Indexing tool system for resource exploration and recovery systems

Abstract

This invention discloses a indexing valve system comprising a fitting having an inner surface portion defining a passage portion, a first plurality of indexing elements disposed on the inner surface, and a second plurality of indexing elements disposed on the inner surface portion. A valve sleeve is disposed in the passage portion. The valve sleeve includes: a first plurality of indexing elements selectively engaging with the first plurality of indexing elements; a second plurality of indexing elements selectively engaging with the second plurality of indexing elements; and an inner surface section defining a passage segment. The inner surface section includes a plurality of indexing step members. An insert extends into the passage segment. The insert includes an outer surface supporting an indexer that selectively engages with the plurality of indexing step members to displace the valve sleeve between the first plurality of indexing elements and the second plurality of indexing elements.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application 63 / 107,653, filed October 30, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 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 pipe having an outer surface portion, an inner surface portion defining a channel portion, a first plurality of indexing elements disposed on the inner surface, and a second plurality of indexing elements disposed on the inner surface and spaced apart from the first plurality of indexing elements, and an opening extending through the pipe. A valve sleeve is disposed in the channel portion between the first plurality of indexing elements and the second plurality of indexing elements. The valve sleeve includes: a first end having a first plurality of indexing elements selectively engaging with the first plurality of indexing elements; a second end including a second plurality of indexing elements selectively engaging with the second plurality of indexing elements; and an inner surface section defining the channel section. The inner surface section includes a plurality of indexing stepped members. A valve opening extends through the valve sleeve. An insert extends into the channel section and is axially displaceable relative to the channel section. The insert includes an outer surface supporting an indexer that selectively engages with the plurality of indexing step members to displace the valve sleeve between the first plurality of indexing members and the second plurality of indexing members, thereby selectively positioning the valve opening relative to the opening in the pipe fitting.

[0006] The present invention also discloses a resource detection and recovery system comprising a surface system and an underground system, the underground system comprising a tubular column extending from the surface system. The tubular column includes an indexing valve system comprising a fitting having an outer surface portion, an inner surface portion defining a channel portion, a first plurality of indexing elements disposed on the inner surface, and a second plurality of indexing elements disposed on the inner surface and spaced apart from the first plurality of indexing elements, and an opening extending through the fitting. A valve sleeve is disposed in the channel portion between the first plurality of indexing elements and the second plurality of indexing elements. The valve sleeve includes: a first end having a first plurality of indexing elements selectively engaging with the first plurality of indexing elements; a second end including a second plurality of indexing elements selectively engaging with the second plurality of indexing elements; and an inner surface section defining the channel section. The inner surface section includes a plurality of indexing stepped members. A valve opening extends through the valve sleeve. An insert extends into the channel section and is axially displaceable relative to the channel section. The insert includes an outer surface supporting an indexer that selectively engages with the plurality of indexing step members to displace the valve sleeve between the first plurality of indexing members and the second plurality of indexing members, thereby selectively positioning the valve opening relative to the opening in the pipe fitting.

[0007] The present invention also discloses a method for selectively opening a valve in a pipe fitting, the method comprising: displacing an insert into a channel portion of the pipe fitting; guiding the insert into a valve sleeve disposed in the channel portion; engaging an indexer on the insert with one of a plurality of indexing step members in the valve sleeve; displacing the valve sleeve and the insert together in a first direction toward a first plurality of indexing members in the pipe fitting; rotating the valve sleeve a first distance by engaging the first plurality of indexing elements on the valve sleeve with the first plurality of indexing members; displacing the valve sleeve in a opposite second direction toward a second plurality of indexing elements in the pipe fitting; engaging the second plurality of indexing elements on the valve sleeve with the second plurality of indexing members; and further rotating the valve sleeve by engaging the second plurality of indexing elements with the second plurality of indexing members. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The following description should not be considered as limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, the same elements are indicated by the same reference numerals:

[0009] Figure 1 A resource detection and recovery system including a grading tool system is described according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2A partial glass view of an indexing tool system according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted;

[0011] Figure 3 The following is a description of an exemplary implementation. Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of the indexing tool system;

[0012] Figure 4 A decomposed view of a portion of a grading tool system according to exemplary aspects is depicted;

[0013] Figure 5 A glass view depicting an indexing tool system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment is shown, illustrating an indexer mounted to an insert moving into a tool sleeve positioned in a tube.

