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WO2017213726A2 - Hydro-electric wet mate connector system - Google Patents

Hydro-electric wet mate connector system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017213726A2
WO2017213726A2 PCT/US2017/022611 US2017022611W WO2017213726A2 WO 2017213726 A2 WO2017213726 A2 WO 2017213726A2 US 2017022611 W US2017022611 W US 2017022611W WO 2017213726 A2 WO2017213726 A2 WO 2017213726A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hydraulic
coupler
recited
stinger
inductive
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2017/022611
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2017213726A3 (en
Inventor
Thomas EVRARD
Steve WATELLE
Benoit Deville
Original Assignee
Schlumberger Technology Corporation
Schlumberger Canada Limited
Services Petroliers Schlumberger
Schlumberger Technology B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Schlumberger Technology Corporation, Schlumberger Canada Limited, Services Petroliers Schlumberger, Schlumberger Technology B.V. filed Critical Schlumberger Technology Corporation
Publication of WO2017213726A2 publication Critical patent/WO2017213726A2/en
Publication of WO2017213726A3 publication Critical patent/WO2017213726A3/en

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Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/02Couplings; joints
    • E21B17/028Electrical or electro-magnetic connections
    • E21B17/0283Electrical or electro-magnetic connections characterised by the coupling being contactless, e.g. inductive

Definitions

  • well equipment may be installed in a well to facilitate operation and monitoring of the well.
  • well equipment may comprise completion systems installed in a wellbore to enable production of hydrocarbon fluids, e.g. oil and gas, or to facilitate injection of fluids into the well.
  • the well equipment often includes electrical devices which are powered. In some applications, the electrical devices also provide data which is transmitted to a control system located at a surface of the earth or at another suitable location.
  • Many of the completion systems comprise hydraulically controlled valves or other hydraulically controlled tools.
  • providing both electrical and hydraulic capabilities downhole to enable operation and monitoring of a completed well can be difficult in a variety of wells, such as subsea wells.
  • a system and methodology are provided to facilitate monitoring and control in downhole well applications.
  • the system and methodology may be combined with a variety of completions or other types of well equipment deployed downhole to enable both electrical and hydraulic communication with downhole components.
  • the system enables both electrical and hydraulic
  • the system may be employed to enable communication from downhole sensors and control over downhole valves.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of a subsea well system having a well string, e.g. completion systems, deployed in a borehole, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
  • Figure 2 is an illustration of an example of a portion of a lower well string, e.g. a lower completion, having a lower assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • Figure 3 is an illustration of an example of a portion of an upper well string, e.g. an upper assembly which may be in the form of a stinger, which may be engaged with the lower assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
  • Figure 4 is an illustration of an example of a service tool subassembly which may be inserted into the receptacle for deployment of the lower well string, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
  • Figure 5 is an illustration of an example of a portion of a stinger comprising an electrical male mandrel with hydraulic control line bypass, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • Figure 6 is an illustration of a portion of the electrical male mandrel illustrated in Figure 5 with ferrites to facilitate inductive coupling, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical male mandrel in which the ferrites and inductive coils have been enclosed and the hydraulic lines sealed, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • Figure 8 is an illustration of an example of a completed stinger having a hydraulic coupling system and an electrical inductive coupling system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • Figure 9 is an illustration of an example of a portion of the stinger comprising hydraulic connections for individual hydraulic lines, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional illustration of an embodiment of the stinger inserted into an embodiment of a receptacle to enable electrical and hydraulic communication along the well string, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • Figure 11 is an illustration of another example of a stinger mandrel having an integrated hydraulic bypass, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • Figure 12 is an illustration of an example of a sealed subassembly comprising electrical coils for the electrical inductive coupling system which may be positioned over the mandrel illustrated in Figure 1 1, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
  • Figure 13 is an illustration of an example of the stinger having the sealed subassembly mounted on the stinger mandrel, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • Figure 14 is an illustration of the stinger of Figure 13 inserted into a receptacle, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • Figure 15 is an illustration of an example of a service tool which may be inserted into a receptacle of a well string to provide both hydraulic and electrical communication with respect to the well string, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • Figure 16 is an illustration of a portion of the service tool illustrated in
  • FIG. 15 showing an integrated hydraulic line section, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • Figure 17 is an illustration of a portion of the service tool illustrated in
  • FIG. 15 showing an integrated electrical line section, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • Figure 18 is an illustration of an example of a hydraulic coupling system of a stinger having a removable cover, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • Figure 19 is an illustration of an example of a hydraulic line splice region along the stinger, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Figure 20 is an illustration of an example of a cover which may be positioned over the hydraulic line splice region along the stinger, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
  • Figure 21 is an illustration of another example of a hydraulic line splice region along the stinger, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Figure 22 is an illustration of another example of a cover which may be positioned over the hydraulic line splice region along the stinger, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • a system and methodology are provided to facilitate monitoring and control in downhole well applications.
  • the system and methodology may be combined with a variety of completions or other types of well equipment deployed downhole to enable both electrical and hydraulic communication with downhole components, e.g sensors and valves.
  • the system comprises a hydro-electric wet mate connector system which enables both electrical and hydraulic communication for operating and monitoring of downhole completion systems or other systems.
  • lower and upper completions are deployed downhole while connected by a hydraulic coupling system and electrical coupling system.
  • a lower completion may initially be deployed via a service tool subassembly releasably coupled to the lower completion.
  • the service tool also may comprise a hydraulic coupling system and an electrical coupling system.
  • sections of a well string are connected by a hydro-electric wet mate connecting system.
  • the connecting system may comprise inductive coupling technology and hydraulic wet mate technology to form a single system providing telemetry, electrical power, and hydraulic energy between surface equipment and downhole components, e.g. sensors and flow control valves, installed in a multistage completion system.
  • the system may comprise a cut-to- release capability which enables replacement of an upper completion without retrieving the lower completion.
  • some embodiments also may have a fixed weight- bearing latch on the hydro-electric wet mate system to enable a single trip multizone intelligent completion installation.
  • the hydro-electric wet mate system also may be deployed in multiple zones using multiple trips downhole instead of a single trip.
  • the hydro-electric wet mate system may be concentrically constructed to facilitate alignment downhole when an insertion tool, e.g. stinger, is stinging into a receptacle of a lower completion following, for example, an upper completion work over. Consequently, the hydro-electric wet mate connector system is easy to use and reliable to install even in highly deviated or horizontal wellbores.
  • the connector system comprises a receptacle run with a lower completion and a stinger run with an upper completion.
