Valve device, system and method of operating the same

Abstract

A valve section (2) for a coiled tubing system (1), wherein the valve section (2) forms a central longitudinal axis (29), wherein: - the valve section (2) comprises at least one feedthrough wire (74), an inlet (3), at least two outlets (33,34) and a valve arrangement (6) for controlling a fluid connection between the inlet (3) and the outlets (33, 34); - the feedthrough wire (74) being adapted for at least one of a communication signal and power between an upper end (22) and a lower end (24) of the valve section (2), wherein the upper end (22) comprises the inlet (3).

Description

[0001] VALVE DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME

[0002] The invention relates to a downhole tool for use within a wellbore. More specifically, the invention relates to a coiled tubing system for controlling a fluid flow through the coiled tubing and a valve section for the coiled tubing system. A method for controlling the fluid flow in a downhole position by means of the coiled tubing system is also disclosed.

[0003] To reduce cost and increase production, wellbores are getting longer and / or main wellbores may comprise several lateral wellbores. The wellbores are becoming more advanced and usually includes advanced monitoring systems and downhole components to maximize production. To minimize impact on production, it is desirable that coiled tubing systems used in wellbore intervention operations perform multiple tasks and / or perform a set of tasks repeatedly at different locations during each trip into the wellbore. For reliable reconfiguration of the coiled tubing system or to verify task completion, it is advantageous to exchange data between modules in the coiled tubing system modules and between the coiled tubing system and surface equipment. Hence, adequate control, communication and sensor data between modules and surface equipment is desirable. As the coiled tubing systems are required to execute more complex operations and reconfigure within the wellbore, complexity increases. Consequently, the likelihood of a system failure increases as the environmental conditions within the wellbore remain challenging, if not more than in previous generations of wellbores.

[0004] The coiled tubing system's primary benefit is its ability to pump a substantial volume of fluid from the surface to a downhole location inside the wellbore. An outer diameter of the coiled tubing system needs to be small enough to pass wellbore restrictions, while an inner diameter, i.e. a conduit where the fluid flows, should be as large as possible to min- imize fluid flow resistance. The fluid flow may be used to create a downhole force via a fluid motor, or a similar device, creating a rotational force and / or an axial force. Internal components within the complex coiled tubing system may experience strain and potential malfunction due to external and internal forces.

[0005] US4619323 discloses an apparatus with three conduits, each comprising a valve for controlling a fluid flow used for performing different tasks downhole. The three conduits and several wires are symmetrically distributed around a longitudinal axis of the apparatus and form a part of a loadbearing structure that transmits external forces between the apparatus, surface equipment, and the wellbore. The valves, being part of the loadbearing structure, may jam during operation, and symmetrical distribution of the wires around the longitudinal axis makes the interfaces between modules complex and not area efficient. This limits the size of the conduits.

[0006] US10077618 and US10697252 disclose a valve assembly for a coiled tubing system. The valve assembly includes one ball valve and one sleeve valve. The valve assembly may be configured in one of the following configurations were the fluid either; ejects through radial ports via the sleeve valve, flows to a tool positioned downhole of the valve assembly via the ball valve, or flows through the ports and the tool downhole via both valves simultaneously. Each valve requires different valve drive mechanisms and must be positioned in series, thus adding length to the valve assembly. The ball valve is known for requiring large forces to rotate the ball when a fluid pressure inside the coiled tubing force the ball against the valve seals. This is due to the area of the ball exposed to the fluid pressure being as large as the through passage. This necessitated a large drive mechanism causing restrictions to the passage and surrounding components, such as the communication line. The sleeve valve, the ball valve and their respective drive mechanism are positioned within the loadbearing structure that experiences bending, rotational forces, and axial forces. This may cause the valves and / or their drive mechanism to jam. Another disadvantage is that any feedthrough wires must be evenly spaced between each radial port within the loadbearing structure in a narrow cross-section past the ball valve, making the interfaces on each end of the valve assembly complex. Document US11512546 discloses a fluid control tool with radially positioned ports and a passage to a tool positioned downhole from the fluid control tool. A fluid control valve controls the fluid flow between the ports and the passage.

[0007] The invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to prior art. The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow. The invention is defined by the independent patent claim. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0008] A "downhole" or a "lower" position is herein defined as a position along the wellbore that is further from an entry of the wellbore than to a reference position. It does not indicate a specific depth into the ground. Conversely, an "uphole" or an "upper" position is herein defined as a position along the wellbore that is closer to the entry of the wellbore than to the reference position. It does not indicate a specific depth into the ground. Therefore, when placed in a wellbore, "an upper end" is closer to the entry of the wellbore than "a lower end".