[0014] Figure 6 A glass view depicting an indexing tool system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment is shown, illustrating an indexer engaged with an indexing step member;

[0015] Figure 7 A glass view depicting an indexing tool system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment is shown, illustrating the engagement of a first plurality of indexing elements on a tool sleeve with a first plurality of indexing components in a tube.

[0016] Figure 8 An opening formed in an insert according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment is depicted, the opening being partially exposed through an opening in the tube;

[0017] Figure 9 A glass view depicting an indexing tool system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment is shown, illustrating an indexer that moves a tool sleeve toward a second plurality of indexing components in a tube.

[0018] Figure 10 A glass view depicting an indexing tool system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment is shown, illustrating a second plurality of indexing elements on a tool sleeve that engage with a second plurality of indexing components;

[0019] Figure 11 A glass view depicting an indexing tool system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment is shown, illustrating a tool sleeve rotating due to the interaction between a second plurality of indexing elements and a second plurality of indexing parts;

[0020] Figure 12 One aspect of an exemplary embodiment is depicted, in which an opening in the insert is axially offset relative to an opening in the tube;

[0021] Figure 13A glass view depicting an indexing tool system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment is shown, illustrating an indexer that moves the tool sleeve back toward a second plurality of indexing components in a tube.

[0022] Figure 14 A glass view depicting an indexing tool system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment is shown, illustrating a first plurality of indexing elements on a tool sleeve that engage with a first plurality of indexing components;

[0023] Figure 15 A glass view depicting an indexing valve system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment is shown, illustrating a tool sleeve that begins to rotate due to the interaction between a first plurality of indexing elements and a first plurality of indexing components;

[0024] Figure 16 A glass view depicting an indexing tool system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment is shown, illustrating an indexing member nested within another indexing step member;

[0025] Figure 17 A glass view depicting an indexing tool system according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment is shown, illustrating a tool sleeve fully engaged with a first plurality of indexing components; and

[0026] Figure 18 One aspect of an exemplary embodiment is depicted, in which the opening in the insert is further aligned with the opening in the tube. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Detailed descriptions of one or more embodiments of the devices and methods disclosed herein are presented by way of example rather than limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] The resource detection and recovery system according to the exemplary implementation scheme is in Figure 1 The general outline is shown as 10. The resource exploration and recovery system 10 should be understood to include drilling operations, resource extraction and recovery, CO2 sequestration, etc. The resource exploration and recovery system 10 may include a first system 12, which in some environments may take the form of a surface system 14 operably and fluidly connected to a second system 16, which in some environments may take the form of an underground system.

[0029] The first system 12 may include a pump 18 to assist well completion and / or production processes, and a fluid storage device 20. The fluid storage device 20 may contain production-enhancing fluids that can be introduced into the second system 16. The first system 12 may also include a control system 23 that can monitor and / or activate one or more downhole operations. The second system 16 may include a tubing string 30 (not separately labeled) formed of one or more fittings extending into a wellbore 34 formed in the formation 36. The wellbore 34 includes an annular wall 38, which may be defined by a casing fitting 40 extending from the first system 12 into the second system 16.

[0030] According to an exemplary aspect, the tubing string 30 supports the indexing tool system 50. (See reference...) Figures 2 to 4 The indexing tool system 50 includes an outer tube 53 and an inner tube 55 in the form of an insert 56. The outer tube 53 includes a flow port 58 shown as an opening 59. The inner tube 55 includes an opening 60 selectively aligned with the flow port 58. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the indexing tool 50 takes the form of an indexing valve. However, it should be understood that the indexing tool 50 can take many forms, including tools that can benefit from incremental changes in length and / or rotational position.

