Selectively activated friction reduction tools and methods

Abstract

A friction reducing tool is configured to be selectively activated downhole in response to a change in operating conditions of a flow of media. The valve assembly and the activation assembly are both positioned downstream of a power assembly that is configured to rotate a rotary valve section of the valve assembly if a medium flows through the tool. The activation assembly is configured to transition from a first position to a second position in the event of a change in media flow operating conditions. In the first position, the activation assembly provides a bypass flow path around the valve assembly for at least a portion of the flow of media, thereby preventing the valve assembly from generating any significant pressure pulses as the rotary valve section rotates. In the second position, the bypass flow path is closed such that all or a majority of the medium flows through the valve assembly, thereby creating significant pressure pulses.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] When drilling oil and gas wells, a downhole drilling motor and drill bit are attached to the end of a drill string. Most downhole drilling motors include a rotor that rotates within a stator. Rotation of the rotor provides vibration to an adjacent drill bit as it cuts through a subterranean formation to drill a wellbore. As the drill bit at the end of the drill string extends the wellbore deeper into the formation, the drill string slides through the upper portion of the wellbore. A friction reducing tool is sometimes attached to the drill string a distance above the drill bit (e.g., 800-1500 feet above the drill bit). The friction reducing tool provides vibration to the portion of the drill string above the friction reducing tool, thereby facilitating smoother movement of the drill string through the wellbore.

[0002] However, continuous operation of the friction reducing tool can not be desired, for example when the drill bit is drilling vertically from the surface. To address these issues, a selectively activated friction reducing tool can be introduced into the drill string to provide vibration to the drill string when the friction reducing tool is activated. Such a tool is disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a friction reducing tool disclosed herein in a resting mode.

[0004] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an activation assembly of the friction reducing tool in a first position.

[0005] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a rotating valve segment of the friction reducing tool.

[0006] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a stationary valve segment and activation assembly of the friction reducing tool.

[0007] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the friction reducing tool in a dynamic mode.

[0008] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the activation assembly in a second position.

[0009] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the friction reducing tool disposed within a wellbore. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The friction reduction tool of the present disclosure is configured to be selectively activated downhole in response to changes in operating conditions of a media flow through the tool. The friction reduction tool can include a valve assembly positioned downstream of a power assembly. The power assembly can rotate a segment of the valve assembly in response to the media flowing through the tool. In a static mode, the media flow through the valve assembly can not produce significant pressure pulses or water hammer. In a dynamic mode, the media flow through the valve assembly can produce pressure pulses or water hammer in a media flow string that is transmitted to a shock sub of a coiled tubing line or drill string to which the friction reduction tool is attached.

[0011] In some embodiments, the friction reduction tool can include an activation assembly. When the activation assembly is in a first position, the friction reduction tool operates in a static mode. When the activation assembly is in a second position, the friction reduction tool operates in a dynamic mode. The activation assembly can transition from the first position to the second position in response to certain media operating conditions adjustments or changes, such as an increased media flow rate or an increased media density. In the first position, the activation assembly can provide a bypass flow path around the valve assembly for at least a portion of the media flowing through the tool. When the activation assembly is in the first position, the media flowing through the bypass flow path limits or minimizes pressure pulses generated by the valve assembly, which places the friction reduction tool in the static mode. In the second position, the activation assembly can interrupt, prevent, or minimize the media flow through the bypass flow path, which results in all or substantially all of the media flowing through the tool flowing through the valve assembly, which generates pressure pulses and places the friction reduction tool in the dynamic mode.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the activation assembly includes one or more bypass ports that are open in the first position and substantially closed in the second position. For example, an increase in the flow rate or density of the media flowing through the tool can cause a sleeve of the activation assembly to slide from a default position to an engaged position, transitioning the activation assembly from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the sleeve of the activation assembly can close the one or more bypass ports in the engaged position. The closing of the one or more bypass ports can transition the friction reduction tool from the static mode to the dynamic mode.

[0013] Figure 1 One embodiment of a selectively activated friction reduction tool of the present disclosure is illustrated. The friction reduction tool 10 can include a power assembly 12, a valve assembly 14, and an activation assembly 16. The friction reduction tool 10 can also include a housing 18 having an inner bore, where the power assembly 12, the valve assembly 14, and the activation assembly 16 are disposed within the inner bore of the housing 18. The housing 18 can be formed of one or more housing segments, each housing segment including an inner bore.

