Sleeve assemblies with split ring and related methods

Abstract

A sleeve assembly for a wellbore comprises: a tubular housing defining an axial bore and at least one flow port, and an actuatable inner sleeve. The actuatable inner sleeve is received within the tubular housing and is axially movable between an uphole position and a downhole position. The inner sleeve comprises an upper portion that inhibits fluid flow through the at least one flow port when the inner sleeve is in the uphole position and permits fluid flow through the at least one flow port when the inner sleeve is in the downhole position. The inner sleeve further comprises a lower portion. The inner sleeve defines a seat that is engageable with a sleeve actuation device. The assembly further comprises a split ring within the tubular housing and disposed around the inner sleeve, the split ring releasably coupling the upper portion and the lower portion. The split ring is released from the upper portion when the inner sleeve moves from the uphole position to the downhole position.

Description

SLEEVE ASSEMBLIES WITH SPLIT RING AND RELATED METHODSRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 574,381 , filed on April 4, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

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

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

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

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

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sleeve assembly for a wellbore, comprising: a tubular housing defining an axial bore and at least one flow port extending from the axial bore to an outer surface of the tubular housing; an actuatable inner sleeve received within the tubular housing and axially movable with respect to the tubular housing between an uphole position and a downhole position, the inner sleeve comprising: an upper portion that inhibits fluid flow through the at least one flow port when the inner sleeve is in the uphole position and permits fluid flow through the at least one flow port when the inner sleeve is in the downhole position; and a lower portion, wherein the inner sleeve defines a seat, the seat being engageable with a sleeve actuation device; and a split ring within the tubular housing and disposed around the inner sleeve, the split ring releasably coupling the upper portion and the lower portion; and wherein the split ring is released from the upper portion when the inner sleeve moves from the uphole position to the downhole position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the tubular housing defines an inner annular recessed portion that receives the split ring when the inner sleeve is in the downhole position, and wherein expansion of the split ring into the recessed portion releases split ring from the upper portion and the lower portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the expanded split ring in the recessed portion inhibits uphole movement of the lower portion, while allowing uphole movement of the upper portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the upper portion comprise a first outer threaded section, the lower portion comprises a second outer threaded section, and the split ring comprises inner threads that threadedly engage the first and second outer threaded sections of the upper portion and the lower portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the upper portion comprises a collet, the collet comprising a plurality of fingers, each finger comprising a respective detent portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the tubular housing comprises at least one annular detent groove that receives the respective detent portions of the collet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one annular detent groove comprises a first annular detent groove and a second annular detent groove, the first annular detent groove being uphole of the second annular detent groove, and wherein the first annular detent groove receives the respective detent portions of the collet when the upper portion is in the uphole position and the second annular detent groove receives the respective detent portions of the collet when the upper portion is in the downhole position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the upper portion of the inner sleeve further comprises a tool engagement feature.

[0014] In some embodiments, the tool engagement feature comprises at least one annular ridge defined by an inner surface of the inner sleeve.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for a sleeve assembly comprising a tubular housing with an inner sleeve therein, the inner sleeve having an upper portion coupled to a lower portion, the method comprising: actuating the inner sleeve from an uphole position to a downhole position such that the upper portion is decoupled from the lower portion; and shifting the upper portion upwards independently of the lower portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the upper portion and lower portion are coupled by a split ring, and wherein decoupling the upper portion from the lower portion comprises expanding the split ring such that the split ring is released from the upper portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further comprises securing the upper portion in the uphole position via engagement of a collet on the upper portion of the inner sleeve with a groove in the tubular housing.

[0018] In some embodiments, the inner sleeve is actuated by an actuation device, and further comprising removing the actuation device prior to shifting the upper portion upwards.

[0019] In some embodiments, the upper portion comprises a collet, the collet comprising a plurality of fingers, each finger comprising a respective detent portion, and wherein the tubular housing comprises at least one annular detent groove that receives the respective detent portions of the collet.