  • the hydro-electric wet mate connector system is implemented via the receptacle and stinger and is compatible with hydraulic and electric control lines to seamlessly integrate with direct hydraulic, electrohydraulic, and electric downhole control and monitoring systems.
  • a well system 30, e.g. a subsea well system, is illustrated as deployed in a borehole 32, e.g. wellbore, drilled into a geologic formation 34.
  • the well system 30 comprises a well string section 36 having a lower well string section 38, e.g. a lower completion, and an upper well string 40, e.g. an upper completion.
  • the upper completion 40 is coupled with the lower completion 38 via a connector system 42 which may comprise a hydro-electric wet mate (HEWM) connector system 44 having, for example, an electrical inductive coupler 46 and a hydraulic line wet mate coupler 48.
  • HEWM hydro-electric wet mate
  • the connector system 42 comprises a lower assembly 50, e.g. a receptacle, which may be run with the lower completion 38 and an upper assembly 52, e.g. an insertion tool, which may be run with the upper completion 40.
  • the lower assembly 50 and the upper assembly 52 may have a variety of configurations, e.g. male-female configurations or other suitable configurations, which facilitate engagement of upper assembly 52 with lower assembly 50. If a male-female configuration is used, the lower assembly 50 may comprise the female portion and the upper assembly 52 the male portion or vice versa.
  • At least some embodiments described herein have the lower assembly 50 in the form of receptacle 50 and the upper assembly 52 in the form of an insertion tool, e.g. stinger 52.
  • the insertion tool/stinger 52 may be inserted into receptacle 50 to enable running of the lower completion 38 and upper completion 40 in a single trip.
  • the lower completion 38 may be run downhole initially, and the upper completion 40 may be subsequently run downhole and operatively engaged with, e.g. stung into, the lower completion 38 via upper assembly 52 and connector system 42.
  • the hydro-electric wet mate connector system 44 combines hydraulic line wet mate coupler 48 with electrical inductive coupler 46 to enable transmission of, for example, telemetry, electrical power, and hydraulic energy between surface equipment and downhole components, e.g. sensors and flow control valves, in a multistage completion.
  • the electrical inductive coupler 46 enables electrical connection between two or more completion stages without direct, physical electrical connection.
  • couplers 46, 48 enables installation and control of flow control valves in various well zones of interest while also enabling monitoring of flow rates and other operations, e.g. chemical injections.
  • the hydro-electric wet mate connector system 44 may be constructed in a concentric form to avoid any special alignment of components downhole when stinging into the lower completion 38.
  • the receptacle 50 may comprise a variety of components, such as a female inductive coupler portion 54 of electrical inductive coupler 46 which includes inductive coils 56 as illustrated in Figure 2.
  • the receptacle 50 also may comprise a hydraulic receptacle portion 58 of hydraulic line wet mate coupler 48.
  • Examples of other components that may be associated with receptacle 50 comprise an anchor latch member 60 of an overall latch 62 by which stinger 52 may be releasably latched with receptacle 50.
  • the receptacle 50 also may comprise various protective features, such as a protection sleeve 64 located at hydraulic receptacle portion 58.
  • the stinger 52 may comprise a variety of components, such as a male inductive coupler portion 66 of electrical inductive coupler 46 which includes inductive coils 68 as illustrated in Figure 3.
  • the stinger 52 also may comprise a hydraulic stinger portion 70 of hydraulic line wet mate coupler 48.
  • Examples of other components that may be associated with stinger 52 comprise a stinger latch member 72 of the overall latch 62 by which stinger 52 may be releasably latched with receptacle 50.
  • the stinger 52 also may comprise other features, such as a shoe collet 74 and a release mandrel 76.
  • the release mandrel 76 may be used to provide a cut-to-release feature which enables replacement of the upper completion 40 without retrieving the lower completion 38. Additionally, the anchor latch member 60 and the stinger latch member 72 may be constructed so that overall latch 62 is a fixed weight bearing latch enabling a single trip multi zone intelligent completion installation. It should be noted the various components and features described herein also may be used with other configurations of lower assembly 50 and upper assembly 52.
  • the hydro-electric wet mate connector system 44 is compatible with both hydraulic lines and electric lines and is able to seamlessly integrate direct hydraulic, electrohydraulic, and electric downhole control and monitoring systems.
  • the female inductive coupler portion 54 and the corresponding male inductive coupler portion 66 may be constructed as robust units without additional electronics and with full metal integrity.
  • the electrical inductive coupler 46 provides longevity and reliability throughout the operation of the well and work over lifecycles.
  • the electrical inductive coupler 46 enables electrical connection between two or more completion stages without physical, electrical connectors and may utilize a construction insensitive to liquid or gas ingress.
  • an electrical line(s) 78 may be coupled into communication with male inductive coupler portion 66 and a corresponding electrical line(s) 80 (see Figure 2) may be coupled into communication with female inductive coupler portion 54 to enable transmission of electrical signals between upper completion 40 and lower completion 38 without physical contact of electrical connectors.
  • a service tool subassembly 82 may be releasably coupled with the lower completion 38 so as to initially deploy the lower completion 38 to a desired position in borehole 32.
  • An embodiment of service tool subassembly 82 is illustrated in Figure 4 and may comprise various features to enable both electrical and hydraulic communication with the lower completion 38 similar to that of stinger 52.
  • the service tool 82 may comprise a tool hydraulic line wet mate coupler 84 and a tool electrical inductive coupler 86 which are sized and positioned for receipt in the corresponding features of receptacle 50.
  • the service tool 82 also may comprise other features, such as a service tool latch 88 for releasably latching the service tool 82 with receptacle 50 and lower completion 38.
  • the service tool 82 also may comprise other features, such as a muleshoe 90 and a protective sleeve 92 which may be used to at least temporarily cover wet mate coupler 84.
  • the connector system 42 may be used for coupling at least one electrical line 78, 80 and at least one hydraulic control line, as described in greater detail below.
  • the number of electrical control lines 78, 80 and fluid flow lines, e.g. hydraulic control lines may vary and may comprise a plurality of electrical lines 78, 80, e.g. 2-5 electrical lines and a plurality of fluid lines, e.g. 2-5 fluid lines. Additionally, the number of electrical lines may be different than the number of fluid lines.
  • hydro-electric wet mate connector system 44 may be used in many types of applications, including: multizone intelligent completions, auto (natural) gas-lift wells, commingled flow completions, compartmentalized horizontal wells, wells with water cut issues, wells with scale deposition and severe erosion conditions, injection wells, extended reach wells utilizing dual trip completions, intelligent completions constructed to facilitate electric submersible pumping system change out, and other systems and applications.
