A ball launcher for casing sleeve fracturing

Abstract

The application relates to a sleeve sliding sleeve fracturing ball-throwing device, which comprises a fracturing ball individual throwing device, an upper material dropping valve, a lower material dropping valve and a pressure balancing device, the upper material dropping valve is located above the lower material dropping valve, the pressure balancing device comprises a balancing bin and a material throwing channel, the balancing bin is sealingly assembled between the upper material dropping valve and the lower material dropping valve, the material throwing channel is vertically arranged in the balancing bin, the upper and lower end ports of the material throwing channel are respectively communicated with the lower valve port of the upper material dropping valve and the upper valve port of the lower material dropping valve, the material throwing channel is provided with an air hole, a pressure balancing pipeline is arranged between the side wall of the balancing bin and the material dropping wellhead, a pressure relief pipeline is arranged on the side wall of the balancing bin, a buffer mechanism is arranged on the material throwing channel, and the outlet of the fracturing ball individual throwing device is communicated with the upper valve port of the upper material dropping valve. Advantages: the device can realize pressure operation, the fracturing ball can be put into the well and the high-pressure sealing in the well is realized through the switching of the two material dropping valves, and the problems of high labor intensity and low efficiency in the traditional mining operation process are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the horizontal well staged fracturing process, and particularly to a ball-dropping device for casing sliding sleeve fracturing. Background Technology

[0002] After years of innovation and process optimization, the cost of horizontal well staged fracturing technology has been continuously decreasing. Among them, the large-scale application of soluble bridge plug technology has saved a significant amount of drilling and plug construction costs for single-well staged fracturing.

[0003] With the continuous improvement and cost reduction of casing sliding sleeve fracturing technology, it will inevitably provide a reliable method for staged fracturing that is simple, low-cost, and improves economic efficiency. The current multi-stage ball-drop staged fracturing process involves personnel climbing onto an operating platform to manually drop fracturing balls into the wellhead. During this process, the wellhead must be depressurized as required. Fracturing can only proceed after the personnel leave the operating platform. This ball-dropping process is complex, discontinuous, time-consuming, labor-intensive, and has poor safety. Compared with traditional ball-dropping methods, a fully automated wellhead ball-dropping system has significant advantages.

[0004] Currently disclosed patented automatic ball-dropping devices are mainly used for fracturing balls in limited-stage casing sliding sleeves. For example, Chinese patent CN201710493192.8 features a ratchet at the center of a turntable, with holes for placing steel balls around the ratchet on the turntable. The turntable rotates to align the holes with a guide tube, allowing the steel balls to fall after passing through the guide tube. Another example is Chinese patent CN202010892335.4, whose ball-dropping assembly includes a ball-separating cylinder, a cylinder cover, a ratchet, a dialing needle, a drive device, and a check pawl. During operation, the drive device extends and retracts once, and the dialing needle, in conjunction with the check pawl, drives the ratchet to rotate. The ratchet then drives the ball-separating cylinder to rotate, with the rotation angle being the angle between the axes of two adjacent ball-separating grooves. Existing automatic ball-dropping devices cannot meet the ball-dropping requirements of unlimited-stage casing sliding sleeve fracturing processes. In this process, the tools used to open the fracturing sliding sleeve and seal the lower layer are mostly irregular spheres or cylinders, and a corresponding ball-dropping device is currently lacking. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a ball-throwing device for casing sliding sleeve fracturing, which effectively overcomes the defects of the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0007] A fracturing ball launching device for casing sliding sleeve fracturing includes a fracturing ball launching device, an upper dropping valve, a lower dropping valve, and a pressure balancing device. The lower valve port of the lower dropping valve is connected to the dropping wellhead. The upper dropping valve is located above the lower dropping valve. The pressure balancing device includes a balancing chamber and a material delivery channel. The balancing chamber is sealed between the upper and lower dropping valves. The material delivery channel is vertically arranged in the balancing chamber, and its upper and lower ends are connected and communicate with the lower valve port of the upper dropping valve and the upper valve port of the lower dropping valve, respectively. The material delivery channel is provided with air holes that penetrate its interior and exterior. A pressure balancing pipeline with a first shut-off valve is provided between the side wall of the balancing chamber and the dropping wellhead, connecting the inner cavities of the two. A pressure relief pipeline with a pressure relief valve is also provided on the side wall of the balancing chamber, communicating with its interior. The material delivery channel is provided with a buffer mechanism for stopping or releasing the fracturing balls. The outlet of the fracturing ball launching device is connected and communicated with the upper valve port of the upper dropping valve.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a control system, which includes a controller, the first shut-off valve is an electrically controlled shut-off valve, the pressure relief valve is an electrically controlled pressure relief valve, the upper discharge valve and the lower discharge valve are both electrically controlled gate valves, and the controller is electrically connected to the first shut-off valve, the pressure relief valve, the upper discharge valve and the lower discharge valve respectively.

