Adjustable Isolation Sleeve for Wellhead Pressure Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing operations face challenges with high fracturing pressures exceeding wellhead and valve pressure ratings, and abrasive proppant materials damaging equipment, while existing isolation sleeves are not adjustable to accommodate varying wellhead stack-ups and tolerances.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable isolation sleeve assembly with a fracturing spool and seal system that allows axial adjustment and rotational fixation, using threads and anti-rotation screws to secure the sleeve within the wellhead assembly, protecting components from fracturing fluid pressure and abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an isolation sleeve is used to protect wellhead components from high fracturing pressure and abrasive fluids, then component protection is improved, but the device cannot accommodate varying wellhead stack-ups and tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation sleeve incorporates a threaded adjustment mechanism that allows the sleeve to be dynamically repositioned axially within the fracturing spool. By rotating the isolation sleeve on its external threads, the sleeve can be moved to different axial locations to accommodate varying wellhead stack-ups and component positions, while maintaining its protective function against high pressure and abrasive fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation sleeve's axial position parameter can be changed by rotating it on its threaded engagement. This allows the effective length and position of the sleeve to be adjusted, enabling adaptation to different wellhead configurations while maintaining protection against fracturing pressures and fluid erosion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the isolation sleeve is made adjustable to accommodate varying wellhead configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism uses a simple threaded engagement on the isolation sleeve that allows for easy axial repositioning. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through a straightforward screw-thread mechanism rather than a complex multi-component system, minimizing added complexity while providing the needed adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation sleeve's threaded mechanism allows the operator to self-adjust the sleeve position directly without requiring additional actuating mechanisms or complex control systems. The sleeve serves its own adjustment function through simple rotational movement on its external threads.
Data Source
AI summary
A fracturing system includes a fracturing spool that mounts onto a wellhead assembly for injecting fracturing fluid into a well beneath the wellhead assembly. An isolation sleeve is included with the fracturing system that couples to the fracturing spool and extends into the wellhead to isolate and protect portions of the wellhead assembly from the fracturing fluid. A seal is between the isolation sleeve and bore of the wellhead assembly, which is threaded to the isolation sleeve. Manipulating the threaded connection between the isolation sleeve and seal selectively positions the isolation sleeve to designated axial positions within the wellhead assembly.