Multi-way reversing cycle valve and reversing method

Abstract

The application discloses a multiple-commutation circulating valve and a commutation method, and relates to the field of oil and gas well drilling tools.The multiple-commutation circulating valve comprises a pipe body structure and a commutation control mechanism, wherein the commutation control mechanism comprises a limiting sleeve, a commutation structure and an elastic structure; the outer wall surface of the commutation structure is provided with a guide limiting part, the inner wall surface of the limiting sleeve is provided with a guide limiting track, and the guide limiting part extends into the guide limiting track to form a guide limiting structure; the commutation structure can move along the axial direction of the pipe body structure and rotate along the circumferential direction of the pipe body structure under the pressure of fluid, the elastic force of the elastic structure and the guide limiting action of the guide limiting structure, so as to realize the switching of the multiple-commutation circulating valve between a forward jet mode, a commutation mode and a lateral jet mode.The application can complete the commutation operation on the ground by controlling the pressure change of fluid, and can control the commutation unlimited times without the need of lifting the tool to the ground for resetting after each commutation, so that the number of tripping is reduced, the operation time is shortened, and the operation cost is lowered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of drilling and completion tools for oil, gas and water wells, and in particular, to a multi-directional circulation valve and a reversing method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, downhole circulation valves are widely used in downhole operations such as drilling, wellbore cleaning, sandblasting, perforation, and gas lift, enabling downhole operations to be carried out without tubing, thereby improving downhole operation efficiency and safety.

[0003] Currently, the control methods for circulation valves are mainly divided into mechanical control, electro-hydraulic control, and differential pressure control. Mechanical control includes opening the bypass flow channel through methods such as sliding sleeve control, ball dropping control, and pin shearing control. It has a high success rate, but the circulation valve of mechanical control is a one-time start. After a single well operation, the tool must be lifted to the surface for reset or replacement before it can be put back into the well for operation again. At the same time, sliding sleeve control increases the aspect ratio of the tool, which affects its working ability in narrow wellbores. Electro-hydraulic control uses a motor or hydraulic pump to control the opening and closing of the circulation valve. It has a high degree of automation, but the tool structure is more complex and the cost is higher. Differential pressure control is often used in conjunction with mechanical control methods. A typical structure is a multi-ball dropping circulation valve. The number of times the circulation valve is opened and closed in a single well operation is controlled by the number of balls. After all the balls have fallen into the ball seat, the tool needs to be lifted to reset. It does not have unlimited repeatability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-reversing circulation valve and a reversing method to solve the technical problem that current circulation valves cannot simultaneously achieve one-time insertion and unlimited switching.

