Deep-set subsurface safety valve assembly
First Claim
1. A production assembly for use in a wellbore for extending from a surface location where in electrical power is present to a first tubing terminating at a subterranean location in the wellbore, comprising:
- a second length of tubing extending from the surface location to the second tubing in the wellbore, the second tubing having a wall formed of non-conductive material with at least one electrical conductor located in the non-conductive wall for conducting electrical energy axially along the second tubing;
an electrically operated valve assembly connected to the second tubing to control flow through the second tubing;
the valve being electrically connected to the at least one electrical conductor for operating the valve from the surface location between an open and closed position in response to the provision electrical power on the at least one conductor; and
a connector forming a fluid connection at the subterranean location between the first and second tubing where by when the valve is operated flow through the first and second tubing is controlled from the surface location.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for use in a cased well having a production tubing assembly installed in the well and terminating with a connection means at a subterranean location. The apparatus and method utilizes a spoolable tubular assembly for installation extending into the well to the connection means wherein the tubular assembly has a plurality of conductors formed connected to electrically operable valve, sensors and tubing latch in the tubular assembly. In the method the assembly is spooled into the well with the tubing latch being operated from outside the well through the tubing conductors to selectively connect and disconnect the assembly from the connector means. Operating the salve and sensors from outside the well when the assembly is installed. The assembly tubing is preferably made of a non-conductive, and preferably composite material that enclosed at least one, and preferably a plurality of electrical conductors.
52 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A production assembly for use in a wellbore for extending from a surface location where in electrical power is present to a first tubing terminating at a subterranean location in the wellbore, comprising:
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a second length of tubing extending from the surface location to the second tubing in the wellbore, the second tubing having a wall formed of non-conductive material with at least one electrical conductor located in the non-conductive wall for conducting electrical energy axially along the second tubing;
an electrically operated valve assembly connected to the second tubing to control flow through the second tubing;
the valve being electrically connected to the at least one electrical conductor for operating the valve from the surface location between an open and closed position in response to the provision electrical power on the at least one conductor; and
a connector forming a fluid connection at the subterranean location between the first and second tubing where by when the valve is operated flow through the first and second tubing is controlled from the surface location. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A safety system for use in a hydrocarbon well, comprising:
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a hanger mounted in the well at a subterranean location;
a first production-tubing string supported at least in part by the hanger and extending downhole toward a producing zone of the well;
a second production tubing string connected to the first production tubing and extending to the well surface and wherein the second string is made of non conducting material, at least one electrical conductor enclosed within the wall of the second production-tubing string;
an electrically operated safety valve connected to the at least one electrical conductor, for selectively permitting flow between the first production tubing string and the second production tubing string; and
a controller at the well surface connected to the conductor for selectively supplying electrical power to the conductor.
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- 16. The safety system of claim 16, wherein the electrically operated valve is a solenoid-actuated valve.
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20. A method of operating a downhole electrically operated safety valve for selectively controlling flow through a conduit, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing a conduit portion made of a non-conductive spoolable material, wherein the wall of the conduit portion houses two insulated electrical conductors;
assembling the electric safety valve with the conduit portion with the conductors connected to the safety valve;
positioning the safety valve and conduit portion assembly at the well surface;
lowering the safety into the well to a downhole location by unspooling the conduit portion into the well;
selectively supplying power to the electrical conductors at the well surface; and
operating the safety valve from the well surface by controlling the supply of power to the conductors in the conduit portion.
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- 21. The method of operating a downhole safety valve of claim 21, wherein the conduit is a pipe for the production of hydrocarbons, and wherein the valve is biased to remain closed in the absence of supplied power.
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24. The method of operating a downhole safety valve of claim 24, further comprising the step of installing a tubing hanger in the wellbore for supporting at least part of the weight of the second conduit portion.
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25. A subsurface valve assembly for use in a well to connect to a production tubing string terminating in the well at a subterranean location, the assembly comprising;
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an electrical controller located at surface location;
an elongated tubular member formed of non conductive materials of sufficient length to reach from the subterranean location to the surface location, the tubular member comprising a wall defining a flow passage and having a plurality of axially extending electrical conductors contained in the wall of the tubular member and electrically connected to the electrical controller; and
a valve assembly moveable between closed and open positions in response to the application of an electrical signal connected to the tubular member to control flow through the flow passage and electrically connected to the electrical conductors in the tubular member whereby the valve can be opened and closed from the surface controller.
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26. A valve assembly for use in a well having a packer supporting a production tubing string at a subterranean location, the assembly comprising:
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an electrical controller located at the remote location;
an elongated tubular member formed of non conductive materials of sufficient length to reach from the subterranean location to a remote location, the tubular member comprising a wall defining a flow passage and having electrical conductors embedded in the tubular member electrically connected to the electrical controller;
a valve assembly connected to the tubular member moveable between opened and closed positions in response to the application of an electrical signal connected to the tubular member to control flow through the flow passage and electrically connected to the electrical conductors in the tubular member; and
an electrically operable tubing latch connected to the valve and electrically connected to the electrical conductors for releasably connecting to the subterranean tubing in the well.
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Specification