Multi-mode convertible valve sleeve

Abstract

A valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string is provided. The valve assembly has a valve sleeve provided with a sleeve shoulder and mounted within a valve housing to be shifted along a fluid passage. A load ring is coupled to the valve sleeve and includes a plurality of ring abutments provided along an end thereof. A j-track is defined along a sleeve interface between the load ring and the valve sleeve, and a j-track pin connected to the valve sleeve or the load ring is configured to extend into the j-track. The j-track and j-track pin are configured to engage one of the load ring and the valve sleeve in rotation within the valve housing for adjusting relative alignment between the ring abutments and the sleeve shoulder to position the valve sleeve along the valve housing.

Description

MULTI-MODE CONVERTIBLE VALVE SLEEVETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for injecting fluid into a formation, or producing fluid from the formation, and more particularly to a valve assembly deployable in a well and having a cyclically rotational valve sleeve.BACKGROUND

[0002] Well completions frequently include valve assemblies that include a port for providing access between the interior of the wellbore and the subterranean formation that is adjacent to the port, and a sliding sleeve that can be shifted axially, between hard stops, in relation to the port, allowing, denying, or even modifying the access that the port provides. Over the lifetime of a well, various processes may be required to improve wellbore operations, each process dependent on the nature of the access provided by the port. For example, the access provided by the port may need to be unfettered (e.g., open), prevented (e.g., closed), regulated, screened, directional, etc. Furthermore, different zones in a single well may benefit from different types of access, and the type of access desired and / or required may also vary over time.

[0003] Known valve assemblies typically provide access that is open, closed, and possibly one of regulated or screened. Manipulation of the sliding sleeve is typically performed using tool strings attached to coiled tubing or a drill pipe. Tool strings are known to lack precision for sleeve positioning operations as surface displacement cannot consistently be correlated with the distance travelled by the tool string, an effect that is amplified proximate a toe end of the well. As a result, operators may not always be confident of the status of a particular sleeve, or sleeves, and are correspondingly uncertain of the access provided by the sleeve(s). Also, significant travel time into the well and manipulation after locating the tool may be required with more complex and costly tool strings. Finally, once a well has been completed, it is not possible (e.g., for cemented well completion) or very complicated and costly (e.g., for open hole well completion) to alter the functionality of valve assemblies installed. If conditions within a zone change or do not matchexpectations, and functionality of the installed sleeves do not provide the required access modality, the corresponding valve assembly may need to be set, potentially permanently, to closed.

[0004] There is thus a need for a relatively inexpensive valve assembly that can address, quickly and confidently, these challenges related to variations in required access across zones in a wellbore.SUMMARY

[0005] According to an aspect, a valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a fluid passage therethrough and having a housing port defined therethrough adapted to establish fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; a valve sleeve operatively mounted within the valve housing and adapted to be shifted along the fluid passage. The valve sleeve includes a plurality of operational regions adapted to, when aligned with the housing port, define respective states of fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; and a sleeve shoulder extending therefrom. The valve assembly includes a sleeve stop connected to at least one of the valve housing and the valve sleeve and comprising a plurality of radial surfaces; and an alignment mechanism configured to enable relative rotation between the valve sleeve and the sleeve stop for adjusting an alignment of the sleeve shoulder between the plurality of radial surface, wherein the valve sleeve is operable in a plurality of operational positions, where each operational position corresponds to the sleeve shoulder abutting with a different one of the radial surfaces in order to align one of the plurality of operational regions of the valve sleeve with the housing port.

[0006] According to a possible implementation, the plurality of radial surfaces are staggered relative to one another such that an axial position of the valve sleeve along the fluid passage is different from one operational position to another.

[0007] According to a possible implementation, at least two adjacent radial surfaces are axially spaced from one another by a first distance, and wherein at least two adjacent operational regions are axially spaced from one another by a second distance, the first distance being substantially the same as the second distance.

[0008] According to a possible implementation, the alignment mechanism comprises a j- track defined along an outer surface of the valve sleeve and a j-track pin connected to the valve housing and configured to extend into the j-track, and wherein shifting the valve sleeve along the fluid passage displaces the j-track pin along the j-track to engage the valve sleeve in rotation within the valve housing.

[0009] According to a possible implementation, the j-track is shaped and sized such that when the sleeve shoulder abuts any one of the plurality of radial surfaces of the sleeve stop, the j-track pin remains spaced from surfaces of the j-track to prevent load transfers to the j-track pin.

[0010] According to a possible implementation, the sleeve stop is static relative to the valve sleeve and the valve housing.

[0011] According to a possible implementation, the sleeve stop corresponds to a downhole sub of the valve housing.

[0012] According to a possible implementation, the plurality of operational regions of the valve sleeve includes an occluding region configured to occlude the housing port when aligned therewith such that fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir is prevented.

[0013] According to a possible implementation, the plurality of operational regions of the valve sleeve includes at least one regulated region configured to regulate fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir when aligned with the housing port.

[0014] According to a possible implementation, the at least one regulated region comprises a flow regulator including at least one of a screen, a tortuous channel, a check valve, and an orifice adapted to regulate fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir.

[0015] According to a possible implementation, the valve sleeve comprises a plurality of regulated regions axially spaced along the valve sleeve.

[0016] According to a possible implementation, the flow regulator of a given one of the plurality of regulated regions is different than the flow regulator of another one of the plurality of regulated regions.

[0017] According to a possible implementation, the valve sleeve is operable in an open operational position, where the valve sleeve is spaced from the housing port such that fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir is unobstructed by the valve sleeve.

[0018] According to a possible implementation, the valve assembly further includes a resilient element configured to bias the valve sleeve in abutting engagement with the sleeve stop.

[0019] According to another aspect, a valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a fluid passage therethrough, the valve housing having housing ports defined therethrough and adapted to establish fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; a valve sleeve comprising a flow restriction component and sleeve shoulders, the valve sleeve being operatively mounted within the valve housing and slidable along the fluid passage; a shroud mounted within the valve housing adjacent the valve sleeve, the shroud and the valve housing defining an annular chamber therebetween shaped and sized to at least partially sheathe the flow restriction component therein; a load ring rotatably coupled between the valve housing and the valve sleeve and having castellations defining protrusions and recesses; and a j-track defined along an outer surface of the valve sleeve and a j-track pin connected to the load ring and configured to extend into the j-track, wherein sliding the valve sleeve along the valve housing displaces the j-track pin along the j-track to engage the load ring in rotation within the valve housing in different rotational positions to selectively position one of the protrusions and the recesses in alignment with the sleeve shoulders, wherein the valve assembly is configurable between: a closed configuration, where the valve sleeve is positioned in a closed position and occludes the housing ports, and where the sleeve shoulders abut the recesses of the castellations; an open configuration, where the valve sleeve is positioned in an open position, spaced from the housing ports for establishing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir, and where the valve sleeve abuts the valve housing; and a restricted configuration, where the valve sleeve is positioned in a restricted position, with the flow restriction component being aligned with the housing ports, and where the sleeve shoulders abut the protrusions of the castellations.

[0020] According to a possible implementation, the valve housing comprises an outer sleeve, a top sub coupled to a first end of the outer sleeve, and a bottom sub coupled to a second end of the outer sleeve, the fluid passage being defined through the outer sleeve, the top sub and the bottom sub.

[0021] According to a possible implementation, the load ring is connected to the top sub of the valve housing to prevent axial movement of the load ring along the valve housing.

[0022] According to a possible implementation, when in the open position, the bottom sleeve is shaped and adapted to abut the valve housing, and the j-track pin is adapted to remain spaced from a periphery of the j-track.

[0023] According to a possible implementation, when in the closed position, the bottom sleeve is shaped and adapted to abut the load ring, and the j-track pin is adapted to remain spaced from a periphery of the j-track.

[0024] According to a possible implementation, when in the restricted position, the bottom sleeve is shaped and adapted to abut the load ring, and the j-track pin is adapted to remain spaced from a periphery of the j-track.

[0025] According to a possible implementation, the flow restriction component comprises a screen configured to filter fluids flowing through the housing ports.

[0026] According to a possible implementation, the flow restriction component comprises a tortuous channel defining a tortuous flowpath configured to restrict fluid flow between the fluid passage and the reservoir.

[0027] According to a possible implementation, the flow restriction component comprises a check valve configured to enable fluid flow through the housing ports in a single direction.

[0028] According to a possible implementation, the castellations are defined on a downhole side of the load ring, and wherein the bottom sleeve is adapted to abut the load ring when shifted uphole.

[0029] According to a possible implementation, the bottom sleeve is adapted to be shifted downhole into the open position.

[0030] According to a possible implementation, the j-track comprises a groove defined along the outer surface of the bottom sleeve, the groove being shaped and configured toenable engaging the bottom sleeve in rotation within the valve housing in a single direction.

[0031] According to a possible implementation, the groove is continuous around the bottom sleeve and configured to enable cycling the load ring between the different radial positions, and further enable cycling the bottom sleeve between the closed position, the open position and the restricted position.

[0032] According to a possible implementation, the bottom sleeve is configured to be shifted from the open position to any one of the closed position and the restricted position.

[0033] According to a possible implementation, the bottom sleeve is configured to be shifted from the closed position to the open position.

[0034] According to a possible implementation, the bottom sleeve is configured to be shifted from the restricted position to the open position.

[0035] According to a possible implementation, the flow restriction component is provided proximate an uphole end of the bottom sleeve.

[0036] According to a possible implementation, the sleeve shoulders are provided proximate a center of the bottom sleeve.

[0037] According to a possible implementation, the sleeve shoulders are radially dispersed about the bottom sleeve at regular intervals.

[0038] According to a possible implementation, the sleeve shoulders are axially aligned with one another along the bottom sleeve.

[0039] According to a possible implementation, the load ring comprises a pair of protrusions spaced from one another by the recesses, and wherein the bottom sleeve comprises a pair of sleeve shoulders adapted to abut respective protrusions or respective recesses.

[0040] According to a possible implementation, the load ring is made up of load ring portions coupled together about the bottom sleeve.

[0041] According to a possible implementation, the load ring comprises two load ring portions.

[0042] According to a possible implementation, each load ring portion corresponds to substantially 50% of the load ring.

[0043] According to another aspect, a valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir is provided. The valve assembly a valve housing defining a fluid passage therethrough and having housing ports defined therethrough adapted to establish fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; a valve sleeve operatively mounted within the valve housing and adapted to be shifted along the fluid passage, the valve sleeve having a sleeve shoulder extending therefrom; a load ring coupled to the valve sleeve and defining a sleeve interface between the load ring and the valve sleeve, the load ring comprising a plurality of ring abutments provided along an end thereof; and a j-track defined along the sleeve interface and a j- track pin connected to one of the valve sleeve and the load ring and configured to extend into the j-track, wherein the j-track pin and the j-track are configured to cooperate to engage at least one of the load ring and the valve sleeve in rotation within the valve housing upon shifting the valve sleeve along the fluid passage for adjusting relative alignment between the ring abutments and the sleeve shoulder of the valve sleeve, the sleeve shoulder being adapted to engage the load ring by contacting one of the plurality of ring abutments to position the valve sleeve along the valve housing.

[0044] According to a possible implementation, the sleeve shoulder extends radially from the valve sleeve and is adapted to contact the ring abutments to prevent further movement of the valve sleeve in a first direction along the fluid passage.

[0045] According to a possible implementation, the load ring comprises at least two ring abutments, and wherein the at least two ring abutments are staggered relative to one another along the end of the load ring to enable positioning the valve sleeve in at least two different positions based on which of the at least two ring abutments the sleeve shoulder is aligned with.

[0046] According to a possible implementation, the sleeve interface comprises an outer surface of the valve sleeve and an inner surface of the load ring, and wherein the j-track comprises a groove defined along the outer surface of the valve sleeve, and the j-track pin is connected to the load ring.

[0047] According to a possible implementation, the groove has a zig-zag pattern, and wherein the j-track pin is urged along the zig-zag pattern upon shifting the valve sleeve along the fluid passage, thereby engaging the load ring in rotation within the valve housing.

