Sleeve assemblies with threaded collar and related kits and methods

Abstract

Sleeve assemblies are provided herein. In some embodiments, the sleeve assembly comprises a tubular housing; an actuatable inner sleeve that is axially movable within the housing between an uphole position and a downhole position; and a rotatable collar threadedly engaged with the inner sleeve, wherein the rotatable collar is rotatable with respect to the tubular housing and the inner sleeve; and wherein rotation of the rotatable collar unthreads the inner sleeve to move the inner sleeve axially from the downhole position to the uphole position. Embodiments of the sleeve assemblies may thereby be re-closed after opening. Also provided are related kits and methods.

Description

SLEEVE ASSEMBLIES WITH THREADED COLLAR AND RELATED KITS AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional No. 63 / 511 ,931 , filed July 5, 2023, the entire content of which is herein incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to downhole tool operations. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to sleeve assemblies and related kits and methods for wellbore completion.BACKGROUND

[0003] In staged wellbore completion operations, a wellbore is drilled to intersect a subterranean formation, and the formation is divided into multiple zones that are treated in isolation. Flow control valves such as sleeve assemblies are used to selectively establish fluid communication between a bore of a tubular wellbore string, such as a casing string or completion string, and the formation. Conventional sleeve assemblies comprise a tubular housing with a plurality of flow ports and an inner sleeve configured to slide axially with respect to the tubular housing to open the flow ports. Multiple sleeve assemblies are typically spaced along the casing string to establish fluid communication with different zones of interest along the wellbore.

[0004] Sleeve assemblies are typically run downhole with the inner sleeve in a closed position (i.e., blocking the flow ports of the tubular housing). The inner sleeve is then actuated to an open position (i.e., exposing the flow ports) via a balldrop or a more complex actuation tool such as an active dart. The ball or dart may be introduced into the casing string at surface and may engage a correspondingseat of a target sleeve assembly. With the ball or dart obstructing fluid flow through the target sleeve assembly, the pressure in the casing bore then increases to shift the inner sleeve in the downhole direction to expose the flow ports.

[0005] Under some circumstances, it may be desirable to re-close a given sleeve assembly. For example, a sleeve assembly may be prematurely opened if the actuation device, such as an active dart, activates too soon and actuates the wrong sleeve assembly. However, in conventional sleeve assemblies, the shift of the inner sleeve from the closed position to the open position is irreversible, and the inner sleeve cannot be shifted back to the closed position. On the other hand, some sleeve assemblies can be re-closed but may have issues with inadvertent closure. For example, a sleeve may be inadvertently re-closed during flowback of the well if the ball or dart becomes stuck in the seat. In some cases, the operator may not even be aware of the inadvertent closure to be able to remedy it, potentially resulting in that stage remaining closed during production.SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, there is provided a sleeve assembly for a wellbore, comprising: a tubular housing defining an axial bore and at least one flow port extending from the axial bore to an outer surface of the tubular housing; an actuatable inner sleeve received within the tubular housing and comprising an uphole portion and a downhole portion, the inner sleeve being axially moveable with respect to the tubular housing between an uphole position and a downhole position, wherein the inner sleeve inhibits fluid flow through the at least one flow port when the inner sleeve is in the uphole position and permits fluid flow through the at least one flow port when the inner sleeve is in the downhole position; a rotatable collar threadedly engaged with the downhole portion of the inner sleeve when the inner sleeve is in the downhole position, and wherein the rotatable collar is rotatable with respect to the tubular housing and the inner sleeve; and wherein rotation of the rotatable collar unthreads the inner sleeve to move the inner sleeve axially from the downhole position to the uphole position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sleeve assembly further comprises a split ring received within the tubular housing and positioned around the inner sleeve uphole of the rotatable collar.

[0008] In some embodiments, the tubular housing defines a recessed section in an internal surface thereof that receives the split ring when the inner sleeve is in the downhole position such that the split ring expands, and wherein the presence of the expanded split ring in the recessed portion prevents axial movement of the rotatable collar in the uphole direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sleeve assembly further comprises at least one anti-rotation device engaging the inner sleeve to inhibit rotation of the inner sleeve with respect to the tubular housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, the inner sleeve comprises at least one axially extending elongate groove in an outer surface thereof, and wherein each antirotation device of the at least one anti-rotation device extends through the tubular housing into a respective axially extending elongate groove of the at least one axially extending elongate groove.

[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one anti-rotation device comprises a torque pin or an anti-rotation screw.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sleeve assembly further comprises an edge seal received within the tubular housing and positioned uphole of the inner sleeve such that the inner sleeve abuts the edge seal when the inner sleeve is in the uphole position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the rotatable collar further comprises a tool engagement feature.