[0014] Power assembly 12 can include any hydraulic motor or any other motor driven by a medium that is configured to rotate the rotating valve segment of valve assembly 14. In some embodiments, power assembly 12 can include a positive displacement motor, such as a Moineau motor or any progressive cavity positive displacement pump. In other embodiments, power assembly 12 can include a vane motor. In yet other embodiments, power assembly 12 can include a turbine. As used herein, "medium" means any liquid or gas, or any mixture, solution, or other combination of one or more liquids and / or one or more gases. Non-limiting examples of a medium include water-based drilling fluids, oil-based drilling fluids, compressible fluids, mists, nitrogen, and underbalanced mixtures of nitrogen in a liquid.

[0015] In the illustrated embodiment, power assembly 12 can include a positive displacement motor having a rotor 20 and a stator 22. Stator 22 can be fixed in the bore of housing 18. Rotor 20 can not have an axial or central bore therethrough. In one embodiment, rotor 20 can be a single lobe rotor and stator 22 can be a double lobe stator. Medium flowing through the bore of housing 18 flows through a cavity 24 between rotor 20 and stator 22, which causes rotor 20 to rotate within stator 22. In this manner, power assembly 12 includes rotor 20 that is configured to rotate as medium flows through power assembly 12.

[0016] Valve assembly 14 can include a rotating valve segment and a stationary valve segment, each of which includes at least one passage. The rotating valve segment can be configured to rotate with rotation of rotor 20, while the stationary valve segment remains fixed (i.e., does not rotate relative to housing 18). In the open position, the passages of the rotating valve segment are aligned with the passages of the stationary valve segment to allow medium to flow through the passages. In the restricted position, the passages of the rotating valve segment are not aligned (e.g., at least partially misaligned) with the passages in the stationary valve segment, thereby temporarily restricting any flow of medium through valve assembly 14.

[0017] In Figures 2-4In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary valve section of valve assembly 14 can include an adapter 26 and a rotary valve disk 30 disposed within an inner bore of adapter 26. A first end of adapter 26 can be configured for rotational connection to a portion of power assembly 12 to enable power assembly 12 to rotate adapter 26 and rotary valve disk 30. For example, the first end of adapter 26 can be configured for rotational connection to a downstream end of rotor 20 such that rotation of rotor 20 rotates adapter 26 and rotary valve disk 30. Adapter 26 can also include one or more ports 27 configured to allow media to flow from an annular space 36 formed between adapter 26 and housing 18 into the inner bore of adapter 26. In some embodiments, lateral ports 27 are distributed about the circumference of adapter 26 at different axial locations along the length of adapter 26, as illustrated. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Rotary valve disk 30 can include one or more channels 34 in fluid communication with the inner bore of adapter 26.

[0018] The stationary valve section can include a stationary valve disk 32 that engages rotary valve disk 30. Stationary valve disk 32 can include one or more channels 40. Stationary valve disk 32 can be directly or indirectly fixed to housing 18 such that stationary valve disk 32 does not rotate relative to housing 18. In the illustrated embodiment, shown by way of non-limiting example, stationary valve disk 32 can be at least partially fixed within an inner bore of activation body 28, which is fixed to housing 18, such that rotation of activation body 28 and stationary valve disk 32 relative to housing 18 is prevented. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many alternative embodiments of tool 10 can be configured to prevent rotation of stationary valve disk 32 relative to housing 18. In this manner, a valve flow path can be defined by annular space 36 about adapter 26, lateral ports 27 in adapter 26, the inner bore of adapter 26, channels 34 of rotary valve disk 30, and channels 40 of stationary valve disk 32. In the illustrated embodiment, rotor 20 is operably positioned upstream of valve assembly 14, with the rotary valve section positioned upstream of the stationary valve section. In other embodiments, the rotary valve section can be positioned downstream of the stationary valve section.

[0019] Referring to Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the rotor 20 causes rotation of the adapter 26 and the rotating valve disk 30. Continued flow of the media through the power assembly 12 causes the rotor 20, the adapter 26, and the rotating valve disk 30 to continue to rotate in the same direction; the direction of rotation of the rotating valve disk 30 does not change. The rotating valve disk 30 rotates relative to the stationary valve disk 32, which remains fixed and does not rotate relative to the housing 18. The relative rotation of the rotating valve disk 30 cycles the valve assembly 14 between an open position and a restricted position. In the open position, the passages 34 of the rotating valve disk 30 are aligned with one or more of the passages 40 of the stationary valve disk 32. In the restricted position, the passages 34 of the rotating valve disk 30 are at least misaligned with one or more of the passages 40 of the stationary valve disk 32. In other words, the valve flow path is open in the open position of the valve assembly 14 and is closed in the closed position of the valve assembly 14.