[0020] In some embodiments, the at least one annular detent groove comprises a first annular detent groove and a second annular detent groove, the first annular detent groove being uphole of the second annular detent groove, and wherein the first annular detent groove receives the respective detent portions of the collet when the upper portion is in the uphole position and the second annular detent groove receives the respective detent portions of the collet when the upper portion is in the downhole position.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for assembling a sleeve assembly, comprising: providing a tubular housing, an upper portion, a lower portion, and a split ring; releasably coupling the upper portion and the lower portion with the split ring to form an inner sleeve; and positioning the inner sleeve within the tubular housing such that the split ring is releasable from the upper portion when the inner sleeve is shifted axially downhole.

[0022] In some embodiments, the tubular housing comprises an inner annular recessed portion and wherein the inner sleeve is positioned such that the split ring is initially uphole of the recessed portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, coupling the upper portion and the lower portion with the split ring comprises threading the split ring onto the upper portion and the lower portion.

[0024] In some embodiments, the upper portion comprises a collet.

[0025] In some embodiments, the tubular housing comprises a first annular detent groove and a second annular detent groove, the first annular detent groove being uphole of the second annular detent groove, and wherein the inner sleeve is initially positioned such that the collet engages the first annular groove.

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

[0027] Some aspects of the disclosure will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0028] FIG. 1 A is a side, cross-sectional view of an example sleeve assembly, according to some embodiments, shown in a closed state;

[0029] FIG. 1 B is an enlarged view of the portion of the sleeve assembly within box “A” in FIG. 1A;

[0030] FIG. 2A is a side view of an inner sleeve of the sleeve assembly of FIG. 1A, showing an upper portion of the inner sleeve separated from a lower portion of the inner sleeve;

[0031] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a split ring of the sleeve assembly of FIG. 1A;

[0032] FIG. 3A is a side, cross-sectional view of the sleeve assembly of FIG. 1A, shown in an open state;

[0033] FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the portion of the sleeve assembly within box “B” in FIG. 3A;

[0034] FIG. 4A is a side, cross-sectional view of the sleeve assembly of FIG. 1A, shown in a re-closed state;

[0035] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the portion of the sleeve assembly within box “C” in FIG. 4A;

[0036] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example method for using the sleeve assembly of FIG. 1 A to 4B, according to some embodiments;

[0037] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example method for assembling a sleeve assembly, according to some embodiments; and

[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example “dart” actuation device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Generally, the present disclosure provides a sleeve assembly for a wellbore tubing string that can be re-closed after opening. Also provided are related kits and methods.

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

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

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

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

[0044] An example sleeve assembly 100 (or “sleeve valve”) according to some embodiments will be discussed with reference to FIGs. 1 A-4B. The sleeve assembly has a closed state (FIG. 1A), an open state (FIG. 3A), and a re-closed state (FIG. 4A).

[0045] The sleeve assembly 100 in this embodiment comprises a tubular housing 102, an actuatable inner sleeve 104, and a split ring 108.

[0046] FIG. 1 A is a side cross-sectional view of the example sleeve assembly100. Referring to FIG. 1A, the housing 102 has an uphole end 101 and a downhole end 103. The housing 102 may comprise an upper connection portion 110 and a lower connection portion 112 to allow the housing 102 to be incorporated into a tubing / casing string in a wellbore. In this embodiment, the upper connection portion 110 and the lower connection portion 112 are each separate components, threadedly engaged to the main housing 102. For example, the upper connection portion 110 may connect to a first casing segment above the sleeve assembly 100, and the lower connector portion may connect to a second casing segment below the sleeve assembly 100.

[0047] The housing 102 has an external (outer) surface 107 and an internal (inner) surface 109. The internal surface 109 defines a central bore 114 extending axially (i.e. longitudinally) therethrough from the uphole end 101 to the downhole end 103. The central bore 114 allows fluid to flow axially through the housing 102. The housing 102 further comprises one or more flow ports 116 extending radially from the internal surface 109 to the external surface 107 for providing fluid communication between the central bore 114 and the annulus of the wellbore (not shown). In this embodiment, a plurality of flow ports 116 are spaced circumferentially around the housing 102.