[0014] In some embodiments, the tool engagement feature comprises a plurality of projections extending axially outward from the rotatable collar, the plurality of projections being spaced circumferentially to form notches therebetween.

[0015] In some embodiments, the rotatable collar further comprises a detectable feature.

[0016] In some embodiments, the detectable feature comprises a plurality of magnets.

[0017] In another aspect, there is provided a kit comprising: any embodiment of the sleeve assembly provided herein; and a shifting tool operatively connected to a rotary mechanism and engageable with the rotatable collar.

[0018] In some embodiments, the kit further comprises an actuation device for actuating the inner sleeve from the uphole position to the downhole position.

[0019] In another aspect, there is provided a method for a sleeve assembly, the sleeve assembly comprising a tubular housing with an actuatable inner sleeve and rotatable collar therein, the rotatable collar threadedly engaged with the inner sleeve, the method comprising: actuating the inner sleeve to move axially from an uphole position to a downhole position; rotating the rotatable collar to unthread the inner sleeve and move the inner sleeve axially from the downhole position to the uphole position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the rotating the rotatable collar comprises engaging a shifting tool with the rotatable collar and rotating the shifting tool.

[0021] In some embodiments, the inner sleeve is actuated by an actuation device, and further comprising removing the actuation device prior to rotating the rotatable collar.

[0022] In another aspect, there is provided a method for assembling a sleeve assembly, comprising: providing a tubular housing, an actuatable inner sleeve, anda collar; threadedly engaging the collar with a portion of the inner sleeve; and positioning the collar and the inner sleeve within the tubular housing such that the inner sleeve is axially movable with respect to the tubular housing and the collar is rotatable with respect to the tubular housing and the inner sleeve.

[0023] In some embodiments, the positioning step further comprises engaging an anti-rotation device with the inner sleeve to inhibit rotation of the inner sleeve.

[0024] In some embodiments, the positioning step further comprises positioning a split ring around the inner sleeve uphole of the collar.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method further comprises positioning an edge seal within the tubular housing uphole of the inner sleeve.

[0026] Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent, to those ordinarily skilled in the art, upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a side, cross-sectional view of an example sleeve assembly, according to some embodiments, shown in a closed state;

[0028] Figure 2 is a side, cross-sectional view of the sleeve assembly of Figure 1 , shown in an open state;

[0029] Figure 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of the sleeve assembly of Figure 1 , shown in a re-closed state;

[0030] Figure 4A is a side, cross-sectional view of a tubular housing portion of the sleeve assembly of Figures 1 -3;

[0031] Figure 4B is a side, cross-sectional view of an inner sleeve of the sleeve assembly of Figures 1-3;

[0032] Figure 4C is a side, cross-sectional view of a rotatable collar of the sleeve assembly of Figures 1-3;

[0033] Figures 5A to 5C are perspective views of the tubular housing portion, inner sleeve, and rotatable collar of Figures 4A-4C, respectively;

[0034] Figure 6A is an enlarged, perspective view of an anti-rotation device of the sleeve assembly of Figures 1-3;

[0035] Figure 6B is an enlarged, perspective view of a split ring of the sleeve assembly of Figures 1-3;

[0036] Figure 6C is an enlarged, perspective view of an edge seal of the sleeve assembly of Figures 1-3;

[0037] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method for operating a sleeve assembly, according to some embodiments; and

[0038] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method for assembling a sleeve assembly, according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Generally, the present disclosure provides a sleeve assembly for a wellbore tubing string that can be re-closed after opening. The sleeve assembly may comprise: a tubular housing; an actuatable inner sleeve that is axially movable within the housing between an uphole position and a downhole position; and a rotatable collar threadedly engaged with the inner sleeve. The rotatable collar is rotatable with respect to the tubular housing and the inner sleeve and rotation of the rotatable collar unthreads the inner sleeve to move the inner sleeve axially from the downhole position to the uphole position. Also provided are related kits and methods.

[0040] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms of “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0041] In this disclosure, the “uphole” direction refers to the direction toward the surface in a wellbore. The “downhole” direction refers to the direction toward the bottom of the wellbore (i.e., opposite to the uphole direction). The terms “upward” and “downward”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like may be used to refer to the “uphole” and “downhole” directions, respectively, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0042] As used herein, “sleeve assembly” refers to a sleeve-based flow control valve in a tubing string in a wellbore. Each sleeve assembly is actuatable between a closed state and an open state to selectively establish fluid communication with a particular zone of a subterranean formation to allow that zone to be stimulated or fractured with a treatment fluid pumped through the tubing string. The terms “tubing” and “casing” are used interchangeably herein to refer to any series of tubes or pipes run downhole in a wellbore.