[0009] In a first aspect the invention relates more particularly to a valve section for a coiled tubing system, the valve section forming a central longitudinal axis, wherein:

[0010] - the valve section comprises at least one feedthrough wire, an inlet, at least two outlets and a valve arrangement for controlling a fluid connection between the inlet and the outlets; and

[0011] - the feedthrough wire is adapted for transmitting at least one of a communication signal and power between an upper end and a lower end of the valve section, wherein the upper end comprises the inlet.

[0012] In one embodiment, the inlet may be radially offset from the central longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the inlet may be radially offset from the central longitudinal axis and from the feedthrough wire(s). In an embodiment of the valve section, the valve arrangement, the inlet and one outlet may be radially offset from the central longitudinal axis. In an embodiment of the valve section, the valve arrangement, the inlet and at least one outlet may be radially offset from the central longitudinal axis and from the feedthrough wire(s). In another embodiment of the valve arrangement, the inlet and at least one outlet may be radially offset from the central longitudinal axis and from the feedthrough wire(s).

[0013] In another embodiment, the valve arrangement, the inlet and the outlets may each be radially offset from the central longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the valve arrangement, the inlet and the outlets may each be radially offset from the central longitudinal axis and from the feedthrough wire(s).

[0014] In an embodiment of the valve section, at least one of the valve arrangement, the inlet, one outlet, and each outlet is / are radially offset from the feedthrough wire(s).

[0015] In an embodiment of the valve section, the valve arrangement, the inlet and the outlets may each be radially offset from the central longitudinal axis and from the feedthrough wire(s).

[0016] The valve section may comprise at least two feedthrough wires.

[0017] The upper end may be configured to connect to the coiled tubing, or alternatively, it may be configured to connect to a module positioned uphole from the valve section inside the coiled tubing system. The lower end may be configured to connect to a module positioned downhole from the valve section. Therefore, the upper end and the lower end may herein be defined as interfaces adapted to connect to adjacently positioned modules within the coiled tubing system.

[0018] As previously described, the coiled tubing system may need to carry out complex tasks necessitating more advanced systems and controls. The inlet may be offset from the central longitudinal axis providing a large area for a valve actuator portion . This reduces the complexity of designing internal components within the valve actuator portion as they do not need to be designed around the inlet. The valve actuator portion is presented in more detail below. The valve arrangement may connect the inlet to the at least two outlets by a single valve. The single valve may connect the inlet with one of the outlets, both / a 11 outlets, or a blocked end, resulting in the inlet not being connected to any outlets. This may be achieved by rotating a rotatable valve or sliding a slidable valve. Both the rotatable valve and the slidable valve may comprise one inlet hole connected with the inlet and at least one outlet hole that can connect with each outlet, a specific outlet or the blocked end depending on the valve's position. The valve arrangement, which may comprise the rotatable valve or the slidable valve may be offset from the central longitudinal axis. This may provide an area for a wire portion, reducing the complexity in designing the valve section as the feedthrough wires are closely spaced within the wire portion and not between different components of the valve section. The wire portion will be described later.

[0019] In an embodiment, the inlet may split into the at least two outlets via a conduit between the inlet and each outlet. This simplifies the valve arrangement as it eliminates the need for the valve arrangement to align the at least one outlet hole with the corresponding outlet with a high accuracy to prevent partial fluid connection between the inlet and the outlets. The inlet may align with one of the outlets to further expand the area of the wire portion.

[0020] In another embodiment, each outlet may be positioned on either side of a plane extending along the inlet and through the central longitudinal axis. This arrangement allows the valve actuators and parts of the valve arrangement to be closely positioned along the inlet in an area-efficient arrangement, thereby maximizing the area of the wire portion and any conduits / passages within the valve section. The valve section may in this, and other embodiments comprise of one valve arrangement for each outlet. The areaefficient arrangement also frees up an area positioned downhole from the valve arrangement. This area may be used to adapt and optimize each outlet for their specific purpose.

