Indexing valve system for resource exploration and recovery systems

Abstract

A indexing valve system includes a first pipe having an outer surface portion, an inner surface portion defining a passage portion, and a plurality of indexing components. A second pipe is axially aligned with the first pipe. The second pipe includes an outer surface section, an inner surface section defining a passage section, and a plurality of indexing members selectively interengaged with the plurality of indexing components. The inner surface section includes a plurality of indexing elements. An insert extends into the passage portion and the passage section and is axially displaceable relative to the passage portion and the passage section. The insert includes an outer surface supporting an indexer selectively engaged with the plurality of indexing elements to rotate the second pipe relative to the first pipe.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application 16 / 865505, filed May 4, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] In the resource exploration and recovery industry, boreholes can be formed in resource-bearing formations. Casing can be extended into the resource-bearing formation. Fittings can then be extended into the casing. The resource-bearing formation can include various regions of interest. Seals or packers can be deployed outward from the fittings against the casing to isolate one region of interest from another. At this point, the casing can be selectively perforated to introduce fluid from the fittings into the formation, and vice versa.

[0004] Working fluid can flow into the formation through a valve located in the fitting. Similarly, the valve can be selectively positioned to allow formation fluid to enter the fitting from the formation. Various actuation mechanisms exist for operating downhole valves. One system involves the use of a pin and a J-slot assembly. The pin and J-slot assembly relies on the use of multiple separate and distinct components, including a J-sleeve and a bearing sleeve within the valve housing, to provide a J-slot track that facilitates movement between valve positions. Multiple separate and distinct components increase the overall cost and complexity of the actuation mechanism. Furthermore, the use of a J-slot track imposes length requirements on the valve. Those in the art will favor valves with fewer components that can be manufactured without a J-slot track, thus allowing for the construction of more compact valves. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention discloses a indexing valve system comprising a first fitting having an outer surface portion, an inner surface portion defining a channel portion, and a plurality of indexing components. A second fitting is axially aligned with the first fitting. The second fitting includes an outer surface section, an inner surface section defining a channel section, and a plurality of indexing members selectively engaging with the plurality of indexing components. The inner surface section includes the plurality of indexing elements. An insert extends into the channel portion and the channel section and is axially displaceable relative to the channel portion and the channel section. The insert includes an outer surface supporting an indexer that selectively engages with the plurality of indexing elements to allow the second fitting to rotate relative to the first fitting.

[0006] A resource exploration and recovery system is also disclosed, comprising a first system and a second system comprising at least one tubular extending from the first system into a formation. The second system comprises an indexing valve system fluidly connected to the at least one tubular. The indexing valve system comprises a first tubular comprising an outer surface portion, an inner surface portion defining a passage portion, and a plurality of indexing components. A second tubular is in axial alignment with the first tubular. The second tubular comprises an outer surface section, an inner surface section defining a passage section, and a plurality of indexing members selectively interengaged with the plurality of indexing components. The inner surface section comprises a plurality of indexing elements. An insert extends into the passage portion and the passage section and is axially displaceable relative to the passage portion and the passage section. The insert comprises an outer surface supporting an indexer selectively engaged with the plurality of indexing elements to rotate the second tubular relative to the first tubular.

[0007] A method of operating an indexing valve system is further disclosed, the method comprising displacing an insert into a passage section of a tubular, engaging an indexer on the insert with one of a plurality of indexing elements provided on the tubular, further displacing the insert to disengage a plurality of indexing members on the tubular from a plurality of indexing components on another tubular, rotating the tubular a first distance by interengagement of the indexer with one of the plurality of indexing elements, biasing the tubular back to the other tubular, reengaging the plurality of indexing members with the plurality of indexing components, and rotating the tubular a second distance by reengaging the plurality of indexing members with the plurality of indexing components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The following description should not be read as limiting in any way. With reference to the drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

[0009] Figure 1 A resource exploration and recovery system comprising an indexing valve system is depicted according to an aspect of one example embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2 A perspective view of an indexing valve system is depicted according to one example aspect;

