Actuation Member for Frac Port Opening and Sand Screen Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well completion methods require multiple actuation members for fracking and sand control, leading to increased time, cost, and risk of screen damage, as they necessitate tripping out the frac string and running in a production string with pre-installed sand screens, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a tubular liner with longitudinally spaced frac ports, cylindrical sliding sleeve members, and a single actuation member with a radially-outwardly biased protuberance to open ports for fracking, followed by automatic installation of a sand screen without tripping the frac string, using a dissolvable or burstable plug and a spring member to position the sand screen after fracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuation members are used for fracking and sand control, then sand control is achieved, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sand screen installation function with the actuation member used for opening frac ports. The single actuation member simultaneously performs both functions: opening the port for fracking and then installing the sand screen by continuing to move downhole, eliminating the need for separate sand screen installation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation member is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a port-opening tool and as a sand screen installer. This universal tool performs multiple operations that traditionally required separate specialized tools, reducing overall completion time and complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple actuation members are used for fracking and sand control, then sand control is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple actuation members into a single integrated tool. The actuation member includes both the port-opening mechanism and the sand screen installation mechanism, reducing the number of separate devices needed and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation member is designed as a universal tool that performs multiple functions: opening frac ports and installing sand screens. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity and the number of components required in the well completion system.
3Reliability
If sand screens are pre-installed on production string, then sand control is achieved, but risk of screen damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sand screen is pre-positioned on the actuation member before entering the wellbore, but remains protected within the actuation member's structure until the moment of installation. This preliminary positioning without early exposure to wellbore conditions reduces the risk of damage during handling and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation member serves as an intermediary protective structure that holds and transports the sand screen to the installation location. The sand screen remains protected within the actuation member during downhole travel, avoiding direct exposure to potential damage sources in the wellbore environment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables immediate sand control at frac ports without the need for multiple actuation members, reducing time and cost, and minimizing screen damage, allowing for immediate production without the need to trip out the frac string.
Implementation Method 1
the spring member is configured to be compressed when the actuation member is pressurized and to push the sand screen down the actuation member and into position at the frac port when the actuation member is depressurized
Implementation Method 2
a dissolvable or burstable plug, which, for a limited time, prevents pressurized fluid injected downhole in said interior bore from travelling through said actuation member
Implementation Method 3
a dissolvable or burstable plug, which, for a limited time or up to a specified pressure, prevents pressurized fluid injected downhole in said interior bore from travelling through said actuation member
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation member for use in fracking operations, which immediately prior to fracking locates a sand screen at a desired location along a tubing liner and eliminates having to trip out the frac string prior to commencing production. The actuation member comprises a cylindrical hollow collet sleeve, with one or more radially-outwardly biased protuberances forming a unique profile which further matingly engages a corresponding mating profile on one of a plurality of sliding sleeve members in the tubular liner. A longitudinally-extending sand screen is provided, longitudinally slidable on the actuation member. A spring member, adapted to be forcibly compressed by the sand screen member when pressurized fluid is applied, and decompressed upon removal of pressurized fluid, is further provided on the actuation member.