[0048] FIG. 1 B is an enlarged view of the portion of the sleeve assembly 100 within box “A” in FIG. lAReferring to FIG. 1 B, the internal surface 109 further defines a first inner annular recessed portion 134 and a second inner annular recessed portion 135, the second recessed portion 135 being downhole of the first recessed portion 134. The first recessed portion 134 has a greater internal diameter than the portion of the housing 102 immediately uphole thereof. The second recessed portion 135 has a greater internal diameter than the first recessed portion 134. The length of the first recessed portion 134 may be approximately equal to the desired distance to be travelled by the inner sleeve 104 to move from the uphole position to the downhole position, as discussed in more detail below. The length of the secondrecessed portion 135 may be at least the length of the split ring 108. In some embodiments, the second recessed portion 135 is approximately the same length as the split ring 108. In other embodiments, the second recessed portion 135 extends downhole to the lower connection portion 112. Optionally, retaining ring (not shown) may be positioned within the second recessed portion 135 to prevent the split ring 108 from moving axially in the downhole direction when the split ring 108 is received into the second recessed portion 135.

[0049] In this embodiment, the internal surface 109 also defines a first annular detent groove 150 and a second annular detent groove 152, with the second annular detent groove 152 being downhole of the first annular detent groove 150. The first and second annular detent grooves 150, 152 are configured to engage the collet 140 of the inner sleeve 104, as discussed in more detail below.

[0050] Referring again to FIG. 1A, the inner sleeve 104 is received within the central bore 114 of the housing 102. The inner sleeve 104 is axially movable within the housing 102 between an uphole position (shown in FIG. 1A) and a downhole position (shown in FIG. 3A). The inner sleeve 104 comprises an upper portion 105 and a lower portion 106. The inner sleeve 104 has a coupled state (shown in FIG. 1A) and a decoupled state (shown in FIGs. 3A and 4A). In the coupled state, the upper portion 105 and the lower portion 106 are coupled to one another via the split ring 108 and move as a single unit. In the decoupled state, the split ring 108 is released from the upper portion 105(as discussed in more detail below) such that the upper portion 105 is independently movable with respect to the lower portion 106. In this example embodiment, the split ring is released from both the upper portion 105 and the lower portion 106.

[0051] The upper portion 105 has an uphole end 115 and a downhole end 117. The upper portion 105 is generally tubular in shape and has an outer surface 111 and an inner surface 113. The outer surface 111 defines an outer threaded section 118 (see FIG. 2A) proximate the downhole end 117 for threadedly engaging the split ring 108. The inner surface 113 defines a sleeve bore 120 therethrough.

[0052] When the inner sleeve 104 (and thus the upper portion 105) is in the uphole position (shown in FIG. 1A), the assembly 100 is in the closed state. In the closed state, the upper portion 105 blocks the flow ports 116 of the housing 102. Thus, fluid flow through the flow ports 116 is inhibited and there is no fluid communication between the central bore 114 and the annulus of the wellbore.

[0053] When the inner sleeve 104 (and thus the upper portion 105) is in the downhole position (shown in FIG. 3A), the assembly 100 is in the open state. In the open state, the upper portion 105 is shifted axially downhole such that the upper portion 105 is displaced from the flow ports 116 of the housing 102. Fluid communication is thus permitted between the central bore 114 and the wellbore and fluid may flow out of the assembly 100 via the flow ports 116.

[0054] When the upper portion 105 is decoupled from the lower portion 106, the upper portion 105 can be shifted back to the uphole position (shown in FIG. 4A) such that the assembly 100 is in the re-closed state. In this state, the upper portion 105 again blocks the flow ports 116 of the housing 102 such that fluid in the central bore 114 cannot flow into the annulus of the wellbore.

[0055] Other embodiments are also contemplated where the upper portion 105 comprises respective flow ports therethrough and movement of the upper portion 105 from the uphole position to the downhole position aligns the flow portions of the upper portion 105 with the flow ports 116 of the housing 102.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2A, in this embodiment, the upper portion 105 further comprises a collet 140 uphole of the flow ports 116. The collet 140 comprises a plurality of fingers 142 spaced circumferentially around the upper portion 105, each finger 142 disposed in a respective slot 144. Each finger 142 comprises a respective detent portion, which in this embodiment, is a raised detent ridge 146 at the finger’s downhole end that projects outwards from the outer surface 111 of the upper portion 105. The fingers 142 are bendable such that the detent ridge 146 can be pressedinwards into the slot 144. The fingers may comprise other detent portions (other than ridges), such as bumps