[0011] Figure 3 An exploded view of a portion of an indexing valve system is depicted according to one example aspect;

[0012] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a valve member of an indexing valve system is depicted according to one example aspect;

[0013] Figure 5 An insert displacing an indexer toward a plurality of indexing elements disposed on an inner surface of a valve member is depicted according to one example aspect;

[0014] Figure 6 depicts a indexer engaged with one of the plurality of indexing elements, according to one example aspect;

[0015] Figure 7 depicts an insert that disengages the valve member from the first tubular and disengages the plurality of indexing members from the plurality of indexing components, according to one example aspect;

[0016] Figure 8 depicts an indexer that moves along one of the plurality of indexing members, causing the valve member to begin rotating relative to the first tubular, according to one example aspect;

[0017] Figure 9 depicts a valve member that rotates a first distance relative to the first tubular, according to one example aspect;

[0018] Figure 10 depicts an indexer that disengages from one of the plurality of indexing elements, allowing the plurality of indexing members to begin reengaging with the plurality of indexing components, according to one example aspect;

[0019] Figure 11 depicts an indexing member that is displaced further away from the plurality of indexing elements, according to one example aspect; and

[0020] Figure 12 depicts a plurality of indexing members that reengage with the plurality of indexing components to complete a second distance of rotation of the valve member, according to one example aspect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the devices and methods disclosed herein is presented with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] A resource exploration and recovery system according to example embodiments is shown generally at 10 in Figure 1 is to be understood to include drilling operations, resource extraction and recovery, CO2 sequestration, and the like. The resource exploration and recovery system 10 can include a first system 12, which in some environments can take the form of a surface system 14 operatively and fluidly connected to a second system 16, which in some environments can take the form of a subterranean system.

[0023] The first system 12 can include a pump 18 that assists in a completion and / or production process, and a fluid storage device 20. The fluid storage device 20 can contain a stimulation fluid that can be introduced into the second system 16. The first system 12 can also include a control system 23 that can monitor and / or activate one or more downhole operations. The second system 16 can include a string 30 (not individually labeled) formed of one or more tubulars that extend into a wellbore 34 formed in a formation 36. The wellbore 34 includes an annular wall 38 that can be defined by a casing tubular 40 that extends from the first system 12 into the second system 16.

[0024] According to example aspects, the tubular 30 supports an indexing valve assembly 50. Referring to Figures 2-4 , the indexing valve assembly 50 includes a first tubular 53 and a second tubular 55 in the form of a valve member 57. The first tubular 53 includes a flow port 58 shown in the form of an opening 59. In one embodiment, the opening 59 is a non-circular elongated opening having different dimensions. The first tubular 53 and the second tubular 55 extend along a longitudinal axis “L”. The first tubular 53 includes an outer surface portion 70 and an inner surface portion 72 that defines a passage portion 74. The first tubular 53 includes a terminal portion 78 having a plurality of indexing components 80. The indexing components 80 can be in the form of an annular array of tooth components 82.

[0025] The second tubular 55 includes an outer surface section 84 and an inner surface section 86 that defines a passage section 88. The second tubular 55 includes a terminal section 89 having a plurality of indexing members 90. The indexing members 90 can be in the form of an annular array of tooth members 92. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of tooth components 80 on the first tubular 53 includes a first surface portion 95 that extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis “L” and a second surface portion 96 that is aligned with the longitudinal axis “L”. Similarly, each of the plurality of tooth members 92 on the second tubular 55 includes a first surface section 98 that extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis “L” and a second surface section 99 that is aligned with the longitudinal axis “L”. As will be described in detail herein, the interaction between the tooth components 80 and the tooth members 92 results in a ratcheting rotation of the second tubular 55.

[0026] According to an exemplary aspect, the second tubular 55 includes a plurality of indexing elements 105 that project radially inwardly and outwardly from the inner surface section 86. The indexing elements 105 can be in the form of an annular array of serrated elements 107. Each serrated element 107 includes a first serrated side and a second serrated side (not individually labeled) that extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis "L". The second tubular 55 also includes a travel limiter 114 that can be in the form of one or more step features 117 that project radially inwardly and outwardly from the inner surface section 86. Each step feature 117 includes a first surface 119 that extends perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis "L" and a second surface 120 that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis "L". As will be described in detail herein, the travel limiter 114 limits axial travel of an insert 134 that extends through the passage portion 74 and the passage section 88.