[0043] As used herein, “actuation device” refers to any device capable of actuating a sleeve assembly from the closed to the open state and is inclusive of balls, darts, and the like.

[0044] An example sleeve assembly 100 will be discussed with reference to Figures 1-6C. The sleeve assembly has a closed state (Figure 1), an open state (Figure 2) and a re-closed state (Figure 3).

[0045] The sleeve assembly 100 in this embodiment comprises a tubular housing 102, an actuatable inner sleeve 104, and a rotatable collar 106.

[0046] The housing 102 has an uphole end 103, a downhole end 105, and a longitudinal axis 101. As used herein, “longitudinally” and “axially” are used interchangeably to refer to the direction of the longitudinal axis 101. The uphole end 103 and downhole end 105 of the housing 102 are configured to connect touphole and downhole components of a tubing / casing string in a wellbore, thereby incorporating the sleeve assembly 100 into the tubing / casing string.

[0047] The housing 102 has an external surface 107 and an internal surface 109. The internal surface 109 defines an axial bore 114 extending axially therethrough from the uphole end 103 to the downhole end 105. The axial bore 114 allows fluid to flow axially through the housing 102. The housing 102 further comprises one or more flow ports 116 extending radially from the internal surface 109 to the external surface 107 for providing fluid communication between the axial bore 114 and the wellbore. In this embodiment, a plurality of flow ports 116 are spaced circumferentially around the housing 102.

[0048] The housing 102 may comprise an upper housing portion 110 and a lower housing portion 112. In this embodiment, the upper housing portion 110 is a separate component that is coupled to the lower housing portion 112. The upper housing portion 110 may comprise an uphole section 122 and a downhole section 123 with a smaller outer diameter than the uphole section 122. The uphole section 122 is configured to connect to an uphole component of the tubing string, and the downhole section 123 is configured to be received within the lower housing portion 112 and threadedly engaged therewith. In other embodiments, the upper and lower housing portions 110, and 112 may be coupled together by any other suitable means or may be integral with one another.

[0049] The lower portion 112 of the housing 102 is configured to receive the inner sleeve 104 and collar 106 therein. In this embodiment, the lower portion 112 further comprises a recessed section 125 of the internal surface 109. The recessed section 125 has a greater inner diameter than the internal surface 109 immediately uphole and downhole thereof. The recessed section 125 is configured to receive a split ring 108 therein, as discussed in more detail below, and may have a similar width as the split ring 108. The recessed section 125 has a depth D (labeled in Figure 4A) that is less than the height of the split ring 108 as discussed below.

[0050] Referring to Figures 4A and 5A, the lower portion 112 of the housing 102 may further comprise at least one aperture 127 extending radially from the internal surface 109 to the external surface 107. In this embodiment, the lower portion 112 comprises three apertures 127 spaced around the circumference thereof. Each aperture 127 may be dimensioned to receive a respective antirotation device 121 therethrough.

[0051] In this embodiment, the anti-rotation device 121 is a torque pin (“torque dog”). An enlarged perspective view of the torque pin is shown in Figure 6A. In other embodiments, the anti-rotation device 121 may comprise an antirotation screw or any other suitable device or structure that can inhibit rotation. In this embodiment, three anti-rotation devices 121 are provided, with a respective anti-rotation device 121 received through each aperture 127. In other embodiments, any other suitable number of anti-rotation devices 121 and corresponding apertures 127 may be provided.

[0052] The lower portion 112 of the housing 102 may further comprise a plurality of holes 129 extending radially from the internal surface 109 to the external surface 107. The holes 129 may be dimensioned to each receive a respective shear pin, shear screw, or other shearable coupling element therethrough (not shown).

[0053] Referring again to Figures 1-3, the inner sleeve 104 is received within the axial bore 114 of the housing 102. The inner sleeve 104 has an uphole end 118 and a downhole end 119 and an uphole portion 120 proximate the uphole end 118 and a downhole portion 124 proximate the downhole end 119. The inner sleeve 104 also has an outer surface 111 and an inner surface 113. The inner surface 113 defines a sleeve bore 126 therethrough.

[0054] The inner sleeve 104 is axially movable with respect to the housing 102. The inner sleeve 104 may be slid axially between an uphole (closed) position (shown in Figures 1 and 3) and a downhole (open) position (shown in Figure 2).