[0005] The above-mentioned objectives of the present invention can be achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0006] This invention provides a multi-directional circulation valve, comprising: a pipe body structure having an inflow channel for communicating with an upper downhole tool and an outflow channel for communicating with a lower downhole tool; the pipe body structure further comprising an installation channel, a plurality of first flow channels, and a plurality of second flow channels, the installation channel being connected to the inflow channel; wherein the input ends of the plurality of first flow channels and the input ends of the plurality of second flow channels are alternately distributed circumferentially on the pipe body structure and are connected to the installation channel; the output ends of the first flow channels are connected to the annulus between the pipe body structure and the wellbore; and the second flow channels... The output end is connected to the outflow channel; the reversing control mechanism includes a limiting sleeve, a reversing structure, and an elastic structure. The limiting sleeve is installed in the installation channel, and the reversing structure is installed in the limiting sleeve and connected to the pipe structure through the elastic structure; wherein, the outer wall surface of the reversing structure is provided with at least one guide limiting member, and the inner wall surface of the limiting sleeve is provided with a continuous guide limiting track in the circumferential direction of the pipe structure, and the guide limiting member extends into the guide limiting track to cooperate and form a guide limiting structure; the reversing structure is provided with multiple flow channels and multiple The sealing structure comprises an equal number of flow channels, sealing structures, first flow channels, and second flow channels. Multiple flow channels and sealing structures are alternately distributed circumferentially on the reversing structure, with their distribution angles matching the distribution angles between the input ends of the multiple first flow channels and the multiple second flow channels. The reversing structure can move axially and rotate circumferentially along the pipe structure under the pressure of the fluid in the inflow channel, the elastic force of the elastic structure, and the guiding and limiting action of the guiding and limiting structure. The multiple-direction circulation valve switches between forward jet mode, reversing mode, and lateral jet mode; in the forward jet mode, multiple flow channels connect to the input ends of multiple second flow channels and multiple sealing structures block the input ends of multiple first flow channels; in the reversing mode, multiple flow channels connect to the input ends of each first flow channel and each second flow channel through the installation channel; in the lateral jet mode, multiple flow channels connect to the input ends of multiple first flow channels and multiple sealing structures block the output ends of multiple second flow channels.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the output end of the first flow channel is arranged radially along the tube structure, and the output end of the second flow channel is arranged circumferentially along the tube structure.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, a jet nozzle is installed at the output end of the first flow channel.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the guide limiting track includes a plurality of guide limiting grooves, which are arranged and connected along the circumference of the tube structure. The guide limiting groove includes a first inclined groove, a second inclined groove, a lower limiting groove, and an upper limiting groove. The first inclined groove and the second inclined groove extend inclinedly from top to bottom relative to the axial direction of the tube structure toward each other. The lower ends of the first inclined groove and the second inclined groove are both connected to the lower limiting groove. The upper end of the second inclined groove and the upper end of the first inclined groove of the adjacent guide limiting groove are both connected to the upper limiting groove.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lower limiting groove is disposed along the extending direction of the second inclined groove, and the upper limiting groove is disposed along the extending direction of the first inclined groove.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing structure includes a sealing boss, and each of the first flow channels and the second flow channels is provided with a sealing cone hole that can cooperate with the sealing boss. The sealing cone hole is gradually narrowed along the fluid input direction.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the flow channels is provided with a flow guide cone hole at its input end, and the flow guide cone hole is gradually narrowed along the fluid input direction.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pipe structure includes an upper connector and a lower connector connected to each other. The upper connector is used to connect the upper downhole tool, and the lower connector is used to connect the upper downhole tool. The inflow channel is located inside the upper connector, and the outflow channel is located inside the lower connector. The installation channel is located at the upper end of the lower connector, and the lower connector has a lower limiting surface located at the bottom of the installation channel. The input ends of each first flow channel and each second flow channel are located on the lower limiting surface. The lower end of the upper connector is inserted into the installation channel, and the lower end of the upper connector has an upper limiting surface. The limiting sleeve abuts and is located between the upper limiting surface and the lower limiting surface. The reversing structure can move axially along the pipe structure between the upper limiting surface and the lower limiting surface.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lower end of the reversing structure is provided with an upper mounting groove, the lower limiting surface is provided with a lower mounting groove, an upper limit bolt is provided in the upper mounting groove, a lower limit bolt is provided in the lower mounting groove, the elastic structure is arranged along the axial direction of the pipe structure, the upper end of the elastic structure extends into the upper mounting groove and is connected to the upper limit bolt, and the lower end of the elastic structure extends into the lower mounting groove and is connected to the lower limit bolt.

[0015] The present invention also provides a switching method for a multi-directional circulating valve, used to operate the aforementioned multi-directional circulating valve for switching; the switching method includes: pumping fluid from the upper downhole tool into the multi-directional circulating valve, and controlling the pump pressure to switch the multi-directional circulating valve between the forward jet mode, the switching mode, and the lateral jet mode; wherein, when the multi-directional circulating valve is in the forward jet mode, the pump pressure is first controlled to decrease to switch the multi-directional circulating valve to the switching mode, and then the pump pressure is controlled to increase to switch the multi-directional circulating valve to the lateral jet mode; when the multi-directional circulating valve is in the lateral jet mode, the pump pressure is first controlled to decrease to switch the multi-directional circulating valve to the switching mode, and then the pump pressure is controlled to increase to switch the multi-directional circulating valve to the forward jet mode.

[0016] The features and advantages of this invention are:

[0017] The multi-directional circulation valve of this invention utilizes a limiting sleeve, a reversing structure, and an elastic structure to form a reversing control mechanism. This allows the reversing operation to be completed on the ground by controlling the pressure changes of the fluid. It can also control the reversing an unlimited number of times without having to lift the tool out of the ground and reset it after each reversal. This reduces the number of times the drill string needs to be pulled up and down, reduces operating time, and lowers operating costs. Unlike other ball-operated reversing valves, which require the tool to be pulled out and lowered again after the ball seat is full, this valve reduces non-productive time and lowers operating costs.

[0018] The switching method of the multi-directional circulating valve of the present invention controls the pressure of the fluid by controlling the pump pressure (i.e. the pressure of the pumped fluid), thereby enabling unlimited switching of multiple modes of the multi-directional circulating valve. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-directional circulation valve in this invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a bottom view showing the cooperation between the limiting sleeve and the reversing structure in this invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a side view of the cooperation between the limiting sleeve and the reversing structure in this invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a side view of the limiting sleeve in this invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded guide and limiting track in this invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the reversing structure in this invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a side sectional view of the reversing structure in this invention.

