Method for completing a well using increased fluid temperature
US7306042B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B21/085
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods for forming a portion of a wellbore are provided. The well is drilled from a first selected depth to a second selected depth to form a bore through a surrounding earth formation. A fluid heating apparatus is disposed within the bore on a working string. Fluid is then heated by moving the fluid through the fluid heating apparatus in the wellbore. The process of circulating fluid adjacent the earth formation serves to also heat the surrounding formation so as to increase the fracture gradient. The fluid heating process may be conducted during a drilling procedure. Alternatively, the fluid heating process may be conducted in connection with a liner hanging and cementing process. A fluid flow restrictor is provided along a run-in assembly that serves to warm the fluids as they are circulated. The warm fluids provide convective heat to the surrounding earth formation, thereby reducing the formation's fracture gradient.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.