Downhole Fluid Treatment Tool

Abstract

A treatment device and method for use in delivering fluid treatment to a wellbore is described. The device includes a first treatment housing and a second treatment housing, mounted along a tubing string, each of the first and second housing defining a fluid pathway which is continuous with the tubing string and each of the first and second treatment housing defining a port for fluid communication between the tubing string and the wellbore. Fluid flow through the first housing may be selectively blocked by delivery of a deformable ball to the tubing string to seal against a ball seat disposed between the first and second housing. While the first pathway is blocked, fluid may be selectively delivered to the wellbore through the port on the second treatment housing. The ball may be removed from the ball seat by application of hydraulic pressure in excess of the deformation threshold of the ball, forcing the ball to deform and pass through the seat, re-opening the fluid flow through the first treatment housing and allowing for treatment through port defined in the first housing.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This U.S. patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61 / 580,500 filed on Dec. 27, 2011, the disclosure of which is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to the delivery of treatment fluid to a geological formation intersected by a wellbore. More particularly, the present invention relates to tubing-enabled completions, in which treatment fluid is delivered through tubing to a target interval of the wellbore.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In completing a cased well, the casing may be perforated in specific locations to provide access to the surrounding formation. Various fluid treatments may be delivered through the perforations, and formations fluids may ultimately be produced through the perforations.[0004]In some wells, the casing may incorporate pre-perforated sleeves, in which the perforati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a treatment assembly for use in drilling oil wells. The assembly includes two housings that are connected to a tubing string, which carries fluid. The first housing has a port for fluid to pass through, while the second housing has another port for fluid to enter the wellbore. Between these two ports is a ball valve, which has a seat for a deformable ball and a trap to prevent the ball from coming back into the valve. The technical effect of this assembly is that it allows for better control and manipulation of fluid in drilling oil wells.

Problems solved by technology

However, sleeve failure does occur, requiring re-perforation of that wellbore interval.

Such excessive fluid usage limits the economic viability of the operation.

However, when the tubing string is used to deliver treatment fluid, the tubing string may not then be used for other purposes such as perforation.

While some fluid treatment assemblies have been developed in which perforation may be accomplished by wireline, these assemblies have a limited capacity for multiple perforation as the explosive charges must be replaced once depleted, necessitating a return to surface.

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