  • the service tool 82 may be utilized in multi-trip installations and may be used to run-in-hole the lower completion 38 via coupling with receptacle 50. The service tool 82 is retrievable once the lower completion 38 has been anchored in the well.
  • the service tool latch 88 of service tool 82 may be in the form of a flexible weight bearing latch cooperating with a pressure-to-release fixture.
  • the hydro-electric wet mate connector system 44 enables at least one fluid flow line 94, e.g. a plurality of hydraulic control lines 94, to bypass the electrical inductive coils 68 as illustrated in Figures 5-7.
  • the inductive coils 68 of stinger 52 may be mounted around an electrical male mandrel 96 and may comprise, for example, a power coil 98 and a telemetry coil 100 (see Figure 7).
  • the mandrel 96 comprises radially expanded portions 102 which may be used, for example, to position the power coil(s) 98 and telemetry coil(s) 100.
  • the fluid flow lines 94 may be used to supply various types of fluid, such as hydraulic actuating fluid to actuate valves or other components along lower completion 38 or other fluids such as chemical injection fluids.
  • a plurality of passages 104 e.g. axially oriented passages, are formed through the expanded portions 102 to form part of or to receive the fluid lines 94 therethrough.
  • the passages 104 may be gun drilled or otherwise formed at appropriate positions to enable positioning of fluid lines 94 within the outermost diameter of mandrel 96.
  • the passages 104 may be sealed about the corresponding fluid lines 94 via weldments 106, or other suitable sealing techniques, to sealably enclose the inductive coupler coils 98, 100.
  • the passages 104 and corresponding fluid lines 94 effectively form a hydraulic bypass which bypasses the electrical coils 68 of inductive coupler 46. This enables hydraulic actuating fluid to be flowed past the inductive coupler 46 to the hydraulic line wet mate coupler 48.
  • the bypass 94, 104 also may be used for delivering other types of fluids to, for example, the lower well string section 38, e.g. lower completion.
  • the fluid bypass 94, 104 may be used to deliver an injection fluid in a chemical injection operation or other operation.
  • ferrites 108 e.g. ferrite strips, may be positioned along mandrel 96 between radially expanded portions 102, as illustrated in Figure 6.
  • the ferrites 108 may have various shapes and configurations and are positioned generally proximate the inductive coils 98, 100 to enhance the inductive coupling with
  • the fluid lines 94 may be positioned between the ferrite strips 108, as illustrated in Figure 6. Additionally, the ferrites 108 and coils 68 may be enclosed with covers 110, as illustrated in Figure 7.
  • the electrical male mandrel 96 may be coupled with a first hydraulic mandrel 112, e.g. an upper hydraulic mandrel, and a second hydraulic mandrel 114, e.g. a lower hydraulic mandrel, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9.
  • the mandrels 96, 112, 114 may be engaged via threaded engagement or another suitable coupling mechanism.
  • the second hydraulic mandrel 114 comprises a plurality of seals 1 16, e.g. O-ring seals or other circumferential seals, which isolate a plurality of hydraulic wet mate ports 118 and to form at least part of the hydraulic stinger portion 70.
  • the hydraulic wet mate ports 118 are placed into communication with corresponding hydraulic wet mate ports 120 in the hydraulic receptacle portion 58 of receptacle 50 when the stinger 52 is inserted into receptacle 50, as illustrated in Figure 10.
  • the hydraulic splices 122, 124 may comprise a variety of splice types, but one example utilizes hydraulic dry -mate connectors and inverted dual ferrule connectors with metal ferrules to form splices 122 and/or 124.
  • the stinger 52 may comprise other features, such as stinger latch 72, e.g. a collet type latch, and a hydraulic section cover 125 which may be placed over seals 116 and wet mate ports 118 initially and then slid to expose the wet mate ports 118 (see Figure 8) when stinger 52 is engaged with receptacle 50.
  • stinger latch 72 e.g. a collet type latch
  • a hydraulic section cover 125 which may be placed over seals 116 and wet mate ports 118 initially and then slid to expose the wet mate ports 118 (see Figure 8) when stinger 52 is engaged with receptacle 50.
  • the fluid passages 104 may be integrated into the electrical male mandrel 126 by forming the passages 104, e.g. gun drilling the passages, longitudinally through a body 128 of the mandrel 126.
  • the fluid passages 104 are disposed within the mandrel 126 radially below the inductive coils 68 (see Figure 11).
  • the inductive coils 68 e.g. power coil 98 and telemetry coil 100, may be located in a separate, sealed subassembly 130, as illustrated in Figure 12.
  • the sealed subassembly 130 may comprise a housing 132 which forms pockets for receiving the inductive coils 68 between a radially inner housing layer 134 and a radially outer cover layer 136.
  • the sealed subassembly 130 has an internal passage 138 sized to receive a coil mounting segment 140 of electrical male mandrel 126, as illustrated in Figure 13.
  • the mandrel 126 also may carry seals 116 and hydraulic wet mate ports 118 to facilitate formation of both hydraulic line wet mate coupler 48 and electrical inductive coupler 46 along the mandrel 126.
  • the inductive coils 68 of stinger 52 are similarly positioned adjacent corresponding coils 56 of receptacle 50 and hydraulic wet mate ports 118 are placed into isolated communication with corresponding wet mate ports 120.
  • the service tool 82 also may be utilized in communicating electrically and hydraulically with components of lower completion 38 during initial deployment of the lower completion 38.
  • the service tool 82 is releasably coupled with the lower completion 38 via service tool latch 88, e.g. an anchor latch.
  • the service tool 82 may comprise tool hydraulic line wet mate hydraulic coupler 84 and tool electrical inductive coupler 86 which are sized and positioned for receipt in the corresponding features of receptacle 50.
  • the hydraulic coupler 84 and the inductive coupler 86 may be constructed similar to the hydraulic coupler 70 and inductive coupler 66 of stinger 52.
  • the service tool 82 may comprise hydraulic lines 142 routed to the wet mate hydraulic coupler 84 (see Figure 4) via passages extending through a hydraulic sub 144, an upper mandrel 146, and an electrical mandrel 148 around which inductive coils 150 are mounted.
  • the service tool latch 88 may be in the form of an anchor latch having an anchor 152 controlled via an actuator piston 154.
  • the actuator piston 154 may be controlled hydraulically or by other suitable methodology to selectively engage and release receptacle 50.
  • the actuator piston 154 may be disposed within a surrounding housing 156.
  • the anchor latch 88 may be located above the electrical inductive coils 150 so the service tool 82 is readily retrievable once the lower completion 38 is anchored in borehole 32 via, for example, a packer.