[0048] According to a possible implementation, the zig-zag pattern is configured to enable engaging the load ring in rotation within the valve housing in a single direction.

[0049] According to a possible implementation, the groove is continuous around the valve sleeve and configured to enable cycling the load ring between the different radial positions.

[0050] According to a possible implementation, the valve housing comprises a housing abutment, and wherein the valve sleeve is adapted to contact the housing abutment to prevent further movement of the valve sleeve in a second direction along the fluid passage, the second direction being opposite the first direction.

[0051] According to a possible implementation, the ring abutments comprise a protruding abutment and a recessed abutment, and wherein the valve sleeve is adapted to be shifted between : a first operational position, where the sleeve shoulder contacts the protruding abutment; a second operational position, where the valve sleeve contacts the housing abutment; and a third operational position, where the sleeve shoulder contacts the recessed abutment, wherein the first, second and third operational positions define respective degrees of flow restriction through the housing ports.

[0052] According to a possible implementation, the valve sleeve, the valve housing and the load ring are adapted to cooperate to prevent the j-track pin from contacting shoulders of the j-track when the valve sleeve is in one of the first, second and third operational positions.

[0053] According to a possible implementation, the first operational position corresponds to a closed position, where the valve sleeve occludes the housing port to prevent fluid communication therethrough, and wherein the second operational position correspondsto an open position, where the valve sleeve is spaced from the housing ports to enable fluid communication therethrough.

[0054] According to a possible implementation, the valve sleeve comprises a flow restriction component having an inlet defined on an inner surface of the valve sleeve, and an outlet defined on the outer surface of the valve sleeve, the flow restriction component being configured to restrict fluid flow therethrough.

[0055] According to a possible implementation, the third operational position corresponds to a restricted position, where the outlet of flow restriction component is in fluid communication with the housing ports, and where fluid flow between the fluid passage and the housing ports is restricted.

[0056] According to another aspect, a valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing comprising an outer sleeve defining a fluid passage therethrough and having housing ports defined through the valve housing adapted to establish fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; a bottom sleeve comprising a sleeve shoulder and being slidably mounted within the valve housing, the bottom sleeve being operable between a closed position, where the bottom sleeve occludes the housing ports, a first open position, where the bottom sleeve is spaced from the housing port by a first distance, and a second open position, where the bottom sleeve is spaced from the housing port by a second distance; a top sleeve slidably mounted within the valve housing adjacent the bottom sleeve, the top sleeve being operable between a retracted position, where the top sleeve is spaced from the housing port, a first operational position, where a first portion of the top sleeve is aligned with the housing ports, and a second operational position, where a second portion of the top sleeve is aligned with the housing ports; a load ring rotatably coupled between the tubular wall and the valve sleeve and having castellations defining a protrusion and a recess, the load ring and the bottom sleeve defining a sleeve interface therebetween; and a j-track defined along the sleeve interface and a j-track pin connected to one of the bottom sleeve and the load ring and configured to extend into the j-track, wherein the j-track pin and the j-track are configured to cooperate to engage the load ring in rotation within the valve housing upon shifting the bottom sleeve along the fluid passage, the load ring being rotatable to selectively align one of the protrusion and the recess with the sleeve shoulder, wherein the sleeve shoulder is adapted to abut the protrusion for positioning the bottom sleeve in the first open position,and is adapted to abut the recess for positioning the bottom sleeve in the second open position, wherein the top sleeve is adapted to abut the bottom sleeve in the first open position for positioning the top sleeve in the first operational position, and is adapted to abut the bottom sleeve in the second open position for positioning the top sleeve in the second operational position.

[0057] According to another aspect, a valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing comprising a top sub, a bottom sub and a tubular wall defining a fluid passage therethrough and having housing ports defined through the tubular wall and adapted to establish fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir, the bottom sub having an uphole end with a plurality of radial surfaces staggered relative to one another; a valve sleeve operatively mounted within the valve housing and slidable along the fluid passage, the valve sleeve having a shoulder configured to abut against the radial surfaces of the bottom sub to prevent further downhole movement of the valve sleeve; a j-track defined along an outer surface of the valve sleeve and a j-track pin connected to the valve housing and configured to extend into the j-track, wherein sliding the valve sleeve along the tubular wall displaces the j-track pin along the j-track to engage the valve sleeve in rotation within the valve housing, wherein engaging the valve sleeve in rotation enables aligning the shoulder with a different radial surface, thereby changing the relative position of the valve sleeve along the valve housing.

[0058] According to another aspect, a valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a fluid passage therethrough and having housing ports defined therethrough adapted to establish fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; a valve sleeve operatively mounted within the valve housing and adapted to be shifted along the fluid passage, the valve sleeve comprising : a plurality of operational regions defined therealong and adapted to, when aligned with the housing ports, define respective states of fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; and a sleeve shoulder extending therefrom; and a load ring coupled to the valve sleeve and comprising a plurality of ring abutments, wherein the valve sleeve is adapted to engage with the load ring in a plurality of abutting configurations, where each abutting configuration corresponds to the sleeve shoulder abutting with a different one of the ring abutments in order to align respective operational regions of the valve sleeve with the housing ports.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a wellbore system, showing valve assemblies installed along a length of a wellbore, according to an implementation.

[0060] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a valve assembly according to an implementation, showing a housing port defined through a valve housing.

[0061] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a valve sleeve for installation within the valve housing shown in Figure 2, showing operational regions spaced along a length of the valve sleeve, according to an implementation.

[0062] Figure 3A is a partially exploded view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 2, showing a load ring coupled about the valve sleeve, according to an implementation.

[0063] Figure 3B an exploded view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 2, showing load ring portions connectable about the valve sleeve to form the load ring, according to an implementation.

[0064] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 2, showing a closed configuration of the valve assembly, according to an implementation.

[0065] Figure 4A is an enlarged view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 4, showing the housing port occluded by the valve sleeve, according to an implementation.

[0066] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 2, showing an open configuration of the valve assembly, according to an implementation.

[0067] Figure 5A is an enlarged view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 5, showing the valve sleeve spaced from the housing port, according to an implementation.

[0068] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 2, showing a regulated configuration of the valve assembly, according to an implementation.

[0069] Figure 6A is an enlarged view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 6, showing a flow regulator aligned with the housing port, according to an implementation.

[0070] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the load ring shown in Figure 3A, showing castellations defined at an end thereof, according to an implementation.

[0071] Figure 8 is a side view of the load ring shown in Figure 7, showing protruding and recessed sections defining the castellations, according to an implementation.

[0072] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional partial view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 4, showing the valve sleeve in a closed position and in abutment with the load ring, according to an implementation.

[0073] Figure 9A is an enlarged view of a section of Figure 9, showing a connection between the load ring and a top sub of the valve housing, according to an implementation.

[0074] Figure 9B is an enlarged view of a section of Figure 9, showing a sleeve shoulder in abutment with the load ring, according to an implementation.

[0075] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of the valve sleeve and load ring assembly, showing a j-track defined along the valve sleeve and the sleeve shoulder aligned with the recessed section of the load ring, according to an implementation.

[0076] Figure 11 is a top perspective view of the valve sleeve and load ring assembly shown in Figure 10, showing the load ring rotating relative to the valve sleeve, according to an implementation.

[0077] Figure 12 is a top perspective view of the valve sleeve and load ring assembly shown in Figure 10, showing the sleeve shoulder aligned with the protruding section of the load ring, according to an implementation.

[0078] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional partial view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 4, showing the valve sleeve in the closed position, according to an implementation.

[0079] Figure 13A is an enlarged view of a section of the valve assembly shown in Figure 13, showing a locating pin engaging the j-track defined along the valve sleeve, according to an implementation.

[0080] Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate implementation of the valve assembly, showing a dual-sleeve assembly adapted to be shifted along the valve housing.

[0081] Figures 15A and 15B are front cross-sections views of different implementations of the valve sleeve, showing the valve sleeve with a pair of sleeve shoulders (Figure 15A) and with a single sleeve shoulder (Figure 15B).

[0082] Figure 16A is a front view of the load ring according to an alternate implementation.

[0083] Figure 16B is a side view of the load ring shown in Figure 16A, showing the j-track defined along an outer surface thereof, according to an implementation.

[0084] Figure 17A is a representation of a two-dimensional projection of the valve assembly according to an alternate implementation, showing the sleeve shoulder in abutment with a first radial surface of a sleeve stop.

[0085] Figure 17B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 17A, showing an occluding region of the valve sleeve in alignment with the housing port, according to an implementation.

[0086] Figure 18A is a representation of a two-dimensional projection of the valve assembly shown in Figure 17A, showing the sleeve shoulder in abutment with a second radial surface of the sleeve stop.

[0087] Figure 18B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 18A, showing a first regulated region of the valve sleeve in alignment with the housing port, according to an implementation.

[0088] Figure 19A is a representation of a two-dimensional projection of the valve assembly shown in Figure 17A, showing the sleeve shoulder in abutment with a third radial surface of the sleeve stop.

[0089] Figure 19B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 19A, showing a second regulated region of the valve sleeve in alignment with the housing port, according to an implementation.

[0090] Figure 20A is a representation of a two-dimensional projection of the valve assembly shown in Figure 17A, showing the sleeve shoulder in abutment with a fourth radial surface of the sleeve stop.

[0091] Figure 20B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 20A, showing a third regulated region of the valve sleeve in alignment with the housing port, according to an implementation.

[0092] Figure 21A is a representation of a two-dimensional projection of the valve assembly shown in Figure 17A, showing the sleeve shoulder in abutment with a fifth radial surface of the sleeve stop.

[0093] Figure 21 B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 21A, showing the valve sleeve spaced from the housing port, according to an implementation.

[0094] Figure 22 is a representation of a j-track configuration according to an alternate implementation, showing an installation pathway and a start position of the locating pin.

[0095] Figure 23 is a schematic representation of a stroke distance travelled by the valve sleeve according to an implementation, showing the different in stroke distances from one configuration to another.

[0096] Figure 24 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate implementation of the load ring, showing a double-sided load ring.

[0097] Figure 25 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate implementation of the valve assembly, showing an occluding sleeve and a rotatable convertible sleeve coupled along the valve housing.

[0098] Figure 26 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate implementation of the valve assembly, showing a j-track defined along a top sleeve and configured to define varying stroke distances.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] As will be explained below in relation to various implementations, the present disclosure describes systems and methods for various in situ operations, such as the injection and production of fluids into and from a subterranean reservoir using a valve assembly. The valve assembly can be integrated as part of a wellbore string and operable between various configurations for allowing fluid to be injected into or produced from the reservoir.

[0100] The present disclosure more particularly relates to a valve assembly having a valve housing and at least one valve sleeve (also referred to as a “valve barrel” or an “inner barrel”) slidably coupled within the valve housing and operable to be shiftedtherealong in different positions. The valve assembly has an integrated multi-mode capability, where different modes can define different states of fluid communication between the valve housing and the surrounding reservoir. The number of modes can be determined by the number of operational regions provided on the valve sleeve. For instance, the valve sleeve can be provided with a screened region, a flow-regulated region, a directional region, a closed region, etc. Operation of the valve sleeve in a given mode is possible via alignment of the corresponding operational region with housing ports defined through the valve housing. It is appreciated that the valve sleeve can be provided a single operational region or any suitable number of operational regions (e.g., two or more).

[0101] In some implementations, the valve assembly comprises an alignment mechanism configured to assist in positioning the valve sleeve in one of the operational positions by aligning the corresponding operational region with housing ports of the valve housing. The alignment mechanism is adapted to enable relative rotation between the valve sleeve and the valve housing and / or another component of the valve assembly. In one implementation, the alignment mechanism includes a load ring (also referred to as a “clutch ring”) coupled about the valve sleeve, between the valve housing and the valve sleeve. The valve sleeve includes a continuous j-track defined along an outer surface thereof, with a j-track pin secured to the load ring and configured to engage the j-track. As such, shifting the valve sleeve along the valve housing urges the j-track pin along the j- track, thereby enabling relative rotation between the load ring, the valve sleeve and the valve housing. More specifically, the load ring is engageable in rotation within the valve housing and around the valve sleeve. It is therefore noted that shifting the valve sleeve back and forth within the valve housing can cycle the load ring between different rotational positions as the j-track pin travels along the continuous j-track. It will be understood from the following disclosure that, in some implementations, the load ring is adapted to rotate relative the valve sleeve, which is rotationally fixed (e.g., static) within the valve housing, and that, in other implementations, the valve sleeve is adapted to rotate relative the load ring, which is rotationally fixed within the valve housing.