[0010] Furthermore, pressure gauges are respectively connected to the pipe sections located at both ends of the first shut-off valve on the aforementioned pressure balancing pipeline.

[0011] Furthermore, the aforementioned buffer mechanism includes two buffer petals and two telescopic mechanisms. The two buffer petals are respectively spaced apart on both sides inside the material delivery channel, and the two telescopic mechanisms are respectively located on the outside of both sides of the material delivery channel. The telescopic ends of the two mechanisms pass horizontally through the sidewalls of the material delivery channel and are connected to the opposite ends of the two buffer petals. The two telescopic mechanisms are used to synchronously drive the two buffer petals to move closer to each other to cut off the material delivery channel and cause the fracturing ball to fall above them, or to synchronously drive the two buffer petals to move further apart to allow the fracturing ball to fall between them.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner walls on both sides of the material delivery channel are provided with outwardly protruding recessed areas, which correspond one-to-one with the buffer petals and are used to accommodate the buffer petals that have moved away from each other.

[0013] Furthermore, the aforementioned telescopic mechanism includes a horizontally arranged cylindrical body, a piston, and a connecting rod. The cylindrical body is vertically fixed to the outside of the material delivery channel. The piston is sealed and assembled in the cylindrical body. One end of the connecting rod passes through the side wall of the material delivery channel and is connected to the corresponding buffer block. The other end of the connecting rod passes through the end of the cylindrical body connected to the material delivery channel and is connected and fixed to the corresponding end of the piston. An elastic element is provided between the piston and the end of the cylindrical body connected to the material delivery channel. The side wall of the end of the cylindrical body away from the material delivery channel is provided with a fluid inlet and outlet communicating with the inner cavity of that end. The fluid inlet and outlet are connected to a pressure injection pipe passing through the side wall of the balance chamber. A second shut-off valve is provided on the section of the pressure injection pipe that protrudes outside the balance chamber.

[0014] Furthermore, the aforementioned elastic element is a spring, which is sleeved on the outside of the other end of the aforementioned connecting rod, and its two ends respectively abut against one end of the material feeding channel connecting the aforementioned piston and the aforementioned cylinder.

[0015] Furthermore, the aforementioned fracturing ball delivery device includes a delivery pipe, a mounting base plate, a rotary drive device, a support plate, a turntable, and ball cylinders. The delivery pipe is vertically arranged, with its lower end connected and communicating with the upper valve port of the aforementioned upper discharge valve. The mounting base plate and the support plate are horizontally arranged and fitted and fixed onto the delivery pipe, with the support plate located above the mounting base plate. The height of the upper surface of the support plate is not lower than the height of the upper end of the delivery pipe. The rotary drive device is mounted on the upper part of the mounting base plate, with its drive end passing through the support plate. The turntable is horizontally arranged above the support plate, with its lower end connected to the drive end of the rotary drive device. The turntable has multiple ball-dropping holes spaced circumferentially, and the distance between the ball-dropping holes and the support plate is less than the diameter of the fracturing ball. The upper ends of the ball-dropping holes are connected to the ball cylinders one by one. The rotary drive device is used to drive the turntable to rotate, causing the ball-dropping holes to rotate and move one by one to above the upper end of the delivery pipe.

[0016] Furthermore, the lower end of the turntable is provided with a roller assembly that rolls in contact with the upper surface of the support plate.