  • the latch 88 may comprise a flexible collet anchor which fits into a collet housing of the receptacle latch 60.
  • the collet anchor 88 may be selectively actuated with annulus pressure used to shift actuator piston 154.
  • the hydraulic lines 142 may bypass the anchor latch 88 through the upper mandrel 146. Additionally, the hydraulic lines 142 may work in cooperation with ports, e.g. inverted dual ferrule connector ports, and splices, e.g. hydraulic dry-mate connector splices, similar to those described above with reference to stinger 52.
  • the service tool 82 also may comprise appropriate electrical feedthroughs
  • the electrical feedthroughs 158 may be used to form appropriate connections along corresponding electrical lines 160 to couple the electrical lines 160 with, for example, inductive coils 150 and/or a permanent downhole cable routed up to the surface.
  • the electrical lines 160 may comprise permanent wires installed in corresponding channels and linked with corresponding electrical feedthroughs 158.
  • the service tool 82 may be utilized in a manner similar to stinger 52 so as to provide both hydraulic and electrical communications with components, e.g. sensors and flow control valves, of the lower completion 28.
  • the connector system 42 also may utilize various protective features, as illustrated in Figures 18-22.
  • the protective cover 125 may be used with either stinger 52 or service tool 82.
  • the protective cover 125 is in the form of a sleeve which may be slid over seals 116 and wet mate ports 118 during, for example, deployment downhole.
  • the sleeve 125 may be slidably mounted to, for example, mandrel 114 via engagement of a catch 162 slidably received in a corresponding groove 164.
  • the catch 162 may comprise a stud or studs threaded through sleeve 125 for sliding engagement with groove 164.
  • the catch 162 may comprise a C-ring mounted within sleeve 125 for sliding engagement with groove 164.
  • the stinger 52 or service tool 82 also may comprise a centralizing ring 166.
  • the centralizing ring 166 may be mounted proximate a lead end of the mandrel 1 14 to help centralize the stinger 52/service tool 82 during insertion into receptacle 50.
  • Both the centralizing ring 166 and the protective sleeve 125 may work in cooperation to prevent ingress of particles and other debris.
  • the wet mate ports 118 may work in cooperation with spacers positioned between seals 116 to help prevent unwanted seal movement.
  • the protective cover 168 may be in the form of a sleeve mounted over the lower splices 124.
  • the protective cover 168 may be fastened to a mounting ring or rings 170 and affixed to the mandrel 1 14 via fasteners 172, e.g. a plurality of screws and/or indexing pins.
  • a protective cover 174 may be constructed in the form of a sleeve and mounted over upper splices 122, as illustrated in Figures 21 and 22.
  • the protective cover 174 may be fastened to a corresponding mounting ring or rings 170 and affixed to the mandrel 112 via fasteners 172, e.g. a plurality of screws and/or indexing pins.
  • the rings 170 may be positioned to protect welds 106.
  • the components and features of well string 36 and connector system 42 may be changed.
  • the well string 36 may comprise lower and upper completions as well as lower and upper well string segments utilized in other types of well operations.
  • the well string 36 may be deployed in a single run downhole or in a plurality of runs into the borehole.
  • the connector system 42 may comprise a variety of components and arrangements of components.
  • the lower assembly 50 and the upper assembly 52 may have a variety of configurations, e.g. male-female configurations or other suitable configurations, which facilitate engagement of upper assembly 52 with lower assembly 50.
  • the electrical inductive coupler system may have a variety of components, such as a variety of inductor coil types, numbers, and arrangements.
  • the hydraulic line wet mate coupler may comprise various numbers of fluid lines, connectors, seals, and/or other components.
  • Various types of latches, mandrels, splices, and/or other components and features may be selected according to the parameters of the given operation.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)

Abstract

A technique facilitates monitoring and control in downhole well applications. The system and methodology may be combined with a variety of completions or other types of well equipment deployed downhole to enable both electrical and hydraulic communication with downhole components. For example, the system enables both electrical and hydraulic communication for operating and monitoring of downhole completion systems or other systems. By way of example, the system may be employed to enable communication from downhole sensors and control over downhole valves.

Description

HYDRO-ELECTRIC WET MATE CONNECTOR SYSTEM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present document is based on and claims priority to European Patent
Application Serial No.: 16290105.2 filed June 9, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] With the exploration and exploitation of deep subsea wells, intelligent completions able to obtain a greater number of measurements are becoming more common. A wide variety of well equipment may be installed in a well to facilitate operation and monitoring of the well. For example, well equipment may comprise completion systems installed in a wellbore to enable production of hydrocarbon fluids, e.g. oil and gas, or to facilitate injection of fluids into the well. The well equipment often includes electrical devices which are powered. In some applications, the electrical devices also provide data which is transmitted to a control system located at a surface of the earth or at another suitable location. Many of the completion systems comprise hydraulically controlled valves or other hydraulically controlled tools. However, providing both electrical and hydraulic capabilities downhole to enable operation and monitoring of a completed well can be difficult in a variety of wells, such as subsea wells.
SUMMARY
[0003] In general, a system and methodology are provided to facilitate monitoring and control in downhole well applications. The system and methodology may be combined with a variety of completions or other types of well equipment deployed downhole to enable both electrical and hydraulic communication with downhole components. For example, the system enables both electrical and hydraulic
communication for operating and monitoring of downhole completion systems or other systems. By way of example, the system may be employed to enable communication from downhole sensors and control over downhole valves.