[0020] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of the first position of the activation assembly 16 is illustrated. In this first position, the activation assembly 16 provides a bypass flow path around the valve assembly 14 for a portion of the media flowing through the friction reduction tool 10. When the activation assembly 16 is in the first position, the remainder of the media can flow through the valve assembly 14, which places the friction reduction tool 10 in a stationary mode. In this manner, the activation assembly 16 can provide partial bypass around the valve assembly 14 when in the first position. The bypass flow path can have a larger cross-sectional area than the valve flow path. In some embodiments, due to the larger cross-sectional area of the bypass flow path, a majority of the media flowing through the friction reduction tool 10 can bypass the valve assembly 14 when the tool 10 is in the stationary mode. In other embodiments, all of the media flowing through the friction reduction tool 10 can bypass the valve assembly 14 in the stationary mode. In this manner, the activation assembly 16 can provide full bypass when in the first position. As used herein with respect to the bypass flow path, bypass flow, and / or bypass, “around” the valve assembly means any flow path that allows fluid to flow downstream beyond the location of the valve assembly within the friction reduction tool without flowing through the valve assembly (including separate components outside of, past, and / or proximate to the valve assembly).

[0021] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 4embodiment of activation assembly 16 can include an activation sleeve 48 disposed within the inner bore of activation body 28. Activation sleeve 48 and activation body 28 can each include one or more lateral bypass ports 50 and 52, respectively. A bypass flow path can be defined by annular space 38 between activation body 28 and housing 18, bypass port 52 of activation body 28, and bypass port 50 of activation sleeve 48. This bypass flow path can have a larger cross-sectional area than the valve flow path in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the bypass flow path can include any other flow path around valve assembly 14, with or without any bypass ports. For example, the bypass flow path can include an annular space between two components of activation assembly 16, without any bypass ports. Activation sleeve 48 can also include a restricted inner bore section 53 that forms a shoulder 62 within the inner bore of activation sleeve 48. Both restricted inner bore section 53 and shoulder 62 can be positioned downstream of bypass port 50. Restricted inner bore section 53 can provide a minimum cross-sectional flow area within friction reduction tool 10. All media flowing through the valve flow path and all media flowing through the bypass flow path are directed to and must flow through restricted inner bore section 53 of activation sleeve 48. In this manner, restricted inner bore section 53 can provide a nozzle through which all media flowing through friction reduction tool 10 must flow.

[0022] Activation assembly 16 can also include one or more shear mechanisms 54, one or more stop mechanisms 56, and one or more seals 58. Each shear mechanism 54 can extend from a lateral hole or recess in activation body 28 into a lateral hole or recess in activation sleeve 48. With activation assembly 16 in the first position, shear mechanisms 54 can be disposed upstream, downstream, or at least one upstream and at least one downstream of bypass ports in activation sleeve 48 and / or bypass ports in activation body 28. Shear mechanisms 54 can include shear pins, set screws, O-rings, spring-loaded ball arrangements, or any other mechanism configured to break or change position in response to a predetermined downstream force to allow activation sleeve 48 to slide relative to activation body 28. Each stop mechanism 56 can extend from a lateral hole or recess in the inner bore of activation body 28. Stop mechanisms 56 can include a ring, a swage, one or more set screws, or any other mechanism configured to limit downstream movement of activation sleeve 48 relative to activation body 28. Seals 58 can include O-rings or any other sealing element.

[0023] Referring again to Figure 2When the activation component 16 is in the first position, the activation sleeve 48 can be positioned within the inner bore of the activation body 28 such that the bypass port 50 of the activation sleeve 48 is aligned with the bypass port 52 of the activation body 28. In the first position, at least a portion of the medium flowing through the friction-reducing tool 10 can travel from the cavity 24 between the stator 22 and the rotor 20, through the annular space 36 between the adapter 26 and the housing 18, through the aforementioned bypass flow path, and into the confined inner bore section 53 of the activation sleeve 48. In some embodiments, when the activation component 16 is in the first position, most of the medium flowing through the friction-reducing tool 10 can flow through the bypass flow path. In other embodiments, when the activation component 16 is in the first stationary position, all the medium flowing through the friction-reducing tool 10 can flow through the bypass flow path. The seal 58 can prevent or minimize leakage between the bypass port 50 of the activation sleeve 48 and the bypass port 52 of the activation body 28.