[0027] In one embodiment, the insert 134 includes an outer surface 136 that supports an indexer 140. The indexer 140 projects radially outwardly from the outer surface 136. The indexer 140 includes a tooth receiver 143 having a first angled surface and a second angled surface (not individually labeled) that correspond to the first serrated side and the second serrated side (also not individually labeled) of the indexing elements 105. As will be described in detail herein, the insert 134 is axially displaced within the first tubular 53 and the second tubular 55 to rotate the second tubular 55 relative to the first tubular 53. The insert can be displaced by various mechanisms including, but not limited to, a displacement tool, the application of tubular pressure, the application of annular pressure, etc. The insert 134 includes an opening 150 that selectively registers with the opening 59 in the first tubular 53. In one embodiment, the opening 150 is an elongated non-circular opening having different dimensions. Displacing the insert 134 establishes a selected degree of registration of the opening 150 and the opening 59 to produce a desired flow rate. Thus, in Figure 2 In the illustrated position, only a portion of the opening 150 is exposed to the opening 59.

[0028] As Figure 5 illustrated, the insert 134 is displaced into the passage section 88, causing the indexer 140 to move toward the indexing elements 105. The insert 134 continues to be displaced until one of the annular array of serrated elements 107 enters the tooth receiver 143. One of the serrated sides contacts one of the angled sides of the tooth receiver 143, as Figure 6 illustrated. The insert 134 is further displaced, causing the plurality of indexing members 90 to disengage the plurality of indexing components 80 on the first tubular 53, as Figure 7 illustrated.

[0029] Once the multiple indexing members 90 are completely separated from the multiple indexing components 80 by further displacement of the insert 134, as Figure 8 As shown, the second pipe fitting 55 can rotate a first distance, such as... Figure 9 As shown. At this point, the insert 134 has been displaced such that no part of the opening 150 is exposed to the opening 59. After the first rotation, one of the serrated elements in the annular array of serrated elements 107 is fully nested in the tooth receiver 143, thus completing the first part of the rotation of the second tube 55. At this point, the insert 134 can be displaced in the opposite direction (into the channel portion 74), thereby allowing the spring (not shown) to bias the second tube 55 back to the first tube 53, as... Figure 10 As shown. At this point, it should be understood that although it is described as using a spring to return the second tube 55 toward the first tube 53, other mechanisms may be used.

[0030] At this point, the multiple indexing members 90 re-engage with the multiple indexing components 80, causing the second pipe fitting 55 to rotate a second distance. When the multiple indexing members 90 and multiple indexing components 80 are fully re-engaged, the rotation of the second pipe fitting 55 is complete, as shown below. Figure 11 As shown. At this point, a larger portion of opening 150 is exposed to opening 59. Rotation of the second fitting 55 can be used to change / adjust the opening degree of flow port 58 to establish the desired flow restriction or flow rate.

[0031] The following are some of the aforementioned publicly disclosed implementation schemes:

[0032] Implementation Scheme 1. A indexing valve system, the indexing valve system comprising: a first fitting including an outer surface portion, an inner surface portion defining a channel portion, and a plurality of indexing components; a second fitting axially aligned with the first fitting, the second fitting including an outer surface section, an inner surface section defining a channel section, and a plurality of indexing members selectively engaging with the plurality of indexing components, the inner surface section including a plurality of indexing elements; and an insert extending into the channel portion and the channel section and axially displaceable relative to the channel portion and the channel section, the insert including an outer surface supporting an indexer, the indexer selectively engaging with the plurality of indexing elements to rotate the second fitting relative to the first fitting.

[0033] Implementation Scheme 2. The indexing valve system according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first fitting includes an end portion, and the plurality of indexing components are formed in the end portion.

[0034] Embodiment 3. The indexing valve system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of indexing components comprises an annular array of tooth components.