[0004] However, many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Certain embodiments of the disclosure will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood, however, that the accompanying figures illustrate the various implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of various technologies described herein, and:
[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of a subsea well system having a well string, e.g. completion systems, deployed in a borehole, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0007] Figure 2 is an illustration of an example of a portion of a lower well string, e.g. a lower completion, having a lower assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0008] Figure 3 is an illustration of an example of a portion of an upper well string, e.g. an upper assembly which may be in the form of a stinger, which may be engaged with the lower assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; [0009] Figure 4 is an illustration of an example of a service tool subassembly which may be inserted into the receptacle for deployment of the lower well string, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0010] Figure 5 is an illustration of an example of a portion of a stinger comprising an electrical male mandrel with hydraulic control line bypass, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0011] Figure 6 is an illustration of a portion of the electrical male mandrel illustrated in Figure 5 with ferrites to facilitate inductive coupling, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0012] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical male mandrel in which the ferrites and inductive coils have been enclosed and the hydraulic lines sealed, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0013] Figure 8 is an illustration of an example of a completed stinger having a hydraulic coupling system and an electrical inductive coupling system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0014] Figure 9 is an illustration of an example of a portion of the stinger comprising hydraulic connections for individual hydraulic lines, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0015] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional illustration of an embodiment of the stinger inserted into an embodiment of a receptacle to enable electrical and hydraulic communication along the well string, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0016] Figure 11 is an illustration of another example of a stinger mandrel having an integrated hydraulic bypass, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; [0017] Figure 12 is an illustration of an example of a sealed subassembly comprising electrical coils for the electrical inductive coupling system which may be positioned over the mandrel illustrated in Figure 1 1, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0018] Figure 13 is an illustration of an example of the stinger having the sealed subassembly mounted on the stinger mandrel, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0019] Figure 14 is an illustration of the stinger of Figure 13 inserted into a receptacle, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0020] Figure 15 is an illustration of an example of a service tool which may be inserted into a receptacle of a well string to provide both hydraulic and electrical communication with respect to the well string, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0021] Figure 16 is an illustration of a portion of the service tool illustrated in
Figure 15 showing an integrated hydraulic line section, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0022] Figure 17 is an illustration of a portion of the service tool illustrated in
Figure 15 showing an integrated electrical line section, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0023] Figure 18 is an illustration of an example of a hydraulic coupling system of a stinger having a removable cover, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0024] Figure 19 is an illustration of an example of a hydraulic line splice region along the stinger, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; [0025] Figure 20 is an illustration of an example of a cover which may be positioned over the hydraulic line splice region along the stinger, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0026] Figure 21 is an illustration of another example of a hydraulic line splice region along the stinger, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and
[0027] Figure 22 is an illustration of another example of a cover which may be positioned over the hydraulic line splice region along the stinger, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the system and/or methodology may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments may be possible.
[0029] With respect to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a system and methodology are provided to facilitate monitoring and control in downhole well applications. The system and methodology may be combined with a variety of completions or other types of well equipment deployed downhole to enable both electrical and hydraulic communication with downhole components, e.g sensors and valves. For example, the system comprises a hydro-electric wet mate connector system which enables both electrical and hydraulic communication for operating and monitoring of downhole completion systems or other systems. In some applications, lower and upper completions are deployed downhole while connected by a hydraulic coupling system and electrical coupling system. In other applications, a lower completion may initially be deployed via a service tool subassembly releasably coupled to the lower completion. The service tool also may comprise a hydraulic coupling system and an electrical coupling system.
[0030] According to an embodiment, sections of a well string are connected by a hydro-electric wet mate connecting system. The connecting system may comprise inductive coupling technology and hydraulic wet mate technology to form a single system providing telemetry, electrical power, and hydraulic energy between surface equipment and downhole components, e.g. sensors and flow control valves, installed in a multistage completion system. In some embodiments, the system may comprise a cut-to- release capability which enables replacement of an upper completion without retrieving the lower completion. Additionally, some embodiments also may have a fixed weight- bearing latch on the hydro-electric wet mate system to enable a single trip multizone intelligent completion installation. The hydro-electric wet mate system also may be deployed in multiple zones using multiple trips downhole instead of a single trip.
[0031] The hydro-electric wet mate system may be concentrically constructed to facilitate alignment downhole when an insertion tool, e.g. stinger, is stinging into a receptacle of a lower completion following, for example, an upper completion work over. Consequently, the hydro-electric wet mate connector system is easy to use and reliable to install even in highly deviated or horizontal wellbores. In various embodiments, the connector system comprises a receptacle run with a lower completion and a stinger run with an upper completion. The hydro-electric wet mate connector system is implemented via the receptacle and stinger and is compatible with hydraulic and electric control lines to seamlessly integrate with direct hydraulic, electrohydraulic, and electric downhole control and monitoring systems.
[0032] Referring generally to Figure 1, an example of a well system 30, e.g. a subsea well system, is illustrated as deployed in a borehole 32, e.g. wellbore, drilled into a geologic formation 34. The well system 30 comprises a well string section 36 having a lower well string section 38, e.g. a lower completion, and an upper well string 40, e.g. an upper completion. In the example illustrated, the upper completion 40 is coupled with the lower completion 38 via a connector system 42 which may comprise a hydro-electric wet mate (HEWM) connector system 44 having, for example, an electrical inductive coupler 46 and a hydraulic line wet mate coupler 48. It should be noted use of the term "lower" refers to the completion or other referenced component which is positioned farther downhole into the borehole 32 relative to the "upper" completion or other referenced upper component.
[0033] In the specific embodiment illustrated, the connector system 42 comprises a lower assembly 50, e.g. a receptacle, which may be run with the lower completion 38 and an upper assembly 52, e.g. an insertion tool, which may be run with the upper completion 40. The lower assembly 50 and the upper assembly 52 may have a variety of configurations, e.g. male-female configurations or other suitable configurations, which facilitate engagement of upper assembly 52 with lower assembly 50. If a male-female configuration is used, the lower assembly 50 may comprise the female portion and the upper assembly 52 the male portion or vice versa. For purposes of explanation, at least some embodiments described herein have the lower assembly 50 in the form of receptacle 50 and the upper assembly 52 in the form of an insertion tool, e.g. stinger 52. In such embodiments, the insertion tool/stinger 52 may be inserted into receptacle 50 to enable running of the lower completion 38 and upper completion 40 in a single trip. In other applications, however, the lower completion 38 may be run downhole initially, and the upper completion 40 may be subsequently run downhole and operatively engaged with, e.g. stung into, the lower completion 38 via upper assembly 52 and connector system 42.
[0034] The hydro-electric wet mate connector system 44 combines hydraulic line wet mate coupler 48 with electrical inductive coupler 46 to enable transmission of, for example, telemetry, electrical power, and hydraulic energy between surface equipment and downhole components, e.g. sensors and flow control valves, in a multistage completion. The electrical inductive coupler 46 enables electrical connection between two or more completion stages without direct, physical electrical connection.
Additionally, the combination of couplers 46, 48 enables installation and control of flow control valves in various well zones of interest while also enabling monitoring of flow rates and other operations, e.g. chemical injections. In at least some embodiments, the hydro-electric wet mate connector system 44 may be constructed in a concentric form to avoid any special alignment of components downhole when stinging into the lower completion 38.
[0035] Referring generally to Figures 2 and 3, embodiments of subassemblies comprising the lower assembly 50, e.g. receptacle, and the upper assembly 52, e.g.
stinger, respectively, are illustrated. In this example, the receptacle 50 may comprise a variety of components, such as a female inductive coupler portion 54 of electrical inductive coupler 46 which includes inductive coils 56 as illustrated in Figure 2. The receptacle 50 also may comprise a hydraulic receptacle portion 58 of hydraulic line wet mate coupler 48. Examples of other components that may be associated with receptacle 50 comprise an anchor latch member 60 of an overall latch 62 by which stinger 52 may be releasably latched with receptacle 50. The receptacle 50 also may comprise various protective features, such as a protection sleeve 64 located at hydraulic receptacle portion 58.