[0024] The activation component 16 can be operatively positioned downstream of the rotor 20. In some embodiments, the activation component 16 can be operatively positioned downstream of the valve assembly 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the activation component 16 can be operatively positioned downstream of both the rotor 20 and the valve assembly 14.

[0025] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The medium flowing into the housing 18 of the friction-reducing tool 10 can flow into the cavity 24 between the stator 22 and the rotor 20. The medium flowing through the cavity 24 causes the rotor 20 to rotate, thereby causing the valve assembly 14 to circulate between an open position and a closed position by rotating the adapter 26 and the valve disc 30 relative to the stationary valve disc 32. The medium leaving the cavity 24 can flow into the annular space 36 surrounding the adapter 26. With the activation sleeve 48 in the first position, all or part of the medium in the annular space 36 can flow through a bypass flow path (which includes the annular space 38 surrounding the activation body 28, the bypass port 52 of the activation body 28, and the bypass port 50 of the activation sleeve 48) and can continue to flow through the confined inner bore section 53 of the activation sleeve 48. In this way, at least a portion of the medium flowing through tool 10 bypasses the valve flow path of valve assembly 14, which includes the lateral port 27 of adapter 26, the inner bore of adapter 26, the channel 34 of rotating valve disc 30, and the channel 40 of stationary valve disc 32. If any medium flows into the valve flow path from the annular space 36, the continuous medium flow through the open bypass flow path provided by activation component 16 in the first position minimizes or completely prevents any pressure pulses or water hammer associated with interruptions in the medium flow in the valve flow path when valve assembly 14 circulates between open and closed positions. In this way, when medium flows through tool 10 in stationary mode, the bypass flow path provided by activation component 16 prevents friction-reducing tool 10 from generating any pressure pulses, or minimizes any pressure pulses generated. In other words, the bypass flow path limits any pressure pulses generated by friction-reducing tool 10 in the stationary position to only insignificant pressure pulses. As used herein, a “non-significant” pressure pulse is a pressure pulse of such magnitude that it does not cause stretching or retraction of the continuous tubing, or activate axial movement of any other part of the vibratory joint or drill string connected to the friction-reducing tool 10. For example, but not as a limitation, a non-significant pressure pulse generated by the friction-reducing tool 10 in stationary mode may be limited to less than 200 psi or less than 100 psi.

[0026] Activation component 16 can be configured to activate the friction reduction tool 10 by transferring the friction reduction tool 10 from the friction reduction tool 10 to ... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The static mode shown transforms to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The dynamic mode shown selectively activates the friction-reducing tool 10. Selective activation can be achieved by changing the activation component 16 from a first position, which is its default position, to a second position. In some embodiments, activation can be reversed by changing the activation component 16 from the second position to the first position. In other embodiments, activation may be irreversible.

[0027] refer toFigure 2 and Figure 6 The pressure differential generated by the medium flow through the inner bore 60 of the activation sleeve 48 (including through the restricted inner bore section 53) can exert downstream forces on the shoulders 62 and 64 of the activation sleeve 48. The shearing mechanism 54 can be configured to hold the activation sleeve 48 in place. Figure 2 The first position shown is until a predetermined maximum downstream force is applied to shoulders 62 and 64. The shear mechanism 54 can be configured to break when a pressure differential applies a downstream force exceeding this maximum downstream force to shoulders 62 and 64 of the activation sleeve 48. After the shear mechanism 54 breaks, the activation sleeve 48 is allowed to slide within the inner bore of the activation body 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the restricted inner bore section 53 and shoulder 62 are integrally formed with the inner bore 60 of the activation sleeve 48. In other embodiments, the restricted inner bore section 53 and shoulder 62 can be provided by a separate component secured to the activation sleeve 48 via a sufficiently strong connection to maintain the connection between the separate component and the activation sleeve 48 when the downstream force acting on shoulder 62 exceeds the maximum predetermined downstream force causing the shear mechanism 54 to break, such that the separate component slides together with the activation sleeve 48 within the activation body 28.

[0028] To selectively activate the friction-reducing tool 10, the user can alter the operating conditions of the medium flowing through it to increase the downstream force on the shoulders 62 and 64 of the activation sleeve 48 above a predetermined maximum downstream force associated with the shearing mechanism 54. For example, the downstream force on shoulders 62 and 64 and the pressure differential across the activation assembly 16 can be increased by increasing the flow rate of the medium, by increasing the density of the medium, or by increasing both the flow rate and the density of the medium. Each of these changes in operating conditions results in an increase in the downstream force applied to shoulders 62 and 64. Once the friction-reducing tool 10 is activated by breaking the shearing mechanism 54, the continuous flow of the medium through the tool 10 can apply a continuous downstream force to the shoulders 62, causing the activation sleeve 48 to slide downstream within the inner bore of the activation body 28 until the activation sleeve 48... Figure 6 The second position engagement stop mechanism 56 is shown in the figure.