[0055] When the inner sleeve 104 is in the uphole position, the assembly 100 is in the closed state. In the uphole position, the inner sleeve 104 blocks the flow ports 116 such that the axial bore 114 is not in fluid communication with the wellbore and no fluid can flow out of the flow ports 116. When the inner sleeve 104 is in the downhole position, the assembly 100 is in the open state. In the downhole position, the inner sleeve 104 is displaced axially downhole from the flow ports 116 such that flow ports 116 are no longer blocked. Fluid communication is thus permitted between the axial bore 114 and the wellbore, and fluid may flow out of the assembly 100 via the flow ports 116.

[0056] As discussed below, the inner sleeve 104 can also be shifted from the downhole position back to the uphole position such that the assembly 100 is in its re-closed state. In this state, the inner sleeve 104 again blocks the flow ports 116 of the housing 102 such that fluid in the axial bore 114 cannot flow into the annulus of the wellbore.

[0057] Other embodiments are also contemplated where the inner sleeve 104 comprises respective flow ports therethrough and movement of the inner sleeve 104 from the uphole position to the downhole position aligns the flow ports of the inner sleeve 104 with the flow ports 116 of the housing 102.

[0058] Referring to Figure 4B, the uphole portion 120 of the inner sleeve 104 is configured to engage an actuation device (not shown) to shift the inner sleeve 104 from the uphole position to the downhole position. The actuation device may be an active dart, a ball, or any other suitable device. The inner surface 113 of the uphole portion 120 defines a sleeve seat 128 for engaging the actuation device. The sleeve seat 128 may be in the form of a ridge or projection extending circumferentially around the inner surface 113. The sleeve seat 128 thereby creates a narrower area of the sleeve bore 126 upon which an actuation device is able to seat to actuate the inner sleeve 104 from the closed position to the open position. In other embodiments, the sleeve seat 128 may be in the downhole portion 124.

[0059] The downhole portion 124 of the inner sleeve 104 is configured to engage the collar 106. The downhole portion 124 has a smaller outer diameter than the uphole portion 120 and comprises outer threads (not shown) on the outer surface 111 thereof configured to engage complementary threads on the collar 106, as discussed in more detail below.

[0060] Referring to Figure 5B, the uphole portion 120 of the inner sleeve 104 may further comprise a plurality of recesses 133. The recesses 133 may be aligned with the holes 129 in the housing 102 (visible in Figure 5A) when the inner sleeve 104 is in the uphole position. A respective shear pin, shear screw or other shearable coupling element may be received through each hole 129 in the housing 102 and into each recess 133 to initially secure the inner sleeve 104 in the uphole (closed) position when the sleeve assembly 100 is installed in the tubing string to prevent inadvertent opening of the inner sleeve 104. The shear pin, screw, etc. may then be sheared when the inner sleeve 104 is actuated to the downhole position via an actuation device. In other embodiments, the inner sleeve 104 may be initially secured in the uphole position by any other suitable means.

[0061] The uphole portion 120 of the inner sleeve 104 may further comprise at least one elongate groove 131 in the outer surface 111. Each groove 131 extends axially along the outer surface 111 (i.e. each groove is longitudinally elongated). In this embodiment, the uphole portion 120 comprises three grooves 131 spaced around the circumference thereof. As shown in Figure 5B, each groove 131 has a width W and a length L. The width W is dimensioned to receive a respective anti-rotation device 121 into the groove 131. The length L is approximately equal to the distance to be travelled by the inner sleeve 104 between its uphole position and downhole position.

[0062] As shown in Figures 1-3, each anti-rotation device 121 may extend through a respective aperture 127 in the housing 102 and into a respective groove 131 in the inner sleeve 104. The engagement of the anti-rotation devices 121 in the grooves 131 inhibits rotation of the inner sleeve 104 with respect to the housing102. Each anti-rotation device 121 can slide axially through its respective elongate groove 131 , thereby allowing the inner sleeve 104 to still move axially between the uphole position and the downhole position. When the inner sleeve 104 is in the uphole position, each anti-rotation device 121 may be at, or close to, the downhole end of its respective groove 131 (see Figures 1 and 3). When the inner sleeve 104 is in the downhole position, each anti-rotation device 121 may be at, or close to, the uphole end of its respective groove 131 (see Figure 2).

[0063] Referring again to Figures 1-3, the collar 106 is received within the axial bore 114 of the housing 102. The collar 106 is positioned around the downhole portion 124 of the inner sleeve 104 and is threadedly engaged with the downhole portion 124. The collar 106 is axially movable within the housing 102 along with the inner sleeve 104. The collar 106 thereby moves with the inner sleeve 104 when the inner sleeve 104 shifts from the uphole position to the downhole position. The collar 106 is also rotatable with respect to both the housing 102 and the inner sleeve 104, thereby allowing the collar 106 to be rotated to unthread the inner sleeve 104, as discussed below.