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] 1. Pipe body structure; 11. Upper connector; 111. Inflow channel; 112. Upper limit surface; 12. Lower connector; 121. Outflow channel; 122. First flow channel; 1221. Jet nozzle; 123. Second flow channel; 124. Installation channel; 125. Lower limit surface; 1251. Sealing cone hole; 1252. Lower mounting groove; 1253. Lower limit bolt; 13. Sealing element;

[0029] 2. Reversing control mechanism; 21. Limit sleeve; 211. Upper limit sleeve; 212. Lower limit sleeve; 22. Reversing structure; 221. Flow channel; 2211. Guide cone hole; 222. Blocking structure; 2221. Blocking boss; 223. Upper mounting groove; 224. Upper limit bolt; 23. Elastic structure; 231. Spring; 24. Guide limiting structure; 241. Guide limiting track; 2411. Guide limiting groove; 2412. First inclined groove; 2413. Second inclined groove; 2414. Upper limit groove; 2415. Lower limit groove; 242. Guide limiting component;

[0030] Z: Axial direction; X: Radial direction; Y: Circumferential direction; L: Fluid input direction. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Implementation Method 1

[0033] Combination Figures 1 to 3As shown, the present invention provides a multi-directional circulation valve, comprising: a pipe body structure 1, having an inflow channel 111 for communicating with an upper downhole tool and an outflow channel 121 for communicating with a lower downhole tool, and the pipe body structure 1 further having an installation channel 124, a plurality of first flow channels 122 and a plurality of second flow channels 123, the installation channel 124 being connected to the inflow channel 111; wherein, the input ends of the plurality of first flow channels 122 and the input ends of the plurality of second flow channels 123 are alternately distributed in the circumferential Y direction of the pipe body structure 1 and are connected to the installation channel 124, the output end of the first flow channel 122 is connected to the annulus between the pipe body structure 1 and the wellbore, and the output end of the second flow channel 123 is connected to the outflow channel 121; a reversing control mechanism 2, including a limiting sleeve 21, a reversing structure 22 and an elastic structure 23, the limiting sleeve 21 being installed in the installation channel 124; and a reversing control mechanism 2, including a limiting sleeve 21, a reversing structure 22 and an elastic structure 23, the limiting sleeve 21 being installed in the installation channel 124 and the second flow channel 123 being connected to the second flow channel 123; and a reversing control mechanism 2, including a limiting sleeve 21, a reversing structure 22 and an elastic structure 23, the limiting sleeve 21 being installed in the installation channel 124 and the second flow channel 123 being connected to the second flow channel 124. Within channel 124, a reversing structure 22 is installed within a limiting sleeve 21 and connected to the pipe structure 1 via an elastic structure 23. The outer wall of the reversing structure 22 is provided with at least one guide limiting member 242, and the inner wall of the limiting sleeve 21 is provided with a guide limiting track 241 on the circumferential Y direction of the pipe structure 1. The guide limiting member 242 extends into the guide limiting track 241 to form a guide limiting structure 24. The reversing structure 22 is provided with multiple flow channels 221 and multiple blocking structures 222. The number of flow channels 221, blocking structures 222, first flow channels 122, and second flow channels 123 are equal. The multiple flow channels 221 and multiple blocking structures 222 are alternately distributed on the circumferential Y direction of the pipe structure 1, and their distribution angle is the same as the distribution angle between the input ends of the multiple first flow channels 122 and the input ends of the multiple second flow channels 123.

[0034] The reversing structure 22 can move along the axial Z-axis and rotate along the circumferential Y-axis of the pipe structure 1 under the pressure of the fluid in the inflow channel 111, the elastic force of the elastic structure 23, and the guiding and limiting action of the guiding and limiting structure 24, thereby realizing the switching of the multiple reversing circulation valve between the forward jet mode, the reversing mode, and the lateral jet mode. In the forward jet mode, multiple flow channels 221 are connected to the input ends of multiple second flow channels 123, and multiple blocking structures 222 block the input ends of multiple first flow channels 122. In the reversing mode, multiple flow channels 221 are connected to the input ends of each first flow channel 122 and each second flow channel 123 through the installation channel 124. In the lateral jet mode, multiple flow channels 221 are connected to the input ends of multiple first flow channels 122, and multiple blocking structures 222 block the output ends of multiple second flow channels 123.

[0035] Combination Figures 1 to 3As shown, when the pressure of the incoming fluid is high, the reversing structure 22 can overcome the elastic force of the elastic structure 23 under the action of the fluid pressure and move downward along the axial direction Z of the pipe structure 1. Under the guidance of the guide limiting structure 24, it rotates along the circumferential direction Y of the pipe structure 1 towards the side closer to the first flow channel 122. This causes the multiple blocking structures 222 of the reversing structure 22 to block the input ends of the multiple first flow channels 122, while the multiple flow passages 221 are connected to the input ends of the multiple second flow channels 123. This allows the fluid in the inflow channel 111 to flow into the outflow channel 121 in sequence through the flow passages 221 and the second flow channels 123. At this time, the multiple reversing circulation valve is in the forward jet mode. The fluid pressure is high and it is only diverted to each of the second flow channels 123. Therefore, the flow velocity is high and a forward jet can be formed, which can drive the lower downhole tools to work.