[0035] Embodiment 4. The indexing valve system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second tubular comprises a terminal section, the plurality of indexing members being disposed on the terminal section.

[0036] Embodiment 5. The indexing valve system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of indexing elements protrude radially inward from the inner surface section.

[0037] Embodiment 6. The indexing valve system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the indexer protrudes radially outward from the outer surface, the indexer comprising a receiving portion that selectively receives one of the plurality of indexing elements.

[0038] Embodiment 7. The indexing valve system according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a travel limiter provided in the inner surface section, the travel limiter limiting axial travel of the insert relative to the first and second tubulars.

[0039] Embodiment 8. The indexing valve system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the travel limiter comprises a plurality of stepped features extending radially inward from and annularly around the inner surface section.

[0040] Embodiment 9. A resource exploration and recovery system, the resource exploration and recovery system comprising: a first system; a second system comprising at least one tubular extending into a formation from the first system, the second system comprising an indexing valve system fluidly connected to the at least one tubular, the indexing valve system comprising: a first tubular comprising an outer surface portion, an inner surface portion defining a passage portion, and a plurality of indexing components; a second tubular in axial alignment with the first tubular, the second tubular comprising an outer surface section, an inner surface section defining a passage section, and a plurality of indexing members selectively interengaging with the plurality of indexing components, the inner surface section comprising a plurality of indexing elements; and an insert extending into and axially displaceable relative to the passage portion and the passage section, the insert comprising an outer surface supporting an indexer, the indexer selectively engaging with the plurality of indexing elements to rotate the second tubular relative to the first tubular.

[0041] Embodiment 10. The indexing valve system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first tubular includes a terminal portion, the plurality of indexing components being formed in the terminal portion.

[0042] Embodiment 11. The indexing valve system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of indexing components includes an annular array of tooth components.

[0043] Embodiment 12. The indexing valve system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second tubular includes a terminal section, the plurality of indexing members being disposed on the terminal section.

[0044] Embodiment 13. The indexing valve system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of indexing elements protrude radially inward from the inner surface section.

[0045] Embodiment 14. The indexing valve system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the indexer protrudes radially outward from the outer surface, the indexer including a receiving portion that selectively receives one of the plurality of indexing elements.

[0046] Embodiment 15. The indexing valve system of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a travel limiter provided in the inner surface section, the travel limiter limiting axial travel of the insert relative to the first and second tubulars.

[0047] Embodiment 16. The indexing valve system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the travel limiter includes a plurality of stepped features extending radially inward from and annularly around the inner surface section.

[0048] Embodiment 17. A method of operating an indexing valve system, the method comprising displacing an insert into a passage section of a tubular; engaging an indexer on the insert with one of a plurality of indexing elements provided on the tubular; further displacing the insert to disengage the plurality of indexing members on the tubular from a plurality of indexing components on another tubular; rotating the tubular a first distance by the mutual engagement of the indexer with one of the plurality of indexing elements; biasing the tubular back to the other tubular; reengaging the plurality of indexing members with the plurality of indexing components; and rotating the tubular a second distance by reengaging the plurality of indexing members with the plurality of indexing components.

[0049] The terms "about" and "substantially" are intended to include the degree of error associated with measuring a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, "about" and / or "substantially" can include a range of ± 8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

[0050] In the context of describing the application (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the use of the articles "a", "an", and "the" and similar referents is to be construed as including one or more than one, unless otherwise indicated in the context by clear language. Moreover, it should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to merely distinguish one element from another.

[0051] The teachings of the present disclosure can be used in a variety of well operations. These operations can involve treating a formation, a fluid residing in the formation, a wellbore, and / or equipment in the wellbore, such as production tubing, with one or more treatment agents. The treatment agents can be in the form of liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary treatment agents include, but are not limited to, fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, corrosion inhibitors, cementing agents, permeability modifiers, drilling muds, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, tracers, flow improvers, and the like. Exemplary well operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, stimulation, tracer injection, cleaning, acidizing, steam injection, water injection, cementing, and the like.