[0031] In one embodiment, the flow port 58 and opening 60 are in the form of non-circular elongated openings with different dimensions. The outer fitting 53 and insert 56 extend along the longitudinal axis "L". (Reference) Figure 4 The indexing sleeve 66 is positioned around the insert 56. As will be described in detail herein, the indexing sleeve 66 transitions along the longitudinal axis “L” to incrementally, selectively, and axially align the flow port 58 and the opening 60.

[0032] Continue to refer to Figure 4 The outer tube 53 includes an outer surface portion 70 and an inner surface portion 72 defining a channel portion 74. A first plurality of indexing members 80 extend radially inward from the inner surface portion 72. A second plurality of indexing members 82 extend radially inward from the inner surface 72 and are spaced apart from the first plurality of indexing members 80 along a longitudinal axis "L". The first plurality of indexing members 80 may be in the form of a first annular array of toothed members 86, while the second plurality of indexing members 82 may be in the form of a second annular array of toothed members 88. The toothed members 88 of the second annular array are circumferentially offset relative to the toothed members 86 of the second annular array.

[0033] Continue to refer to Figure 4The indexing sleeve 66 includes a first end 94 and an opposing second end 96. The first end 94 includes a first plurality of indexing elements 102, and the second end 96 includes a second plurality of indexing elements 104. The first plurality of indexing elements 102 are in the form of a first annular array of toothed elements 106, and the second plurality of indexing elements 104 are in the form of a second annular array of toothed elements 108. The first annular array of toothed elements 106 is configured to engage with toothed members 86 of the first annular array. Similarly, the second annular array of toothed elements 108 is configured to engage with toothed members 88 of the second annular array. The indexing sleeve 66 also includes an outer surface section 112 and an inner surface section 114 defining a channel section 116. A plurality of axially offset indexing step members 120 are formed in the inner surface section 114, for example as... Figure 5 As shown. Channel 124 extends through the axially offset indexing step member 120.

[0034] In one embodiment, insert 56 extends into channel segment 116. Insert 56 includes a first end 127, a second end 128, and an outer surface 130 supporting indexer 134. Opening 60 extends through outer surface 130 and is spaced apart from second end 128. In one embodiment, indexer 134 includes a generally rectangular shape and extends radially outward from outer surface 130. Insert 56 is rotatably restricted but axially displaced in channel segment 116 with a generally rectangular geometry, such that indexer 134 can selectively act on a plurality of axially offset indexing step members 120 to slidably and rotatably displace and position indexing sleeve 66 within channel portion 74 to selectively align valve opening 60 with flow port 58, as will be described in detail herein.

[0035] refer to Figures 5 to 8 The insert 56 is guided into the channel segment 116, such that the indexer 134 is aligned with and passes through the channel 124, as... Figure 3 As shown. The insert 56 is guided along the longitudinal axis "L" until the indexer 134 contacts one of the axially offset indexing step members 120, as shown. Figure 6 As shown. The insert 56 is further displaced along the longitudinal axis "L", causing the indexer 134 to push the indexing sleeve 66 toward the first plurality of indexing components 80, as... Figure 7 As shown. The first plurality of indexing elements 102 engage with the first plurality of indexing components 80, such that the first flow-blocking position is set as follows. Figure 8 As shown. That is, in the first flow obstruction position, the opening 60 is set at a first position relative to the flow port 58.

[0036] If different flow-blocking positions are required, the insert 56 shifts in the opposite second direction, causing the indexer 134 to engage the indexing sleeve 66 and push it toward the second plurality of indexing components 82, such as... Figure 9 As shown. The insert 56 is further displaced such that the second plurality of tooth elements 104 engages with the second plurality of tooth components 88, as... Figure 10 As shown. Due to the interaction between the corresponding tooth elements and the angled surfaces on the tooth elements and tooth components in the second plurality of tooth elements 104 and the second plurality of tooth components 88, the continued displacement of the insert 56 causes the indexing sleeve 66 to begin rotating, as... Figure 11 As shown. When fully engaged, the insert 56 is positioned such that the outer tube 53 covers the opening 60, as... Figure 12 As shown, this shuts off any flow from the indexing valve.