[0036] Combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, when the pressure of the incoming fluid is high, the reversing structure 22 can overcome the elastic force of the elastic structure 23 under the action of the fluid pressure and move downward along the axial direction Z of the pipe structure 1. Under the guidance of the guide limiting structure 24, it rotates along the circumferential direction Y of the pipe structure 1 towards the side closer to the second flow channel 123. This causes the multiple blocking structures 222 of the reversing structure 22 to block the input ends of the multiple second flow channels 123 accordingly, while the multiple flow passages 221 are connected to the input ends of the multiple first flow channels 122. This allows the fluid in the inflow channel 111 to flow into the annulus between the pipe structure 1 and the wellbore in sequence through the flow passages 221 and the first flow channels 122. At this time, the multiple reversing circulation valve is in the lateral jet mode. The pressure of the fluid is high and it is only diverted to each of the first flow channels 122. Therefore, the flow velocity is high and a lateral jet can be formed, which can perform high-pressure jet cleaning on the wellbore.

[0037] Combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, when the pressure of the fluid flowing into the inflow channel 111 is relatively low, the reversing structure 22 can be positioned above the first flow channel 122 and the second flow channel 123 under the elastic force of the elastic structure 23, so that there is a flow gap between the reversing structure 22 and the input end of each first flow channel 122 and the input end of each second flow channel 123. Therefore, the fluid in the inflow channel 111 can flow into each first flow channel 122 and each second flow channel 123 in sequence through the flow channel 221 and the flow gap, and then flow out from each first flow channel 122 to the annulus between the pipe structure 1 and the wellbore, and flow out from each second flow channel 123 to the outflow channel 121. At this time, the multiple reversing circulation valve is in the reversing mode. Since the pressure of the fluid is relatively low and it is diverted to each first flow channel 122 and each second flow channel 123, the flow rate is low and cannot achieve the purpose of high-pressure jet cleaning and driving. It is only used as an intermediate mode for switching between the forward jet mode and the side jet mode.

[0038] In this invention, the direction from the wellhead to the bottom of the well is downward, and the direction from the bottom of the well to the wellhead is upward; the upper downhole tools include, but are not limited to, the upper coiled tubing, and the lower downhole tools include, but are not limited to, the lower coiled tubing; the fluid includes, but is not limited to, drilling fluid. This invention's multi-directional circulation valve is particularly suitable for use in horizontal wells. It utilizes fluid pressure variations to control the flow of drilling fluid within the coiled tubing and between the coiled tubing and the annulus. Depending on the underground operation, the fluid within the tubing is controlled to be injected upward or downward into the annulus, thereby increasing the suspension rate of cuttings within the annulus and improving wellbore cleaning efficiency. Of course, this invention's multi-directional circulation valve can also be applied to vertical wells, and will produce the same beneficial effects.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, for ease of installation, the pipe structure 1 includes an upper connector 11 and a lower connector 12 connected to each other. The upper connector 11 is used to connect to the upper downhole tool, and the lower connector 12 is used to connect to the upper downhole tool. The inflow channel 111 is located in the upper connector 11, and the outflow channel 121 is located in the lower connector 12. The installation channel 124 is located at the upper end of the lower connector 12, and the lower connector 12 is provided with a lower limiting surface 125 located at the bottom of the installation channel 124. The input ends of each first flow channel 122 and each second flow channel 123 are located on the lower limiting surface 125. The lower end of the upper connector 11 is inserted into the installation channel 124, and the lower end of the upper connector 11 is provided with an upper limiting surface 112. The limiting sleeve 21 abuts against the limiting surface between the upper limiting surface 112 and the lower limiting surface 125. The reversing structure 22 can move along the axial direction Z of the pipe structure 1 between the upper limiting surface 112 and the lower limiting surface 125.

[0040] The lower connector 12 has an installation channel 124 formed by an installation groove at its upper end. The bottom surface of the groove forms a lower limiting surface 125 that abuts against the lower end of the limiting sleeve 21, and can also abut against the lower end of the reversing structure 22 in both forward and side-jet modes. The upper end of the lower connector 12 has, from top to bottom, an internal thread, a first necked step surface, and a second necked step surface. The lower end of the upper connector 11 has an external thread that connects to the internal thread. The lower end of the upper connector 11 also has a sealing groove for installing a sealing element 13 (such as a sealing ring) to seal against the upper end of the upper connector 11. The first necked step surface abuts against the outer wall surface of the lower end of the upper connector 11, limiting the upper connector 11 in the axial Z direction.

