Joint or coupling device incorporating a mechanically-induced weak point and method of use

Abstract

A system and method using liner joints, pup joints, couplings, or similar components incorporating a mechanically-induced weak point to access targeted subterranean rock formations. More particularly, the mechanically-induced weak point may comprise a machined weakness, blow-out plug, burst disc, soluble plug, or the like. The mechanically-induced weak point may be adapted to burst at a predetermined blow-out pressure differential. Alternatively, the soluble plug may be manufactured of soluble material adapted to selectively dissolve in certain solutions.

1 . A liner segment, the liner segment comprising:
 a wall, forming an inner bore and an outer surface;   a mechanically-induced weak point on the wall adapted to rupture at a predetermined pressure differential between the inner bore and the outer surface;   wherein the mechanically-induced weak point permits communication between the inner bore and the outer surface after the mechanically-induced weak point has ruptured.   
     
     
         2 . The liner segment of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanically-induced weak point is selected from the group consisting of a machined weakness, a blow-out plug, a burst disc, and a soluble plug. 
     
     
         3 . The liner segment of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanically-induced weak point further comprises a port adapted to permit communication between the inner bore and the outer surface. 
     
     
         4 . The liner segment of  claim 1 , wherein the liner segment comprises a coupling device. 
     
     
         5 . The liner segment of  claim 1 , wherein the liner segment further comprises centralizer ribs. 
     
     
         6 . The liner segment of  claim 5 , wherein the mechanically-induced weak point is located on an outward-facing surface of at least one centralizer rib. 
     
     
         7 . A liner segment, the liner segment comprising:
 a wall, forming an inner bore and an outer surface;   a port on the wall adapted to permit communication between the inner bore and the outer surface; and   a soluble plug adapted to selectively prevent communication through the port.   
     
     
         8 . The liner segment of  claim 7 , wherein the soluble plug comprises acid-soluble material. 
     
     
         9 . A method of well completion, the method comprising:
 hydraulically isolating an internal length of a wellbore liner that includes a mechanically-induced weak point;   pumping a treatment medium into the hydraulically-isolated wellbore length; and   increasing the pressure of the treatment medium within the hydraulically-isolated wellbore length to a predetermined pressure, thereby causing the mechanically-induced weak point to burst.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 locating the wellbore liner segment having the mechanically-induced weak point at a location in the well.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the mechanically-induced weak point is selected from the group consisting of a machined weakness, a blow-out plug, a burst disc, and a soluble plug. 
     
     
         12 . A method of well completion, the method comprising:
 hydraulically isolating an internal length of a wellbore liner that includes a plug made of soluble material; and   pumping a treatment medium into the hydraulically-isolated wellbore length, thereby causing the plug to partially dissolve.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 locating the wellbore liner segment having the plug at a location in the well.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the plug comprises an acid-soluble material; and   the treatment medium comprises an acid-based solution.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 increasing the pressure of the treatment medium within the hydraulically-isolated wellbore length, thereby causing the partially-dissolved plug to burst.