[0064] Referring to Figure 4C, the collar 106 is generally tubular in shape and has an outer surface 115 and an inner surface 117, and an uphole end 135 and a downhole end 137. The inner surface 117 comprises inner threads (not shown) configured to engage the outer threads on the outer surface 111 of the inner sleeve 104. The inner surface 117 also define an internal bore 139 that extends axially through the collar 106. The downhole portion 124 of the inner sleeve 104 is received into the bore 139.

[0065] Optionally, the collar 106 further comprises a detectable feature 134 configured to be detected by a corresponding sensor in the actuation device. Examples of actuation devices with sensors are described in International PCT Publication No. W02023 / 230706, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this embodiment, the detectable feature 134 comprises a plurality of magnets 136 that emit a magnetic field that can be detected by a magnetometer in the actuationdevice. The magnets 136 are received into slots 141 in the outer surface 115 of the collar 106 (the slots 141 are visible in Figure 5C). In other embodiments, the detectable feature 134 may be any other feature, property, or characteristic that can be detected by a corresponding sensor. In yet other embodiments, the detectable feature 134 may be omitted, for example, when other types of actuation devices are used.

[0066] Referring to Figure 5C, the collar 106 may further comprise a tool engagement feature 130 configured to engage a complementary shifting tool (not shown). In this embodiment, the tool engagement feature 130 comprises a crown profile comprising a plurality of projections 132 at the downhole end 137 of the collar 106. The projections 132 extend axially outwards in the downhole direction. The projections 132 are spaced circumferentially around the collar 106, thereby forming notches 142 between adjacent projections 132. The corresponding shifting tool may comprise, for example, radially extending pins, dogs, keys, etc. that fit into the notches 142 between the projections 132 to engage the collar 106.

[0067] In other embodiments, the tool engagement feature 130 may be any other suitable structure that can engage a complementary shifting tool. For example, the tool engagement feature 130 may alternatively comprise one or more slots, ridges, latches, or any other suitable structure on any part of the collar 106 that could be engaged by a tool run downhole.

[0068] In this embodiment, the assembly 100 further comprises a split ring 108. Referring to Figure 6C, the split ring 108 is a ring-shaped structure with a gap 144 extending radially therethrough. The split ring 108 may also be referred to as a “C-ring”. The split ring 108 has a height H that is greater than the depth D of the recessed section 125 of the housing 102.

[0069] The split ring 108 is received within the axial bore 114 of the housing 102 and is positioned around the inner sleeve 104, uphole of the collar 106. When the inner sleeve 104 is in its initial uphole position (as shown in Figure 1 ), the splitring 108 is positioned between the uphole portion 120 of the inner sleeve 104 and the collar 106 such that the split ring 108 abuts the uphole end 135 of the collar 106. Contact between the internal surface 109 of the housing 102 and the split ring 108 compresses the gap 144 to hold the split ring 108 tightly around the inner sleeve 104. The split ring 108 is also held in place axially by contact between the uphole portion 120 of the inner sleeve 104 and the collar 106. Thus, the split ring 108 will move axially along with the inner sleeve 104 and collar 106 when the inner sleeve 104 is actuated from the uphole position to the downhole position.

[0070] When the inner sleeve 104 shifts downhole to its downhole position (as shown in Figure 2), the split ring 108 also shifts downhole and is received into the recessed section 125 of the housing 102. The greater internal diameter of the recessed section 125 allows the split ring 108 to expand via the gap 144, thereby disengaging the split ring 108 from the inner sleeve 104. As the height H of the split ring 108 is greater than the depth D of the recessed section 125, the expanded split ring 108 projects radially inwards into the axial bore 114 and abuts the uphole end 135 of the collar 106. The split ring 108 remains in the recessed section 125 when the inner sleeve 104 is shifted uphole to re-close the sleeve assembly 100 (as shown in Figure 3), thereby preventing the collar 106 from moving axially in the uphole direction.

[0071] Referring again to Figures 1-3, the assembly 100 in this embodiment further comprises an annular sealing member 138 (e.g., an O-ring) and an edge seal 140. An enlarged view of the edge seal 140 is also shown in Figure 6C. The annular sealing member 138 and the edge seal 140 may each be made of rubber or any other suitable material.