[0102] The valve sleeve is configured to abut against structural features of the valve assembly, such as the load ring, to arrange the valve sleeve in the various operational positions or “modes”. The valve sleeve can include one or more sleeve shoulders protruding therefrom and configured to abut against the load ring to prevent further movement of the valve sleeve in a corresponding direction. The load ring can havea plurality of staggered radial surfaces against which the sleeve shoulder is adapted to abut, thereby enabling the valve sleeve to be arranged in different positions along the valve housing (e.g., in different axial positions). It should thus be understood that, by having the sleeve shoulder abut different surfaces of the load ring, different portions of the valve sleeve (e.g., different operational regions) can be aligned with a particular component of the valve assembly (e.g., the housing ports) and / or that a particular portion of the valve sleeve (e.g., an inner port) can be aligned with different components or devices of the valve assembly.

[0103] The valve sleeve and structural features are configured to cooperate to prevent the j-track pin from contacting shoulders (or dead ends) of the j-track. This configuration allows for loads or forces, for example, resulting from shifting the valve sleeve, to be transferred to the structural features of the valve assembly, thereby preventing the j-track pin from bearing some of these forces, or any at all. For example, the structural features of the valve housing can include subs (e.g., a top sub and a bottom sub) against at least one of which the valve sleeve can abut to prevent further movement of the valve sleeve in the corresponding directions. The valve sleeve can therefore be shifted up and down (e.g., uphole and downhole) along the valve housing between abutting the load ring, the top sub and / or the bottom sub of the valve housing. Each shift, or stroke, of the valve sleeve can engage the load ring in rotation within the valve housing. The j-track is configured such that the load ring rotates in a single direction whether the valve sleeve is shifted uphole or downhole. It should also be noted that rotating the load ring enables selective alignment of the desired radial surface thereof with the sleeve shoulder of the valve sleeve. The continuous configuration of the j-track enables the load ring to cycle around the valve sleeve, allowing for repeatable alignment of the different radial surfaces with the sleeve shoulder. As such, the valve sleeve can be selectively arranged into any desired operational position.

[0104] In some implementations, the valve sleeve includes a flow restriction component (also referred to as a flow regulator) and can be shifted between a closed position, where the tubular body of the valve sleeve occludes the housing ports defined through the valve housing, an open position, where the valve sleeve is positioned away from the housing ports, thereby enabling fluid communication therethrough, and a restricted (or regulated) position, where the flow restriction component is arranged over the housing ports. The valve assembly can therefore correspond to a “three-mode valve assembly” operable in three different configurations, as noted above, and as enabled bythe different operational regions of the valve sleeve. However, other configurations are possible and will be described hereinbelow.

[0105] With reference to Figure 1 , a wellbore 10 extends from the surface 12 and into a reservoir 14. A well system 20 including one or more valve assemblies 100 can be integrated as part of a wellbore string 30 extending within the wellbore 10. The wellbore string 30 defines a wellbore string passage 30A for conducting fluid between the surface 12 and the reservoir 14. In some implementations, the valve assemblies 100 each include at least one passage allowing fluid flow therethrough. It should therefore be understood that the valve assemblies include passages that can form part of the wellbore string passage 30A along at least a portion of the wellbore, such that fluid communication between the surface 12 and the reservoir 14 can be established via the valve assemblies 100. More specifically, and as will be described below, the valve assembly 100 can be provided with one or more ports at respective locations along the wellbore for establishing fluid communication between the wellbore string 30 and the reservoir 14. It is also noted that conduits 31 of the wellbore string 30 can be located on either end of the valve assembly 100 and can be coupled to respective ends thereof by any suitable method. It is also possible to connect some or all of the valve assemblies end-to-end without any intervening conduits 31.

[0106] As seen in Figure 1 , the wellbore 10 can include a horizontal wellbore section 16 having a toe 15 and a heel 17 at respective ends thereof. It should be understood that, as used herein, the expression "toe” refers to an end region of the horizontal wellbore section, such as the end region furthest from surface. Similarly, the expression "heel”, as used herein, refers to the opposite end region of the horizontal section, i.e., the beginning of the horizontal wellbore section 16, and may include at least part of the curved transition section between the horizontal and vertical sections of the wellbore 10. Therefore, the expressions "downhole” and "uphole” used herein can refer to directional features, whereby uphole is in a general direction towards the heel 17, and downhole is in a general direction towards the toe 15.

[0107] With reference to Figures 2 to 6, in addition to Figure 1 , the valve assembly 100 includes a valve housing 102 having a housing wall or outer sleeve 103 defining a fluid passage 106 for enabling fluid communication through the valve housing 102 (e.g., axially through the valve housing 102). In other words, the fluid passage 106 can act as a housing passage configured to allow a flow of fluid therethrough and along the wellborestring. The valve housing 102 can include a top sub 108 provided at an uphole end 109 of the outer sleeve 103, and a bottom sub 110 provided at a downhole end 111 thereof. The top and bottom subs 108, 110 are secured to the outer sleeve 103 via a threaded connection, although other connection methods can be used, such as via interference fit, via a slot and key connection or via fasteners. The top and bottom subs can also be connected between lengths of conduits or other components of the valve assembly 100, thereby enabling the integration of the valve assembly with the wellbore string 30.

[0108] The valve housing 102 also includes a housing port 112 extending through the valve housing 102, such as through the outer sleeve 103, through the top sub and / or through the bottom sub. The housing port 112 enable establishing fluid communication between the fluid passage 106 and an environment external to the valve housing 102 (e.g., the reservoir 14). In some implementations, the housing port 112 includes a plurality of openings 114 (e.g., two, three, four, six, eight, etc.) defined through the valve housing, although a single opening could be used. The openings 114 can be formed as generally straight and tubular openings, although any other suitable shapes, configurations and / or number of openings can be used. The openings 114 can be distributed (e.g., evenly / at regular intervals) about a circumference of the valve housing 102. The openings can also have different cross-sectional areas and shapes, e.g., cylindrical, frustoconical, tapered toward or away from the reservoir, etc.

[0109] As will be described further below, the valve assembly 100 is configurable in a plurality of operational configurations, and each one of the operational configurations, independently, corresponds to a state of fluid communication, via the housing port 112, between the fluid passage 106 and the surrounding reservoir. In other words, fluid flow through the housing port 112 can be at least partially controlled via a change in the operational configuration of the valve assembly 100 (e.g., a change from a first operational configuration to a second operational configuration to a third operational configuration, etc.). In some implementations, the valve assembly 100 can be configurable between a closed configuration (seen in Figure 4), where the housing port 112 is blocked, occluded or closed; an open configuration (seen in Figure 5), where the housing port 112 is unobstructed or open and where fluid can flow into and from the reservoir via the housing port 112; and a flow-restricted (or “regulated”) configuration (seen in Figure 6), where fluid flow is restricted through the housing port 112. As will be described further below, the flow- restricted configuration can be defined by having a flow restriction component cooperate with the housing port 112. The flow restriction component is configured to regulate (e.g.,adjust, control, restrict, modulate, etc.) fluid and / or material flow through the housing port 112.

[0110] In order to operate the valve assembly 100 in these various configurations, the valve assembly 100 includes one or more valve sleeves 120, operatively mounted within the valve housing 102 and displaceable between various positions. The valve sleeves 120 can be provided with various features and / or in various configurations in order to be displaceable and to define different (e.g., non-identical) flow pathways and / or states of fluid communication between the fluid passage and the surrounding reservoir. In this implementation, and as seen in Figure 2A, the valve sleeves 120 can include a plurality of operational regions 300 adapted to, when in general alignment with the housing port, define respective states of fluid communication between the fluid passage and the surrounding reservoir. The operational regions 300 can be spaced from one another on the valve sleeves 120, such as spaced axially (e.g., along a length of the valve sleeve), radially (e.g., about a circumference of the valve sleeve) or a combination thereof. As will be described further below, the relative positions of the valve sleeve and the valve housing (e.g., the alignment of the operational regions with the housing port) can be selectively adjusted based on the required and / or desired state of fluid communication between the fluid passage and the surrounding reservoir.

[0111] Still referring to Figures 2 to 6, the valve sleeves 120 can be operatively mounted within the valve housing 102 and operable for selectively controlling flow communication between the fluid passage and the surrounding reservoir via the housing port 112. In this implementation, the valve sleeves 120 include a pair of valve sleeves mounted within the valve housing 102. The valve sleeves 120 can be mounted within the valve housing 102 in a manner allowing at least one of the sleeves to shift from one position to another. It should be understood that the expression “shift” can refer to the displacement of the valve sleeves 120 using a shifting tool, for example, or a self-shifting mechanism provided as part of the valve assembly 100 such that the sleeves can be toollessly operated, for example. More particularly, in this implementation, the valve sleeves 120 include a bottom sleeve 122 (or downhole sleeve) mounted within a downhole portion of the valve housing 102, and a top sleeve 124 (or uphole sleeve) mounted within an uphole portion of the valve housing.

[0112] In this implementation, the top sleeve 124 is fixedly secured to the valve housing, such as to the top sub 108, and the bottom sleeve 122 is slidably coupled to thevalve housing and adapted to be displaced axially along the fluid passage (e.g., sliding or shifting along the fluid passage 106) for adjusting the operational configuration of the valve assembly 100. However, it is appreciated that other configurations are possible, such as having a static bottom sleeve and a shifting top sleeve, or having a dual-shifting sleeve assembly where both the bottom and top sleeves are adapted to be displaced along the valve housing. Another possible implementation of the valve assembly corresponds to a single-sleeve assembly, where, for example, only the bottom sleeve is provided.

[0113] In some implementations, the top sleeve 124 corresponds to a shroud or shrouding component, and is mounted within the valve housing 102 in a manner defining an annular chamber or region 125 between an outer surface of the top sleeve 124 and the inner surface of the valve housing, such as an inner surface of the outer sleeve 103 and / or top sub, for instance. In some implementations, the top and bottom sleeves 122, 124 can be shaped and configured to engage one another in a manner where a portion of the bottom sleeve 122 can be received (e.g., sheathed) within the annular region 125. For example, the top sleeve 124 can be secured to the valve housing uphole of the bottom sleeve such that the uphole end of the bottom sleeve 122 can be inserted into the annular region 125, although other configurations are possible. In this implementation, the bottom sleeve 122 includes a flow restriction component or flow regulator 150 proximate an uphole end thereof. As such, the flow regulator 150 can be sheathed or shrouded within the annular region 125 when desired. The flow regulator 150 can include a regulator inlet 152 defined along an inner surface 122a of the bottom sleeve 122, and a regulator outlet 154 defined along an outer surface 122b of the bottom sleeve 122. Fluid can therefore flow through the valve sleeve via the flow regulator 150.

[0114] As seen in Figures 4 and 4A, the valve assembly 100 can be operated in a closed configuration, with the bottom sleeve 122 being mounted in the valve housing in an occluding, or closed position. More specifically, the operational regions 300 of the bottom sleeve 122 can include an occluding region 310 configured to occlude the housing port 112 when aligned therewith. In this implementation, the occluding region 310 corresponds to a portion of the bottom sleeve 122 shaped and sized to cover the housing port 112 such that the housing port 112 is blocked by the bottom sleeve 122 and fluid communication between the fluid passage 106 and the reservoir is prevented. Moreover, when in the closed position, it is noted that the flow regulator 150 (e.g., the uphole end of the bottom sleeve) is positioned within the annular region 125. This configuration can beuseful, for example, to protect the flow regulator 150 from fluids or materials flowing along the wellbore string during installation thereof down the well (e.g., cement, slurry, etc.).