[0057] The collet 140 may help to secure or “lock” the upper portion 105 of the inner sleeve 104 in place. When the upper portion 105 is in the uphole position, the detent portions 146 of the collet 140 are received into the first annular detent groove 150 of the housing 102 (as shown in FIG. 1 B). When the upper portion 105 is in the downhole position, the detent ridges 146 of the collet 140 are received into the second annular detent groove 152 of the housing 102 (as shown in FIG. 3B). The engagement between the detent ridges 146 and the detent grooves 150, 152 prevents inadvertent axial movement of the upper portion 105. However, the force of an actuation device actuating the inner sleeve 104 or a shifting tool pulling upwards on the upper portion 105 is sufficient to bend the fingers 142 to press the detent ridges 146 inwards into the slots 144 and allow the collet 140 to clear the detent grooves 150, 152 to shift the upper portion 105 downhole or uphole.

[0058] Referring back to FIG. 1A, the upper portion 105 may further comprise a tool engagement feature 148 configured to engage a complementary shifting tool (not shown) to shift the upper portion 105 axially uphole. In this embodiment, the tool engagement feature 148 comprises at least one annular ridge extending around the inner surface 113. The ridge(s) may be used to engage a commercial shifting tool such as an Otis™ B shifting tool from Hunting™. In other embodiments, the tool engagement feature 148 may comprise any other suitable structure that can engage a complementary shifting tool.

[0059] The lower portion 106 of the inner sleeve 104 has an uphole end 119 and a downhole end 121. The lower portion 106 is generally tubular in shape and has an outer surface 123 and an inner surface 125. The outer surface 123 defines an outer threaded section 126 (visible in FIG. 2A) proximate the uphole end 119 for engaging the split ring 108, as discussed below. The inner surface 125 defines a bore 124 therethrough.

[0060] The lower portion 106 is configured to engage an actuation device. In this embodiment, the lower portion 106 is configured to engage an active dart (such as the actuation device 700 shown in FIG. 7). In other embodiments, the actuation device may be any other suitable device, including other types of darts, balls, etc. The inner surface 125 of the lower portion 106 defines a seat 128 for engaging the actuation device. The seat 128 may be in the form of a ridge or projection extending circumferentially around the inner surface 125 that can engage a surface structure of the actuation device. The lower portion 106 may therefore also be referred to as the “seat body”. In other embodiments, the seat may be in the upper portion 105. For example, an actuation device capable of being released from the seat may be employed to shift the inner sleeve 104 down. After shifting the inner sleeve 104, the actuation device may be released from the seat and travel downhole, for example.

[0061] The split ring 108 is configured to releasably couple the upper portion 105 and the lower portion 106 of the inner sleeve 104. The split ring 108 is received within the housing 102 and is disposed around the inner sleeve 104 to releasably couple the upper portion 105 and the lower portion 106. As shown in FIG. 2B, the split ring 108 is a ring-shaped structure with a gap 130 extending radially therethrough. The split ring 108 has an outer surface 127 and an inner surface 129. The inner surface 129 defines inner threads 132.

[0062] When the inner sleeve 104 is in the uphole position (as shown in FIGs. 1A / 1 B), the split ring 108 is positioned within the first recessed portion 134 of the housing 102. The downhole end 117 of the upper portion 105 abuts the uphole end 119 of the lower portion 106 and the split ring 108 is positioned around the abutted ends 117, 119. The inner threads 132 of the split ring 108 threadedly engage the outer threaded section 118 of the upper portion 105 and the outer threaded section 126 of the lower portion 106. Contact between the internal surface 109 of the housing 102 and the split ring 108 compresses the gap 130 to hold the split ring 108 tightly around the upper portion 105 and the lower portion 106. Because the first recessed portion 134 is recessed with respect to the portion of the housing 102 immediatelyuphole of it, the split ring 108 is prevented from inadvertently shifting in the uphole direction. Thus, when the split ring 108 is engaged with the upper portion 105 and the lower portion 106, the inner sleeve 104 is in the coupled state such that the entire inner sleeve 104 (as well as the split ring 108) moves axially downhole when the lower portion 106 is actuated by the actuation device.