[0037] If you wish to further open mobile port 58, then as follows Figure 13 As shown, the insert 56 is displaced rearward along the longitudinal axis "L" to re-engage with one of the plurality of axially offset indexing step members 120. The insert 56 is further displaced such that the indexer 134 pushes against one of the plurality of axially offset indexes of the step member 120, causing the first plurality of indexing elements 102 to re-engage with the first plurality of indexing members 80, as... Figure 14 As shown. When the first plurality of indexing elements 102 re-engage with the first plurality of indexing components 80, the angled surfaces (not individually marked) on each of the plurality of indexing elements 102 slide along the angled surfaces of each of the first plurality of indexing components 80, causing the indexing sleeve 66 to rotate, as... Figure 15 As shown.

[0038] The rotation of the indexing sleeve 66 causes the indexer to disengage from one of the axially offset indexing step members 120. At this point, the insert 56 further shifts the indexer 134 along the longitudinal axis "L" so that it engages with another of the axially offset indexing step members 120, as... Figure 16 As shown. The indexing sleeve 66 is further displaced by the insert 56 until the first plurality of indexing elements 102 are fully engaged with the first plurality of indexing parts 80, as shown. Figure 17 As shown. Once fully engaged, the insert 56 further shifts, causing the opening 60 to move further through the flow port 58, creating a new, larger obstruction location, as shown. Figure 18 As shown.

[0039] At this point, it should be understood that the additional reciprocating motion of the insert 56 within the channel section 116 will result in further incremental rotation of the indexing sleeve 66, thereby causing different indexing step members in the axially offset indexing step members 120 to align and engage with the indexer 134. With each partial rotation of the indexing sleeve 66, the different axially offset indexing step members 120 engage through the indexer 134. Advancing around the inner surface section 114 of the indexing sleeve 66, each axially offset indexing step member 120 allows the insert 56 to move further axially into the outer tube 53, resulting in varying degrees of axial alignment of the opening 60 relative to the flow port 58. These varying degrees of axial alignment result in an increasing degree of exposure of the opening 60 through the flow port 58.

[0040] Incrementally changing the exposure of opening 60 produces different choke settings that control the rate of fluid inflow or outflow from the indexing valve. Full rotation of the indexing sleeve 66 ensures that opening 60 is again completely covered by the outer fitting 53. By limiting the rotation of the insert 56 and employing the indexing components / elements as discussed, the overall length of the indexing tool system 50 can be reduced compared to currently available lengths. It should be understood that while only incrementally opening the valve has been described, the exemplary embodiment can also be used for incrementally closing the opening or for incrementally axially moving any component relative to another component for various purposes.

[0041] The following are some of the aforementioned publicly disclosed implementation schemes:

[0042] Implementation Scheme 1. A indexing valve system, the indexing valve system comprising: a pipe fitting including an outer surface portion, an inner surface portion defining a channel portion, a first plurality of indexing members disposed on the inner surface portion and a second plurality of indexing members disposed on the inner surface portion and spaced apart from the first plurality of indexing members, and an opening extending through the pipe fitting; a valve sleeve disposed in the channel portion between the first plurality of indexing members and the second plurality of indexing members, the valve sleeve including: a first end having a first plurality of indexing elements selectively engaging with the first plurality of indexing members; a second end, It includes a second plurality of indexing elements selectively engaging with the second plurality of indexing members; an inner surface section defining a channel section including a plurality of indexing step members through which a valve opening extends; and an insert extending into the channel section and axially displaceable relative to the channel section, the insert including an outer surface supporting the indexer, the indexer selectively engaging with the plurality of indexing step members to displace the valve sleeve between the first plurality of indexing members and the second plurality of indexing members, thereby selectively positioning the valve opening relative to the opening in the pipe fitting.