[0072] The annular sealing member 138 is disposed around the outer surface 111 of the inner sleeve 104, between the inner sleeve 104 and the housing 102. The annular sealing member 138 may prevent fluid from entering between the inner sleeve 104 and the housing 102. The edge seal 140 is disposed uphole of the inner sleeve 104, and thus uphole of the annular sealing member 138. In thisembodiment, the edge seal 140 is disposed around the upper housing portion 110 between the upper housing portion 110 and the lower housing portion 112. The edge seal 140 is positioned at the downhole end of the upper housing portion 110 such that the edge seal 140 has an exposed edge / side 146 (labeled in Figure 2).

[0073] The uphole end 118 of the inner sleeve 104 abuts the exposed edge 146 of the edge seal 140 when in its uphole (closed) position to create a seal therebetween that prevents fluid from passing therethrough. When the inner sleeve 104 shifts to the downhole position, the edge seal 140 remains in place. When the inner sleeve 104 moves back to the uphole position to re-close the sleeve assembly 100, the inner sleeve 104 contacts the edge seal 140 again to re-form the seal.

[0074] In operation, the sleeve assembly 100 may be installed along a tubing string in a wellbore for stimulating or fracturing a particular zone in a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, a series of sleeve assemblies 100 may be installed along the tubing string for stimulating or fracturing a series of zones. The sleeve assembly 100 may be initially installed in its closed state (shown in Figure 1 ) in which the inner sleeve 104 is in its uphole (closed) position, blocking the flow ports 116. In this position, the inner sleeve 104 is threadedly engaged with the collar 106 and the split ring 108 is compressed around the inner sleeve 104 between the inner sleeve 104 and the collar 106. The uphole end 118 of the inner sleeve 104 abuts the edge seal 140 and the anti-rotation devices 121 are received within the grooves 131 of the inner sleeve 104 (at the downhole ends of the grooves 131 ).

[0075] An actuation device (not shown) may then be introduced into the tubing string and flowed with treatment fluid in the downhole direction. In some embodiments, the device is an active dart and the dart may be initially introduced into the wellbore tubing in an inactive state and may then be activated to an activated configuration. In other embodiments, the actuation device may be a ball or any other suitable device. The actuation device then seats in the sleeve seat 128 of the sleeve assembly 100 and the combination of the impact of the device in theseat 128 and the pressure of the treatment fluid may push the inner sleeve 104 to its downhole (open) position. The sleeve assembly 100 is now in its open state (shown in Figure 2), and the flow ports 116 are exposed to provide fluid communication between the axial bore 114 and the annulus of the wellbore (not shown).

[0076] As the collar 106 is threadedly engaged with the inner sleeve 104, the collar 106 shifts downhole along with the inner sleeve 104. The split ring 108 also shifts downhole around the inner sleeve 104 and is received into the recessed section 125 of the housing 102 where it expands and releases from the inner sleeve 104. The anti-rotation device(s) 121 may also slide through the groove(s) 131 as the inner sleeve 104 moves downhole.

[0077] If it is desired to re-close the sleeve assembly 100, the actuation device may be removed, for example, by milling the device out or by dissolving if the device is dissolvable. A shifting tool (not shown) can be extended downhole to engage the tool engagement feature 130. The shifting tool may then be rotated to rotate the collar 106. As the collar 106 rotates, the inner sleeve 104 is prevented from rotating by the anti-rotation device(s) 121. Rotation of the collar 106 thereby unthreads the inner sleeve 104 from the collar 106 and moves the inner sleeve 104 axially in the uphole direction. The collar 106 is prevented from moving axially uphole by the presence of the split ring 108 in the recessed section 125 of the housing 102. The shifting tool (and thus the collar 106) is rotated until the inner sleeve 104 has shifted all the way into its uphole (closed) position.

[0078] The assembly 100 is now in its re-closed state (shown in Figure 3). In this embodiment, the inner sleeve 104 remains partially received within the collar 106 such that the downhole end 119 of the inner sleeve 104 is within the collar 106. In other embodiments, the inner sleeve 104 and the collar 106 may be fully separated.

[0079] In its uphole position, the inner sleeve 104 again abuts the edge seal 140. The edge seal 140 may act as a back-up to the annular sealing member 138, which may be inadvertently sucked out of the flow ports 116 when the sleeve assembly 100 is in the open state. The edge seal 140 thereby allows a seal to be reestablished when the sleeve assembly 100 in the re-closed state, even if the annular sealing member 138 is lost.

[0080] Thus, embodiments of the sleeve assembly 100 may be re-closed with minimal intervention into the wellbore. If the sleeve assembly 100 was inadvertently opened, it can be re-closed until the proper time and then re-opened with another actuation device.