[0021] As previously described, it is desirable to have adequate control and sensor data with and through essential parts and / or modules within the coiled tubing system. The valve section comprises at least one feedthrough wire, where the feedthrough wire may be a commu- nication feedthrough wire dedicated for communication, and / or the feedthrough wire may be a power feedthrough wire dedicated for supplying electrical power. In an embodiment comprising at least one feedthrough wire, the feedthrough wire(s) may comprise at least one of a high-power feedthrough wire adapted for powering an electric motor or a connected module, a low-power feedthrough wire adapted for powering electronic processors and communication components, and at least two communication wires adapted for supporting communication signals. The feedthrough wires may be used to connect different modules to a central communication module, which is described in more detail under the second aspect of the invention below. The number of feedthrough wires connecting the upper end with the lower end may be between one and twenty, preferably between two and twelve, and even more preferably six feedthrough wires. By having a sufficient number of feedthrough wires through the valve section, communication and power between modules positioned uphole and downhole from the valve section is ensured, thus increasing flexibility in configuring and adding new modules in the coiled tubing system. The wire portion housing the feedthrough wires may comprise at least one of a single wire-conduit adapted to house all feedthrough wires, a plurality of wire-conduits adapted to house multiple feedthrough wires, or one wire-conduit for housing each feed- through wire.

[0022] The valve actuator may be electrically operated by an electric motor connected to a screw drive or a gear drive providing a linear or rotary motion to the valve arrangement. This arrangement may allow the electric motor to maintain the valve arrangement in a specific position. However, each electric motor may require a motor controller, and a linear position sensor may be needed for each valve element to prevent the screw drive, the gear drive, or the valve element from reaching an end position, which may cause the valve element to become stuck.

[0023] In an embodiment, the valve arrangement may be configured to be hydraulically operated. The valve actuator portion may comprise one electric motor connected to a hydraulic pump. At least one solenoid valve may direct a hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic circuit to the valve actuator, enabling the valve arrangement to be hydraulically operated through linear movement or rotation. The valve actuator may comprise a cylinder, a piston and a rod connecting the piston to the valve arrangement. Hydraulically operated systems are known to be operated to their end positions without the risk of the valve element reaching the stuck position, thereby simplifying the valve actuator portion.

[0024] At least one outlet, when connected to the inlet, may provide a through passage connecting the upper end to the lower end of the valve section. Alternatively, the inlet may be connectable to a plurality of outlets, providing a plurality of through passages, thereby reliably enabling the coiled tubing system to be configured for different tasks. At least one outlet, when connected to the inlet, may form a divert passage connecting the inlet to at least one port positioned circumferentially on the valve section, i.e. with a radially directed outlet. The valve section may therefore comprise a plurality of outlets and form a plurality of passages.

[0025] In an embodiment, the valve section may comprise one inlet being branched into two conduits, e.g. a passage conduit and a divert conduit. The passage conduit may connect the inlet to a through-outlet, forming the through passage. The divert conduit may connect the inlet to a divert outlet, forming the divert passage.

[0026] In an embodiment of the valve section, the valve arrangement may comprise a valve element in form of a valve piston being slidable inside the outlet. The valve element may be configurable to move between an open position, where the inlet and the outlet form the passage for the fluid flow, and a closed position, where the passage is closed. A seal may be mounted on the valve piston or mounted on a complementary fitting mating surface of the valve piston.

[0027] Each outlet may house one valve element, e.g. the valve piston, and each valve element may be individually operated. This allows the valve section to be configured to a setting where the through passage and the divert passage are open, the through passage is open and the divert passage is closed, the through passage is closed and the divert passage is open, or both the through passage and the divert passage are closed. The valve element may be electrically or hydraulically operated as previously described.

[0028] In the open position, the valve piston may be positioned adjacently the conduit connect- i ng the inlet with the outlet, thus not obstructing the outlet. As a result, the inlet is connected with the outlet forming the passage. In the closed position, the valve piston may be positioned to block the outlet. In an embodiment, the valve piston may comprise at least two seals, each sealing against similar inner diameters within the outlet. The seals may be positioned so that in the closed position, one seal is positioned on each side of the conduit connecting the inlet with the outlet. Therefore, in the closed position, an area of the valve piston on each side of the conduit is equal. Thereby, the valve arrangement may be balanced relative to a fluid pressure within the inlet. The term "balanced" may herein be defined as being position neutral, meaning the valve arrangement experiences no motive force from the fluid pressure within the inlet.

[0029] Each end of the valve piston may be connected to a wellbore fluid at a wellbore pressure, so that no external fluid pressure influences the valve piston. Therefore, the valve element may be configured between the open and closed position with minimal force required, as there is no area for the fluid pressure within the inlet or the wellbore pressure to act on to create a motive force restricting the valve element from changing position. This will be described in more detail below.