[0052] While the application has been described with reference to one or more example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the application. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the application without departing from the central scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the application not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this application, but that the application will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Also, in the drawings and the specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the application and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, otherwise, the scope of the application thus not to be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein but to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An indexing valve system, the indexing valve system comprising: a first tubular (53) including an outer surface portion (70), an inner surface portion (72) defining a passage portion (74), and a plurality of indexing components (80); a second tubular (55) axially aligned with the first tubular (53), the second tubular (55) including an outer surface section (84), an inner surface section (86) defining a passage section (88), and a plurality of indexing members (90) selectively interengaged with the plurality of indexing components (80), the inner surface section (86) including a plurality of indexing elements (105); and an insert (134) disposed within and axially displaceable relative to the passage portion (74) and the passage section (88), the insert (134) including an outer surface (136) supporting an indexer (140) selectively engaged with the plurality of indexing elements (105) to rotate the second tubular (55) relative to the first tubular (53).

2. The indexing valve system of claim 1, wherein the first tubular (53) includes a terminal portion (78), the plurality of indexing components (80) formed in the terminal portion (78).

3. The indexing valve system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of indexing components (80) includes an annular array of tooth components (82).

4. The indexing valve system of claim 2, wherein the second tubular (55) includes a terminal section (89), the plurality of indexing members (90) disposed on the terminal section (89).

5. The indexing valve system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of indexing elements (105) project radially inwardly from the inner surface section (86).

6. The indexing valve system of claim 5, wherein the indexer (140) projects radially outwardly from the outer surface (136), the indexer (140) including a receiving portion selectively receiving one of the plurality of indexing elements (105).

7. The indexing valve system of claim 5, further comprising: a travel limiter (114) provided in the inner surface section (86), the travel limiter (114) limiting axial travel of the insert (134) relative to the first tubular (53) and the second tubular (55).

8. The indexing valve system of claim 7, wherein the travel limiter (114) includes a plurality of stepped features (117) extending radially inwardly from and annularly around the inner surface section (86).

9. A resource exploration and recovery system (10), the resource exploration and recovery system comprising: a first system (12); a second system (16) including at least one tubular extending from the first system (12) into a formation (36), the second system (16) including an indexing valve system fluidly connected to the at least one tubular, the indexing valve system including: a first tubular (53) including an outer surface portion (70), an inner surface portion (72) defining a passage portion (74), and a plurality of indexing components (80); a second tubular (55) axially aligned with the first tubular (53), the second tubular (55) including an outer surface section (84), an inner surface section (86) defining a passage section (88), and a plurality of indexing members (90) selectively interengaged with the plurality of indexing components (80), the inner surface section (86) including a plurality of indexing elements (105); and an insert (134) disposed within and axially displaceable relative to the passage portion (74) and the passage section (88), the insert (134) including an outer surface (136) supporting an indexer (140) selectively engaged with the plurality of indexing elements (105) to rotate the second tubular (55) relative to the first tubular (53).

10. The resource exploration and recovery system (10) of claim 9, wherein the first tubular (53) includes a terminal portion (78), the plurality of indexing components (80) formed in the terminal portion (78).

11. The resource exploration and recovery system (10) of claim 10, wherein the plurality of indexing components (80) includes an annular array of tooth components (82).

12. The resource exploration and recovery system (10) of claim 10, wherein the second tubular (55) includes a terminal section (89), the plurality of indexing members (90) disposed on the terminal section (89).

13. The resource exploration and recovery system (10) of claim 9, wherein the plurality of indexing elements (105) project radially inwardly from the inner surface section (86).

14. The resource exploration and recovery system (10) of claim 13, wherein the indexer (140) projects radially outwardly from the outer surface (136), the indexer (140) including a receiving portion selectively receiving one of the plurality of indexing elements (105).

15. The resource detection and recovery system (10) of claim 14, further comprising: a travel limiter (114) provided in the inner surface section (86), the travel limiter (114) limiting axial travel of the insert (134) relative to the first tubular (53) and the second tubular (55), the travel limiter (114) including a plurality of stepped features (117) extending radially inwardly from and annularly around the inner surface section (86).

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