[0017] Furthermore, there are two of the aforementioned rotary drive devices and turntables, which correspond to each other one by one. The two turntables are arranged side by side, and each of them has an arc-shaped notch at its edge to allow the edge of the other to pass through during rotation. At least one of the turntables has a notch above the upper end of the delivery tube. The two rotary drive devices operate alternately or one of them, and drive the corresponding turntable to rotate. During the rotation, the outer edge of the turntable passes through the notch of the other turntable.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are: it enables pressurized operation, and by switching between two drop valves, it achieves the insertion of fracturing balls into the well and high-pressure sealing inside the well, which solves the problems of high labor intensity and low efficiency in traditional mining operations, improves the reliability and safety of on-site personnel, and reduces on-site construction risk costs. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ball-throwing device for casing sliding sleeve fracturing of the present invention, excluding the fracturing ball-throwing device;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fracturing ball delivery device in the ball delivery device for casing sliding sleeve fracturing of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a top view of the structure of the fracturing ball delivery device in the casing sliding sleeve fracturing ball delivery device of the present invention.

[0022] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0023] 1. Fracturing ball delivery device; 2. Upper discharge valve; 3. Lower discharge valve; 4. Pressure balancing device; 5. Pressure balancing pipeline; 6. Pressure relief pipeline; 8. Injection pipe; 9. Controller; 11. Delivery pipe; 12. Mounting base plate; 13. Rotary drive device; 14. Support plate; 15. Turntable; 16. Ball cylinder; 41. Balance bin; 42. Material delivery channel; 51. First shut-off valve; 52. Pressure gauge; 61. Pressure relief valve; 71. Buffer block; 72. Telescopic mechanism; 151. Roller assembly; 152. Notch; 721. Cylinder body; 722. Piston; 723. Connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0025] Example: Figure 1As shown, the fracturing ball-dropping device for casing sliding sleeve fracturing in this embodiment includes a fracturing ball dropping device 1, an upper dropping valve 2, a lower dropping valve 3, and a pressure balancing device 4. The lower valve port of the lower dropping valve 3 is connected to the dropping wellhead. The upper dropping valve 2 is located above the lower dropping valve 3. The pressure balancing device 4 includes a balancing chamber 41 and a material delivery channel 42. The balancing chamber 41 is sealed between the upper dropping valve 2 and the lower dropping valve 3. The material delivery channel 42 is vertically arranged in the balancing chamber 41, and its upper and lower ports are respectively connected to the upper dropping valve 2 and the lower dropping valve 3. The lower valve port of the material valve 2 is connected and communicates with the upper valve port of the lower discharge valve 3. The material feeding channel 42 is provided with an air hole that runs through its inside and outside. The side wall of the balance chamber 41 and the discharge well are provided with a pressure balance pipeline 5 with a first shut-off valve 51 that connects the inner cavities of the two. The side wall of the balance chamber 41 is also provided with a pressure relief pipeline 6 with a pressure relief valve 61 that connects to its interior. The material feeding channel 42 is provided with a buffer mechanism for stopping or releasing the fracturing balls. The outlet of the fracturing ball delivery device 1 is connected and communicates with the upper valve port of the upper discharge valve 2.

[0026] The usage process is as follows:

[0027] Connect all components according to the above structure. Before the fracturing ball is dropped, close the lower discharge valve 3 and the first shut-off valve 51, and open the pressure relief valve 61 to release pressure. After the pressure is released, open the upper discharge valve 2 to balance the pressure in the material delivery channel 42 with the external pressure. Then, operate the buffer mechanism to cut off the material delivery channel 42. Next, release one fracturing ball (represented by a in the figure) into the upper discharge valve 2 through the fracturing ball dropping device 1, so that the fracturing ball falls on the buffer mechanism (and is stopped). Then, close the upper discharge valve 2 and the pressure relief valve 61, and then open the upper discharge valve 2. Open the first shut-off valve 51 to release the pressure at the bottom of the well into the pressure balancing device 4, so that the pressure inside the balancing chamber 41 and the material delivery channel 42 is balanced with the pressure inside the well. After the balance is achieved, open the lower material drop valve 3. At the same time, operate the buffer mechanism to release the fracturing ball, so that the fracturing ball can fall smoothly into the well. The entire device can realize pressurized operation. By switching the two material drop valves, the entry of the fracturing ball into the well and the high-pressure sealing inside the well are realized. This solves the problems of high labor intensity and low efficiency in traditional mining operations, improves the reliability and safety of on-site personnel, and reduces on-site construction risk costs.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the system further includes a control system, which includes a controller 9, wherein the first shut-off valve 51 is an electrically controlled shut-off valve, the pressure relief valve 61 is an electrically controlled pressure relief valve, the upper discharge valve 2 and the lower discharge valve 3 are both electrically controlled gate valves, and the controller 9 is electrically connected to the first shut-off valve 51, the pressure relief valve 61, the upper discharge valve 2 and the lower discharge valve 3 respectively.

