Multi-layered wellbore completion for methane hydrate production
First Claim
1. A completion method for methane production from methane hydrate, comprising:
- running in a bottom hole assembly to an isolated producing zone;
providing a plurality of filtration layers with at least one inner layer on said bottom hole assembly and another outer layer that is independently delivered to said at least one inner layer when said inner layer is in said producing zone;
adhering components of said outer layer to each other or to said at least one inner layer such that said inner and outer layers remain adjoining when the borehole enlarges and moves away from said outer layer as methane is produced;
wherein said at least one inner layer is made from at least one of wire screen, a bead pack, prepack screen and a shape memory porous material.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a completion for producing methane the bottom hole assembly has a base pipe with porous media surrounding it for equalizing flow along the base pipe. A shape memory polymer foam surrounds the porous media. The borehole can be reamed to reduce produced methane velocities. Surrounding the shape memory polymer is an exterior layer of consolidated proppant or sand that can self-adhere and/or stick to the polymer foam. The proppant or sand can be circulated or squeezed into position although, circulation is preferred. The borehole may enlarge due to shifting sands in an unconsolidated formation as the methane is produced. The bottom hole assembly helps in fluid flow equalization and protects the foam and layers below from high fluid velocities during production.
44 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A completion method for methane production from methane hydrate, comprising:
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running in a bottom hole assembly to an isolated producing zone; providing a plurality of filtration layers with at least one inner layer on said bottom hole assembly and another outer layer that is independently delivered to said at least one inner layer when said inner layer is in said producing zone; adhering components of said outer layer to each other or to said at least one inner layer such that said inner and outer layers remain adjoining when the borehole enlarges and moves away from said outer layer as methane is produced; wherein said at least one inner layer is made from at least one of wire screen, a bead pack, prepack screen and a shape memory porous material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An assembly for producing methane from an unconsolidated formation surrounding a borehole comprising methane hydrate, sand or other sediments, said assembly comprising:
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a bottom hole assembly for running into the borehole comprising a plurality of filtration layers; said filtration layers comprising at least one inner layer and at least one outer layer; said outer layer delivered to the borehole to contact said inner layer already in the borehole; wherein said at least one outer layer comprises components adapted to either adhere to each other, said at least one inner layer, or both, and remain adhered should the borehole enlarge or the space between the formation and said outer layer increase. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. An assembly for producing methane from an unconsolidated wellbore formation surrounding a borehole comprising methane hydrate, sand or other sediments, said assembly comprising:
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a bottom hole assembly for running into the borehole near the unconsolidated wellbore formation comprising a plurality of filtration layers comprising at least one inner layer and at least one outer layer; said at least one inner layer comprises a filter; said at least one outer layer comprises a shape memory porous material; wherein said shape memory porous material is maintained in a compressed position during run at a temperature below its glass transition temperature, and expands during set position as it is heated to a temperature near or above its glass transition temperature; and wherein said shape memory porous material is adapted such that in the expanded set position, said shape memory porous material does not make substantial, if any, contact with the surrounding formation.
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Specification