[0036] Similarly, the stinger 52 may comprise a variety of components, such as a male inductive coupler portion 66 of electrical inductive coupler 46 which includes inductive coils 68 as illustrated in Figure 3. The stinger 52 also may comprise a hydraulic stinger portion 70 of hydraulic line wet mate coupler 48. Examples of other components that may be associated with stinger 52 comprise a stinger latch member 72 of the overall latch 62 by which stinger 52 may be releasably latched with receptacle 50. The stinger 52 also may comprise other features, such as a shoe collet 74 and a release mandrel 76. The release mandrel 76 may be used to provide a cut-to-release feature which enables replacement of the upper completion 40 without retrieving the lower completion 38. Additionally, the anchor latch member 60 and the stinger latch member 72 may be constructed so that overall latch 62 is a fixed weight bearing latch enabling a single trip multi zone intelligent completion installation. It should be noted the various components and features described herein also may be used with other configurations of lower assembly 50 and upper assembly 52.
[0037] The hydro-electric wet mate connector system 44 is compatible with both hydraulic lines and electric lines and is able to seamlessly integrate direct hydraulic, electrohydraulic, and electric downhole control and monitoring systems. The female inductive coupler portion 54 and the corresponding male inductive coupler portion 66 may be constructed as robust units without additional electronics and with full metal integrity. In these types of embodiments, the electrical inductive coupler 46 provides longevity and reliability throughout the operation of the well and work over lifecycles. The electrical inductive coupler 46 enables electrical connection between two or more completion stages without physical, electrical connectors and may utilize a construction insensitive to liquid or gas ingress. Accordingly, an electrical line(s) 78 (see Figure 3) may be coupled into communication with male inductive coupler portion 66 and a corresponding electrical line(s) 80 (see Figure 2) may be coupled into communication with female inductive coupler portion 54 to enable transmission of electrical signals between upper completion 40 and lower completion 38 without physical contact of electrical connectors.
[0038] In multi trip installations, a service tool subassembly 82 may be releasably coupled with the lower completion 38 so as to initially deploy the lower completion 38 to a desired position in borehole 32. An embodiment of service tool subassembly 82 is illustrated in Figure 4 and may comprise various features to enable both electrical and hydraulic communication with the lower completion 38 similar to that of stinger 52. For example, the service tool 82 may comprise a tool hydraulic line wet mate coupler 84 and a tool electrical inductive coupler 86 which are sized and positioned for receipt in the corresponding features of receptacle 50. Depending on the application, the service tool 82 also may comprise other features, such as a service tool latch 88 for releasably latching the service tool 82 with receptacle 50 and lower completion 38. The service tool 82 also may comprise other features, such as a muleshoe 90 and a protective sleeve 92 which may be used to at least temporarily cover wet mate coupler 84. [0039] Depending on the application, the connector system 42 may be used for coupling at least one electrical line 78, 80 and at least one hydraulic control line, as described in greater detail below. The number of electrical control lines 78, 80 and fluid flow lines, e.g. hydraulic control lines, may vary and may comprise a plurality of electrical lines 78, 80, e.g. 2-5 electrical lines and a plurality of fluid lines, e.g. 2-5 fluid lines. Additionally, the number of electrical lines may be different than the number of fluid lines.
[0040] The construction of hydro-electric wet mate connector system 44 may be used in many types of applications, including: multizone intelligent completions, auto (natural) gas-lift wells, commingled flow completions, compartmentalized horizontal wells, wells with water cut issues, wells with scale deposition and severe erosion conditions, injection wells, extended reach wells utilizing dual trip completions, intelligent completions constructed to facilitate electric submersible pumping system change out, and other systems and applications. The service tool 82 may be utilized in multi-trip installations and may be used to run-in-hole the lower completion 38 via coupling with receptacle 50. The service tool 82 is retrievable once the lower completion 38 has been anchored in the well. The service tool latch 88 of service tool 82 may be in the form of a flexible weight bearing latch cooperating with a pressure-to-release fixture.
[0041] Furthermore, the hydro-electric wet mate connector system 44 enables at least one fluid flow line 94, e.g. a plurality of hydraulic control lines 94, to bypass the electrical inductive coils 68 as illustrated in Figures 5-7. In this embodiment, the inductive coils 68 of stinger 52 may be mounted around an electrical male mandrel 96 and may comprise, for example, a power coil 98 and a telemetry coil 100 (see Figure 7). As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the mandrel 96 comprises radially expanded portions 102 which may be used, for example, to position the power coil(s) 98 and telemetry coil(s) 100. The fluid flow lines 94 may be used to supply various types of fluid, such as hydraulic actuating fluid to actuate valves or other components along lower completion 38 or other fluids such as chemical injection fluids. [0042] A plurality of passages 104, e.g. axially oriented passages, are formed through the expanded portions 102 to form part of or to receive the fluid lines 94 therethrough. By way of example, the passages 104 may be gun drilled or otherwise formed at appropriate positions to enable positioning of fluid lines 94 within the outermost diameter of mandrel 96. In some embodiments, the passages 104 may be sealed about the corresponding fluid lines 94 via weldments 106, or other suitable sealing techniques, to sealably enclose the inductive coupler coils 98, 100. The passages 104 and corresponding fluid lines 94 effectively form a hydraulic bypass which bypasses the electrical coils 68 of inductive coupler 46. This enables hydraulic actuating fluid to be flowed past the inductive coupler 46 to the hydraulic line wet mate coupler 48. The bypass 94, 104 also may be used for delivering other types of fluids to, for example, the lower well string section 38, e.g. lower completion. By way of example, the fluid bypass 94, 104 may be used to deliver an injection fluid in a chemical injection operation or other operation.
[0043] In some embodiments, ferrites 108, e.g. ferrite strips, may be positioned along mandrel 96 between radially expanded portions 102, as illustrated in Figure 6. The ferrites 108 may have various shapes and configurations and are positioned generally proximate the inductive coils 98, 100 to enhance the inductive coupling with
corresponding inductive coils 56 of receptacle 50. The fluid lines 94 may be positioned between the ferrite strips 108, as illustrated in Figure 6. Additionally, the ferrites 108 and coils 68 may be enclosed with covers 110, as illustrated in Figure 7.