[0029] In the above implementation scheme, the valve housings involved in the entire device are automatically controlled by the control system according to a pre-set program or by manually operating buttons, eliminating the need for personnel to open and close the valves on-site, greatly improving the safety factor and increasing work efficiency.

[0030] It should be noted that two first shut-off valves 51 should be installed on the pressure balancing pipeline 5, serving as backups for each other.

[0031] It should be added that: the pressure relief line 6 can be set up in two ways, one of which is equipped with a manual valve as a backup, and the other can be equipped with an electrically controlled pressure relief valve or an additional manual valve. The two pressure relief lines 6 can be connected in parallel.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, pressure gauges 52 are respectively connected to the pipe sections located at both ends of the first shut-off valve 51 on the pressure balancing pipeline 5.

[0033] In the above implementation plan, operators can understand the pressure changes in the pipeline based on the value of pressure gauge 52 and take timely and correct actions.

[0034] The pressure gauge 52 mentioned above can be an electric pressure gauge, connected to the control system, and used as a parameter in remote control operations.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the buffer mechanism includes two buffer blocks 71 and two telescopic mechanisms 72. The two buffer blocks 71 are respectively spaced apart on both sides inside the material delivery channel 42. The two telescopic mechanisms 72 are respectively disposed on the outside of both sides of the material delivery channel 42, and their telescopic ends pass horizontally through the side wall of the material delivery channel 42 and are connected to the ends of the two buffer blocks 71 that are far apart from each other. The two telescopic mechanisms 72 are used to synchronously drive the two buffer blocks 71 to move closer to each other to cut off the material delivery channel 42 and make the fracturing ball fall on top of them, or to synchronously drive the two buffer blocks 71 to move away from each other so that the fracturing ball falls through between them.

[0036] In the above implementation scheme, when the fracturing ball is stopped, the two telescopic mechanisms 72 are operated to extend synchronously, so that the two buffer blocks 71 are close together in the middle of the material delivery channel 42, and the material delivery channel 42 is physically cut off, so that the fracturing ball can be stopped at its upper end and thus cushioned when it falls. When releasing, the telescopic mechanisms 72 are operated to retract simultaneously, so that the two buffer blocks 71 are relatively far apart and close to the inner walls on both sides of the material delivery channel 42. The gap between them is sufficient for the fracturing ball to pass through, so that the fracturing ball falls. The whole design is simple and reasonable, and achieves good cushioning and release of the fracturing ball.

[0037] In the above scheme, the upper part of the two buffer blocks 71 that are close to each other is an outward inclined opening, which facilitates the dropping of the fracturing ball.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the inner walls on both sides of the material delivery channel 42 are respectively provided with outwardly protruding recessed areas, which correspond one-to-one with the buffer petals 71 and are used to accommodate the buffer petals 71 that have moved away from each other.

[0039] In the above implementation scheme, the recessed area allows the buffer block 71 to be mostly or completely contained within the recessed area after the telescopic mechanism 72 retracts, thereby maintaining the absolute unobstructed flow of the material delivery channel 42 and ensuring the smooth drop of the fracturing ball.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the telescopic mechanism 72 includes a horizontally arranged cylindrical body 721, a piston 722, and a connecting rod 723. The cylindrical body 721 is vertically fixed to the outside of the material delivery channel 42. The piston 722 is sealed and assembled in the cylindrical body 721. One end of the connecting rod 723 passes through the side wall of the material delivery channel 42 and is connected to the corresponding buffer block 71. The other end passes through the cylindrical body 721 and connects to one end of the material delivery channel 42, and is fixedly connected to the corresponding end of the piston 722. An elastic element is provided between the piston 722 and the end of the cylindrical body 721 connected to the material delivery channel 42. The side wall of the cylindrical body 721 away from the material delivery channel 42 is provided with a fluid inlet and outlet communicating with the inner cavity of that end. The fluid inlet and outlet are connected to a pressure injection pipe 8 passing through the side wall of the balance chamber 41. A second shut-off valve is provided on the section of the pressure injection pipe 8 that protrudes outside the balance chamber 41.