[0041] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, the limiting sleeve 21 includes an upper limiting sleeve 211 and a lower limiting sleeve 212 arranged at intervals. The lower end of the upper limiting sleeve 211 and the upper end of the lower limiting sleeve 212 cooperate to form a guide limiting track 241. The lower end of the lower limiting sleeve 212 abuts against the lower limiting surface 125, while the outer wall surface of the upper limiting sleeve 211 abuts against the second necked step surface. The end face of the lower end of the upper connector 11 forms the upper limiting surface 112, which abuts against the upper end of the upper limiting sleeve 211, and can also abut against the upper end of the reversing structure 22 in the reversing mode. Of course, the limiting sleeve 21 can also be a cylindrical structure, with the guide limiting track 241 formed by slotting its inner wall surface.

[0042] In embodiments of the present invention, the length of the multi-directional circulation valve can be controlled to be 20cm to 50cm, and the outer diameter of the multi-directional circulation valve can vary with the length. For example, when the length is 20cm, the outer diameter can be 4.3cm; when the length is 30cm, the outer diameter can be 7.3cm.

[0043] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, to facilitate the installation of the elastic structure 23, the lower end of the reversing structure 22 is provided with an upper mounting groove 223, and the lower limiting surface 125 is provided with a lower mounting groove 1252. An upper limit bolt 224 is provided in the upper mounting groove 223, and a lower limit bolt 1253 is provided in the lower mounting groove 1252. The elastic structure 23 is arranged along the axial direction Z of the pipe structure 1. The upper end of the elastic structure 23 extends into the upper mounting groove 223 and connects to the upper limit bolt 224, while the lower end of the elastic structure 23 extends into the lower mounting groove 1252 and connects to the lower limit bolt 1253. The elastic structure 23 can be a spring 231. The upper end of the spring 231 is sleeved on the rod portion of the upper limit bolt 224 and abuts against the head of the upper limit bolt 224. The lower end of the spring 231 is sleeved on the rod portion of the lower limit bolt 1253 and abuts against the head of the lower limit bolt 1253.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the output end of the first flow channel 122 is arranged radially X along the pipe structure 1, so that the lateral jet formed by the fluid ejected from the output end of the first flow channel 122 in the lateral jet mode can impact the wellbore directly, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the wellbore. Specifically, a jet nozzle 1221 is installed at the output end of the first flow channel 122, which further increases the jetting speed of the lateral jet, thereby achieving a highly efficient cleaning effect of the annulus.

[0045] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the output end of the second flow channel 123 is set along the axial direction Z of the pipe structure 1, so that the forward jet formed by the fluid being ejected from the output end of the second flow channel 123 in the forward jet mode can better drive the lower downhole drilling tool to work.

[0046] The input ends of the first flow channel 122 and the second flow channel 123 are both arranged along the axial direction Z of the pipe structure 1. Each sealing structure 222 is arranged at the bottom of the reversing structure 22, so that the sealing structures 222 of the reversing structure 22 can be pressed down along the axial direction of the pipe structure 1 under the action of fluid pressure to reliably seal the input ends of each first flow channel 122 or each second flow channel 123.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the guide limiting track 241 includes a plurality of guide limiting grooves 2411. The plurality of guide limiting grooves 2411 are arranged and connected along the circumferential Y direction of the tube structure 1. The guide limiting groove 2411 includes a first inclined groove 2412, a second inclined groove 2413, a lower limiting groove 2415, and an upper limiting groove 2414. The first inclined groove 2412 and the second inclined groove 2413 extend inclinedly from top to bottom relative to the axial direction Z of the tube structure 1 in a direction closer to each other. The lower end of the first inclined groove 2412 and the lower end of the second inclined groove 2413 are both connected to the lower limiting groove 2415. The upper end of the second inclined groove 2413 and the upper end of the first inclined groove 2412 of the adjacent guide limiting groove are both connected to the upper limiting groove 2414.