[0115] The valve assembly 100 can also be operated in an open configuration, as seen in Figures 5 and 5A, where the bottom sleeve is positioned in an open position to enable fluid communication between the fluid passage 106 and the reservoir. More specifically, the bottom sleeve 122 can be spaced from the housing port 112 such that no portion thereof is aligned with the housing port 112, leaving the housing port 112 unobstructed and allowing a substantially free flow of fluids therethrough. In other implementations, the operational regions 300 of the bottom sleeve 122 can include an open region (not shown) configured to enable unrestricted fluid flow between the fluid passage 106 and the reservoir. For example, the open region can include a substantially large opening defined through the bottom sleeve 122. The large opening can, for instance, have a size similar to or greater than the housing port 112 such that fluid flow is unaffected once the open region is aligned with the housing port.

[0116] In this implementation, the valve assembly 100 can be further operated in a flow-restricted or regulated configuration, as seen in Figures 6 and 6A, where the bottom sleeve 122 is positioned in a regulated position to enable regulated fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir. More specifically, the operational regions 300 of the bottom sleeve 122 can include a regulated region 320 configured to regulate (e.g., modulate, adjust and / or limit) fluid flow between the fluid passage and the reservoir when aligned with the housing port 112. In this implementation, the regulated region 320 corresponds to a portion of the bottom sleeve 122 provided with the flow regulator 150. Therefore, the regulated position corresponds to aligning the flow regulator, at least partially, with the housing port, thereby regulating fluid flow between the fluid passage and the reservoir via the housing port. As described herein, the valve assembly includes a plurality of operational regions, each defining respective states of fluid communication between the fluid passage and the surrounding reservoir. However, it should be noted that that the valve assembly can include duplicate operational regions. This configuration can allow for backup operational regions (e.g., if plugging were to occur) or provide a recurring state of fluid communication between the fluid passage and the surrounding reservoir during the cyclical change in operational configuration of the valve assembly.

[0117] With reference to Figures 4 to 6A, the valve assembly can include a plurality of seals 115 configured to provide fluid-sealed engagement between the valve housing102 and the bottom sleeve 122 to at least partially prevent fluid from flowing between the seals 115 and the bottom sleeve when in certain positions, such as the operational positions. The valve assembly 100 can further include a flexible seal 116 extending circumferentially about the inner surface of the valve housing within the annular region 125. More specifically, the flexible seal 116 can be installed proximate an inlet of the annular region defined proximate the downhole end of the top sleeve. As seen in Figure 5A, the flexible seal 116 includes a flexing portion 118 extending into the annular region 125 and configured to engage the top sleeve 124. In some implementations, the flexing portion 118 can be configured to sealingly engage the top sleeve to prevent fluid ingress into the annular region 125.

[0118] Referring more specifically to Figure 4A, when the bottom sleeve is shifted into the closed position, and therefore, when the uphole end (e.g., the flow restriction component) is shrouded within the annular region 125, the flexible seal 116 is configured to flex or bend to enable insertion of the bottom sleeve within the annular region. The bottom sleeve is thus in sealing engagement with the top sleeve and the valve housing, thereby shrouding (e.g., sealing) the flow restriction component within the annular region 125. In other words, at least one operational region of the bottom sleeve 122 is shrouded by the top sleeve 124. Upon shifting the bottom sleeve downhole (e.g., in the open or restricted positions), the bottom sleeve disengages the flexible seal 116, and the flexing portion springs back into engagement with the top sleeve.

[0119] In some implementations, the annular region 125 defined by the top sleeve 124 is adapted to receive any suitable length of the bottom sleeve 122 to enable shrouding components of the bottom sleeve, such as during installation and / or cementing operations. In other words, the top sleeve 124 can be sufficiently long to define a correspondingly long annular region 125 for shrouding one or more of the operational regions of the bottom sleeve. For instance, if the bottom sleeve is provided with three regulated regions (i.e., operational regions including a flow regulator), the annular region 125 should have a length suitable for receiving and shrouding each one of the regulated regions, simultaneously.

[0120] With reference to Figures 7 to 9B, in addition to Figures 3A and 3B, the valve assembly 100 further includes a load ring (or clutch ring) 130 operatively coupled to one of the valve sleeves 120. In this implementation, the load ring 130 is coupled to the bottom sleeve 122, between the bottom sleeve and the valve housing. The load ring 130and the bottom sleeve 122 defining a sleeve interface 135 therebetween. As seen in Figure 3B, the load ring 130 can be formed of a plurality of load ring portions 132 coupled about the bottom sleeve, such as a pair of load ring portions 132, for example. In this implementation, each load ring portion 132 corresponds to about half (i.e., 50%) of the load ring 130, although other configurations are possible, such as having additional load ring portions and / or having load ring portions of different sizes, for instance.

[0121] In this implementation, the load ring 130 is adapted to be coupled to the top sub 108 of the valve housing. More particularly, the load ring 130 is connected to the top sub 108 in a manner preventing axial movement of the load ring 130 along the valve housing 102. As seen in Figures 9 and 9A, the load ring 130 and the top sub 108 can have complementing connecting parts 134 configured to cooperate to axially secure the load ring 130 within the valve housing. In some implementations, the complementing connecting parts 134 include a top sub groove 136 defined about a downhole end of the top sub 108, and a load ring groove 138 defined about an uphole end of the load ring 130. The grooves 136, 138 are configured to engage one another such that the load ring 130 is “hooked” onto the top sub 108. It is appreciated that having the load ring 130 be formed of load ring portions 132 can facilitate positioning the load ring 130 about the bottom sleeve 122 while simultaneously connecting the load ring to the top sub 108. As will be described further below, the connection of the load ring 130 with the top sub, while preventing axial movement of the load ring, is adapted to permit rotation of the load ring 130 within the valve housing between different rotational positions.

[0122] In some implementations, the load ring 130 and the top sub 108 can be connected together in a manner allowing at least some axial displacement of the load ring 130 prior to being blocked or restrained. For instance, at least one of the top sub groove 136 and load ring groove 138 can be shaped and sized to allow axial movement of the load ring 130. In one implementation, the top sub groove 136 can be wider than an engaging portion of the load ring configured to be restrained within the top sub groove 136. It is therefore noted that a gap can be defined between the engaging portion of the load ring and the sides of the top sub groove 136, thereby enabling axial motion of the load ring 130. It should be noted that the engaging portion is adapted to abut against the sides of the top sub groove 136, thereby preventing further axial movement of the load ring in the corresponding direction.

[0123] Referring back to Figures 3A to 8, the load ring 130 can include castellations 140 defining protruding sections 142 and recessed sections 144, and the valve housing can include a housing abutment 126 such as a shoulder 127 of the bottom sub 110 (seen in Figures 4 to 6). The bottom sleeve 122 is adapted to be shifted along the valve housing 102 and engage (e.g., contact) the housing abutment 126 which prevents further downhole movement of the bottom sleeve 122. As seen in Figure 5, the downhole end of the bottom sleeve 122 can be shaped and sized to engage the shoulder 127 of the bottom sub 110. Similarly, the bottom sleeve 122 is adapted to be shifted along the valve housing 102 and engage (e.g., contact) the load ring 130, such as one of the protruding sections 142 or one of the recessed sections 144, which prevents further uphole movement of the bottom sleeve 122. In this implementation, the bottom sleeve 122 includes a sleeve shoulder 146 extending radially from the bottom sleeve 122 configured to engage the load ring 130, as seen in Figures 4, 6 and 9B.

[0124] The protruding sections 142 and the recessed sections 144 of the load ring 130 have respective radial surfaces against which the sleeve shoulder 146 is adapted to abut. The radial surfaces of the recessed sections are illustratively staggered (e.g., axially offset) relative to the radial surfaces of the protruding sections. Therefore, it is appreciated that the sleeve shoulder 146 engages the different sections of the load ring 130 at different axial positions along the valve housing. This configuration enables positioning the bottom sleeve in different positions along the valve housing in order to have different portions of the bottom sleeve (e.g., different operational regions 300) be aligned with a particular component of the valve assembly (e.g., the housing port) and / or have a particular portion of the bottom sleeve be aligned with different components of the valve assembly. It should be noted that, in this implementation, an axial distance between the staggered radial surfaces of the load ring corresponds to an axial distance between the operational regions 300 defined along the bottom sleeve 122. It should also be noted that the axial distance between a first pair of operational regions 300 can be different from the axial distance between a second pair of operational regions 300. In such implementations, it is appreciated that the staggered radial surfaces are axially spaced from one another by a corresponding varying axial distance. However, in some implementations, the axial distance between each adjacent operational region 300 can be generally the same.

[0125] With reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6, it is noted that, when the bottom sleeve 122 engages the valve housing (e.g., the bottom sub 110), the bottom sleeve 122 is in the open position (Figure 5), thereby operating the valve assembly in the open configuration.Furthermore, when the bottom sleeve engages the load ring 130 (e.g., the protruding section or the recessed section), the bottom sleeve is in either the closed position or the regulated position, thereby operating the valve assembly in the closed configuration or the regulated configuration, respectively. More specifically, when the sleeve shoulder 146 engages the recessed section 144 of the load ring 130, the bottom sleeve 122 is in the closed position (Figure 4), the occluding region 310 is aligned with the housing port 112, and the valve assembly is operable in the closed configuration. Moreover, when the sleeve shoulder 146 engages the protruding section 142 of the load ring 130, the bottom sleeve is in the regulated position (Figure 6), the regulated region 320 is aligned with the housing port 112, and the valve assembly is operable in the regulated configuration. It should therefore be noted that when the sleeve shoulder 146 is aligned with one of the recessed sections 144, the bottom sleeve is allowed to move further uphole than when the sleeve shoulder 146 is aligned with one of the protruding sections 142.

[0126] In some implementations, the bottom sleeve and the load ring can be configured to cooperate in a manner such that the sleeve shoulder 146 is configured to engage only one of the protruding section 142 and the recessed section 144. For example, the sleeve shoulder 146 can be configured to engage the protruding section 142 of the load ring, thereby preventing further movement of the bottom sleeve in the corresponding direction. Moreover, when aligned with the recessed section 144, the bottom sleeve is adapted to engage another component of the valve assembly, such as the valve housing, prior to the sleeve shoulder 146 engaging the load ring 130.

[0127] In some implementations, the load ring 130 and the bottom sleeve 122 are adapted to rotate relative to each other within the valve housing 102. This configuration enables changing the position of the sleeve shoulder 146 between being aligned with the protruding section and being aligned with the recessed portion of the load ring 130. In other words, the load ring 130 and / or the bottom sleeve are adapted to rotate in order to adjust relative alignment of the sleeve shoulder 146 with the different sections of the load ring 130. In this implementation, the valve assembly 100 includes an alignment mechanism 160 configured to rotate at least one of the bottom sleeve 122 and the load ring 130 relative to one another. More particularly, the alignment mechanism 160 is operable to enable selective alignment of the sleeve shoulder 146 with either the protruding section 142 or the recessed section 144 of the load ring 130. Therefore, the bottom sleeve 122 can be shifted into engagement with the desired section of the load ring 130, thereby arranging the bottom sleeve in the corresponding position. It is this notedthat the desired operational region 300 of the bottom sleeve can be aligned with the housing port in order to operate the valve assembly in the corresponding and / or desired operational configuration.

[0128] With reference to Figures 10 to 13A, the alignment mechanism 160 can be provided along the sleeve interface 135 defined between the load ring 130 and the bottom sleeve 122. In this implementation, the alignment mechanism 160 includes a j-track 162 defined along the sleeve interface and a j-track pin (also referred to as a locating pin) 164 connected to one of the bottom sleeve and the load ring and configured to extend into the j-track 162. The j-track 162 and locating pin 164 are configured to cooperate such that, when the bottom sleeve is shifted along the valve housing, the locating pin 164 travels along the j-track 162 to enable relative rotation between the bottom sleeve 122 and the load ring 130. In this implementation, the j-track 162 includes a groove 163 defined along the outer surface 122b of the bottom sleeve 122 (e.g., in a thickness thereof), and the locating pin 164 is connected to the load ring 130 and extends into the groove 163, as seen in Figures 13 and 13A. As seen in Figures 7 and 8, the load ring can include apertures or openings 137 shaped and configured to have the locating pin 164 extend therethrough and remain connected to the load ring 130. The bottom sleeve 122 is adapted to be shifted up and down (i.e. , in the downhole direction and the uphole direction) along the valve housing which causes the locating pin 164 to travel along the j-track 162. The shape and configuration of the j-track 162 engages the load ring 130 in rotation about the bottom sleeve 122 as the locating pin 164 travels along various parts of the j-track.