[0030] In an embodiment where the valve arrangement is not balanced, the valve actuator needs to maintain a force to keep the valve in either the closed or the open position, and it may need to counteract hydraulic forces created by the fluid pressure in the inlet or the wellbore pressure. This is relevant for an orifice type valve, or in an embodiment wherein an area of the valve piston on each side of the conduit differs.

[0031] Is it known from the art to pressure-compensate internal cavities in the coiled tubing system by using a compensation fluid at a compensation pressure, which is higher than the wellbore pressure. A component exposed to the compensation pressure at one end and the lower wellbore pressure in an opposite end may experience a hydraulic force trying to push the component out of the compensated cavity. The valve section may comprise the valve actuator portion being pressure-compensated and where the valve arrangement is balanced relative to the compensation pressure. The valve actuator portion may comprise the valve actuator for actuating the valve arrangement, e.g. the hydraulic piston within the cylinder and the rod connecting the piston to the valve element. The valve arrangement may be balanced, i.e. position neutral, relative to the compensation pressure by having equal areas on each side of the piston. This may be achieved by having a rod of the same size on each side of the piston, thereby eliminating the forces trying to push the piston out of the valve actuator portion. This allows for the use of less expensive and simpler solenoid valves that are not characterised as "zero leak" valves, as pressure does not need to be maintained within the cylinder to keep the valve position of the valve element.

[0032] The valve section may comprise one sensor adapted to monitor a valve position of the valve element. The valve section may comprise one sensor adapted to monitor the valve position of all the valve elements. For embodiments where the valve arrangement is hydraulically operated, a single pressure sensor may be used to monitor the pressure within the hydraulic circuit. A pressure peak indicates that a valve element, e.g. the valve piston, has reached an end position. Using the single pressure sensor simplifies and reduces size of the valve actuator portion. For embodiments being electrically operated or hydraulically operated, the sensor may be a linear position sensor.

[0033] Less complex coiled tubing tools that use ball drop for configuration are still used in downhole operations and will continue for many years. The valve section may be configured to allow an object to transferred therethrough, thereby enabling the valve section to be used in conjunction with a tool that can be configured with the object being "dropped" through the coiled tubing. The object may follow the fluid flow from surface and through the valve section, i.e. through the through passage, and then configure the coiled tubing tool positioned downhole from the valve section. The object may be a ball, a dart, or any other suitable object known from the art. The object may have a size that allows the object to flow through the coiled tubing, starting from surface and passing through the through passage. For coiled tubing operations, the size, e.g. the diameter of the object, may range between 3 / 8 of an inch and 11Z inch. In an embodiment of the valve section, the conduit connecting the inlet to the divert outlet may be smaller than the object, or the conduit may have an oval cross-section to prevent an object with circular crosssection from accidentally entering the divert passage while still maintaining an unrestrict- ed flow area.

[0034] As mentioned, it is desirable to have a high degree of flexibility when configuring the coiled tubing system. The valve section may comprise a manifold and an outer wall, the outer wall connecting the upper end to the lower end, and the manifold being positioned within the outer wall. The manifold may connect the inlet to each outlet and comprise the valve arrangement and the wire portion, e.g. the wire-conduits and the feedthrough wires, allowing the valve section to be configured for a new task by simply replacing the manifold.

[0035] The coiled tubing system may create or be subjected to external and internal forces, such as rotational, axial and bending forces, during downhole operations. These forces may jam, malfunction or damage sensitive internal components like the valve element, the valve actuator, the solenoid valves, electronics components, etc. The external forces between the upper end and the lower end may be transferred via the outer wall. The external and internal forces between the upper end and the lower end may be transferred via the outer wall. The upper end and the lower end may be configured to transfer external forces between the upper end and the lower end via the outer wall, thereby preventing the manifold and any sensitive internal components from being subjected to these external and internal forces. The upper and lower ends may comprise a threaded connection, a splined connection, or a keyed connection having a complementary fit with a connected module. This ensures that the external and internal forces are transferred between the upper and lower end through the outer wall.

[0036] The coiled tubing system may be utilized to transport a significant volume of fluid from surface to a specific location inside the wellbore. This fluid may be used for internal cleaning, for depositing materials inside the wellbore or for treating the surrounding formation. In an embodiment, one outlet may lead to an annular area connected to a plurality of ports. The ports may be radial ports, i.e. with radially directed outlets. The ports may be circumferentially positioned around the circumference of the valve section. The annular space allows all radial ports to receive the same volume of fluid while marginally affecting the wire portion, as the radial ports may be positioned externally relative to, and not through, the wire portion. In an embodiment, the outlet leading to the annular area may be the divert outlet. The annular area may be formed between the manifold and the outer wall. The ports may be positioned in the outer wall, resulting in a shorter length of the ports compared to if the ports were connected to the inlet. This arrangement consequently reduces the resistance to fluid flow through the ports. The radial ports may be replaceable, providing increased flexibility of the coiled tubing system.