[0043] Implementation Scheme 2. The indexing valve system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the opening extends through the pipe between the first plurality of indexing components and the second plurality of indexing components.

[0044] Implementation Scheme 3. The indexing valve system according to any one of the foregoing implementation schemes, wherein the indexer comprises a generally rectangular geometry.

[0045] Implementation Scheme 4. The indexing valve system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first plurality of indexing components includes toothed components of a first annular array, and the second plurality of indexing components includes toothed components of a second annular array.

[0046] Implementation Scheme 5. The indexing valve system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toothed components of the first annular array are circumferentially offset relative to the toothed components of the second annular array.

[0047] Implementation Scheme 6. The indexing valve system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the first plurality of indexing components and the second plurality of indexing components protrudes radially inward from the inner surface portion.

[0048] Implementation Scheme 7. The indexing valve system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the indexing step member extends circumferentially around an inner surface section of the valve sleeve and projects radially inward from the inner surface section.

[0049] Implementation Scheme 8. The indexing valve system according to any one of the preceding embodiments further includes: a channel formed in the indexing step member, the channel receiving the indexer.

[0050] Implementation Scheme 9. A resource exploration and recovery system, comprising: a surface system; an underground system including a tubular column extending from the surface system, the tubular column including a indexing valve system, the indexing valve system including: a fitting including an outer surface portion, an inner surface portion defining a channel portion, a first plurality of indexing members disposed on the inner surface portion, and a second plurality of indexing members disposed on the inner surface and spaced apart from the first plurality of indexing members, and an opening extending through the first fitting; a valve sleeve disposed in the channel portion between the first plurality of indexing members and the second plurality of indexing members, the valve sleeve including: a first end having a connection with the first plurality of indexing members. The first plurality of indexing elements selectively engage with the second plurality of indexing components; a second end portion including a second plurality of indexing elements selectively engage with the second plurality of indexing components; an inner surface section defining a channel section including a plurality of indexing step members through which a valve opening extends; and an insert extending into the channel section and capable of axial displacement relative to the channel section, the insert including an outer surface supporting the indexer, the indexer selectively engaging with the plurality of indexing step members to displace the valve sleeve between the first plurality of indexing components and the second plurality of indexing components, thereby selectively positioning the valve opening relative to the opening in the first pipe fitting.

[0051] Implementation Scheme 10. The resource detection and recovery system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the opening extends through the first pipe between the first plurality of indexing components and the second plurality of indexing components.

[0052] Implementation Scheme 11. The resource detection and recovery system according to any one of the foregoing implementation schemes, wherein the indexer comprises a generally rectangular geometry.

[0053] Implementation Scheme 12. The resource detection and recovery system according to any one of the preceding implementation schemes, wherein the first plurality of indexing components includes toothed components of a first annular array, and the second plurality of indexing components includes toothed components of a second annular array.

[0054] Implementation Scheme 13. The resource detection and recovery system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toothed components of the first annular array are circumferentially offset relative to the toothed components of the second annular array.

[0055] Implementation Scheme 14. The resource detection and recovery system according to any one of the preceding implementation schemes, wherein each of the first plurality of indexing components and the second plurality of indexing components protrudes radially inward from the inner surface portion.

[0056] Implementation Scheme 15. The resource detection and recovery system according to any one of the preceding implementation schemes, wherein the indexing step member extends circumferentially around an inner surface section of the valve sleeve and protrudes radially inward from the inner surface section.

[0057] Implementation Scheme 16: The resource detection and recovery system according to any one of the preceding implementation schemes further includes: a channel formed in the indexing step member, the channel receiving the indexer.

[0058] Implementation Scheme 17. A method for selectively opening a valve in a pipe fitting, the method comprising: displacing an insert into a channel portion of the pipe fitting; guiding the insert into a valve sleeve disposed in the channel portion; engaging an indexer on the insert with one of a plurality of indexing step members in the valve sleeve; displacing the valve sleeve together with the insert in a first direction toward a first plurality of indexing members in the pipe fitting; rotating the valve sleeve a first distance by engaging the first plurality of indexing elements on the valve sleeve with the first plurality of indexing members; displacing the valve sleeve in a opposite second direction toward a second plurality of indexing elements in the pipe fitting; engaging the second plurality of indexing elements on the valve sleeve with the second plurality of indexing members; and further rotating the valve sleeve by engaging the second plurality of indexing elements with the second plurality of indexing members.

