Forage et complétion de puits

Shunt Tube

Tube de dérivation : une bouée de sauvetage pour les opérations de garnissage de gravier

Le tube de dérivation est un élément crucial de l'équipement utilisé dans les opérations pétrolières et gazières, en particulier pendant le processus de garnissage de gravier. Il sert de chemin alternatif pour la boue de garnissage de gravier, permettant au processus de se poursuivre même en cas de pont dans le puits.

Qu'est-ce que le garnissage de gravier ?

Le garnissage de gravier est une technique de complétion de puits qui consiste à placer une couche de gravier autour du tubage de production dans un puits afin d'empêcher la production de sable et de maintenir la stabilité du puits. Cette couche de gravier améliore la productivité du puits en améliorant le flux d'huile et de gaz.

Le défi des ponts

Pendant le processus de garnissage de gravier, un pont peut se produire, où la boue de garnissage de gravier se bloque dans le puits, formant un blocage. Cela peut être causé par divers facteurs, tels que des débris, un diamètre irrégulier du puits ou une viscosité incorrecte de la boue.

La solution du tube de dérivation

Un tube de dérivation est un système de tubage spécialisé conçu pour contourner le blocage. Il est généralement fabriqué en acier haute résistance ou en d'autres matériaux durables et inséré dans le puits en même temps que le tubage de production.

Voici son fonctionnement :

  1. Installation : Le tube de dérivation est installé avant le processus de garnissage de gravier, positionné stratégiquement près de la zone où l'on prévoit que le pont se produira.
  2. Le pont se produit : Si un pont se produit, la boue est redirigée à travers le tube de dérivation, contournant le blocage.
  3. Poursuite du garnissage de gravier : Le tube de dérivation permet au processus de garnissage de gravier de se poursuivre sans interruption, minimisant les temps d'arrêt et assurant une complétion réussie.

Avantages des tubes de dérivation

  • Réduction des temps d'arrêt : Empêche les retards et les travaux de réparation coûteux associés aux ponts.
  • Amélioration de la réussite du garnissage de gravier : Assure un garnissage de gravier complet et efficace, améliorant la productivité du puits.
  • Réduction des coûts : Minimise les coûts opérationnels en réduisant le besoin de travaux correctifs.
  • Intégrité accrue du puits : Maintient l'intégrité du puits en empêchant les dommages causés par des tentatives répétées de déblocage du pont.

Conclusion

Les tubes de dérivation sont des outils essentiels dans les pratiques modernes de complétion de puits pétroliers et gaziers, offrant une solution fiable aux défis posés par les ponts pendant le garnissage de gravier. En fournissant un chemin alternatif pour la boue, ils garantissent des opérations de garnissage de gravier efficaces et réussies, maximisant la productivité du puits et minimisant les temps d'arrêt.


Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: Shunt Tubes in Gravel Packing Operations

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary function of a shunt tube in gravel packing operations?

a) To provide a pathway for the gravel slurry to bypass a bridge-out. b) To increase the pressure of the gravel slurry. c) To regulate the flow rate of the gravel slurry. d) To prevent sand production in the wellbore.

Answer

a) To provide a pathway for the gravel slurry to bypass a bridge-out.

2. What is a bridge-out in the context of gravel packing?

a) A collapse of the wellbore wall. b) A blockage in the wellbore caused by the gravel slurry. c) A leak in the production casing. d) A buildup of pressure in the wellbore.

Answer

b) A blockage in the wellbore caused by the gravel slurry.

3. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using shunt tubes in gravel packing operations?

a) Reduced downtime. b) Improved gravel packing efficiency. c) Increased wellbore pressure. d) Cost savings.

Answer

c) Increased wellbore pressure.

4. When is a shunt tube typically installed in a wellbore?

a) After the gravel packing process is complete. b) During the wellbore cleaning process. c) Before the gravel packing process begins. d) When a bridge-out occurs.