[0037] In a second aspect the invention relates more particularly to a coiled tubing system for controlling a fluid flow through the coiled tubing, wherein:

[0038] - the coiled tubing system comprises a valve section according the first aspect of the invention;

[0039] - the coiled tubing system is configured to be connected to a surface equipment via the coiled tubing and a coilable member positioned within the coiled tubing.

[0040] The coiled tubing system may connect to surface equipment via the coiled tubing and the coilable member. The coilable member may be a wire or another suitable coilable member for transmitting at least one of communication signal and electric power between surface and the coiled tubing system.

[0041] The valve section being a part of the coiled tubing system provides the coiled tubing system with flexibility and reliable control of the fluid flow from the downhole position, without the risk of the valve arrangement jamming due to external forces or unintentionally shifting the valve position.

[0042] The coiled tubing system may comprise a telemetry module. The beforementioned central communication module may be the telemetry module, which may communicate and process signals within the coiled tubing system and / or between surface equipment and the coiled tubing system.

[0043] The coiled tubing system may comprise a purpose tool connected downhole from the valve section. The purpose tool may be a lateral entry tool, a conveyance tool, a drilling tool, a flushing tool, or any other suitable tools that may be positioned below the valve section. In an embodiment of the coiled tubing system, the valve section may control the purpose tools by controlling the fluid flow. The purpose tool may be configured for receiving the fluid flow conveyed through the through passage.

[0044] The purpose tool may be adapted to receive and send at least one of communication signal and power via the at least one feedthrough wire. This arrangement allows for positioning the telemetry module and the purpose tool on either side the valve section, as the valve section does not restrict communication signals or power to be sent between the two. Therefore, one central communication module may control the coiled tubing system.

[0045] In a third aspect the invention relates more particularly to a method for controlling the fluid flow in a downhole position, the method comprising the steps of:

[0046] - providing the coiled tubing system according to the second aspect of the invention;

[0047] - deploying the coiled tubing system into the wellbore;

[0048] - positioning the coiled tubing system at a first treatment location;

[0049] - controlling the fluid flow through the coiled tubing system by configuring the valve section to at least one of a configuration where the fluid flows through a first outlet, flows through a second outlet, flows through both the first outlet and the second outlets, and are blocked.

[0050] The valve section, which comprises the at least one feedthrough wire, enables control and communication between modules positioned above and below the valve section. The modules positioned below the valve section may be adapted to receive the fluid, or they may be subsequent modules that do not necessitate the fluid to perform a task inside the wellbore.

[0051] The method may further comprise the steps to:

[0052] - reposition the coiled tubing system to a second treatment location;

[0053] - controlling the fluid flow through the coiled tubing system by configuring the valve section to at least one of a configuration where the fluid flows through a first outlet, flows through a second outlet, flows through both the first outlet and the second outlets, and are blocked. The valve section being able to configure the valve arrangement infinitely allows the coiled tubing system to perform a plurality of tasks or repeat a sequence of tasks in one or more treatment locations within the wellbore.

[0054] An effect of being able to close the outlets is that, if the coiled tubing system is conveyed through a gas filled section of the wellbore, the fluid inside the coiled tubing system is not discharged into the wellbore.

[0055] In the following is described examples of preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0056] Fig. 1 shows, in a side view, a coiled tubing system within a wellbore;

[0057] Fig. 2a shows a valve section, in a side view and in a different scale than in Fig. 1, indicating a section view A-A and B-B;

[0058] Fig. 2b shows the section view A-A, in a different scale than Fig 2a, with an indication of section views C-C, D-D, E-E, F-F, and C'-C';

[0059] Fig. 2c shows the section view A-A identical to FIG. 2b;

[0060] Fig. 3 shows the section view C-C from Fig. 2b;

[0061] Fig. 4 shows the section view D-D from Fig. 2b;

[0062] Fig. 5 shows the section view E-E from Fig. 2b;

[0063] Fig. 6 shows the section view F-F from Fig. 2b;

[0064] Fig. 7 shows the cross-sectional view B-B from Fig. 2a; and

[0065] Fig. 8 shows the section view C'-C' of another embodiment of the valve section.