[0059] Implementation Scheme 18. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein shifting the valve sleeve toward the first plurality of indexing members in the pipe fitting includes engaging the toothed members of the first annular array with the first plurality of toothed elements.

[0060] Implementation Scheme 19. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein rotating the valve sleeve a first distance includes moving the first plurality of angled surfaces of the plurality of toothed elements on the plurality of angled surfaces of the first plurality of indexing members.

[0061] Implementation Scheme 20. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein further rotating the valve sleeve includes aligning at least a portion of the opening in the fitting with a portion of the valve opening in the valve sleeve.

[0062] In the context of describing the invention (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the terms “an,” “a,” and “the,” and similar designations, should be interpreted to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” etc., used herein do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0063] The terms “about” and “substantially” are intended to include, based on the equipment available at the time of application, the degree of error associated with a particular number of measurements. For example, “about” and / or “substantially” may include a range of ±8%, 5%, or 2% of a given value.

[0064] The teachings of this disclosure can be applied to a variety of well operations. These operations may involve treating a formation, fluids residing in the formation, the wellbore, and / or equipment within the wellbore, such as production tubing, with one or more treatment agents. 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, binders, permeability modifiers, drilling mud, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, tracers, flow improvers, etc. Exemplary well operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, production enhancement, tracer injection, cleaning, acidizing, steam injection, water injection, cementing, etc.

[0065] Although the invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements therein without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from the basic scope of the invention. Therefore, it is contemplated that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention, but rather that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Additionally, exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the drawings and detailed descriptions, and although specific terminology has been used, it is used in a general and descriptive sense only, and not for limiting purposes, unless otherwise specified, and therefore the scope of the invention is not limited thereto.

Claims

1. A dividing valve system, the dividing valve system comprising: The fitting includes an outer surface portion (70), an inner surface portion (72) defining a channel portion (74), a first plurality of indexing members (80) disposed on the inner surface portion (72), a second plurality of indexing members (82) disposed on the inner surface portion (72) and spaced apart from the first plurality of indexing members (80), and an opening (59) extending through the fitting. A valve sleeve disposed in a passage portion (74) between a first plurality of indexing members (80) and a second plurality of indexing members (82), the valve sleeve comprising: a first end portion (94) having a first plurality of indexing elements (102) selectively engaging with the first plurality of indexing members (80); a second end portion (96) including a second plurality of indexing elements (104) selectively engaging with the second plurality of indexing members (82); and an inner surface section (114) defining a passage section (116), the inner surface section (114) including a plurality of axially offset indexing step members (120), a valve opening (60) extending through the valve sleeve; and An insert (56) extends into the channel section (116) and is axially displaceable relative to the channel section. The insert (56) includes an outer surface (130) supporting an indexer (134) and a valve opening (60) extending through the outer surface. The indexer selectively engages with the plurality of axially offset indexing step members (120) to displace the valve sleeve between the first plurality of indexing members (80) and the second plurality of indexing members (82), thereby selectively positioning the valve opening (60) relative to the opening (59) in the pipe fitting.

2. The indexing valve system according to claim 1, wherein the opening (59) extends through the pipe between the first plurality of indexing components (80) and the second plurality of indexing components (82).

3. The indexing valve system according to claim 1, wherein the indexer (134) comprises a generally rectangular geometry.

4. The indexing valve system according to claim 1, wherein the first plurality of indexing components (80) comprises a first annular array of toothed components (86), and the second plurality of indexing components (82) comprises a second annular array of toothed components (88).

5. The indexing valve system according to claim 4, wherein the toothed component (86) of the first annular array is circumferentially offset relative to the toothed component (88) of the second annular array.