[0041] In the above implementation scheme, the injection pipe 8 is connected to a liquid injection device. When it is necessary to stop the fracturing ball, the second shut-off valve is opened, and the device injects liquid into the cavity connected to the cylinder 721 through the injection pipe 8. Under hydraulic drive, the piston 722 is pushed, causing the connecting rod 723 to move and extend, thereby causing the buffer blocks 71 to move closer to each other (after stopping, the second shut-off valve needs to be closed to maintain pressure). Simultaneously, the elastic element is compressed. When it is necessary to release the fracturing ball, the device releases pressure and opens the second shut-off valve, allowing the liquid inside the cylinder 721 to flow back and release pressure. The elastic element rebounds, thereby driving the piston 722 back to its original position and causing the connecting rod 723 to retract, causing the buffer blocks 71 to move away from each other. The entire design uses hydraulic power to drive the extension mechanism 72 to extend and retract after pressure release. The cubic design is very ingenious. At the same time, the pipeline is arranged outside the balance chamber 41, making operation very convenient.

[0042] It should be noted that the above-mentioned liquid injection equipment can be a hydraulic station or other products with similar functions. Since they are not part of the product of this application, they will not be described in detail here.

[0043] In this embodiment, the elastic element is a conventional spring, which is sleeved on the outside of the other end of the connecting rod 723, and its two ends respectively abut against one end of the piston 722 and the material feeding channel 42 connected to the cylinder 721.

[0044] It should be noted that the connection between the connecting rod 723 and the perforation on the side wall of the material feeding channel 42 needs to be sealed. At the same time, the connection between the pressure injection pipe 8 and the perforation on the side wall of the balance chamber 41 also needs to be sealed. The sealing methods are involved in many existing technologies and are well-known technologies, so they will not be elaborated here.

[0045] As a preferred implementation method, such as Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the fracturing ball delivery device 1 includes a delivery pipe 11, a mounting base plate 12, a rotary drive device 13, a support plate 14, a turntable 15, and a ball cylinder 16. The delivery pipe 11 is vertically arranged, and its lower end is connected to and communicates with the upper valve port of the upper discharge valve 2. The mounting base plate 12 and the support plate 14 are horizontally arranged and sleeved and fixed on the delivery pipe 11. The support plate 14 is located above the mounting base plate 12, and the height of the upper surface of the support plate 14 is not lower than the height of the upper end of the delivery pipe 11. The rotary drive device 13 is installed on the... The upper end of the mounting base plate 12 has its driving end passing through the support plate 14. The turntable 15 is horizontally positioned above the support plate 14, and its lower middle part is connected to the driving end of the rotary drive device 13. The turntable 15 has multiple ball dropping holes spaced apart along its circumference, and the distance between the ball dropping holes and the support plate 14 is smaller than the diameter of the fracturing ball. The upper ends of the ball dropping holes are respectively connected to the ball cylinders 16. The rotary drive device 13 is used to drive the turntable 15 to rotate, and cause the ball dropping holes to rotate and move one by one to the upper opening of the delivery tube 11.

[0046] In the above implementation scheme, both the support plate 14 and the mounting base plate 12 are welded to the delivery tube 11. Under normal conditions, the lower part of the fracturing ball is supported on the upper surface of the turntable 15. The rotation drive device 13 can drive the turntable 15 to rotate and drive a ball drop hole near the delivery tube 11 to rotate above the upper end of the delivery tube 11 (the two overlap vertically). This allows the fracturing ball to detach from the support plate 14 at the delivery tube 11 and fall into the delivery tube 11 under gravity to achieve the ball dropping operation. The overall structure design is simple and reasonable, and can achieve good ball dropping operation one by one.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the lower end of the turntable 15 is provided with a roller assembly 151 that rolls in contact with the upper surface of the support plate 14.

[0048] In the above implementation scheme, three or more roller assemblies 151 can be arranged at intervals along the circumference of the lower end of the turntable 15. The roller assemblies 151 are supported on the upper surface of the support plate 14, can bear weight, and are used to balance the turntable 15 and make its rotation stable.