[0129] In this implementation, the groove 163 of the j-track 162 is shaped and configured to cooperate with the locating pin 164 in a manner engaging the load ring 130 in rotation a single direction within the valve housing. Moreover, the groove 163 can be continuous around the bottom sleeve 122 such that the locating pin 164 can travel continuously along the groove. This configuration enables the load ring 130 to cycle between different positions, thereby permitting the valve assembly to be operated in any one of its configurations, as desired. As seen in Figures 10 to 12, the groove 163 of the j- track includes groove shoulders 165 (terminuses or dead ends) and travel paths 167 extending between the groove shoulders 165. In some implementations, having the bottom sleeve arranged in one of the operational positions (e.g., the closed, open and regulated positions) can correspond to when the locating pin 164 is positioned in or proximate to a corresponding groove shoulder 165. As such, having the locating pin travelbetween the groove shoulders (e.g., along the travel paths 167) engages the load ring in rotation.

[0130] In this implementation, the load ring 130 is engaged in rotation during downhole movement and during uphole movement of the bottom sleeve 122. However, it is appreciated that other configurations are possible, such as having the load ring rotate only during one of the uphole and downhole movements. The cutch ring 130 of the present implementation has protruding and recessed sections 142, 144 alternating each other at regular intervals about the downhole end of the load ring. In this implementation, and as seen in Figures 7 and 10 to 12, the load ring 130 has two (2) protruding sections 142 and two (2) recessed sections 144. As such, the sleeve shoulder 146 is configured to be aligned with one of four components of the load ring 130 prior to abutting the load ring as it is shifted uphole. It should thus be noted that the load ring 130 is rotated by a quarter turn (e.g., 90 degrees) in order to align the sleeve shoulder with a different component of the load ring 130. In other words, after each “back-and-forth” movement of the bottom sleeve along the valve housing, the load ring is rotated to have a different section thereof aligned with the sleeve shoulder.

[0131] In this implementation, shifting the bottom sleeve downhole engages the load ring in rotation by about 45 degrees, and shifting the bottom sleeve uphole engages the load ring in rotation by about another 45 degrees. However, it is appreciated that, in implementations where the load ring rotates only during one of the uphole and downhole movements of the bottom sleeve, the load ring can be made to rotate by about 90 degrees during that single movement. In other alternate implementations, the load ring can have additional protruding and recessed sections. In these implementations, the j-track can be shaped and configured to have the load ring rotate by a corresponding amount. For instance, if the load ring has four (4) protruding and four (4) recessed sections (for a total of eight sections), it is noted that the load ring rotates by 45 degrees between each section (i.e., 360 degrees I 8 sections = 45 degrees per section). It is also noted that each protruding section of a given load ring 130 can have radial surfaces staggered relative to each other, and that the recessed sections can similarly have staggered radial surfaces. Therefore, the bottom sleeve can be made to engage the load ring in a number of different positions corresponding to the number of sections of the load ring. In yet other implementations, the load ring can have a combination of staggered radial surfaces and aligned radial surfaces, thereby allowing for different axial positions of the bottom sleeve, while also allowing for redundant axial positions of the bottom sleeve.

[0132] It should also be noted that rotation of the load ring can be different based on the movement of the bottom sleeve and / or the location of the pin along the j-track. For example, shifting the bottom sleeve downhole can engage the load ring in rotation by a first distance (or angle), and shifting the bottom sleeve uphole can engage the load ring in rotation by a second distance (or angle), which is different (e.g., greater or lower) than the first distance.

[0133] Still referring to Figures 10 to 12, the bottom sleeve 122, load ring 130 and valve housing 102 are configured to cooperate to prevent the locating pin 164 from bottoming out along the j-track 162. In other words, the components of the valve assembly 100 cooperate to prevent the locating pin from impacting or contacting end surfaces 166 of the j-track located at the end of each groove shoulder 165. As described above, the bottom sleeve 122 is adapted to abut against the bottom sub 110 (e.g., when shifted downhole) and against the load ring 130 (e.g., when shifted uphole) in order to be arranged in one of its operational positions. The j-track can be shaped and sized such that, when the bottom sleeve 122 is in an operational position, the locating pin 164 is spaced from the end surface 166 of the corresponding groove shoulder 165, as seen in Figure 13A, for example. The impact forces resulting from shifting the bottom sleeve along the valve housing are therefore transferred to structural features of the valve assembly (e.g., the load ring or the bottom sub) instead of being transferred to the locating pin 164. This configuration protects the locating pin 165 from bearing the impact forces, which can damage and / or break the locating pin 164. It is thus noted that the locating pin 164 is adapted to bear some rotational load while travelling along the travel paths 167 of the groove 163, but is configured to avoid bearing axial loads.

[0134] However, it should be noted that other configurations are possible, such as having the locating pin 164, alone, or in combination with the structural features of the valve assembly, bear the axial loads, for example. In some implementations, shifting tools can be configured to precisely shift the valve sleeves of the valve assemblies in a manner where the locating pin is positioned in abutment with the end surface of the j-track. The shifting tool can correspond to a specialized tool configured to have the locating pin abut the end surfaces without bearing axial loads which can potentially damage it.

[0135] Referring back to Figures 4 to 6A, the flow regulator 150 is configured to regulate (e.g., adjust, control, restrict, modulate, etc.) fluid and / or material flow through the housing port 112. In this implementation, the flow regulator 150 includes a screen 155adapted to be aligned with the housing port 112 to enable screening the fluid flowing through the housing port. The screen 155 can be adapted to prevent various particulates and / or debris from entering the valve assembly and being produced to surface, for example. In other words, the screen 155 can be configured to filter fluids flowing through the housing port. In some implementations, the flow regulator 150 can include a tortuous channel defined about the bottom sleeve 122. The tortuous channel defines a tortuous flowpath configured to restrict fluid flow between the fluid passage and the reservoir. The flow regulator 150 can also include a check valve, or other similar device, configured to prevent fluid flow in one direction, while allowing fluid flow in the opposite direction. It should be noted that the flow regulator 150 can include any one of the devices discussed herein, among others, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0136] From the above, it is appreciated that the valve assembly can be run downhole in the closed configuration, with the bottom sleeve in the closed position and the flow regulator 150 located within the annular region 125 (e.g., sheathed or shrouded). When in the closed configuration, the sleeve shoulders 146 abut against respective recessed sections of the load ring. Once in position within the wellbore, the valve assembly 100 can be operated from the closed configuration to the open configuration by shifting the bottom sleeve 122 downhole, which rotates the load ring 130 by about 45 degrees about the bottom sleeve. The valve assembly 100 can then be operated from the open configuration to the regulated configuration by shifting the bottom sleeve 122 uphole, back in engagement with the load ring 130. As the bottom sleeve is shifted uphole, the load ring is rotated by another 45 degrees, thereby aligning one of the protruding sections with the sleeve shoulders. The sleeve shoulder then abuts the protruding section to arrange the bottom sleeve in the regulated position, thus operating the valve assembly in the regulated configuration. From the regulated position, the bottom sleeve can be shifted downhole once more into the open position, and back uphole into the closed position due to the load ring having rotated during the stroke of the bottom sleeve. These shifts of the bottom sleeve can be repeated as needed in order to rotate the load ring in a desired position and operate the valve assembly in the corresponding (e.g., the desired) configuration.

[0137] It is thus noted that, in this implementation, the valve assembly can be operated from the closed configuration to the open configuration, from the regulated configuration to the open configuration, and from the open configuration to any one of the closed and regulated configurations based on the previous step in the cycle of the valve assembly. In other words, in this implementation, the valve assembly can be cycledbetween the different configurations following the following pattern : closed, open, regulated, open, closed, open, etc. It is appreciated that other configurations of the valve assembly can allow for different patterns of operation between the open, closed and regulated configurations, and / or different patterns of operation comprising additional operational configurations or “modes” of the valve assembly. It is also appreciated that duplicate or recurring operational configurations can be provided, for example, to provide a backup.

[0138] Now referring to Figures 14 to 26, alternate implementations of the valve assembly 100 and associated parts and components are illustrated and will now be described. In Figures 14 to 16, the valve assembly 100 includes a bottom sleeve 122 and a top sleeve 124 operatively mounted within the valve housing 102. In this implementation, each of the two valve sleeves is slidably coupled and adapted to shift (e.g., slide) along the valve housing between different positions, where each combination positions of the valve sleeves correspond to an operational configuration of the valve assembly 100. The valve assembly 100 also includes the load ring 130 and the sleeve shoulders 146 which cooperate in a similar fashion as previously described to limit movement of the bottom sleeve 122 along the valve housing 102. In this implementation, the load ring 130 is installed downhole relative to the sleeve shoulder 146 such that downhole movement of the bottom sleeve 122 is limited via engagement of the castellations 140 by the sleeve shoulder 146. As seen in Figure 16, the j-track 162 can be defined along the load ring 130, with the locating pin (not shown) connected to the bottom sleeve 122, although other configurations are possible.

[0139] In this implementation, the bottom sleeve 122 can be shifted from a closed position (seen in Figure 14) to a first, or short, open position, where the sleeve shoulders 146 engage the protruding sections 142 of the load ring 130. When in the short open position, the bottom sleeve 122 is spaced from the top sleeve 124 by a first distance and the housing port 112 is open. The top sleeve 124 can then be shifted from the run-in or installation position (seen in Figure 14) to a first operational position by sliding the top sleeve 124 downhole in engagement with the bottom sleeve 122. In other words, the top sleeve can be shifted downhole such that its downhole end abuts against the uphole end of the bottom sleeve. In the first operational position, a first portion of the top sleeve can be aligned with the housing port 112 for operation thereof in a corresponding configuration. For instance, the first portion of the top sleeve can include a flow regulator, such as ascreen, a tortuous channel, a check valve, etc., or an orifice of the desired size and / or geometry.

[0140] Furthermore, the bottom sleeve can be shifted uphole back to the closed position (which urges the top sleeve back to the installation position). As previously described, shifting the bottom sleeve along the valve housing engages the load ring in rotation due to the j-track and locating pin cooperating with one another. It is thus noted that, from this closed position, the bottom sleeve can be shifted downhole, thereby rotating the load ring once again, and aligning the sleeve shoulder with the recessed section 144 of the castellations 140. The bottom sleeve can therefore be positioned in a second, or long, open position, where the sleeve shoulders 146 engage the recessed sections 144 of the load ring 130. When in the long open position, the bottom sleeve 122 is spaced from the top sleeve 124 by a second distance, greater than the first distance, and the housing port 112 is open. The top sleeve 124 can then be shifted from the installation position to a second operational position by sliding the top sleeve 124 downhole in engagement with the bottom sleeve 122 (now in the long open position). In the second operational position, a second portion of the top sleeve can be aligned with the housing port 112 for operation thereof in a corresponding configuration. For instance, the second portion of the top sleeve can include a flow regulator which can be different from the flow regulator provided along the first section. Alternatively, the second regulator can be similar or identical to the first regulator, thereby acting as a back up, when needed. It is thus noted that the top sleeve can be provided with operational regions 300 adapted to control flow communication between the fluid passage and the surrounding reservoir once aligned with the housing port.

[0141] From the above, it is noted that the implementation shown in Figure 14 can be operable in at least four (4) different configurations or modes. For example, mode 1 can correspond to the closed configuration, mode 2 can correspond to the open configuration, with the bottom sleeve in either the short open or long open positions, mode 3 can correspond to a first flow-modulated configuration, with the top sleeve having a first portion thereof aligned with the housing port 112, and mode 4 can correspond to a second flow-modulated configuration, with the top sleeve having a second portion thereof aligned with the housing port 112. It should also be noted that the castellations 140 can include any suitable number of protruding and / or recessed sections, and that the top sleeve can be provided with a corresponding number of operational regions. Moreover, each protruding section can be aligned with one another (as illustrated) or staggered relative toeach other. It is appreciated that staggered sections of the castellations provides additional possible positions for the bottom sleeve, which in turn enables additional positions of the top sleeve relative to the housing port 112, thereby enabling configuring the valve assembly in a corresponding number of additional configurations.

