Extended reach placement of wellbore completions

摘要

A self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve on a deployment tool is positioned at a proximal end of a well completion assembly. Fluid is pumped though the self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve and vented immediately distal of the valve, to return to surface of the well. A water hammer pulse is generated each time the self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve closes, thereby generating an impact force that acts to push the completion equipment distally into the well. The continuous cyclic force of the impact facilitates placement of the completion equipment where desired in the well, including within a horizontal extension of the well. Fluid discharged through the self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve circulates up to the surface through a vertical and inclined section of the well.

主权项

1. A method for placing a completion into an openhole section of well below a well casing, comprising the steps of:
(a) inserting a completion string connected to a liner hanger having a release mechanism section into a well, (b) inserting a flow cycling valve connected to a deployment string into a well, (c) activating a fluid pump on the surface to pump fluids downhole to the flow cycling valve disposed proximally of the completion string to generate one or more pressure pulses, (d) applying the force caused by the one or more pressure pulses to advance the completion distally into the well until the flow cycling valve and the liner hanger encounter a casing profile, and (e) causing the release mechanism to release from the liner hanger, thereby completing the placement of the completion in the well.