[0066] Any positional indications refer to the position shown in the figures. In the figures, same or corresponding elements are indicated by same reference numerals. For clarity reasons, some elements may in some of the figures be without reference numerals. A person skilled in the art will understand that the figures are just principal drawings. The relative proportions of individual elements may also be distorted.

[0067] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a coiled tubing system 1 positioned inside a wellbore 100. The coiled tubing system 1 comprises a valve section 2 connected to a purpose tool 92 at a lower end 24, and a telemetry module 94 at an upper end 22. In the shown embodiment, the purpose tool 92 is illustrated as a flushing tool with axially aligned nozzles (details not shown). The coiled tubing system 1 is connected to surface equipment via a coiled tubing 12 and a wire 16. The wire 16 is situated within a passage 14 inside the coiled tubing 12. The passage 14 allows a fluid to be pumped from surface equipment to the coiled tubing system 1.

[0068] Fig. 2a shows the valve section 2 and the positions of the cross-sectional views A-A and B- B. Fig. 2b presents the cross-sectional view A-A, indicating the positions of section views C-C, D-D, E-E, F-F, and C'-C'.

[0069] Now referring to Fig. 3, which is the section view C-C. The valve section 2 comprises an inlet 3 that is offset from a central longitudinal axis 29. The inlet 3 is fluidly connected to the passage 14 at one end. Adjacent to the inlet 3 is a valve actuator portion 4 that comprises a hydraulic power unit (HPU) 42. The HPU 42 comprises an electric motor 44, a hydraulic pump 46, a plurality of solenoid valves 47, and a pressure sensor 48. The HPU 42 is connected to a hydraulic circuit 49. Fig. 4 shows the hydraulic circuit 49 connecting the HPU 42 to each side of two valve actuators 5. The valve actuators 5 will be described below with reference to Figs. 5 and 6.

[0070] Referring again to Fig. 3. The upper end 22 and the lower end 24 both comprise a torsion transfer key 25 and an axial transfer connection 26. The torsion transfer key 25 and the axial transfer connection 26 allow external and / or internal forces, such as torsion, axial, and bending forces, to be transferred between the upper end 22 and the lower end 24 via an outer wall 28. A manifold 27 is positioned inside the outer wall 28, and the manifold 27 comprises six wire conduits 72 each for accommodating a feedthrough wire 74.

[0071] Referring now to Figs. 2c and 3. The valve section 2 comprises a wire portion 7, which is a portion of the valve section 2 that extends along the longitudinal axis 29 from the upper end 22 to the lower end 24. The inlet 3, a through outlet 33, and a divert outlet 34 are radially offset from the wire portion 7. The through outlet 33 and the divert outlet 34 are described in relation to Figs. 5 and 6. The wire portion 7 comprises six wire-conduits 72 and six feedthrough wires 74 that connect the upper end 22 to the lower end 24. The six feedthrough wires 74 comprise one high power feedthrough wire 742, one low power feedthrough wire 744, and two communication wires 746. The remaining feedthrough wires 74 may be used for at least one of the following purposes: electrical grounding to reduce communication noise, communication with sensors, additional power and / or other suitable means known from the art. The feedthrough wires 74 comprise electrical plugs 76 to facilitate easy assembly of components inside the valve section 2 and to connect the telemetry 94 and the purpose tool 92 in the upper end 22 and the lower end 24, respectively.

[0072] Fig. 5, i.e. section view E-E, shows the inlet 3 being connected with a passage conduit 311 that connects the inlet 3 with the through outlet 33. The inlet 3, the passage conduit 311, and the through outlet 33 form a through passage 36 between the upper end 22 and the lower end 24. A valve arrangement 6 comprises a valve element 62 that comprises a valve piston 64 and two seals 66. The two seals 66 are spaced apart on the valve piston 64. The valve element 62 is slidably positioned inside the through outlet 33. The valve actuator portion 4 comprises the valve actuator 5 with a piston 52 positioned inside a cylinder 54. A connecting rod 56 connects the piston 52 with the valve element 62 so that any movement of the piston 52 within the cylinder 54 is transferred to the connected valve element 62. The valve actuator portion 4 is pressure compensated by a compensation fluid 41 and a compensator (not shown). The compensation fluid 41 is also used as a hydraulic fluid for the HPU 42 and the hydraulic circuit 49. A balancing rod 58 is connected to the piston 52 at an end opposite to where the connecting rod 56 is connected to the piston 52. The balancing rod 58 has the same diameter as the connecting rod 56 so that a hydraulic pressure area on both sides of the piston 52 exposed to a hydraulic pressure are equal in size. Without the balancing rod 58, the hydraulic pressure area where the connecting rod 56 is connected to the piston 52 would be smaller compared to the opposite end of the piston 52. Thus, when the HPU 42 is turned off, internal leakages (common in hydraulic systems) and the compensation pressure would create a force on the piston 52 causing the connecting rod 56 to move out of the cylinder 54 until the piston 52 reaches an end position. The valve actuator portion 4 and the valve arrangement 6 are located within the manifold 27.

