Method for cutting steam heat losses during cyclic steam injection of wells. Fourth quarterly report

Technical Report · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/25034· OSTI ID:25034

Effective Gravel-packing of horizontal wells is difficult to achieve, using conventional pre-slotted liners, yet it is generally required in the soft Heavy Oil reservoir rocks of California, where cyclic steam injection has been proven to be the most cost-effective oil recovery method. The proposed method of gravel placement behind a non-perforated liner, which is later perforated {open_quotes}in situ{close_quotes} with a new tool operated by coiled-tubing, is expected to greatly reduce costs resulting from sand production in horizontal wells operated under cyclic steam injection. The detailed configuration of the prototype tool is described. It includes two pairs of cutting wheels at the ends of spring-loaded pivoting arms, which are periodically pressed through the liner wall and shortly thereafter retracted, while the coiled tubing is being pulled-out. For each operating cycle of the hydraulically-operated tool, this results in a set of four narrow slots parallel to the liner axis, in two perpendicular diametral planes. The shape of the edges of each slot facilitates bridging by the gravel particles, for a more effective and compacted gravel-packing. The tool includes a few easily-assembled parts machined from surface-hardened alloy steel presenting great toughness, selected from those used in die making. The operation of the system and potential future improvements are outlined. The method of fabrication, detailed drawings and specifications are given. They will serve as a basis for negotiating subcontracts with qualified machine shops.

• Research Organization: S-Cal Research Corp., San Rafael, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG49-93CE15600
• OSTI ID: 25034
• Report Number(s): DOE/CE/15600--T4; ON: DE95006638
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
CUTTING TOOLS
DESIGN
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
ENHANCED RECOVERY
OIL WELLS
STEAM INJECTION