US 11,814,932 B2
Method of attenuating annular pressure buildup using compressible particles
Spencer A. White, Houston, TX (US); Thomas A. Petersen, Houston, TX (US); Elizabeth L. Templeton-Barrett, Houston, TX (US); Sabine C. Zeilinger, Spring, TX (US); Catalin D. Ivan, West University Place, TX (US); Peter A. Gordon, Yardley, PA (US); and Christian S. Mayer, Flemington, NJ (US)
Assigned to ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, Spring, TX (US)
Filed by ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, Spring, TX (US)
Filed on Apr. 2, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/221,132.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/108,035, filed on Oct. 30, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/006,577, filed on Apr. 7, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0310335 A1, Oct. 7, 2021
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. E21B 33/122 (2006.01); E21B 41/00 (2006.01); F16F 9/00 (2006.01); F16L 57/02 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 41/0021 (2013.01) [E21B 33/122 (2013.01); F16F 9/006 (2013.01); F16L 57/02 (2013.01); F16F 2222/02 (2013.01); F16F 2224/005 (2013.01); F16F 2228/007 (2013.01); F16F 2230/0023 (2013.01)] 24 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of attenuating annular pressure buildup within a wellbore, comprising:
accessing a wellbore, the wellbore comprising:
a first string of casing extending into a subsurface to a first depth; and
a second string of casing extending into the subsurface to a second depth that is greater than the first depth, wherein the first string of casing surrounds an upper portion of the second string of casing, forming an annular region;
pumping a fluid mixture into the annular region, forming a fluid column, wherein the fluid mixture comprises:
a carrier fluid; and
a plurality of compressible particles dispersed in the carrier fluid, wherein each of the compressible particles is fabricated to partially collapse in response to thermal expansion of fluid within the annular region during a production of hydrocarbon fluids, wherein at least some of the compressible particles have a density that is less than a density of the carrier fluid such that the compressible particles are biased to rise in the annular region; and
at least partially sealing the annular region along at least one depth above the first depth, thereby inhibiting migration of the compressible particles along the annular region, wherein at least partially sealing the annular region along at least one depth comprises securing at least one sealing joint in series along the second string of casing, wherein each of the at least one sealing joint comprises cups that are concave.