[0073] Fig. 6 shows the inlet 3 being connected to a divert conduit 312 that connects the inlet 3 with the divert outlet 34. The divert outlet 34 is connected to an annular area 384 formed between the manifold 27 and the outer wall 28. The inlet 3, the divert conduit 312, the divert outlet 34, the annular area 384 and a plurality of circumferentially positioned radial ports 382 in the outer wall 28 create a divert passage 38 between the passage 14 and the wellbore 100. The valve arrangement 6 and the valve actuator 5 are identical for the divert passage 38 as for the through passage 36.

[0074] Referring to Figs. 2c, 3, 5, 6 and 7. An area-efficient arrangement can be observed. In this area-efficient arrangement, the inlet 3 is divided into the passage-conduit 311 and the divert conduit 312, connecting the inlet 3 with the through outlet 33 and the divert outlet 34, respectively. Both the through outlet 33 and the divert outlet 34 are radially offset from the inlet 3 and the central longitudinal axis 29. The area-efficient arrangement creates a large cross sectional area for the wire portion 7 (best seen in Figs, 2c and 7). The area-efficient arrangement also allows the valve arrangement 6, which comprises the two valve elements 62 connected and aligned with their respective valve actuator 5, to be positioned in parallel rather than in series. As a result, the valve actuator portion 4 and the valve arrangement 6 add minimal length to the valve section 2 along the central longitudinal axis 29. The compactness of the valve section 2 may allow additional purpose tools 92 in the coiled tubing system 1 while still being short enough to be safely sluiced into and out of the wellbore 100. The coiled tubing system 1 enters and exits the wellbore 100 at a wellbore entry by means of a limited length pressure chamber (not shown), also known as a "lubricator".

[0075] In Fig. 5, the valve element 62 is in an open position 68 such that fluid may flow through the through passage 36 from surface equipment. In Fig. 6, the valve element 62 is in a closed position 69, where the seals 66 on the valve piston 64 are positioned on each side of the divert conduit 312, thereby preventing fluid from flowing through the divert pas- sage 38. The seals 66 on each side of the divert conduit 312 prevent any motive force from being created by a fluid pressure within the inlet 3 as the area on each side of the divert conduit 312 is equal and each end of the valve element 62 is exposed to a wellbore fluid at a wellbore pressure. Therefore, the valve element 62 is balanced relative to the fluid pressure inside the inlet 3 and inside the valve actuator portion 4, making the valve element 62 position neutral. As a result, the HPU 42 may be turned off and the valve element 62 will remain in the closed position 69. This principle applies equally to the valve element 62 inside the through outlet 33.

[0076] The valve element 62 in the closed position 68 is also balanced, i.e. position neutral, as each end of the valve element 62 is exposed to the wellbore fluid at the wellbore pressure, thus no hydraulic force is exerted on the valve element 62.

[0077] The open position 68 and the closed position 69 are identified by an increase in pressure inside the hydraulic circuit 49, detected by the pressure sensor 48 as the piston 54 reaches an end position.

[0078] Fig. 7 shows how the annular area 384 connects the divert outlet 34 with the radial ports 382, which are evenly spaced around the outer wall 28. Fig. 7 also shows the manifold 27 inside the outer wall 28, and how the wire portion 7 is part of the manifold 27 and not the loadbearing outer wall 28.

[0079] Referring to Fig. 1, the coiled tubing system 1 may be conveyed by the coiled tubing 12 inside the wellbore 100 to a first treatment location 101. Here, a task is performed where a fluid flow path is controlled inside the valve section 2. Following this, the coiled tubing system 1 is conveyed by the coiled tubing 12 to a second treatment location 102 where another task is to be executed.