[0048] Combination Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 5As shown, when the fluid pressure increases, the guide limiting member 242 moves from top to bottom along the first inclined groove 2412. The reversing structure 22 moves downward along the axial direction Z of the pipe structure 1 and rotates along the circumferential direction Y of the pipe structure 1 until the guide limiting member 242 moves from the lower end of the first inclined groove 2412 into the lower limiting groove 2415. The reversing structure 22 abuts against the lower limiting surface 125, and multiple blocking structures 222 block multiple first flow channels 122 or multiple second flow channels 123, thereby forming a forward jet mode or a side jet mode. If reversal is required, the fluid pressure is reduced, causing the guide limiting member 242 to move from bottom to top along the lower limiting groove 2415 and the second inclined groove 2413 in sequence. The reversing structure 22 moves upward along the axial direction Z of the pipe structure 1 and rotates along the circumferential direction Y of the pipe structure 1 until the guide limiting member 242 moves from the upper end of the second inclined groove 2413 into the lower limiting groove 2415. The upper limit groove 2414, the reversing structure 22 abuts against the upper limit surface 112, and the process is always in the reversing mode. Then, the control fluid pressure increases, the reversing structure 22 moves down along the axial direction Z of the pipe structure 1 and rotates along the circumferential direction Y of the pipe structure 1 until the guide limit member 242 moves from the lower end of the first inclined groove 2412 into the lower limit groove 2415, and the guide limit member 242 moves from top to bottom along another first inclined groove 2412. The reversing structure 22 moves down along the axial direction Z of the pipe structure 1 and rotates along the circumferential direction Y of the pipe structure 1 until the guide limit member 242 moves from the lower end of the first inclined groove 2412 into the corresponding lower limit groove 2415. The reversing structure 22 abuts against the lower limit surface 125 again. Multiple blocking structures 222 block multiple second flow channels 123 or multiple first flow channels 122, thereby forming a lateral jet mode or a forward jet mode.

[0049] The circumferential rotation direction of the reversing structure 22 remains constant, either always clockwise or always counterclockwise, and is related to the inclination direction of the first inclined groove 2412 and the second inclined groove 2413. If the first inclined groove 2412 is inclined clockwise relative to the axial direction Z from top to bottom, and the second inclined groove 2413 is inclined clockwise relative to the axial direction Z from bottom to top, then the circumferential rotation direction of the reversing structure 22 is clockwise; conversely, the circumferential rotation direction of the reversing structure 22 is counterclockwise. The direction of the jet pattern formed by the first switching of the reversing mode in the multi-reversing circulation valve is related to the relative position of the reversing structure 22 and the lower connector 12 in the circumferential Y direction. If each seal in the circumferential rotation direction of the reversing structure 22... If the blocking structure 222 is closest to the first flow channel 122, then the jet pattern formed by the first switching of the reversing mode of the multi-reversing circulation valve is a forward jet pattern. If the blocking structure 222 is closest to the second flow channel 123 in the circumferential rotation direction of the reversing structure 22, then the jet pattern formed by the first switching of the reversing mode of the multi-reversing circulation valve is a lateral jet pattern. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, during installation, the relative position of each blocking structure 222 to each first flow channel 122 and each second flow channel 123 can be controlled by controlling the relative position of the reversing structure 22 and the lower connector 12 in the circumferential Y direction. This can determine the direction of the jet pattern after the first switching, and thus determine the direction of the jet pattern after each subsequent switching.

[0050] Preferably, the lower limiting groove 2415 is provided along the extension direction of the second inclined groove 2413, and the upper limiting groove 2414 is provided along the extension direction of the first inclined groove 2412, so as to ensure that the guide limiting member 242 can smoothly move into the second inclined groove 2413 along the lower limiting groove 2415 and into the first inclined groove 2412 along the upper limiting groove 2414.

[0051] Combination Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, the number of each of the four components—flow channel 221, sealing structure 222, first flow channel 122, and second flow channel 123—is four. That is, the distribution angle between the four flow channels 221, four sealing structures 222, four first flow channels 122, and four second flow channels 123 is 90 degrees. Specifically, the four flow channels 221 and four sealing structures 222 are alternately distributed at 45-degree intervals on the positioning structure, and the four first flow channels 122 and four second flow channels 123 are alternately distributed at 45-degree intervals on the lower connector 12. Correspondingly, the guide limiting track 241 has eight guide limiting grooves 2411, allowing the reversing structure 22 to rotate one revolution around the circumference Y of the pipe structure 1, enabling the multiple reversing circulation valve to alternately form four forward jet patterns and four lateral jet patterns, with one reversing pattern formed between each forward jet pattern and each lateral jet pattern. The number of guide limiting members 242 is not specifically limited, but in order to ensure stability and facilitate arrangement, in this embodiment of the invention, the number of guide limiting members 242 is also four, which are arranged directly above the four blocking structures 222, so as not to interfere with the arrangement of the four flow channels 221. The guide limiting members 242 can be positioning pins, which are installed on the outer wall surface of the positioning structure by embedding or plugging.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the sealing structure 222 includes a sealing boss 2221. Each input end of the first flow channel 122 and each input end of the second flow channel 123 is provided with a sealing conical hole 1251 that mates with the sealing boss 2221. The sealing conical hole 1251 is tapered along the fluid input direction L. The mate between the sealing boss 2221 and the sealing conical hole 1251 improves the reliability of the sealing.

[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, each flow channel 221 has a guide cone hole 2211 at its input end. The guide cone hole 2211 is gradually narrowed along the fluid input direction L to guide the fluid flowing into the channel 111 into each flow channel 221.