[0081] In addition, the sleeve assembly 100 prevents inadvertent closure of the inner sleeve 104. Even if an actuation device becomes stuck in the seat 128, flowback cannot force the inner sleeve 104 closed because the inner sleeve 104 is threadedly coupled to the collar 106, and the presence of the split ring 108 in the recessed section 125 of the housing 102 prevents the collar 106 from moving axially uphole. Thus, the inner sleeve 104 cannot be moved uphole until it is unthreaded from the collar 106.

[0082] Also provided herein is a kit comprising the sleeve assembly 100 of Figures 1-3 and a shifting tool (not shown) for engaging and rotating the collar 106. The shifting tool may be any suitable tool that can engage the tool engagement feature 130 of the collar 106. In some embodiments, the shifting tool comprises radially extending projections such as pins, dogs, keys, etc. that fit into the notches 142 of the collar 106. In some embodiments, the projections are actuatable between a retracted position in which the projections are retracted into the body of the shifting tool and an extended position in which the projections extend radially outwards. For example, the projections may be operatively connected to a spring- loaded mechanism. Thus, the shifting tool may be run downhole with the projections in the retracted position, and then the projections can be extended whenthe shifting tool reaches a specific sleeve assembly 100 that the operator desires to re-close.

[0083] In other embodiments, the shifting tool and the tool engagement feature 130 of the collar 106 may comprise any other suitable complementary structures to allow the shifting tool to engage the collar 106. Various shifting tools are commercially available and can be used or adapted for this purpose.

[0084] The shifting tool may be operatively connected to a rotary mechanism to drive rotation thereof. For example, the shifting tool may be operatively connected to a downhole rotational motor, such as a progressive cavity pump motor. Rotation of the shifting tool via the rotary mechanism will thereby rotate the collar 106 with respect to the housing 102 and the inner sleeve 104.

[0085] In some embodiments, the kit may further comprise an actuation device for actuating the inner sleeve 104 from the uphole position to the downhole position. The actuation device may be a dart or any other suitable actuation device. In some embodiments, the actuation device is the device described in International PCT Publication No. W02023 / 230706.

[0086] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example method 200, according to some embodiments, for using or operating a sleeve assembly. The method 200 may be used to operate the sleeve assembly 100.

[0087] The sleeve assembly may comprise a tubular housing with an actuatable inner sleeve and rotatable collar therein, the rotatable collar threadedly engaged with the inner sleeve. The tubular housing, inner sleeve and collar may have any of the features of the housing 102, inner sleeve 104, and collar 106 of the sleeve assembly 100 as described above.

[0088] Prior to the method 200, the sleeve assembly may be installed in a wellbore tubing string in a subterranean formation. The sleeve assembly may havea closed state, an open state, and a re-closed state, as discussed above. The sleeve assembly may be initially installed in the tubing string in its closed state.

[0089] At block 202, the inner sleeve is actuated from an uphole position to a downhole position. The inner sleeve may be actuated by an actuation device, such as an active dart, or any other suitable actuation device.

[0090] With the inner sleeve in the downhole position, the sleeve assembly is in the open state. In some embodiments, the method 200 further comprises flowing a treatment fluid through the sleeve assembly while in the open state to stimulate or fracture a particular zone of the subterranean formation.

[0091] In some embodiments, the method 200 further comprises removing the actuation device before the steps of block 204. In some embodiments, removing the actuation device comprises milling out or dissolving the device.

[0092] At block 204, the collar is rotated to unthread the inner sleeve and move the inner sleeve from the downhole position back to the uphole position. The sleeve assembly is then in the re-closed state. In some embodiments, the collar is rotated by engaging a shifting tool with the collar and rotating the shifting tool.

[0093] In some embodiments, the method 200 may further comprise reopening the sleeve assembly by actuating the inner sleeve from the uphole position to the downhole position again with another actuation device.

[0094] Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example method 300 for assembling a sleeve assembly, according to some embodiments. The method 300 may be used to assemble the sleeve assembly 100 of Figures 1-3.

[0095] At block 302, a tubular housing, actuatable inner sleeve, and a collar are provided. The term “provide” in this context refers to manufacturing, purchasing, acquiring, or otherwise obtaining each component. The housing, innersleeve and collar may have any of the features of the housing 102, inner sleeve 104, and collar 106, as described above.

[0096] At block 304, the collar is threadedly engaged with a portion of the inner sleeve. In some embodiments, a downhole portion of the inner sleeve is received into the collar and threadedly engaged therewith. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve comprises outer threads on an outer surface thereof, and the collar comprises inner threads on an inner surface thereof, and the outer threads of the inner sleeve engages the inner threads of the collar.