[0049] The aforementioned roller assembly 151 generally consists of a caster frame and a wheel mounted on the caster frame. The caster frame is fixed to the lower end of the support plate 14, and the wheel is supported by rolling on the upper surface of the support plate 14.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, two rotary drive devices 13 and two turntables 15 are provided, and they correspond to each other one by one. The two turntables 15 are arranged side by side, and each of them has an arc-shaped notch 152 at its edge to allow the edge of the other to pass through during rotation. At least one of the turntables 15 has a notch 152 above the upper end of the delivery tube 11. The two rotary drive devices 13 operate alternately or one of them, and drive the corresponding turntable 15 to rotate. During the rotation, the outer edge of the turntable 15 passes through the notch 152 of the other turntable 15.

[0051] In the above implementation scheme, the design of two turntables 15 enables the alternating operation of fracturing balls in a dual-station manner, resulting in a longer working cycle. It should be noted that only one of the two turntables 15 can be driven to rotate by the corresponding rotary drive device 13 during a single ball throwing process. Furthermore, the notch 152 of the other standby (non-rotating) turntable 15 should be located at the inlet of the delivery pipe 11 to ensure that the outer edge rotation trajectory (full circle) of the rotating turntable 15 can smoothly pass through the notch 152 of the standby turntable 15.

[0052] It should be further explained that the complete circle containing the outer edges of the two turntables 15 intersects in the delivery tube 11. More specifically, when the gaps 152 of the two turntables 15 are symmetrically distributed in the delivery tube 11, the area between the two gaps 152 can be completely exposed in the delivery tube 11.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the rotary drive device 13 is a slewing bearing.

[0054] In the above implementation scheme, the slewing bearing is generally equipped with a motor, which drives the slewing bearing to run. Since the slewing bearing is existing technology, its principle and specific structure will not be described in detail here. The power (motor) of the slewing bearing is connected to the control system to realize automated control operation.

[0055] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the connection between pipe fittings or between pipe fittings and pipe openings is generally sealed and fixed by flange to flange. For example, the upper and lower ends of the balance chamber 41 are connected to the valve openings of the two discharge valves by flange.

[0056] It should be added that the ball-throwing device for fracturing the casing can also be equipped with video monitoring to monitor the operation of the individual ball-throwing device 1 and to be interconnected with the control system to monitor whether the ball dropping is effective.

[0057] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0058] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0059] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0061] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0062] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ball-throwing device for fracturing casing sliding sleeves, characterized in that: The device includes a fracturing ball delivery device (1), an upper discharge valve (2), a lower discharge valve (3), and a pressure balancing device (4). The lower valve port of the lower discharge valve (3) is connected to the discharge wellhead. The upper discharge valve (2) is located above the lower discharge valve (3). The pressure balancing device (4) includes a balancing chamber (41) and a material delivery channel (42). The balancing chamber (41) is sealed between the upper discharge valve (2) and the lower discharge valve (3). The material delivery channel (42) is vertically arranged in the balancing chamber (41), and its upper and lower ports are respectively connected to the lower end of the upper discharge valve (2). The valve port and the upper valve port of the lower discharge valve (3) are connected and communicated. The material delivery channel (42) is provided with an air hole that runs through its inside and outside. The side wall of the balance chamber (41) and the discharge well are provided with a pressure balance pipeline (5) with a first shut-off valve (51) that connects the inner cavity of the two. The side wall of the balance chamber (41) is also provided with a pressure relief pipeline (6) with a pressure relief valve (61) that connects to its interior. The material delivery channel (42) is provided with a buffer mechanism for stopping or releasing the fracturing balls. The outlet of the fracturing ball delivery device (1) is connected and communicated with the upper valve port of the upper discharge valve (2). The buffer mechanism includes two buffer blocks (71) and two telescopic mechanisms (72). The two buffer blocks (71) are respectively spaced apart on both sides inside the material delivery channel (42). The two telescopic mechanisms (72) are respectively located on the outside of both sides of the material delivery channel (42). The telescopic ends of the two mechanisms pass horizontally through the side wall of the material delivery channel (42) and are connected to the ends of the two buffer blocks (71) that are far apart from each other. The two telescopic mechanisms (72) are used to synchronously drive the two buffer blocks (71) to move closer to each other to cut off the material delivery channel (42) and make the fracturing ball fall above them, or to synchronously drive the two buffer blocks (71) to move away from each other so that the fracturing ball falls through between them. The fracturing ball delivery device (1) includes a delivery pipe (11), a mounting base plate (12), a rotary drive device (13), a support plate (14), a turntable (15), and a ball cylinder (16). The delivery pipe (11) is vertically arranged, and its lower end is connected and communicates with the upper valve port of the upper discharge valve (2). The mounting base plate (12) and the support plate (14) are horizontally arranged and fitted and fixed on the delivery pipe (11). The support plate (14) is located above the mounting base plate (12), and the height of the upper surface of the support plate (14) is not lower than the height of the upper end of the delivery pipe (11). The rotary drive device (13) Installed on the upper end of the mounting base plate (12), its driving end passes through the support plate (14). The turntable (15) is horizontally set above the support plate (14), and its lower middle part is connected to the driving end of the rotary drive device (13). The turntable (15) is provided with multiple ball dropping holes at intervals along its circumference, and the distance between the ball dropping holes and the support plate (14) is smaller than the diameter of the fracturing ball. The ball cylinder (16) is connected to the upper end of each ball dropping hole. The rotary drive device (13) is used to drive the turntable (15) to rotate, and make the ball dropping holes rotate and move one by one to the upper end of the delivery pipe (11) above the pipe opening.