[0044] The electrical male mandrel 96 may be coupled with a first hydraulic mandrel 112, e.g. an upper hydraulic mandrel, and a second hydraulic mandrel 114, e.g. a lower hydraulic mandrel, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. By way of example, the mandrels 96, 112, 114 may be engaged via threaded engagement or another suitable coupling mechanism. In the embodiment illustrated, the second hydraulic mandrel 114 comprises a plurality of seals 1 16, e.g. O-ring seals or other circumferential seals, which isolate a plurality of hydraulic wet mate ports 118 and to form at least part of the hydraulic stinger portion 70. The hydraulic wet mate ports 118 are placed into communication with corresponding hydraulic wet mate ports 120 in the hydraulic receptacle portion 58 of receptacle 50 when the stinger 52 is inserted into receptacle 50, as illustrated in Figure 10.
[0045] The connections between hydraulic lines 94 and first hydraulic mandrel
112 may be made via a plurality of hydraulic splices 122. Similarly, the connections between fluid lines 94 and second hydraulic mandrel 114 may be made via a plurality of hydraulic splices 124 (see Figure 9). The hydraulic splices 122, 124 may comprise a variety of splice types, but one example utilizes hydraulic dry -mate connectors and inverted dual ferrule connectors with metal ferrules to form splices 122 and/or 124.
[0046] As further illustrated in Figures 8-10, the stinger 52 may comprise other features, such as stinger latch 72, e.g. a collet type latch, and a hydraulic section cover 125 which may be placed over seals 116 and wet mate ports 118 initially and then slid to expose the wet mate ports 118 (see Figure 8) when stinger 52 is engaged with receptacle 50. Once the fully equipped stinger 52 is fully landed in receptacle 50 as illustrated in Figure 10, both hydraulic and electrical connections are formed and hydraulic and electrical communications are enabled. For example, the inductive coils 68 of stinger 52 are positioned adjacent corresponding coils 56 of receptacle 50 and hydraulic wet mate ports 1 18 are placed into isolated communication with corresponding wet mate ports 120 between seals 116.
[0047] Referring generally to Figures 11-14, another embodiment is illustrated which employs a hydraulic bypass integrated into a different embodiment of an electrical male mandrel 126. In this embodiment, the fluid passages 104 may be integrated into the electrical male mandrel 126 by forming the passages 104, e.g. gun drilling the passages, longitudinally through a body 128 of the mandrel 126. In other words, the fluid passages 104 are disposed within the mandrel 126 radially below the inductive coils 68 (see Figure 11). [0048] The inductive coils 68, e.g. power coil 98 and telemetry coil 100, may be located in a separate, sealed subassembly 130, as illustrated in Figure 12. By way of example, the sealed subassembly 130 may comprise a housing 132 which forms pockets for receiving the inductive coils 68 between a radially inner housing layer 134 and a radially outer cover layer 136. The sealed subassembly 130 has an internal passage 138 sized to receive a coil mounting segment 140 of electrical male mandrel 126, as illustrated in Figure 13. In some embodiments, the mandrel 126 also may carry seals 116 and hydraulic wet mate ports 118 to facilitate formation of both hydraulic line wet mate coupler 48 and electrical inductive coupler 46 along the mandrel 126.
[0049] As with the previously described embodiment, the fully equipped stinger
52 may again be landed in the receptacle 50 as illustrated in Figure 14. Once landed, both hydraulic and electrical connections are formed and hydraulic and electrical communications are enabled. For example, the inductive coils 68 of stinger 52 are similarly positioned adjacent corresponding coils 56 of receptacle 50 and hydraulic wet mate ports 118 are placed into isolated communication with corresponding wet mate ports 120.
[0050] Referring generally to Figures 15-17, a portion of service tool 82 is illustrated. The service tool 82 also may be utilized in communicating electrically and hydraulically with components of lower completion 38 during initial deployment of the lower completion 38. In this example, the service tool 82 is releasably coupled with the lower completion 38 via service tool latch 88, e.g. an anchor latch. As illustrated, the service tool 82 may comprise tool hydraulic line wet mate hydraulic coupler 84 and tool electrical inductive coupler 86 which are sized and positioned for receipt in the corresponding features of receptacle 50. The hydraulic coupler 84 and the inductive coupler 86 may be constructed similar to the hydraulic coupler 70 and inductive coupler 66 of stinger 52.
[0051] As illustrated in Figure 15, the service tool 82 may comprise hydraulic lines 142 routed to the wet mate hydraulic coupler 84 (see Figure 4) via passages extending through a hydraulic sub 144, an upper mandrel 146, and an electrical mandrel 148 around which inductive coils 150 are mounted. As further illustrated in Figure 16, the service tool latch 88 may be in the form of an anchor latch having an anchor 152 controlled via an actuator piston 154. The actuator piston 154 may be controlled hydraulically or by other suitable methodology to selectively engage and release receptacle 50. In the example illustrated, the actuator piston 154 may be disposed within a surrounding housing 156.
[0052] By way of example, the anchor latch 88 may be located above the electrical inductive coils 150 so the service tool 82 is readily retrievable once the lower completion 38 is anchored in borehole 32 via, for example, a packer. In some embodiments, the latch 88 may comprise a flexible collet anchor which fits into a collet housing of the receptacle latch 60. In this example, the collet anchor 88 may be selectively actuated with annulus pressure used to shift actuator piston 154. The hydraulic lines 142 may bypass the anchor latch 88 through the upper mandrel 146. Additionally, the hydraulic lines 142 may work in cooperation with ports, e.g. inverted dual ferrule connector ports, and splices, e.g. hydraulic dry-mate connector splices, similar to those described above with reference to stinger 52.
[0053] The service tool 82 also may comprise appropriate electrical feedthroughs
158, as illustrated in Figure 17. The electrical feedthroughs 158 may be used to form appropriate connections along corresponding electrical lines 160 to couple the electrical lines 160 with, for example, inductive coils 150 and/or a permanent downhole cable routed up to the surface. In some applications, the electrical lines 160 may comprise permanent wires installed in corresponding channels and linked with corresponding electrical feedthroughs 158. As a result, the service tool 82 may be utilized in a manner similar to stinger 52 so as to provide both hydraulic and electrical communications with components, e.g. sensors and flow control valves, of the lower completion 28.