[0063] When the inner sleeve 104 shifts downhole to its downhole position, (as shown in FIGs. 3A / 3B), the split ring 108 may be received into the second recessed portion 135. The greater diameter of the second recessed portion 135 compared to the rest of the first recessed portion 134 allows the split ring 108 to expand via the gap 130, thereby disengaging the inner threads 132 of the split ring 108 from the outer threaded section 118 of the upper portion 105 and the outer threaded section 126 of the lower portion 106 (see FIG. 3B). The upper portion 105 is thereby decoupled from the lower portion 106 and can be shifted axially uphole independently of the lower portion 106.

[0064] In operation, the sleeve assembly 100 may be installed along a tubing string in a wellbore for stimulating or fracturing a particular zone in a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, a series of sleeve assemblies 100 may be installed along the tubing string for stimulating or fracturing a series of zones. The sleeve assembly 100 may be initially installed in its closed state (shown in FIGs. 1A / 1 B). In the closed state, the inner sleeve 104 is in its uphole position and in its coupled state with the upper portion 105 and the lower portion 106 coupled together by the split ring 108.

[0065] An actuation device may then be introduced into the tubing string and flowed with treatment fluid in the downhole direction. The actuation device then seats in the sleeve seat 128 of the lower portion 106 and the combination of the impact of the device in the seat 128 and the pressure of the treatment fluid may push the inner sleeve 104 (with the coupled upper portion 105 / lower portion 106) to its downhole position. The sleeve assembly 100 is now in its open state (shown in FIGs. 3A / 3B) and the flow ports 116 provide fluid communication between the central bore 114 andthe annulus of the wellbore (not shown). With the inner sleeve 104 in its downhole position, the split ring 108 is received within the second recessed portion 135 and expands to release the upper portion 105 and the lower portion 106 (see FIG. 3B), such that the inner sleeve 104 is in its decoupled state.

[0066] In addition, in the downhole position, the detent ridges 146 of the collet 140 are received into the second annular detent groove 152 (see FIG. 3B). This will secure the upper portion 105 of the inner sleeve 104 in place, thereby preventing inadvertent shifting of the upper portion 105 upwards to block the flow ports 116.

[0067] If is it desired to re-close the sleeve assembly 100, the actuation device may be removed, for example, by milling the device out or by dissolving if the device is dissolvable.

[0068] The upper portion 105 can then be shifted axially uphole independently of the lower portion 106. In some embodiments, the upper portion 105 is shifted uphole by extending a shifting tool (not shown) into the tubing string to engage the tool engagement feature 148 and pulling the upper portion 105 uphole with the shifting tool. As shown in FIGs. 4A and 4B, the sleeve assembly 100 is now in its reclosed state in which the upper portion 105 again blocks the flow ports 116 of the housing 102. The action of the shifting tool will pull the detent ridges 146 of the collet 140 out of the second annular detent groove 152 and the detent ridges 146 may then be received into the first annular detent groove 150, thereby securing the upper portion 105 in the uphole position and preventing the upper portion 105 from inadvertently shifting downhole.

[0069] As the upper portion 105 has been decoupled from the lower portion 106, the lower portion 106 does not move with the upper portion 105 and thereby remains in its downhole position. In some embodiments, the split ring 108 (expanded into the second recessed portion 135) acts as a stop for the lower portion 106 to prevent the lower portion 106 from moving in the uphole direction. Thus, theexpanded split ring 108 in the second recessed portion 135 inhibits uphole movement of the lower portion 106, while allowing uphole movement of the upper portion 105.

[0070] Thus, embodiments of the sleeve assembly 100 may be re-closed with minimal intervention into the wellbore. In addition, the sleeve assembly 100 prevents inadvertent closure of the inner sleeve 104 due to the decoupling of the upper portion 105 from the lower portion 106. Even if an actuation device becomes stuck in the seat 128 of the lower portion 106, flowback cannot force the upper portion 105 closed because it is no longer coupled to the lower portion 106. The collet 140 also prevents inadvertent shifting of the upper portion 105 when the assembly 100 is in its open (or re-closed) state.