[0054] Based on the above description and in combination Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the multi-directional reversing circulation valve of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0055] The multi-directional circulation valve of the present invention utilizes the limiting sleeve 21, the reversing structure 22, and the elastic structure 23 to form a reversing control mechanism 2. This allows the reversing operation to be completed on the ground by controlling the pressure change of the fluid. It can also control the reversing an unlimited number of times without having to lift the tool out of the ground and reset it after each reversal, thereby reducing the number of times the drill bit needs to be pulled up and down, reducing operation time, and lowering operating costs. Unlike other ball-operated reversing valves, which require the tool to be pulled out and lowered again after the ball seat is full, this valve reduces non-productive time and lowers operating costs.

[0056] The multi-directional circulation valve of the present invention can divert or divert all fluid to the annulus when the flow rate exceeds the rated parameters of downhole tools such as screw motors and drill bits, thereby protecting the downhole tools from damage.

[0057] The multi-directional circulation valve of the present invention can circulate particulate, fibrous and acidic fluids for plugging or acidizing operations. When circulating such fluids, the multi-directional circulation valve is controlled to switch to lateral jet mode, so that all the fluid flows through the first flow channel 122 to the annulus, thereby not damaging the downhole tools such as the Measurement While Drilling (MWD), Logging While Drilling (LWD), turbine and screw.

[0058] The multi-directional circulation valve of the present invention can switch to lateral jet mode when problems occur in wellbore cleaning, which can increase the discharge rate and improve the fluid transport capacity, thereby promoting the discharge of cuttings and preventing the formation of cuttings beds.

[0059] The multi-directional circulation valve of the present invention has a flow passage 221 for reversing located within the reversing structure 22. The upper connector 11 only needs to be provided with an inflow passage 111, and the lower connector 12 only needs to be provided with an outflow passage 121, a first flow channel 122, and a second flow channel 123. This maximizes the inner diameter of the upper connector 11 and the inner diameter of the lower connector 12, thereby maximizing the drilling fluid velocity and turbulence in the annulus and thus maximizing the cleaning efficiency. Furthermore, the pipeline flow design allows the fluid in the annulus to flow at the maximum velocity, reducing the high flow rate and high pressure required for the driving pump on the surface.

[0060] The multi-directional circulation valve of the present invention has multiple flow channels 221 located inside the reversing control mechanism 2 and controlled by the limiting sleeve 21. This allows its remote operation to be largely unaffected by changes in temperature, pressure, drilling mud type and density, and operating wellbore angle, allowing it to operate in almost any environment without any performance degradation.

[0061] The multi-directional circulation valve of the present invention can be used to circulate well kick out of the wellbore, ensure bottom hole pressure balance, and prevent well blowout.

[0062] Implementation Method 2

[0063] The present invention also provides a switching method for a multi-directional switching circulation valve, used to operate the multi-directional switching circulation valve to switch directions; the multi-directional switching circulation valve in this embodiment has the same specific structure, working principle and beneficial effects as the multi-directional switching circulation valve in embodiment one, and will not be described again here.

[0064] The reversing method of the present invention includes: pumping fluid from the upper downhole tool into a multi-reversing circulation valve, and switching the multi-reversing circulation valve between forward jet mode, reversing mode, and lateral jet mode by controlling the pump pressure; wherein, when the multi-reversing circulation valve is in forward jet mode, the pump pressure is first controlled to decrease to switch the multi-reversing circulation valve to reversing mode, and then the pump pressure is controlled to increase to switch the multi-reversing circulation valve to lateral jet mode; when the multi-reversing circulation valve is in lateral jet mode, the pump pressure is first controlled to decrease to switch the multi-reversing circulation valve to reversing mode, and then the pump pressure is controlled to increase to switch the multi-reversing circulation valve to forward jet mode.