2. The ball-throwing device for fracturing a casing sliding sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a control system, which includes a controller (9), the first shut-off valve (51) is an electrically controlled shut-off valve, the pressure relief valve (61) is an electrically controlled pressure relief valve, the upper discharge valve (2) and the lower discharge valve (3) are both electrically controlled gate valves, and the controller (9) is electrically connected to the first shut-off valve (51), the pressure relief valve (61), the upper discharge valve (2) and the lower discharge valve (3) respectively.

3. The ball-throwing device for fracturing a casing sliding sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that: Pressure gauges (52) are respectively connected to the pipe sections located at both ends of the first shut-off valve (51) on the pressure balancing pipeline (5).

4. The ball-throwing device for fracturing a casing sliding sleeve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner walls on both sides of the material delivery channel (42) are respectively provided with outward protruding recessed areas, and the recessed areas correspond one-to-one with the buffer petals (71) to accommodate the buffer petals (71) that have moved away from each other.

5. The ball-throwing device for fracturing a casing sliding sleeve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The telescopic mechanism (72) includes a horizontally arranged cylindrical body (721), a piston (722), and a connecting rod (723). The cylindrical body (721) is vertically fixed to the outside of the material delivery channel (42). The piston (722) is sealed and assembled in the cylindrical body (721). One end of the connecting rod (723) passes through the side wall of the material delivery channel (42) and is connected to the corresponding buffer block (71). The other end passes through the cylindrical body (721) and is connected to the material delivery channel (42). One end of the cylinder (721) is connected and fixed to the corresponding end of the piston (722). An elastic element is provided between the piston (722) and the end of the cylinder (721) connected to the material feeding channel (42). The side wall of the cylinder (721) away from the material feeding channel (42) is provided with a fluid inlet and outlet that connects to the inner cavity of that end. The fluid inlet and outlet are connected to a pressure injection pipe (8) that passes through the side wall of the balance chamber (41). A second shut-off valve is provided on the section of the pressure injection pipe (8) that protrudes outside the balance chamber (41).

6. The ball-throwing device for fracturing a casing sliding sleeve according to claim 5, characterized in that: The elastic element is a spring, which is sleeved on the other end of the connecting rod (723), and its two ends are respectively abutted against one end of the piston (722) and the material feeding channel (42) of the cylinder (721).

7. A ball-throwing device for fracturing a casing sliding sleeve according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The lower end of the turntable (15) is provided with a roller assembly (151) that rolls in contact with the upper surface of the support plate (14).

8. A ball-throwing device for fracturing a casing sliding sleeve according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: Two rotary drive devices (13) and two turntables (15) are provided, and they correspond to each other one by one. The two turntables (15) are arranged side by side, and each of them has an arc-shaped notch (152) at its edge to allow the edge of the other to pass through during rotation. At least one of the turntables (15) has a notch (152) above the upper end of the delivery tube (11). The two rotary drive devices (13) operate alternately or one of them, and drive the corresponding turntable (15) to rotate. During the rotation, the outer edge of the turntable (15) passes through the notch (152) of the other turntable (15).

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