[0071] Also provided herein is a kit comprising the sleeve assembly 100 of .FIGs. 1A-4B and a shifting tool (not shown) for shifting the upper portion 105 axially uphole to re-close the sleeve assembly 100. The shifting tool may be any suitable tool that can engage the tool engagement feature 148 of the upper portion 105. In some embodiments, the kit may further comprise an actuation device for actuating the inner sleeve 104 from the uphole position to the downhole position. The actuation device may be an active dart, a ball, or any other suitable actuation device.

[0072] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example method 200, according to some embodiments, for using or operating a sleeve assembly. The sleeve assembly may comprise a tubular housing with an inner sleeve therein, the inner sleeve having an upper portion coupled to a lower portion. The method 200 will be discussed with reference to the sleeve assembly 100.

[0073] Prior to the method 200, the sleeve assembly 100 may be installed in a wellbore tubing string in a subterranean formation. The sleeve assembly 100 may be installed in its closed state.

[0074] At block 202, the inner sleeve 104 is actuated from an uphole position to a downhole position such that the upper portion 105 is decoupled from the lower portion 106. In the assembly 100, the upper portion 105 and the lower portion 106are coupled by a split ring 108 and decoupling the upper portion 105 from the lower portion 106 comprises expanding the split ring 108 such that the split ring 108 is released from the upper portion 105 and the lower portion 106. The split ring 108 may be expanded by shifting the split ring 108 into the recessed portion 135 when the inner sleeve 104 shifts into the downhole position.

[0075] The inner sleeve 104 may be actuated by an actuation device, such as a dart, ball, or any other suitable actuation device. In some embodiments, the actuation device is removed after actuation and before the steps of block 204. In some embodiments, removing the actuation device comprises milling out or dissolving the device.

[0076] With the inner sleeve 104 in the downhole position, the sleeve assembly 100 is in the open state. In some embodiments, the method 200 further comprises securing the inner sleeve in the downhole position via engagement of the collet 140 with the second annular detent groove 152.

[0077] In some embodiments, the method 200 further comprises flowing a treatment fluid through the sleeve assembly 100 while in the open state to stimulate or fracture a particular zone of the subterranean formation.

[0078] At block 204, the upper portion 105 is shifted upwards independently of the lower portion 106. In some embodiments, the upper portion 105 is shifted by engaging a shifting tool with the upper portion 105 and pulling the shifting tool in the uphole direction. In some embodiments, the upper portion 105 may be secured in the uphole position by engagement of the collet with the first annular detent groove 150.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example method 300 for assembling a sleeve assembly, according to some embodiments. The method 300 may be used to assemble the sleeve assembly 100 of FIGs. 1A-4B.

[0080] At block 302, a tubular housing, an upper portion, a lower portion, and a split ring are provided. The term “provide” in this context refers to manufacturing, purchasing, acquiring, or otherwise obtaining each component. The housing, upper portion, lower portion, and split ring may have any of the features of the housing 102, upper portion 105, and lower portion 106, and split ring 108 as described above.

[0081] At block 304, the upper portion and the lower portion are releasably coupled with the split ring to form an inner sleeve (e.g. the inner sleeve 104). In some embodiments, the coupling step comprises threading the split ring onto the upper portion and the lower portion.

[0082] At block 306, inner sleeve is positioned within the housing such that the split ring is releasable from the upper portion and the lower portion when the inner sleeve is shifted axially downhole. In some embodiments, the housing comprises a recessed portion and the inner sleeve is positioned such that the split ring is initially uphole of the recessed portion. Thus, the split ring will shift into the recessed portion when the inner sleeve is shifted downhole.

[0083] In some embodiments, the upper portion comprises a collet such as the collet 140. In some embodiments, the tubular housing comprises a first annular groove and a second annular groove for engaging the collet, the first groove being uphole of the second groove. In these embodiments, the inner sleeve may be initially positioned in the tubular housing such that the collet initially engages the first groove.

[0084] In some embodiments, the method 300 further comprises installing the assembled sleeve assembly in a tubing string of a wellbore.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example “dart” actuation device 700. Embodiments are not limited this particular example actuation device for actuating a sleeve assembly. The actuation device 400 may have an active configuration and an inactive configuration. FIG. 7 shows the actuation device 400 in an inactive configuration. In the inactive configuration, the device 400 is configured to pass through one or more sleeve valve assemblies in a tubing string (the “non-target”sleeve valve assemblies). In the activated configuration, the device 400 seats within a particular sleeve valve assembly (the “target” sleeve valve assembly) to actuate that sleeve valve assembly from a closed to an open state.