[0029] Figure 5 and Figure 6The illustration shows the activation component 16 in its second position after activation. Moving the activation component 16 to the second position places the friction reduction tool 10 in dynamic mode. In this second position, the activation sleeve 48 is positioned within the bore of the activation body 28 such that the bypass port 50 of the activation sleeve 48 is not aligned with the bypass port 52 of the activation body 28. For example, the activation sleeve 48 may block the bypass port 52 of the activation body 28. In this way, the bypass flow path can be substantially closed or blocked in the second position of the activation component 16. In this position, the seal 58 can prevent or minimize leakage between the activation sleeve 48 and the bypass port 52 of the activation body 28. In some embodiments, minimal leakage through the bypass flow path is possible without affecting the function of the friction reduction tool 10. The stop mechanism 56 can prevent further downhole axial movement of the activation sleeve 48 through the second position in which the activation sleeve 48 closes the bypass flow path.

[0030] Because the bypass flow path is substantially closed or blocked when the activation sleeve 48 is in the second position, all or most of the medium flowing from cavity 24 into annular space 36 can flow through the valve flow path of valve assembly 14. In this position, the rotation of rotor 20 in response to the medium flowing through cavity 24 causes valve assembly 14 to cycle between open and closed positions. In the open position, medium is allowed to flow through the valve flow path of valve assembly 14. However, in the closed position, the misaligned channels 34 and 40 of rotating valve disc 30 and stationary valve disc 32 temporarily constrain or limit the flow of medium through the valve flow path. When the medium flows through the valve flow path of valve assembly 14 with activation assembly 16 in the second position, the cycle between the open and closed positions of valve assembly 14 generates significant repetitive pressure pulses or water hammer in the medium flow column (i.e., the medium column formed within friction reduction tool 10 and its attached drill string or continuous pipeline). In this way, friction reduction tool 10 generates significant pressure pulses when the medium flows through tool 10 in dynamic mode after activation of activation assembly 16. As used herein, a “significant” pressure pulse or water hammer is a pressure pulse or water hammer of sufficient magnitude to stretch or retract a continuous tubing string, or to activate axial movement of another portion of the friction-reducing tool 10 to which the vibratory joint or drill string is attached. For example, but not as a limitation, a significant pressure pulse can be greater than 200 psi or greater than 300 psi. Whether a pressure pulse of a certain magnitude is significant can depend on the design and construction of a particular embodiment of the friction-reducing tool and the surrounding portions of the continuous tubing string or drill string, such as the vibratory joint.

[0031] In some alternative embodiments, the activation sleeve of the activation component 16 may be disposed around the outer surface of the activation body, wherein the activation sleeve changes from a first position to a second position, in the first position the activation sleeve keeps one or more bypass ports of the activation body open, and in the second position the activation sleeve closes one or more bypass ports of the activation body.

[0032] Therefore, when the activation component 16 is in the first or second position (i.e., in the static or dynamic mode of the friction reduction tool 10), the medium flowing through the chamber 24 causes the rotor 20 and the rotating valve section of the valve assembly 14 to rotate. However, the bypass flow path provided by the activation component 16 in the first position minimizes or eliminates the amount of medium flowing through the valve flow path of the valve assembly 14, so that the cycle of the valve assembly 14 between the open and closed positions does not generate any significant pressure pulses in the static mode of the friction reduction tool 10. As the activation component 16 changes to the second position, activating the friction reduction tool 10 to the dynamic mode, the bypass flow path is completely closed or at least substantially closed, causing all or substantially all of the medium to flow through the valve flow path of the valve assembly 14, thereby generating significant pressure pulses as the valve assembly 14 cycles between the open and closed positions.