[0080] Fig. 8, i.e. the section view C'-C', shows a second embodiment of the valve section 2 where the manifold 27 comprises one wire-conduit 72 for housing six feedthrough wires 74. The diameter of the wire conduit 72 is larger than the wire conduit 72 in the first embodiment of the valve section 2 shown in Figs. 2-7.

[0081] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0082] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

C l a i m s1. A valve section (2) for a coiled tubing system (1), wherein the valve section (2) forms a central longitudinal axis (29), c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that:- the valve section (2) comprises at least one feedthrough wire (74), an inlet (3), at least two outlets (33,34) and a valve arrangement (6) for controlling a fluid connection between the inlet (3) and the outlets (33, 34); and- the feedthrough wire (74) is adapted for transmitting at least one of a communication signal and power between an upper end (22) and a lower end (24) of the valve section (2), wherein the upper end (22) comprises the inlet (3).

2. The valve section (2) according to claim 1, wherein the inlet (3) is radially offset from the central longitudinal axis (29).

3. The valve section (2) according to claims 1 or claim 2, wherein the valve arrangement (6) and at least one outlet (33, 34) are radially offset from the central longitudinal axis (29).

4. The valve section (2) according to claims 1, wherein the valve arrangement (6), the inlet (3) and the outlets (33, 34) each is / are radially offset from the central longitudinal axis (29).

5. The valve section (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the valve arrangement (6), the inlet (3), one outlet (33,34), and all outlets (33,34) is / are radially offset from the feedthrough wire(s) (74).

6. The valve section (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve section (2) comprises at least two feedthrough wires (74).

7. The valve section (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve arrangement (6) is configured to be hydraulically operated.

8. The valve section (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve arrangement (6) comprises a valve element (62) in form of a valve piston (64) being slidable within the outlet (33, 34).

9. The valve section (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve arrangement (6) is balanced relative to a fluid pressure within the inlet (3).

10. The valve section (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve section (2) comprises a valve actuator portion (4) being pressure compensated, the valve actuator portion (4) comprising a valve actuator (5) being balanced relative to a compensation pressure.

11. The valve section (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve section (2) comprises a sensor (48) adapted to monitor a valve position (68, 69) of the valve element (62).

12. The valve section (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve section (2) is configured to allow an object to transfer therethrough.

13. The valve section (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve section (2) comprises a manifold (27) and an outer wall (28), the outer wall (28) connecting the upper end (22) to the lower end (24), and the manifold (27) being positioned within the outer wall (28).

14. The valve section (2) according to claim 13, wherein external and internal forces between the upper end (22) and the lower end (24) are transferred via the outer wall (28).

15. The valve section (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one outlet (34) leads to an annular area (384) connected to a plurality of radial ports (382).

16. The valve section (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, the feed- through wire (74) comprising at least one of a high power feedthrough wire (742) adapted for powering an electric motor or a connected module, a low power feedthrough wire (744) adapted for powering electronic processors and communication components, and at least two communication wires (746) adapted for supporting communication signals.

17. A coiled tubing system (1) for controlling a fluid flow through a coiled tubing (12), c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that:- the coiled tubing system (1) comprises a valve section (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16;- the coiled tubing system (1) is configured to be connected to a surface equipment via the coiled tubing (12) and a coilable member (16) positioned within the coiled tubing (12).

18. The coiled tubing (1) system according to claim 17, wherein the coiled tubing system (1) comprises a telemetry module (94).

19. The coiled tubing system (1) according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the coiled tubing system (1) comprises a purpose tool (92) connected downhole from the valve section (2).

20. The coiled tubing system (1) according to claim 19, wherein the purpose tool (92) is adapted to receive and send at least one of the communication signal and power via the at least one feedthrough wire (74).

21. A method for controlling the fluid flow in a downhole position, the method comprising the steps of:- providing a coiled tubing system (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 20;- deploying the coiled tubing system (1) into a wellbore (100);- positioning the coiled tubing system (1) at a first treatment location (101); and- controlling the fluid flow through the coiled tubing system (1) by configuring the valve section (2) to at least one of a configuration where the fluid flows through a first outlet (33), flows through a second outlet (34), flows through both the first outlet (33) and the second outlets (34), and are blocked.

22. The method according to claim 21, the method further comprising:- to reposition the coiled tubing system(l) to a second treatment location (102); and- controlling the fluid flow through the coiled tubing system (1) by configuringthe valve section (2) to at least one of a configuration wherein the fluid flows through a first outlet (33), flows through a second outlet (34), flows through both the first outlet (33) and the second outlets (34), and are blocked.

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