[0086] The device 400 in this embodiment comprises a housing 402, a catch structure 404, and a removable plug. In this example, the catch structure 404 is part of the housing 402 and forms a part of the external surface of the housing 402. In other embodiments, the catch structure 404 may be separate from the housing.

[0087] The housing 402 has an uphole end 401 , a downhole end 403, and a longitudinal axis. As used herein, “longitudinally” and “axially” are used interchangeably to refer to the direction of the longitudinal axis. The housing 402 may have an elongate, tubular shape. In this embodiment, the housing 402 comprises a main housing 410, a cap 412, a slidable sealing ring 413, and an inner support ring 414 therebetween. The cap 412 and the inner support ring 414 may be coupled to the main housing 410 by threaded connections or any other suitable coupling means. In other embodiments, main housing 410 may be integral with one or both of the cap 412 and the inner support ring 414. The sealing ring 413 may be disposed around the cap 412, adjacent to the inner support ring 414.

[0088] The housing 402 has an outer surface 407 and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a bore 408 extending axially through the housing 402 from the uphole end 401 to the downhole end 403. The bore allows fluid to flow through the housing 402 when the plug is removed. The main housing 410 defines a downhole opening 415 to the bore 408.

[0089] The main housing 410 may further comprise at least one chamber between the outer surface 407 and an inner surface 409 thereof. The at least one chamber may house one or more elements of a control system (not shown in FIGs. 4 to 5)

[0090] The catch structure 404 is activatable and has an inactive state and an activated state. The inactive state allows the device 400 to travel through the non-target sleeve valve assemblies in the wellbore tubing and the activated state allows the device 400 to seat in a target sleeve valve assembly. The state of the catch structure 404 determines the configuration of the device 400. When the catch structure 404 is in the inactive state, the device 400 is in its inactive configuration and when the catch structure 404 is in the activated state, the device 400 is in its activated configuration. The catch structure 404 may be configured to experience a physical impact as the device 400 passes through each sleeve valve assembly (while the catch structure 404 is in the inactive state). Alternatively, another structure of the device 400 may be configured to experience the physical impact when the catch structure is not activated. The catch structure 404 (or other impact generating structure) may, for example, impact the seat of each non-target sleeve valve assembly as the device 400 passes through each non-target sleeve valve assembly.

[0091] In this embodiment, the catch structure 404 comprises an outer sleeve 405. The outer sleeve 405 is positioned around the outer surface 407 of the main housing 410 and is axially movable with respect to the main housing 410. The outer sleeve 405 may be slidable with respect to the main housing 410 between an initial downhole position and an uphole position. When the outer sleeve 405 is in the downhole position, it is in the inactive state, and when the outer sleeve 405 is in the uphole position, it is in the activated state.

[0092] The outer sleeve 405 comprises a seating mechanism 426 for seating in a sleeve valve assembly. In this embodiment, the seating mechanism 426 comprises a plurality of fingers 428. Each finger 428 extends longitudinally from the outer sleeve 405 in the uphole direction and terminates in a respective terminal tip 430. Each terminal tip 430 comprises a respected raised portion 432 that project radially outwards from the rest of the fingers 428. The raised portions 432 can thereby engage a corresponding seat in the sleeve valve assembly.

[0093] In other embodiments, the outer sleeve 405 may be substituted with any other suitable structure actuatable between an inactive configuration for permitting the device 400 to pass through non-target sleeve valve assemblies and anactivated configuration to allow the device 400 to be landed in a seat within a target sleeve valve assembly. The actuation device 400 may further includes a control system that controls actuation of the actuation device 400 from the inactive state to the active state.

[0094] Additional details of the example actuation device 400 are described in Applicant’s U.S. Patent Application Publication No. W02023230706, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the use of the actuation device 400 shown in FIG. 7.