[0033] Now for reference Figure 7 The friction reduction tool 10a can be placed into a wellbore 64 extending into the subsurface formation 65. The friction reduction tool 10a is secured to the drill string 66 by being threadedly connected to the vibration assembly 68a and the drill string 66. Upon initial deployment, the friction reduction tool 10a can be in a stationary mode. In the stationary mode, at least a portion of the medium flowing through the friction reduction tool 10a will flow through a bypass flow path provided by the activation assembly 16 of the friction reduction tool 10a in its first position. Therefore, at least a portion of the medium flowing through the drill string 66 will bypass the valve assembly 14 of the friction reduction tool 10a, thereby allowing only insignificant pressure pulses to be generated by the circulation of the valve assembly 14 between the open and closed positions. In some embodiments, a portion of the medium flowing through the friction reduction tool 10a in the stationary mode can flow through the valve assembly 14 circulating between the open and closed positions without generating any significant pressure pulses, i.e., no pressure pulses sufficient to activate the adjacent vibration assembly 68a.

[0034] By increasing the pressure differential across the shoulders 62 and 64 of the activation sleeve 48 within the friction reduction tool 10a, the friction reduction tool 10a can be selectively activated from a static mode to a dynamic mode. This selective activation can be achieved by increasing the flow rate, increasing the density, or both the flow rate and density of the medium flowing through the drill string 66. For example, the user can increase the medium density by introducing a higher-density medium from the pill into the drill string 66 for a period of time. The increased medium flow rate or increased medium density, or both, can increase the pressure drop across the activation sleeve 48 and apply an increased downstream force across the shoulders 62 and 64 of the activation sleeve 48 within the friction reduction tool 10a. The increase in pressure drop and downstream force resulting from the adjustment of specific medium conditions is determined by the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle, which is provided by the inner bore of the activation sleeve 48 of the tool upstream of shoulder 62 and the reduced inner bore section 53 of the activation sleeve 48 of the tool downstream of shoulder 62. When the increased downstream force exceeds a predetermined maximum limit, the shear mechanism 54 within the friction reduction tool 10a can break, allowing the activation sleeve 48 to move downstream to a second position, in which the bypass flow path is blocked or closed. In this way, the friction reduction tool 10a can be selectively activated from a static mode to a dynamic mode. Once the friction reduction tool 10a is activated and placed in dynamic mode, all or most of the medium flowing through it will flow through the valve assembly 14, generating significant pressure pulses or water hammer as the valve assembly 14 cycles between open and closed positions. The resulting significant pressure pulses or water hammer can be transmitted to the drill string 66 (or coiled tubing) to which the friction reduction tool 10a is connected. The repeated significant pressure pulses generate axial movement that can cause a portion of the vibration assembly 68a (or stretching and retraction in the coiled tubing to which the friction reduction tool 10a is connected), thereby promoting axial vibration and facilitating the movement of the drill string through the wellbore 64. Vibration can reduce friction between the outer surface of the drill string and the inner surface of the wellbore 64.

[0035] In some embodiments, the vibration assembly 68a may be connected to the upstream end of the friction reduction tool 10a. When the vibration assembly 68a is present, it may promote relative axial movement of the drill string 66 above the friction reduction tool 10a relative to the drill string 66 downstream of the friction reduction tool 10a, thereby causing the drill string 66 above the friction reduction tool 10a to vibrate.

[0036] In some embodiments, only friction-reducing tool 10a may be deployed within the wellbore 64. In other embodiments, two or more friction-reducing tools, such as friction-reducing tool 10a and friction-reducing tool 10b, may be deployed within the wellbore 64, such as... Figure 7As shown. In some embodiments, both friction-reducing tools 10a and 10b can be activated from a static mode to a dynamic mode by a single adjustment of the media operating conditions. This simultaneous activation of the two friction-reducing tools 10a and 10b can be achieved when the nozzles provided by the reduced inner bore section 53 of the activation sleeve 48 of each tool have the same cross-sectional area.

[0037] Alternatively, each friction-reducing tool 10a and 10b can be configured to be activated by different values ​​adjusted by the media operating conditions by designing the nozzles provided by the confined inner bore section 53 of the activation sleeve 48 of each tool to have different cross-sectional areas. For example, the downstream friction-reducing tool 10a can be configured to be activated before the upstream friction-reducing tool 10b. In this embodiment, a small increase in media flow rate and / or media density will activate the friction-reducing tool 10a, while activating the friction-reducing tool 10b will require a larger increase in media flow rate and / or media density. This configuration can be achieved by designing the nozzle size provided by the confined inner bore section 53 of the activation sleeve 48 of the friction-reducing tool 10a to be smaller than the nozzle size provided by the confined inner bore section 53 of the activation sleeve 48 of the friction-reducing tool 10b. In another example, the upstream friction-reducing tool 10b can be configured to be activated before the downstream friction-reducing tool 10a. In this embodiment, a small increase in medium flow rate and / or medium density will activate friction reducing tool 10b, while activating friction reducing tool 10a will require a larger increase in medium flow rate and / or medium density. This configuration can be achieved by designing the nozzle size disposed within the activation sleeve 48 of friction reducing tool 10b to be smaller than the nozzle disposed within the activation sleeve 48 of friction reducing tool 10a. Therefore, two or more friction reducing tools 10 can be configured to be activated in any order within a drill string or continuous tubing, regardless of the position of each friction reducing tool.