[0065] The above descriptions are merely a few embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or variations to the embodiments of the present invention based on the content disclosed in the application documents without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-directional reversing circulation valve, characterized in that, include: The pipe structure includes an inflow channel for communication with an upper downhole tool and an outflow channel for communication with a lower downhole tool. The pipe structure also includes an installation channel, multiple first flow channels, and multiple second flow channels. The installation channel is connected to the inflow channel. The input ends of the multiple first flow channels and the input ends of the multiple second flow channels are alternately distributed circumferentially on the pipe structure and connected to the installation channel. The output ends of the first flow channels are connected to the annulus between the pipe structure and the wellbore, and the output ends of the second flow channels are connected to the outflow channel. A reversing control mechanism includes a limiting sleeve, a reversing structure, and an elastic structure. The limiting sleeve is installed in the installation channel, and the reversing structure is installed in the limiting sleeve and connected to the pipe structure through the elastic structure. The outer wall of the reversing structure is provided with at least one guide limiting member, and the inner wall of the limiting sleeve is provided with a continuous guide limiting track in the circumferential direction of the pipe structure. The guide limiting member extends into the guide limiting track to form the guide limiting structure. The reversing structure has multiple flow channels and multiple blocking structures. The number of flow channels, blocking structures, first flow channels, and second flow channels is equal. The multiple flow channels and multiple blocking structures are alternately distributed in the circumferential direction of the reversing structure, and their distribution angle is the same as the distribution angle between the input ends of the multiple first flow channels and the multiple second flow channels. The reversing structure can move axially along the pipe structure and rotate circumferentially along the pipe structure under the pressure of the fluid in the inflow channel, the elastic force of the elastic structure, and the guiding and limiting action of the guiding and limiting structure, thereby realizing the switching of the multiple reversing circulation valve between forward jet mode, reversing mode and lateral jet mode. In the forward jet mode, the multiple flow channels are connected to the input ends of the multiple second flow channels, and the multiple blocking structures block the input ends of the multiple first flow channels; In the reversing mode, the multiple flow channels are connected to the input end of each first flow channel and the input end of each second flow channel through the installation channel; In the lateral jet mode, multiple flow channels connect to the input ends of multiple first flow channels, and multiple blocking structures block the output ends of multiple second flow channels.

2. The multi-directional reversing circulation valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The output end of the first flow channel is arranged radially along the tube structure, and the output end of the second flow channel is arranged circumferentially along the tube structure.

3. The multi-directional reversing circulation valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A jet nozzle is installed at the output end of the first flow channel.

4. The multi-directional reversing circulation valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The guide limiting track includes multiple guide limiting grooves, which are arranged and connected along the circumference of the tube structure. Each guide limiting groove includes a first inclined groove, a second inclined groove, a lower limiting groove, and an upper limiting groove. The first inclined groove and the second inclined groove extend from top to bottom at an angle relative to the axial direction of the tube structure, and the lower ends of the first inclined groove and the second inclined groove are both connected to the lower limiting groove. The upper end of the second inclined groove and the upper end of the first inclined groove of the adjacent guide limiting groove are both connected to the upper limiting groove.

5. The multi-directional reversing circulation valve as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The lower limiting groove is provided along the extension direction of the second inclined groove, and the upper limiting groove is provided along the extension direction of the first inclined groove.

6. The multi-directional circulating valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing structure includes a sealing boss, and each of the first flow channels and the second flow channels is provided with a sealing cone hole that can cooperate with the sealing boss. The sealing cone hole is gradually narrowed along the fluid input direction.

7. The multi-directional circulating valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the flow channels has a flow guide cone at its input end, and the flow guide cone is gradually narrowed along the fluid input direction.

8. The multi-directional reversing circulation valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe structure includes an upper connector and a lower connector connected to each other. The upper connector is used to connect the upper downhole tool, and the lower connector is used to connect the upper downhole tool. The inflow channel is located in the upper connector, and the outflow channel is located in the lower connector. The installation channel is located at the upper end of the lower connector, and the lower connector has a lower limiting surface located at the bottom of the installation channel. The input ends of each first flow channel and each second flow channel are located on the lower limiting surface. The lower end of the upper connector is inserted into the installation channel, and the lower end of the upper connector has an upper limiting surface. The limiting sleeve abuts and is located between the upper limiting surface and the lower limiting surface. The reversing structure can move axially along the tube structure between the upper limiting surface and the lower limiting surface.

9. The multi-directional reversing circulation valve as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The reversing structure has an upper mounting groove at its lower end and a lower mounting groove at its lower limiting surface. An upper limit bolt is provided in the upper mounting groove and a lower limit bolt is provided in the lower mounting groove. The elastic structure is arranged along the axial direction of the pipe structure. The upper end of the elastic structure extends into the upper mounting groove and is connected to the upper limit bolt. The lower end of the elastic structure extends into the lower mounting groove and is connected to the lower limit bolt.

10. A reversing method for a multi-reversing circulation valve, characterized in that, For operating the multi-directional reversing circulation valve according to any one of claims 1-9 to perform reversal; the reversal method includes: Fluid is pumped from the upper downhole tool into the multi-directional circulation valve, and the multi-directional circulation valve switches between the forward jet mode, the reversing mode and the lateral jet mode by controlling the pump pressure; Wherein, when the multiple reversing circulation valve is in the forward jet mode, the pump pressure is first controlled to decrease and the multiple reversing circulation valve is switched to the reversing mode, and then the pump pressure is controlled to increase and the multiple reversing circulation valve is switched to the lateral jet mode. When the multi-reversing circulation valve is in the lateral jet mode, first control the pump pressure to decrease and switch the multi-reversing circulation valve to the reversing mode, then control the pump pressure to increase and switch the multi-reversing circulation valve to the forward jet mode.

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