Multi-layered wellbore completion for methane hydrate production
First Claim
1. A method of creating an artificial reservoir to allow for production of methane from an unconsolidated wellbore formation surrounding an open hole borehole comprising methane hydrate, sand or other sediments, said method comprising:
- delivering a consolidated artificial barrier to the open hole borehole near the unconsolidated wellbore formation using a bottom hole assembly;
wherein the artificial barrier is adapted to reduce erosion of the surrounding formation by equalizing through the use of depressurization devices the disassociation of methane hydrate across an interval of the bottom hole assembly while not stressing the surrounding formation;
using a shape memory porous member whose dimension increases radially in the open hole borehole and at least one of a porous media and consolidated proppant in said artificial barrier; and
enlarging the artificial barrier to leave an annular gap to the open hole that remains during subsequent methane production;
producing methane.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
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.
-
Citations
11 Claims
-
1. A method of creating an artificial reservoir to allow for production of methane from an unconsolidated wellbore formation surrounding an open hole borehole comprising methane hydrate, sand or other sediments, said method comprising:
-
delivering a consolidated artificial barrier to the open hole borehole near the unconsolidated wellbore formation using a bottom hole assembly;
wherein the artificial barrier is adapted to reduce erosion of the surrounding formation by equalizing through the use of depressurization devices the disassociation of methane hydrate across an interval of the bottom hole assembly while not stressing the surrounding formation;using a shape memory porous member whose dimension increases radially in the open hole borehole and at least one of a porous media and consolidated proppant in said artificial barrier; and enlarging the artificial barrier to leave an annular gap to the open hole that remains during subsequent methane production; producing methane. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
Specification