[0142] In some implementations, the configuration of Figure 14 can be altered to include a third sleeve (not shown). The third sleeve can correspond to a shroud configured to provide protection to the top sleeve, for example, during installation and / or cementing operations. The shroud can be secured to the valve housing (e.g., static as part of the valve assembly) or adapted to be shifted along with or independently from the top and / or bottom sleeves.

[0143] Now referring to Figures 17A to 21 B, the valve assembly 100 can include a single valve sleeve 120 configured to be positioned in a plurality of different positions to align different portions thereof (e.g., operational regions 300) with the housing port 112. For example, the valve sleeve 120 includes the j-track 162 which can be shaped and sized to enable 2, 3, 4, 5 or more positions of the valve sleeve 120 within the valve housing. As seen in Figure 17, the j-track 162 can be continuous around the valve sleeve, but includes progressively longer travel paths 167 prior to returning to an initial position. In this implementation, the valve housing 102 can have a portion thereof shaped and sized to define a sleeve stop 180. In other words, radial surfaces could be machined into the inner surface of the valve housing 102, such as along the bottom sub, for example. The sleeve stop 180 can have a staircase shape, with staggered radial surfaces 182, and the valve sleeve 120 can include one or more sleeve shoulders 146 extending therefrom and configured to abut or contact one of the radial surfaces of the sleeve stop 180.

[0144] In this implementation, the locating pin 164 is connected to the valve housing 102 and the valve sleeve is configured to rotate within the valve housing for aligning the sleeve shoulder 146 with a different radial surface 182 of the sleeve stop 180. Similar to previously described implementations, the sleeve shoulder 146 can be configured to engage the sleeve stop 180 (e.g., the radial surfaces thereof) prior to the locating pin bottoming out along the j-track 162. It should also be noted that a load ring (similar to previously described implementations) can be coupled to the valve sleeve and / or valve housing and provided with staggered radial surfaces 182. The valve sleeve 120 can thus be adapted to be shifted and rotate along the fluid passage 106 for engagement with a generally static sleeve stop (e.g., the bottom sub, the load ring, etc.)having staggered radial surfaces. It should be noted that, in this implementation, an axial distance between the staggered radial surfaces of the sleeve stop corresponds to an axial distance between the operational regions 300 defined along the valve sleeve 120. It should also be noted that the axial distance between a first pair of operational regions 300 can be different from the axial distance between a second pair of operational regions 300. In such implementations, it is appreciated that the staggered radial surfaces are axially spaced from one another by a corresponding varying axial distance. However, in some implementations, the axial distance between each adjacent operational region 300 can be generally the same.

[0145] It should be noted that the valve sleeve 120 can have a portion thereof adapted to extend within the sleeve stop (e.g., within the bottom sub 110) when the sleeve shoulder 146 engages one of the radial surfaces of the sleeve stop 180. In other words, the outer diameter of the sleeve stop 180 can be greater than the outer diameter of the valve sleeve. The sleeve shoulder 146 extends from the valve sleeve 120 by a distance sufficient to contact the radial surfaces 182 of the sleeve stop and prevent further movement of the valve sleeve. For example, the length of the sleeve shoulder 146 can correspond to the difference between the outer diameters of the sleeve stop and the valve sleeve, although other configurations are possible.

[0146] In this implementation, each operational configuration of the valve assembly corresponds to the sleeve shoulder 146 contacting a different radial surface 182 of the sleeve stop. Therefore, it is noted that the valve assembly can have as many operational configurations as there are radial surfaces of the sleeve stop 180. It should be noted, however, that the circumference of the valve sleeve is limited / cannot be changed. As such, providing additional radial surfaces would require smaller / narrower radial surfaces, and a correspondingly smaller / narrower sleeve shoulder, which is consequently more susceptible to being damaged (e.g., via shearing). For example, having a sleeve stop with a large number of radial surfaces, e.g., ten (10) radial surfaces, includes having each radial surface extend by about 36 degrees around the circumference of the sleeve stop. The sleeve shoulder would therefore have a shape and size suitable to engage the radial surface extending by the about 36 degrees. For instance, the width of the sleeve shoulder (e.g., dimension extending around the circumference) can be calculated by calculating the length of the corresponding arc of the circle forming the circumference of the valve sleeve (Length of an Arc = 0 x (TT / 180) X r, where 0 is in degree). The sleeve shoulder can be longer (e.g., dimension extending along the longitudinal axis of the valvesleeve) to assist in preventing shearing. Alternatively, the sleeve shoulder can have other shapes, such as a staircase-shape, configured to engage the radial surface associated with any given operational region, along with adjacent radial surfaces (e.g., 1 , 2, 3, etc.) to assist in bearing the load of engaging the sleeve stop and preventing shearing.

[0147] The valve sleeve 120 can include a plurality of flow regulators 150 spaced from one another along a length thereof. It should thus be understood that the different operational configurations of the valve assembly can correspond to the alignment of different regulated regions 320, each provided with respective flow regulators, with the housing port 112. For example, and as seen in Figures 17A and 17B, the valve sleeve can be positioned to have the occluding region 310 (shown as zone “0”) be aligned with the housing port, thereby operating the valve assembly in the closed configuration. The valve sleeve 120 can then be shifted and rotated in order to enable alignment of a first regulated region 320 including a first flow regulator 150a (shown as zone “1”) with the housing port 112, thereby operating the valve assembly in a corresponding first regulated configuration (seen in Figures 18A and 18B). The valve sleeve 120 can be shifted again in order to enable alignment of a second regulated region 320 including a second flow regulator 150b (shown as zone “2”) with the housing port 112, thereby operating the valve assembly in a corresponding second regulated configuration (seen in Figures 19A and 19A), then once again to enable alignment of a third regulated region 320 including a third flow regulator 150c (shown as zone “3”) with the housing port 112, thereby operating the valve assembly in a corresponding third regulated configuration (seen in Figures 20A and 20B). With reference to Figures 21 A and 21 B, it is appreciated that the valve sleeve 120 can also be shifted to be spaced from the housing port 112 in order to operate the valve assembly in the open configuration. In this implementation, the region uphole of the third flow regulator 150c (shown as zone “4”) represents empty space, such that no parts of the valve sleeve is aligned with the housing port 112 in the open configuration.

[0148] In some implementations, and as seen in Figures 17A to 21A, the valve assembly 100 can include a resilient element 190 configured to bias the valve sleeve 120 in a given direction. As such, the valve sleeve can be shifted (e.g., using a shifting tool) in a single direction, with the resilient element 190 being configured to shift the valve sleeve in the opposite direction autonomously. In the illustrated implementation, the resilient element 190 includes a spring 192 configured to bias the valve sleeve downhole in order to arrange the sleeve in an operational position. More specifically, the valve sleeve 120 can be shifted uphole, thereby compressing the spring 192 and engaging the valve sleevein rotation within the valve housing. Once the valve sleeve is “fully” shifted uphole (e.g., once the valve sleeve abuts the top sub and / or once the spring is fully compressed), the valve sleeve is allowed to move downhole under the bias of the spring 192. Upon moving downhole, the valve sleeve further rotates within the valve housing and the sleeve shoulder 146 engages the sleeve stop 180. The valve sleeve is thus arranged in the subsequent operational position, thereby aligning the corresponding operational region with the housing port and enabling operation of the valve assembly in the corresponding operational configuration.

[0149] With reference to Figure 22, the valve assembly can be installed (e.g., run downhole) in an installation configuration, with the valve sleeve (or valve sleeves) in a corresponding installation position. In such implementations, the j-track 162 can include an installation branch or pathway 200, where the locating pin 164 can be positioned during installation of the valve assembly. Once installed, the valve sleeve can be shifted in any suitable direction to move the locating pin from the installation pathway 200 to the continuous pathway of the j-track 162. The valve sleeve can then be shifted up and down in order to change the position of the locating pin along the continuous pathway, similar to previously described implementations. It is noted that, once the locating pin enters the continuous pathway, the j-track 162 is shaped and configured to prevent the locating pin from re-entering the installation pathway 200.

[0150] In an example application, the locating pin can be provided along the installation pathway 200 while the valve assembly is in the closed configuration (seen in Figure 4), and while the screen is sheathed within the annular region 125. Upon entering the continuous pathway of the j-track 162, the valve assembly can be operated from the closed configuration to the open configuration (seen in Figure 5) and / or the screened configuration (seen in Figure 6). The valve assembly can then alternate between the open and screened configurations since the locating pin is prevented from re-entering the installation pathway 200, thereby preventing the screen from being sheathed once more. It should be noted that other configurations and applications are possible and may be implemented with the installation pathway 200 of the j-track.

[0151] With reference to Figures 23 and 24, in some implementations, the valve assembly can include a bi-directional or double-sided load ring 210. As seen in Figure 24, the double-sided load ring 210 includes castellations on the uphole side and on the downhole side defining protruding sections 212 and recessed sections 214 on both sidesof the load ring 210. Therefore, it is noted that the valve sleeve can include a pair of shoulders configured to abut against respective castellation sections so as to arrange the valve sleeve in operational positions on both downhole shifts and uphole shifts. It is also noted that each shift of the valve sleeve can engage the double-sided load ring 210 in rotation within the valve housing in order to align different sections thereof with the valve sleeve shoulders.

[0152] For example, upon shifting the valve sleeve downhole, an uphole shoulder can be adapted to engage the uphole-side recessed section 214a in order to position the valve sleeve in the open position and operate the valve assembly in the open configuration. The valve sleeve can then be shifted uphole to have a downhole shoulder engage the downhole-side recessed section 214b in order to position the valve sleeve in the closed position and operate the valve assembly in the closed configuration. Upon shifting the valve sleeve downhole once more, the double-sided load ring 210 has rotated and the uphole shoulder is now aligned with and adapted to engage the uphole-side protruding section 212a. Once engaged with the uphole-side protruding section 212a, the valve sleeve can be in any desired mode or operational position (e.g., other than open or closed), such as in a regulated position, where a flow regulator is aligned with the housing port. The valve sleeve can then be shifted uphole to have the downhole shoulder engage the downhole-side protruding section 212b, which can position the valve sleeve in another mode, which can be different than all preceding modes. For instance, when engaged with the downhole-side protruding section 212b, the valve sleeve can be in a screened or screening position, where a screen is aligned with the housing port. Shifting the valve sleeve once more can arrange the valve sleeve back in the open position as the cycle continues.

[0153] Still referring to Figures 23 and 24, the valve assembly can be configured to enable a confirmation method 250 for determining in which position the valve sleeve is currently in. More specifically, by using a combination of directional movements and by pumping fluids downhole, the position of the valve sleeve, and thus the configuration of the valve assembly, can be determined. For instance, in this implementation, using a single-sleeve valve assembly having four (4) separate modes (or operational configurations), it is appreciated that, if it is possible to shift the valve sleeve downhole, the valve sleeve is either in the open or regulated positions. Once fluids are pumped downhole, the internal pressure can be monitored. If the pressure increases after having shifted the valve sleeve downhole, it can be determined that the valve sleeve is in theregulated position due to the flow regulator creating a resistance to fluid flow. Otherwise, if pressure remains generally constant (e.g., if fluid can flow freely through the housing port), it can be determined that the valve sleeve is in the open position.

[0154] Similarly, if it is possible to shift the valve sleeve uphole, the valve sleeve is either in the closed or screened positions. Once fluids are pumped downhole, the internal pressure can be monitored. If the pressure increases after having shifted the valve sleeve uphole, it can be determined that the valve sleeve is in the closed position. Otherwise, if pressure remains generally constant (e.g., if fluid can flow freely through the housing port), it can be determined that the valve sleeve is in the screened position. It should be noted that this type of confirmation method can be applied to various implementations of the valve assembly described herein, where the combination of the direction in which the valve sleeve is shifted with the monitoring of the fluid pressure can assist in confirming in which mode the valve sleeve currently is.

