or the end of the said drain above the wall is situated at a significant distance from the central well.
  16. System of production in accordance with claim 15, characterised in that a plug (107) isolates the perforated zone from a lower zone of the said central well.
  17. System of production in accordance with one of claims 15 or 16, characterised in that the said central well (101) also comprises a transit zone (105) where one part at least is situated below the level of the said wall of the reservoir, in that the said transit zone is connected to the surface by a pipe used for production (108) and in that the said drains (106) connect with the said transit zone (113).
  18. System of production in accordance with claim 17, characterised in that the said production pipe comprises a pipe (108) passing through the said plug (107) and in that the said injection pipe comprises the annular space defined by the said central well (101) and the said production pipe.
  19. System of production in accordance with claim 18, characterised in that the said pipe (108) slides within the said plug.
  20. System of production in accordance with one of claims 18 or 19, characterised in that the said pipe includes a pump (109).
  21. System of production in accordance with one of claims 17 to 20, characterised in that the transit zone (105) has a cross section which is larger than the cross section of the upper part of the central well (101), this therefore forming a pit (105) for collecting the effluent.
  22. System of production in accordance with claims 15 or 16, characterised in that certain of the sub horizontal drains include equipment for the production of the effluent.
EP87401421A 1986-06-26 1987-06-22 Enhanced recovery method to continually produce a fluid contained in a geological formation Expired - Lifetime EP0251881B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8609419A FR2600713B1 (en) 1986-06-26 1986-06-26 ASSISTED PRODUCTION METHOD OF A VISCOUS EFFLUENT CONTAINED IN A GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
FR8609420 1986-06-26
FR8609419 1986-06-26
FR8609420A FR2601998B1 (en) 1986-06-26 1986-06-26 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCTION BY CENTRAL WELL AND COLLECTION DRAINS
FR8609422A FR2600714B1 (en) 1986-06-26 1986-06-26 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSISTED PRODUCTION BY INJECTION FROM A CENTRAL WELL OF A MOVING AGENT
FR8609422 1986-06-26

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0251881A1 EP0251881A1 (en) 1988-01-07
EP0251881B1 true EP0251881B1 (en) 1992-04-29

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EP87401421A Expired - Lifetime EP0251881B1 (en) 1986-06-26 1987-06-22 Enhanced recovery method to continually produce a fluid contained in a geological formation

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EP (1) EP0251881B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1014337B (en)
BR (1) BR8703209A (en)
DE (1) DE3778593D1 (en)
IN (1) IN169933B (en)
NO (1) NO872640L (en)

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NO872640L (en) 1987-12-28
BR8703209A (en) 1988-03-15
NO872640D0 (en) 1987-06-24
DE3778593D1 (en) 1992-06-04
EP0251881A1 (en) 1988-01-07
US5016710A (en) 1991-05-21
CN1014337B (en) 1991-10-16
CN1030117A (en) 1989-01-04

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