[0097] At block 306, the collar and the inner sleeve are positioned in the tubular housing such that the inner sleeve is axially movable with respect to the housing and the collar is rotatable with respect to the housing and the inner sleeve. In some embodiments, the positioning step includes engaging an anti-rotation member with the inner sleeve to inhibit rotation thereof. In some embodiments, a split ring is positioned around the inner sleeve uphole of the collar to prevent uphole axial movement of the collar. In some embodiments, an edge seal is positioned within the housing uphole of the inner sleeve.

[0098] In some embodiments, the method 300 further comprises installing the assembled sleeve assembly in a tubing string of a wellbore.

[0099] Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments without changing or departing from their scope, intent or functionality. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A sleeve assembly for a wellbore, comprising: a tubular housing defining an axial bore and at least one flow port extending from the axial bore to an outer surface of the tubular housing; an actuatable inner sleeve received within the tubular housing and comprising an uphole portion and a downhole portion, the inner sleeve being axially moveable with respect to the tubular housing between an uphole position and a downhole position, wherein the inner sleeve inhibits fluid flow through the at least one flow port when the inner sleeve is in the uphole position and permits fluid flow through the at least one flow port when the inner sleeve is in the downhole position; a rotatable collar threadedly engaged with the downhole portion of the inner sleeve when the inner sleeve is in the downhole position, and wherein the rotatable collar is rotatable with respect to the tubular housing and the inner sleeve; and wherein rotation of the rotatable collar unthreads the inner sleeve to move the inner sleeve axially from the downhole position to the uphole position.

2. The sleeve assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a split ring received within the tubular housing and positioned around the inner sleeve uphole of the rotatable collar.

3. The sleeve assembly of claim 2, wherein the tubular housing defines a recessed section in an internal surface thereof that receives the split ring when the inner sleeve is in the downhole position such that the split ring expands, and wherein the presence of the expanded split ring in the recessed portion prevents axial movement of the rotatable collar in the uphole direction.

4. The sleeve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one anti-rotation device engaging the inner sleeve to inhibit rotation of the inner sleeve with respect to the tubular housing.

5. The sleeve assembly of claim 4, wherein the inner sleeve comprises at least one axially extending elongate groove in an outer surface thereof, and wherein each anti-rotation device of the at least one anti-rotation device extends through the tubular housing into a respective axially extending elongate groove of the at least one axially extending elongate groove.

6. The sleeve assembly of claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one anti-rotation device comprises a torque pin or an anti-rotation screw.

7. The sleeve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an edge seal received within the tubular housing and positioned uphole of the inner sleeve such that the inner sleeve abuts the edge seal when the inner sleeve is in the uphole position.

8. The sleeve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotatable collar further comprises a tool engagement feature.

9. The sleeve assembly of claim 8, wherein the tool engagement feature comprises a plurality of projections extending axially outward from the rotatable collar, the plurality of projections being spaced circumferentially to form notches therebetween.

10. The sleeve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rotatable collar further comprises a detectable feature.11 . The sleeve assembly of claim 10, wherein the detectable feature comprises a plurality of magnets.

12. A kit comprising: the sleeve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 11 ; and a shifting tool operatively connected to a rotary mechanism and engageable with the rotatable collar.

13. The kit of claim 12, further comprising an actuation device for actuating the inner sleeve from the uphole position to the downhole position.

14. A method for a sleeve assembly, the sleeve assembly comprising a tubular housing with an actuatable inner sleeve and rotatable collar therein, the rotatable collar threadedly engaged with the inner sleeve, the method comprising: actuating the inner sleeve to move axially from an uphole position to a downhole position; and rotating the rotatable collar to unthread the inner sleeve and move the inner sleeve axially from the downhole position to the uphole position.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the rotating the rotatable collar comprises engaging a shifting tool with the rotatable collar and rotating the shifting tool.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the inner sleeve is actuated by an actuation device, and further comprising removing the actuation device prior to rotating the rotatable collar.

17. A method for assembling a sleeve assembly, comprising: providing a tubular housing, an actuatable inner sleeve, and a collar; threadedly engaging the collar with a portion of the inner sleeve; and positioning the collar and the inner sleeve within the tubular housing such that the inner sleeve is axially movable with respect to the tubular housing and the collar is rotatable with respect to the tubular housing and the inner sleeve.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the positioning step further comprises engaging an anti-rotation device with the inner sleeve to inhibit rotation of the inner sleeve.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein the positioning step further comprises positioning a split ring around the inner sleeve uphole of the collar.

20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising positioning an edge seal within the tubular housing uphole of the inner sleeve.

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