[0155] Now referring to Figure 25, another implementation of the valve assembly 100 is shown. In this implementation, the valve assembly includes an occlusion sleeve 222 configured to enable closing and opening the housing port 112, and a convertible sleeve 224. Each sleeve being slidably connected to the valve housing 102 for sliding along the fluid passage 106. The outer sleeve 103 of the valve housing can be provided with tracks (e.g., aj-track 162) defined along an inner surface thereof and located between the outer sleeve and the convertible sleeve 224. A locating pin 164 extends from the convertible sleeve 224 to engage the j-track 162, similar to previously described implementations. The j-track and locating pin cooperate to enable rotation of the convertible sleeve 224 upon shifting the convertible sleeve uphole and / or downhole. The convertible sleeve is further provided with a plurality of outlets 232 configured to be aligned with the housing port 112 for establishing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the housing port. The convertible sleeve 224 also includes flow regulators 234 adapted to cooperate with respective outlets 232 such that each operational position of the convertible sleeve (e.g., each position where one of the outlets 232 is aligned with the housing port 112) corresponds to a distinct flow modulation setting of the valve assembly. In other words, the convertible sleeve 224 can be provided with a plurality of operational regions configured to be individually and selectively aligned with the housing port via rotation of the convertible sleeve 224 along the fluid passage 106.

[0156] It should thus be noted that each one of the occlusion sleeve 222 and the convertible sleeve 224 can be in respective downhole and uphole positions. As seen in Figure 25, the occlusion sleeve 222 is in its downhole position and is therefore spaced from the housing port 112, and the convertible sleeve 224 is in its uphole position and similarly spaced from the housing port 112. It is thus noted that the valve assembly 100 in illustrated in the open configuration. In order to operate the valve assembly in the closed configuration, the occlusion sleeve 222 can be shifted uphole to occlude the housing port. From the open configuration, the convertible sleeve 224 can be shifted downhole (e.g., towards the occlusion sleeve 222) to align one of the outlets 232 with the housing port and enable operation of the valve assembly in the corresponding regulated configuration. As previously described, shifting the convertible sleeve 224 along the outer sleeve 103 engages the convertible sleeve 224 in rotation, thereby enabling cycling between the different outlets 232 for alignment with the housing port 112.

[0157] In some implementations, the flow regulators 234 can include a screen, a tortuous channel, a check valve, and / or an orifice of the desired size and / or geometry, among other possibilities. This configuration is adapted to provide multiple settings for regulating injection operations and also provides backup (e.g., backup outlets) if plugging were to occur, for example.

[0158] In another implementation, and with reference to Figure 26, the j-track 162 can be configured such that the distance traveled by the valve sleeve 120 when moving back and forth along the valve housing varies. For instance, the distance traveled, or “stroke distance”, can vary from one stroke to the other, continuously, until the cycle repeats. Alternatively, the stroke distance can vary on only one of the uphole and downhole movements of the valve sleeve. As seen in Figure 26, in this implementation, each downward position of the valve sleeve 120 has a different axial stroke to allow a specific portion (e.g., operational region) of the valve sleeve 120 to be in alignment with the housing port 112 of the valve housing 102. The valve sleeve 120 can include a plurality of flow regulators 150, such as a first, second and third flow regulators 150a, 150b, 150c, axially spaced from one another. The different axial strokes enabled by the shape and configuration of the j-track 162 allows for a specific one of the flow regulators 150 to align with the housing port 112. The cyclical configuration of the j-track 162 enables continuously switching between the flow regulators, as required and / or desired.

[0159] It should be noted that the j-track 162 enables rotation of the valve sleeve 120 within the valve housing. As such, the different flow regulators are illustratively staggered axially (e.g., along the axial direction of the valve sleeve) and staggered radially (e.g., around a circumference of the valve sleeve). The shape of the j-track enables both axial alignment (e.g., by varying the stroke distance of the valve sleeve) and radial alignment (e.g., by enabling rotation of the valve sleeve) of the desired operational region of the valve sleeve with the housing port 112.

[0160] It should be appreciated from the present disclosure that the various implementations of the valve assembly and related components enable cycling the assembly between various configurations to allow for different operations within the well. The shape and configuration of the j-track and corresponding locating pin enable continuously rotating the valve sleeve of the valve assembly for aligning the desired operational region of the valve sleeve with the outlet of the outer sleeve (e.g., of the valve housing). In some implementations, the shape and configuration of the load ring enables positioning the valve sleeve in a plurality of different axial positions (e.g., operational positions), where different portions of the valve sleeve can be aligned with a specific or desired component of the valve assembly (e.g., housing ports) and / or where a specific or desired portion of the valve sleeve can be aligned with different components or portions of the valve assembly.

[0161] It should be noted that, prior to being shifted, the one or more valve sleeves can be secured in their respective run-in or installation positions using any suitable method. In some implementations, the valve sleeves can be secured in position using one or more fasteners, such as shear pins 250 (seen in Figures 4A and 9) extending from the valve housing 102 and engaging the valve sleeves. The shear pins 250 are configured to break in order to allow the valve sleeves to be shifted between positions. In this implementation, the shear pins are configured to retain the sleeves in their initial or “run- in” positions. In other words, the shear pins are configured to retain the valve sleeves while the valve assemblies are being installed along the wellbore.

[0162] It is also noted that one or more of the valve assemblies can be implemented in various wellbores, formations, and for various applications including hydrocarbon recovery and geothermal applications. In some implementations, the wellbore can be straight, curved, or branched, and can have various wellbore sections. A wellbore section should be considered to be an axial length of a wellbore. A wellboresection can be characterized as “vertical” or “horizontal” even though the actual axial orientation can vary from true vertical or true horizontal, or can tend to undulate or corkscrew or otherwise vary. The term “horizontal”, when used to describe a wellbore section, refers to a horizontal or highly deviated wellbore section as understood in the art, such as a wellbore section having a longitudinal axis that is between 70 and 110 degrees from vertical. For simplicity, it is noted that most of the conduits, channels, passageways, pipes, tubes and / or other similar components referred to in the present disclosure have a cross-section that is preferably circular or annular, although it should be appreciated that other shapes are also possible.

[0163] The valve assembly can be installed within the well for any suitable operations, such as injecting fluid as part of a waterflooding or gas flooding process, or via a cyclic process, such as “huff and puff”. Other applications are also possible using the valve assembly described herein, such as geothermal applications, solution mining operations, frac-to-frac operations (synchronous and / or asynchronous), or any other applications in which improved control of fluid and / or material flowrates are desired or required.

[0164] In some implementations, the injection fluid can be a liquid, such as water, or a gas, such as vapour phase CO2, or a combination thereof depending on the process being implemented. The injection fluid can be miscible or immiscible with the oil in the reservoir. The injection fluid could be field gas or enriched field gas, methane, methane blends, nitrogen, air, ethane, light gaseous hydrocarbons, or other gases or mixtures of such gases that may be suitable for secondary or tertiary recovery. The selection of the fluid can be based on various reservoir properties. It is noted that the injection fluid can depend on the EOR method being used, and that the valve assemblies can be designed and implemented depending on the type of injection fluid to be used and / or depending on various criterions, such as fluid flowrates and pressures.

[0165] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the subject matter of the claims. The described example implementations are to be considered in all respects as being only illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the valve sleeve can be adapted to rotate on any one of the downhole and uphole movements, or both. Valve sleeves can be configured to cooperate with a pair of load rings provided on both sides thereof to enable additional modes of the valve assembly. For example, in some implementations, the bottom sleeve and the bottom subcan each be provided with a staircase configuration configured to cooperate with one another (similar to the implementation of Figure 17). In alternate implementations, the j- track can define a finite pathway having endings. In such implementations, as the bottom sleeve rotates, the locating pin is adapted to go through the j-track once in a given direction, and end up at one of the ends thereof. The bottom sleeve can then be rotated in the opposite direction such that the locating pin travels along the j-track once more in the corresponding direction, prior to engaging another end of the j-track. In other words, in some implementations, the j-track can have a non-cyclical configuration.

[0166] It should also be noted that the implementation of the devices and systems described herein are not limited by scale or application. The system described herein can be used for various downhole operations. In some implementations, the valve assembly is used as part of hydrocarbons recovery operations, where injection fluids are injected to enable the production of fluids including hydrocarbons. It should however be noted that the valve assembly can be used as part of other operations, such as gas flooding operations (e.g., using CO2), waterflooding operations, geothermal operations and acid solution mining operations, for example. Similarly, the valve assembly can be implemented as part of the wellbore string (e.g., during completion operations), or as part of a workstring configured to go inside an existing well. The wells can also have any suitable wellbore completion, such as cemented, cased, etc.

[0167] The present disclosure intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology. The scope of the present disclosure is, therefore, described by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the implementations set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

[0168] As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “coupling”, “attached”, ’’connected” or variants thereof as used herein can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled, coupling, connected or attached can have a mechanical connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled, coupling or attached can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via a mechanical element depending on the particular context.

[0169] In the above description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The implementations, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and / or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

[0170] In addition, although the optional configurations as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components and although the optional configurations of the valve assembly as shown may consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the implementation and use of the valve assembly, and corresponding parts, as briefly explained and as can be easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir, comprising: a valve housing defining a fluid passage therethrough and having a housing port defined therethrough adapted to establish fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; a valve sleeve operatively mounted within the valve housing and adapted to be shifted along the fluid passage, the valve sleeve comprising : a plurality of operational regions adapted to, when aligned with the housing port, define respective states of fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; and a sleeve shoulder extending therefrom; and a sleeve stop connected to at least one of the valve housing and the valve sleeve and comprising a plurality of radial surfaces; and an alignment mechanism configured to enable relative rotation between the valve sleeve and the sleeve stop for adjusting an alignment of the sleeve shoulder between the plurality of radial surface, wherein the valve sleeve is operable in a plurality of operational positions, where each operational position corresponds to the sleeve shoulder abutting with a different one of the radial surfaces in order to align one of the plurality of operational regions of the valve sleeve with the housing port.

2. The valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of radial surfaces are staggered relative to one another such that an axial position of the valve sleeve along the fluid passage is different from one operational position to another.

3. The valve assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two adjacent radial surfaces are axially spaced from one another by a first distance, and wherein at least two adjacent operational regions are axially spaced from one another by a second distance, the first distance being substantially the same as the second distance.

4. The valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the alignment mechanism comprises a j-track defined along an outer surface of the valve sleeve and a j-track pin connected to the valve housing and configured to extend into the j-track, and wherein shifting the valve sleeve along the fluid passage displaces the j-track pin along the j-track to engage the valve sleeve in rotation within the valve housing.

5. The valve assembly of claim 4, wherein the j-track is shaped and sized such that when the sleeve shoulder abuts any one of the plurality of radial surfaces of the sleeve stop, the j-track pin remains spaced from surfaces of the j-track to prevent load transfers to the j-track pin.

6. The valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sleeve stop is static relative to the valve sleeve and the valve housing.

7. The valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sleeve stop corresponds to a downhole sub of the valve housing.

8. The valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of operational regions of the valve sleeve includes an occluding region configured to occlude the housing port when aligned therewith such that fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir is prevented.

9. The valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of operational regions of the valve sleeve includes at least one regulated region configured to regulate fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir when aligned with the housing port.

10. The valve assembly of claim 9, wherein the at least one regulated region comprises a flow regulator including at least one of a screen, a tortuous channel, a check valve, and an orifice adapted to regulate fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir.

11. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the valve sleeve comprises a plurality of regulated regions axially spaced along the valve sleeve.

12. The valve assembly of claim 11 , wherein the flow regulator of a given one of the plurality of regulated regions is different than the flow regulator of another one of the plurality of regulated regions.

13. The valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the valve sleeve is operable in an open operational position, where the valve sleeve is spaced from the housing port such that fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir is unobstructed by the valve sleeve.

14. The valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a resilient element configured to bias the valve sleeve in abutting engagement with the sleeve stop.