[0095] Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments without changing or departing from their scope, intent or functionality. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A sleeve assembly for a wellbore, comprising: a tubular housing defining an axial bore and at least one flow port extending from the axial bore to an outer surface of the tubular housing; an actuatable inner sleeve received within the tubular housing and axially movable with respect to the tubular housing between an uphole position and a downhole position, the inner sleeve comprising: an upper portion that inhibits fluid flow through the at least one flow port when the inner sleeve is in the uphole position and permits fluid flow through the at least one flow port when the inner sleeve is in the downhole position; and a lower portion, wherein the inner sleeve defines a seat, the seat being engageable with a sleeve actuation device; and a split ring within the tubular housing and disposed around the inner sleeve, the split ring releasably coupling the upper portion and the lower portion; and wherein the split ring is released from the upper portion when the inner sleeve moves from the uphole position to the downhole position.

2. The sleeve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the tubular housing defines an inner annular recessed portion that receives the split ring when the inner sleeve is in the downhole position, and wherein expansion of the split ring into the recessed portion releases split ring from the upper portion and the lower portion.

3. The sleeve assembly of claim 2, wherein the expanded split ring in the recessed portion inhibits uphole movement of the lower portion, while allowing uphole movement of the upper portion.

4. The sleeve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein upper portion comprise a first outer threaded section, the lower portion comprises a second outer threaded section, and the split ring comprises inner threads that threadedly engage the first and second outer threaded sections of the upper portion and the lower portion.

5. The sleeve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper portion comprises a collet, the collet comprising a plurality of fingers, each finger comprising a respective detent portion.

6. The sleeve assembly of claim 5, wherein the tubular housing comprises at least one annular detent groove that receives the respective detent portions of the collet.

7. The sleeve assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one annular detent groove comprises a first annular detent groove and a second annular detent groove, the first annular detent groove being uphole of the second annular detent groove, and wherein the first annular detent groove receives the respective detent portions of the collet when the upper portion is in the uphole position and the second annular detent groove receives the respective detent portions of the collet when the upper portion is in the downhole position.

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

9. The sleeve assembly of claim 8, wherein the tool engagement feature comprises at least one annular ridge defined by an inner surface of the inner sleeve.

10. A method for a sleeve assembly comprising a tubular housing with an inner sleeve therein, the inner sleeve having an upper portion coupled to a lower portion, the method comprising:actuating the inner sleeve from an uphole position to a downhole position such that the upper portion is decoupled from the lower portion; and shifting the upper portion upwards independently of the lower portion.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the upper portion and lower portion are coupled by a split ring, and wherein decoupling the upper portion from the lower portion comprises expanding the split ring such that the split ring is released from the upper portion.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11 , further comprising securing the upper portion in the uphole position via engagement of a collet on the upper portion of the inner sleeve with a groove in the tubular housing.

13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the inner sleeve is actuated by an actuation device, and further comprising removing the actuation device prior to shifting the upper portion upwards.

14. The method of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the upper portion comprises a collet, the collet comprising a plurality of fingers, each finger comprising a respective detent portion, and wherein the tubular housing comprises at least one annular detent groove that receives the respective detent portions of the collet.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one annular detent groove comprises a first annular detent groove and a second annular detent groove, the first annular detent groove being uphole of the second annular detent groove, and wherein the first annular detent groove receives the respective detent portions of the collet when the upper portion is in the uphole position and the second annular detent groove receives the respective detent portions of the collet when the upper portion is in the downhole position.

16. A method for assembling a sleeve assembly, comprising: providing a tubular housing, an upper portion, a lower portion, and a split ring;releasably coupling the upper portion and the lower portion with the split ring to form an inner sleeve; and positioning the inner sleeve within the tubular housing such that the split ring is releasable from the upper portion when the inner sleeve is shifted axially downhole.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the tubular housing comprises an inner annular recessed portion and wherein the inner sleeve is positioned such that the split ring is initially uphole of the recessed portion.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein coupling the upper portion and the lower portion with the split ring comprises threading the split ring onto the upper portion and the lower portion.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the upper portion comprises a collet.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the tubular housing comprises a first annular detent groove and a second annular detent groove, the first annular detent groove being uphole of the second annular detent groove, and wherein the inner sleeve is initially positioned such that the collet engages the first annular groove.

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