6. The indexing valve system according to claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of indexing components (80) and the second plurality of indexing components (82) protrudes radially inward from the inner surface portion (72).

7. The indexing valve system according to claim 1, wherein the axially offset indexing step member (120) extends circumferentially around the inner surface section (114) of the valve sleeve and projects radially inward from the inner surface section.

8. The indexing valve system of claim 7, further comprising: A channel (124) is formed in the axially offset indexing step member (120), the channel (124) receiving the indexer (134).

9. A resource detection and recovery system (10), comprising: Surface system (14); An underground system comprising a tubular column (30) extending from the surface system (14), the tubular column (30) comprising a indexing valve system comprising: The fitting includes an outer surface portion (70), an inner surface portion (72) defining a channel portion (74), a first plurality of indexing members (80) disposed on the inner surface portion (72), and a second plurality of indexing members (82) disposed on the inner surface portion (72) and spaced apart from the first plurality of indexing members (80), and an opening (59) extending through the first fitting. A valve sleeve disposed in a passage portion (74) between a first plurality of indexing members (80) and a second plurality of indexing members (82), the valve sleeve comprising: a first end portion (94) having a first plurality of indexing elements (102) selectively engaging with the first plurality of indexing members (80); a second end portion (96) including a second plurality of indexing elements (104) selectively engaging with the second plurality of indexing members (82); and an inner surface section (114) defining a passage section (116), the inner surface section (114) including a plurality of axially offset indexing step members (120), a valve opening (60) extending through the valve sleeve; and An insert (56) extends into the channel section (116) and is axially displaceable relative to the channel section. The insert (56) includes an outer surface (130) supporting an indexer (134) and a valve opening (60) extending through the outer surface (130). The indexer selectively engages with the plurality of axially offset indexing step members (120) to displace the valve sleeve between the first plurality of indexing members (80) and the second plurality of indexing members (82), thereby selectively positioning the valve opening (60) relative to the opening (59) in the first pipe fitting.

10. The resource detection and recovery system (10) according to claim 9, wherein the opening (59) extends through the first pipe between the first plurality of indexing components (80) and the second plurality of indexing components (82).

11. The resource detection and recovery system (10) according to claim 9, wherein the indexer (134) comprises a generally rectangular geometry.

12. The resource detection and recovery system (10) according to claim 9, wherein the first plurality of indexing components (80) comprises toothed components (86) of a first annular array, and the second plurality of indexing components (82) comprises toothed components (88) of a second annular array.

13. The resource detection and recovery system (10) according to claim 9, wherein each of the first plurality of indexing components (80) and the second plurality of indexing components (82) protrudes radially inward from the inner surface portion (72).

14. The resource detection and recovery system (10) according to claim 9, wherein the axially offset indexing step member (120) extends circumferentially around the inner surface section (114) of the valve sleeve and protrudes radially inward from the inner surface section.

15. A method for selectively opening a valve in a pipe fitting of a valve system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising: The insert (56) is moved into the channel portion (74) of the fitting; The insert (56) is guided into the valve sleeve disposed in the channel portion (74); The indexer (134) on the insert (56) is engaged with one of the indexing step members (120) of the plurality of axially offset indexing step members in the valve sleeve; The valve sleeve and the insert (56) are moved together in a first direction toward the first plurality of indexing components (80) in the pipe fitting; The valve sleeve is rotated a first distance by the mutual engagement of the first plurality of indexing elements (102) and the first plurality of indexing components (80) on the valve sleeve; The valve sleeve is shifted toward the second plurality of indexing components (82) in the pipe fitting in the opposite second direction; Engage the second plurality of indexing elements (104) on the valve sleeve with the second plurality of indexing components (82); The valve sleeve is further rotated by engaging the second plurality of indexing elements (104) with the second plurality of indexing components (82); and The insert (56) is shifted along the first direction, and the indexer (134) on the insert (56) engages with another indexing step member among the plurality of axially offset indexing step members (120) in the valve sleeve.

Images