Answer

c) Before the gravel packing process begins.

5. What material is a shunt tube typically made of?

a) Plastic. b) Aluminum. c) High-strength steel. d) Concrete.

Answer

c) High-strength steel.

Exercise: Gravel Packing Scenario

Scenario: You are supervising a gravel packing operation. The wellbore is 6 inches in diameter, and the gravel slurry is being pumped at a rate of 100 barrels per hour. The operation begins smoothly, but after 2 hours, a bridge-out occurs, blocking the flow of the slurry.

Task:

  1. Identify the potential causes of the bridge-out in this scenario.
  2. Explain how a shunt tube would be used to solve this problem.
  3. Describe the steps involved in using a shunt tube to bypass the bridge-out.

Exercice Correction

**1. Potential causes of the bridge-out:** * **Debris:** Debris from the wellbore or the gravel packing process itself may have accumulated in the wellbore, causing a blockage. * **Uneven wellbore diameter:** The wellbore may have a narrowed section, causing the gravel slurry to accumulate and form a bridge. * **Improper slurry viscosity:** If the viscosity of the gravel slurry is too high, it may be difficult for it to flow through the wellbore, increasing the risk of a bridge-out. **2. Using a shunt tube:** A shunt tube would provide an alternative path for the gravel slurry to bypass the bridge-out. It would be installed in the wellbore, positioned strategically near the anticipated bridge-out zone. **3. Steps involved in using a shunt tube:** * **Installation:** Before the gravel packing process begins, the shunt tube is installed into the wellbore, positioned near the zone where a bridge-out is likely to occur. * **Bridge-out occurs:** When the bridge-out happens, the gravel slurry is redirected through the shunt tube, bypassing the blockage. * **Continued gravel packing:** The gravel packing process continues uninterrupted, using the shunt tube as an alternative path for the slurry.


Books

  • "Well Completion Engineering" by M.J. Economides and K.G. Nolte: This comprehensive textbook covers various well completion techniques, including gravel packing, and offers insights into the use of shunt tubes.
  • "Reservoir Engineering Handbook" by Tarek Ahmed: This reference book provides in-depth information on well completion methods, including a section on gravel packing and potential challenges like bridge-outs.
  • "Oil and Gas Production Technology" by John A. Lee: This textbook covers various aspects of oil and gas production, including well completion and the use of specialized equipment like shunt tubes.

Articles

  • "Gravel Packing with Shunt Tubes: A Case Study" by [Author Name], [Journal Name]: Search for specific case studies that highlight the successful implementation of shunt tubes in gravel packing operations.
  • "Bridge-Outs in Gravel Packing: Causes and Mitigation Strategies" by [Author Name], [Journal Name]: Explore articles that delve into the issue of bridge-outs and analyze various mitigation strategies, including the use of shunt tubes.
  • "Innovations in Well Completion Techniques: A Review" by [Author Name], [Journal Name]: Browse articles discussing recent advancements in well completion technologies, which may include information on shunt tubes and their applications.

Online Resources

  • SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Library: Access a wide range of publications and research articles on well completion and gravel packing techniques.
  • OnePetro: Explore a digital library of technical information from various industry sources, including articles and case studies on shunt tube applications.
  • Oil & Gas Journal: Search this industry publication for articles related to gravel packing, bridge-outs, and shunt tubes.
  • Google Scholar: Use Google Scholar to search for scholarly articles related to "shunt tube," "gravel packing," and "bridge-out."

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords: Combine keywords like "shunt tube," "gravel packing," "bridge-out," "well completion," and "case study" to refine your search results.
  • Include industry terms: Use specialized terms like "completion fluid," "production casing," and "sand control" for more relevant results.
  • Specify publication type: Filter your search to include articles, case studies, or research papers using Google Scholar.
  • Restrict the search to specific websites: Limit your search to industry websites like SPE, OnePetro, or Oil & Gas Journal for more focused results.

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