15. A valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir, comprising: a valve housing defining a fluid passage therethrough, the valve housing having housing ports defined therethrough and adapted to establish fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; a valve sleeve comprising a flow restriction component and sleeve shoulders, the valve sleeve being operatively mounted within the valve housing and slidable along the fluid passage; a shroud mounted within the valve housing adjacent the valve sleeve, the shroud and the valve housing defining an annular chamber therebetween shaped and sized to at least partially sheathe the flow restriction component therein; a load ring rotatably coupled between the valve housing and the valve sleeve and having castellations defining protrusions and recesses; and a j-track defined along an outer surface of the valve sleeve and a j-track pin connected to the load ring and configured to extend into the j-track, wherein sliding the valve sleeve along the valve housing displaces the j-track pin along the j-track to engage the load ring in rotation within the valve housing in different rotational positions to selectively position one of the protrusions and the recesses in alignment with the sleeve shoulders, wherein the valve assembly is configurable between: a closed configuration, where the valve sleeve is positioned in a closed position and occludes the housing ports, and where the sleeve shoulders abut the recesses of the castellations;an open configuration, where the valve sleeve is positioned in an open position, spaced from the housing ports for establishing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir, and where the valve sleeve abuts the valve housing; and a restricted configuration, where the valve sleeve is positioned in a restricted position, with the flow restriction component being aligned with the housing ports, and where the sleeve shoulders abut the protrusions of the castellations.

16. The valve assembly of claim 15, wherein the valve housing comprises an outer sleeve, a top sub coupled to a first end of the outer sleeve, and a bottom sub coupled to a second end of the outer sleeve, the fluid passage being defined through the outer sleeve, the top sub and the bottom sub.

17. The valve assembly of claim 16, wherein the load ring is connected to the top sub of the valve housing to prevent axial movement of the load ring along the valve housing.

18. The valve assembly of any one of claim 15 to 17, wherein, when in the open position, the bottom sleeve is shaped and adapted to abut the valve housing, and the j-track pin is adapted to remain spaced from a periphery of the j-track.

19. The valve assembly of any one of claim 15 to 17, wherein, when in the closed position, the bottom sleeve is shaped and adapted to abut the load ring, and the j-track pin is adapted to remain spaced from a periphery of the j-track.

20. The valve assembly of any one of claim 15 to 17, wherein, when in the restricted position, the bottom sleeve is shaped and adapted to abut the load ring, and the j-track pin is adapted to remain spaced from a periphery of the j-track.

21. The valve assembly of any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the flow restriction component comprises a screen configured to filter fluids flowing through the housing ports.

22. The valve assembly of any one of claims 15 to 21 , wherein the flow restriction component comprises a tortuous channel defining a tortuous flowpath configured to restrict fluid flow between the fluid passage and the reservoir.

23. The valve assembly of any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the flow restriction component comprises a check valve configured to enable fluid flow through the housing ports in a single direction.

24. The valve assembly of any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein the castellations are defined on a downhole side of the load ring, and wherein the bottom sleeve is adapted to abut the load ring when shifted uphole.

25. The valve assembly of any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein the bottom sleeve is adapted to be shifted downhole into the open position.

26. The valve assembly of any one of claims 15 to 25, wherein the j-track comprises a groove defined along the outer surface of the bottom sleeve, the groove being shaped and configured to enable engaging the bottom sleeve in rotation within the valve housing in a single direction.

27. The valve assembly of claim 26, wherein the groove is continuous around the bottom sleeve and configured to enable cycling the load ring between the different radial positions, and further enable cycling the bottom sleeve between the closed position, the open position and the restricted position.

28. The valve assembly of claim 27, wherein the bottom sleeve is configured to be shifted from the open position to any one of the closed position and the restricted position.

29. The valve assembly of claim 27 or 28, wherein the bottom sleeve is configured to be shifted from the closed position to the open position.

30. The valve assembly of any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the bottom sleeve is configured to be shifted from the restricted position to the open position.

31. The valve assembly of any one of claims 15 to 30, wherein the flow restriction component is provided proximate an uphole end of the bottom sleeve.

32. The valve assembly of any one of claims 15 to 31 , wherein the sleeve shoulders are provided proximate a center of the bottom sleeve.

33. The valve assembly of any one of claims 15 to 32, wherein the sleeve shoulders are radially dispersed about the bottom sleeve at regular intervals.

34. The valve assembly of any one of claims 15 to 33, wherein the sleeve shoulders are axially aligned with one another along the bottom sleeve.

35. The valve assembly of any one of claims 15 to 34, wherein the load ring comprises a pair of protrusions spaced from one another by the recesses, and wherein the bottom sleeve comprises a pair of sleeve shoulders adapted to abut respective protrusions or respective recesses.

36. The valve assembly of any one of claims 15 to 35, wherein the load ring is made up of load ring portions coupled together about the bottom sleeve.

37. The valve assembly of claim 36, wherein the load ring comprises two load ring portions.

38. The valve assembly of claim 37, wherein each load ring portion corresponds to substantially 50% of the load ring.

39. A valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir, comprising: a valve housing defining a fluid passage therethrough and having housing ports defined therethrough adapted to establish fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; a valve sleeve operatively mounted within the valve housing and adapted to be shifted along the fluid passage, the valve sleeve having a sleeve shoulder extending therefrom; a load ring coupled to the valve sleeve and defining a sleeve interface between the load ring and the valve sleeve, the load ring comprising a plurality of ring abutments provided along an end thereof; and a j-track defined along the sleeve interface and a j-track pin connected to one of the valve sleeve and the load ring and configured to extend into the j-track, wherein the j-track pin and the j-track are configured to cooperate to engage at least one of the load ring and the valve sleeve in rotation within the valve housing upon shifting the valve sleeve along the fluid passage for adjusting relative alignment between the ring abutments and the sleeve shoulder of the valve sleeve, the sleeveshoulder being adapted to engage the load ring by contacting one of the plurality of ring abutments to position the valve sleeve along the valve housing.

40. The valve assembly of claim 39, wherein the sleeve shoulder extends radially from the valve sleeve and is adapted to contact the ring abutments to prevent further movement of the valve sleeve in a first direction along the fluid passage.

41. The valve assembly of claim 39 or 40, wherein the load ring comprises at least two ring abutments, and wherein the at least two ring abutments are staggered relative to one another along the end of the load ring to enable positioning the valve sleeve in at least two different positions based on which of the at least two ring abutments the sleeve shoulder is aligned with.

42. The valve assembly of claim 39 or 41 , wherein the sleeve interface comprises an outer surface of the valve sleeve and an inner surface of the load ring, and wherein the j-track comprises a groove defined along the outer surface of the valve sleeve, and the j-track pin is connected to the load ring.

43. The valve assembly of claim 42, wherein the groove has a zig-zag pattern, and wherein the j-track pin is urged along the zig-zag pattern upon shifting the valve sleeve along the fluid passage, thereby engaging the load ring in rotation within the valve housing.

44. The valve assembly of claim 43, wherein the zig-zag pattern is configured to enable engaging the load ring in rotation within the valve housing in a single direction.

45. The valve assembly of any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the groove is continuous around the valve sleeve and configured to enable cycling the load ring between the different radial positions.

46. The valve assembly of any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein the valve housing comprises a housing abutment, and wherein the valve sleeve is adapted to contact the housing abutment to prevent further movement of the valve sleeve in a second direction along the fluid passage, the second direction being opposite the first direction.

47. The valve assembly of claim 46, wherein the ring abutments comprise a protruding abutment and a recessed abutment, and wherein the valve sleeve is adapted to be shifted between : a first operational position, where the sleeve shoulder contacts the protruding abutment; a second operational position, where the valve sleeve contacts the housing abutment; and a third operational position, where the sleeve shoulder contacts the recessed abutment, wherein the first, second and third operational positions define respective degrees of flow restriction through the housing ports.

48. The valve assembly of claim 47, wherein the valve sleeve, the valve housing and the load ring are adapted to cooperate to prevent the j-track pin from contacting shoulders of the j-track when the valve sleeve is in one of the first, second and third operational positions.

49. The valve assembly of claim 47 or 48, wherein the first operational position corresponds to a closed position, where the valve sleeve occludes the housing port to prevent fluid communication therethrough, and wherein the second operational position corresponds to an open position, where the valve sleeve is spaced from the housing ports to enable fluid communication therethrough.

50. The valve assembly of claim 49, wherein the valve sleeve comprises a flow restriction component having an inlet defined on an inner surface of the valve sleeve, and an outlet defined on the outer surface of the valve sleeve, the flow restriction component being configured to restrict fluid flow therethrough.

51. The valve assembly of claim 50, wherein the third operational position corresponds to a restricted position, where the outlet of flow restriction component is in fluid communication with the housing ports, and where fluid flow between the fluid passage and the housing ports is restricted.

52. A valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir, comprising:a valve housing comprising an outer sleeve defining a fluid passage therethrough and having housing ports defined through the valve housing adapted to establish fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; a bottom sleeve comprising a sleeve shoulder and being slidably mounted within the valve housing, the bottom sleeve being operable between a closed position, where the bottom sleeve occludes the housing ports, a first open position, where the bottom sleeve is spaced from the housing port by a first distance, and a second open position, where the bottom sleeve is spaced from the housing port by a second distance; a top sleeve slidably mounted within the valve housing adjacent the bottom sleeve, the top sleeve being operable between a retracted position, where the top sleeve is spaced from the housing port, a first operational position, where a first portion of the top sleeve is aligned with the housing ports, and a second operational position, where a second portion of the top sleeve is aligned with the housing ports; a load ring rotatably coupled between the tubular wall and the valve sleeve and having castellations defining a protrusion and a recess, the load ring and the bottom sleeve defining a sleeve interface therebetween; and a j-track defined along the sleeve interface and a j-track pin connected to one of the bottom sleeve and the load ring and configured to extend into the j-track, wherein the j-track pin and the j-track are configured to cooperate to engage the load ring in rotation within the valve housing upon shifting the bottom sleeve along the fluid passage, the load ring being rotatable to selectively align one of the protrusion and the recess with the sleeve shoulder, wherein the sleeve shoulder is adapted to abut the protrusion for positioning the bottom sleeve in the first open position, and is adapted to abut the recess for positioning the bottom sleeve in the second open position, wherein the top sleeve is adapted to abut the bottom sleeve in the first open position for positioning the top sleeve in the first operational position, and is adapted to abut the bottom sleeve in the second open position for positioning the top sleeve in the second operational position.

53. A valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir, comprising: a valve housing comprising a top sub, a bottom sub and a tubular wall defining a fluid passage therethrough and having housing ports defined through the tubular wall and adapted to establish fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir, the bottom sub having an uphole end with a plurality of radial surfaces staggered relative to one another; a valve sleeve operatively mounted within the valve housing and slidable along the fluid passage, the valve sleeve having a shoulder configured to abut against the radial surfaces of the bottom sub to prevent further downhole movement of the valve sleeve; a j-track defined along an outer surface of the valve sleeve and a j-track pin connected to the valve housing and configured to extend into the j-track, wherein sliding the valve sleeve along the tubular wall displaces the j-track pin along the j- track to engage the valve sleeve in rotation within the valve housing, wherein engaging the valve sleeve in rotation enables aligning the shoulder with a different radial surface, thereby changing the relative position of the valve sleeve along the valve housing.

54. A valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir, comprising: a valve housing defining a fluid passage therethrough and having housing ports defined therethrough adapted to establish fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; a valve sleeve operatively mounted within the valve housing and adapted to be shifted along the fluid passage, the valve sleeve comprising : a plurality of operational regions defined therealong and adapted to, when aligned with the housing ports, define respective states of fluid communication between the fluid passage and the reservoir; and a sleeve shoulder extending therefrom; anda load ring coupled to the valve sleeve and comprising a plurality of ring abutments, wherein the valve sleeve is adapted to engage with the load ring in a plurality of abutting configurations, where each abutting configuration corresponds to the sleeve shoulder abutting with a different one of the ring abutments in order to align respective operational regions of the valve sleeve with the housing ports.

Images