[0038] In some embodiments, the downstream friction reduction tool 10a may be introduced into the wellbore in dynamic mode, while one or more upstream friction reduction tools 10b are introduced into the wellbore in static mode, such that these upstream friction reduction tools 10b can be activated by adjusting one or more media operating conditions while positioned in the wellbore. Alternatively, a conventional friction reduction tool that operates only in dynamic mode to generate significant pressure pulses when media flows through it may be placed in the drill string 66, between the downhole selectively activated friction reduction tool 10a and the bottomhole assembly 70.

[0039] As used herein, “above” and any other indication of higher altitude or latitude also refer to upstream, and “below” and any other indication of lower altitude or latitude also refer to downstream. As used herein, “downhole string” should include a series of drill strings or segments and continuous pipelines, as well as any components attached thereto, including but not limited to vibration assemblies or vibration joints.

[0040] While preferred embodiments have been described, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative, and the scope of the invention will be defined only by the appended claims (which, when given the full scope of equivalents, many variations and modifications that would naturally conceive of by those skilled in the art upon review of the invention).

Claims

1. A downhole friction reduction tool, comprising: Power components; A valve assembly operably connected downstream of the power assembly, the valve assembly including a rotary valve section and a stationary valve section; and An activation component, operably connected downstream of the power assembly, wherein, in a first position, the activation component provides a bypass flow path around the valve assembly for at least a portion of the medium flow through the power assembly, wherein the activation component is configured to change from the first position to a second position in response to a change in the operating conditions of the medium flow, wherein, in the second position of the activation component, the bypass flow path is substantially closed. The power assembly is configured to rotate the rotary valve section relative to the stationary valve section as the medium flows through it, and the valve assembly is configured to generate a significant pressure pulse in the medium flow column only when the activation assembly is in the second position, as the rotary valve section rotates.

2. The downhole friction reduction tool according to claim 1, wherein the change in the operating conditions of the medium flow is an increase in the flow velocity of the medium flow.

3. The downhole friction reduction tool according to claim 1, wherein the change in the operating conditions of the medium flow is an increase in the density of the medium in the medium flow.

4. The downhole friction reduction tool according to claim 1, wherein, The power assembly includes a Moino motor having a single-lobed rotor and a double-lobed stator.

5. The downhole friction reduction tool according to claim 1, wherein, The power component is configured to rotate the rotary valve section when the activation component is in the first position and the second position.

6. The downhole friction reduction tool according to claim 1, wherein, When the activation component is in the first position, less than all of the medium flow through the power component flows through the bypass flow path, and the remainder of the medium flow flows through the valve assembly; wherein, when the activation component is in the second position, substantially all of the medium flow through the power component flows through the valve assembly.

7. The downhole friction reduction tool according to claim 1, wherein, When the activation component is in the first position, the entire medium flow through the power component flows through the bypass flow path; wherein, when the activation component is in the second position, substantially all of the medium flow through the power component flows through the valve assembly.

8. The downhole friction reduction tool according to claim 1, wherein, The bypass flow path includes one or more bypass ports, which are open in the first position of the activation component and closed in the second position of the activation component.

9. The downhole friction reduction tool of claim 8, wherein the activation component includes a sleeve, wherein the sleeve closes the one or more bypass ports in the second position of the activation component.

10. The downhole friction reduction tool according to claim 9, wherein, The sleeve includes one or more bypass openings that are aligned with one or more bypass ports in the first position of the activation component and not aligned with one or more bypass ports in the second position of the activation component.

11. A downhole friction reduction tool, comprising: A power assembly, the power assembly including a positive displacement motor having a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor does not include an axial bore; The rotor rotates within the stator as a medium flows through the power assembly; A valve assembly operably connected to the rotor; and An activation component, operably connected downstream of the rotor, wherein, in a first position, the activation component provides a bypass flow path around the valve assembly for at least a portion of the medium flow, wherein the activation component is configured to change from the first position to a second position in response to a change in the operating conditions of the medium flow, wherein, in the second position of the activation component, the bypass flow path is substantially closed. The valve assembly is configured to generate a significant pressure pulse in the medium flow column only when the activation component is in the second position, as the rotor rotates.