[0054] The connector system 42 also may utilize various protective features, as illustrated in Figures 18-22. In Figure 18, for example, an embodiment of the hydraulic coupler cover 125 is illustrated. The protective cover 125 may be used with either stinger 52 or service tool 82. In the illustrated example, the protective cover 125 is in the form of a sleeve which may be slid over seals 116 and wet mate ports 118 during, for example, deployment downhole. The sleeve 125 may be slidably mounted to, for example, mandrel 114 via engagement of a catch 162 slidably received in a corresponding groove 164. Depending on the application, the catch 162 may comprise a stud or studs threaded through sleeve 125 for sliding engagement with groove 164. In another embodiment, the catch 162 may comprise a C-ring mounted within sleeve 125 for sliding engagement with groove 164. As the stinger 52 (or service tool 82) is landed in receptacle 50, the protective sleeve 125 engages features of receptacle 50 and is slid longitudinally along mandrel 114 until seals 116 and wet mate ports 118 are exposed.
[0055] In some embodiments, the stinger 52 or service tool 82 also may comprise a centralizing ring 166. The centralizing ring 166 may be mounted proximate a lead end of the mandrel 1 14 to help centralize the stinger 52/service tool 82 during insertion into receptacle 50. Both the centralizing ring 166 and the protective sleeve 125 may work in cooperation to prevent ingress of particles and other debris. In some embodiments, the wet mate ports 118 may work in cooperation with spacers positioned between seals 116 to help prevent unwanted seal movement.
[0056] As illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, some embodiments may utilize an additional protective cover 168. The protective cover 168 may be in the form of a sleeve mounted over the lower splices 124. For example, the protective cover 168 may be fastened to a mounting ring or rings 170 and affixed to the mandrel 1 14 via fasteners 172, e.g. a plurality of screws and/or indexing pins. Similarly, a protective cover 174 may be constructed in the form of a sleeve and mounted over upper splices 122, as illustrated in Figures 21 and 22. Again, the protective cover 174 may be fastened to a corresponding mounting ring or rings 170 and affixed to the mandrel 112 via fasteners 172, e.g. a plurality of screws and/or indexing pins. In some applications, the rings 170 may be positioned to protect welds 106. [0057] Depending on the parameters of a given operation, the components and features of well string 36 and connector system 42 may be changed. For example, the well string 36 may comprise lower and upper completions as well as lower and upper well string segments utilized in other types of well operations. The well string 36 may be deployed in a single run downhole or in a plurality of runs into the borehole. Similarly, the connector system 42 may comprise a variety of components and arrangements of components. The lower assembly 50 and the upper assembly 52 may have a variety of configurations, e.g. male-female configurations or other suitable configurations, which facilitate engagement of upper assembly 52 with lower assembly 50. The electrical inductive coupler system may have a variety of components, such as a variety of inductor coil types, numbers, and arrangements. Similarly, the hydraulic line wet mate coupler may comprise various numbers of fluid lines, connectors, seals, and/or other components. Various types of latches, mandrels, splices, and/or other components and features may be selected according to the parameters of the given operation.
[0058] Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many
modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. A system for use in a well, comprising: a lower completion having a lower assembly comprising a lower inductive coupler and a lower hydraulic coupler; and
an upper completion comprising an upper assembly having a mandrel, an upper inductive coupler, and an upper hydraulic coupler,
the upper inductive coupler and the upper hydraulic coupler being operatively engaged with the lower inductive coupler and the lower hydraulic coupler upon engagement of the upper assembly with the lower assembly, the mandrel comprising at least one passage forming a hydraulic bypass along which fluid is able to flow past the upper inductive coupler to enable both electrical communication and hydraulic communication between the upper completion and the lower completion upon the engagement of the upper assembly with the lower assembly.
2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one passage comprises a plurality of passages.
3. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein the plurality of passages comprises longitudinal passages.
4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the lower inductive coupler and the upper inductive coupler each comprises a plurality of inductive coils.
5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the lower inductive coupler and the upper inductive coupler each comprises a power inductive coil and a telemetry inductive coil.
6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the lower completion comprises a latch for releasably receiving a service tool.
7. The system as recited in claim 6, were in the service tool comprises a service tool inductive coupler and a service tool hydraulic coupler.
8. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the upper hydraulic coupler comprises a plurality of circumferential seals separating hydraulic ports.
9. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the upper assembly comprises a stinger having a slidable cover which may be temporarily slid over the plurality of circumferential seals.
10. A system, comprising: a well string having a lower well string and an upper well string selectively connectable via a hydro-electric wet mate connector system, the hydro-electric wet mate connector system comprising:
an electrical inductive coupler;
a hydraulic line wet mate coupler; and
a plurality of passages bypassing the electrical inductive coupler to supply fluid to the hydraulic line wet mate coupler.
11. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the hydro-electric wet mate connector system is implemented via a stinger and a receptacle assembly.
12. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the hydro-electric wet mate connector system is implemented via a service tool and a receptacle assembly.
13. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein the stinger comprises a stinger
inductive coupler having inductive coils and a stinger hydraulic coupler comprising a plurality of seals separating hydraulic flow ports which guide flow between the upper well string in the lower well string.
14. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein the receptacle assembly comprises a receptacle inductive coupler and a receptacle hydraulic coupler positioned to receive the stinger inductive coupler and the stinger hydraulic coupler, respectively, when the stinger is fully inserted into the receptacle assembly.
15. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the plurality of passages comprises passages formed longitudinally through portions of a stinger mandrel.
16. A method, comprising: providing a lower completion with a receptacle assembly comprising a receptacle inductive coupler and a receptacle hydraulic coupler;
providing an upper completion with an insertion tool having a mandrel with a fluid bypass, an inductive coupler, and a hydraulic coupler; and
establishing electrical communication and hydraulic communication between the upper completion and the lower completion by inserting the insertion tool into the receptacle assembly.
17. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein establishing comprises inserting a stinger into the receptacle assembly.
18. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein establishing comprises inserting a service tool into the receptacle assembly.
19. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising delivering fluid to the lower completion through a plurality of hydraulic passages of the fluid bypass.
20. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising delivering an injection fluid to the lower completion through the fluid bypass.
PCT/US2017/022611 2016-06-09 2017-03-16 Hydro-electric wet mate connector system WO2017213726A2 (en)

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US12104441B2 (en) 2020-06-03 2024-10-01 Schlumberger Technology Corporation System and method for connecting multiple stage completions
US11795767B1 (en) 2020-11-18 2023-10-24 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Fiber optic wetmate
US12104440B2 (en) 2020-11-18 2024-10-01 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Fiber optic wetmate
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US11594828B2 (en) 2021-05-03 2023-02-28 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Pressure sealed electrical connection interface
WO2024015583A1 (en) * 2022-07-14 2024-01-18 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Wetmate connection system and method
WO2024211150A1 (en) * 2023-04-04 2024-10-10 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Downhole tool including a lower completion coupled with a remote monitoring and control module

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