12. The downhole friction reduction tool according to claim 11, wherein, The rotor is a single-lobe rotor.

13. The downhole friction reduction tool according to claim 11, wherein, When the activation component is in the first position and the second position, the rotary valve section of the valve assembly rotates with the rotation of the rotor.

14. The downhole friction reduction tool of claim 11, wherein the change in the operating conditions of the medium flow is an increase in the flow rate of the medium flow.

15. The downhole friction reduction tool of claim 11, wherein the change in the operating conditions of the medium flow is an increase in the density of the medium in the medium flow.

16. The downhole friction reduction tool according to claim 11, wherein, The bypass flow path includes one or more bypass ports, which are open in the first position of the activation component and closed in the second position of the activation component.

17. The downhole friction reduction tool of claim 16, wherein the activation component includes a sleeve, wherein the sleeve closes the one or more bypass ports in the second position of the activation component.

18. A method for selectively generating pressure pulses in a downhole column, comprising the following steps: a) Provide one or more selectively activated friction-reducing tools, each comprising: a power assembly; a valve assembly operably connected downstream of the power assembly, the valve assembly including a rotary valve section and a stationary valve section; and an activation assembly operably connected downstream of the power assembly, wherein, in a first position, the activation assembly provides a bypass flow path around the valve assembly for at least a portion of a medium flow, wherein the activation assembly is configured to transition from the first position to a second position in response to a change in operating conditions of the medium flow, wherein, in the second position of the activation assembly, the bypass flow path is substantially closed; wherein the power assembly is configured to rotate the rotary valve section relative to the stationary valve section as the medium flows through the power assembly; wherein the valve assembly is configured to generate a significant pressure pulse in the medium flow column only when the activation assembly is in the second position, as the rotary valve section rotates; b) When the activation component is in the first position, secure one or more friction-reducing tools between sections of the downhole string; wherein the downhole string includes a drill string or a continuous pipeline; c) Lower the downhole string and the one or more friction-reducing tools into the wellbore; d) Pumping medium through the downhole string and the one or more friction reduction tools; wherein the medium causes the power assembly of each friction reduction tool to rotate the rotary valve section of the valve assembly; wherein when the activation assembly is in the first position, at least a portion of the medium flows through the bypass flow path around the valve assembly; wherein, when the activation assembly is in the first position, the valve assembly does not generate significant pressure pulses; e) Selectively activating an activated friction-reducing tool selected from one or more friction-reducing tools positioned within the wellbore by altering the operating conditions of the medium, to change the activation component of the activated friction-reducing tool from a first position to a second position, in which the bypass flow path is substantially closed; and f) With the activation component of the activated friction reduction tool in the second position, continue pumping medium through the downhole string and the one or more friction reduction tools; wherein the medium continues to cause the power component to rotate the rotary valve section of the valve assembly, and in the activated friction reduction tool with the activation component in the second position, substantially all the medium flows through the valve assembly; wherein the rotation of the rotary valve section of the valve assembly in the activated friction reduction tool generates a significant pressure pulse transmitted to the downhole string.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein changing the operating conditions of the medium in step (e) includes increasing the flow rate of the medium.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein changing the operating conditions of the medium in step (e) includes increasing the density of the medium.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein in step (f), the generated significant pressure pulse stretches the drill string, the vibratory joint connected to the drill string, or the continuous pipeline to generate axial vibration.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein, In step (e), the activation component of the activated friction reduction tool is changed from the first position to the second position by sliding the sleeve of the activation component to a position where the sleeve closes one or more bypass ports of the activation component to close or limit the bypass flow path.

23. The method according to claim 18, wherein, In step (b), the one or more friction reduction tools include a downhole tool and an upstream tool, both of which are fixed inside the downhole string, and the downstream tool is located downstream of the upstream tool; In step (e), the upstream tool is selectively activated by the change in the operating conditions of the medium, while the downstream tool is not selectively activated. In step (f), the upstream tool generates a significant pressure pulse, while the downstream tool does not generate a significant pressure pulse.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of: g) After the upstream tool has been activated, the downstream tool located in the wellbore is selectively activated by a second change in the operating conditions of the medium; and h) With the activation component of each of the downstream tool and the upstream tool in the second position, continue pumping the medium through the downhole string, the upstream tool and the downstream tool; The medium continues to cause the power assembly to rotate the rotary valve section of each of the downstream and upstream tools to generate significant pressure pulses using both the downstream and upstream tools.

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