Adjustable Plugging Device for Selective Frac Valve Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multistage fracturing systems require complex and costly setups, involving unique frac valves and multiple plug devices, which are time-consuming and inefficient, especially in single well operations.

Innovation Solution

A downhole system utilizing identical frac valves and a single adjustable plugging device that can pass through multiple frac valves without opening them, and selectively engage and open specific valves, allowing for flexible sequencing of wellbore stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional multistage fracturing systems use unique frac valves and multiple plug devices, then each valve can be selectively opened, but the system becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective valve opening capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs identical frac valves throughout the tubular string rather than unique valves with different opening mechanisms. Each valve has the same structure and can be opened by the same ball plug device, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the ability to selectively open individual valves based on their position in the string

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The frac valves are made homogeneous in design and configuration, eliminating the need for different valve types. This uniformity allows the use of identical ball plugs for all valves, reducing device complexity and operational time while preserving selective opening capability through positional control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple plug devices are used to open different frac valves, then selective stimulation is achieved, but operational time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective stage stimulationVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A single ball plug device is designed to perform multiple functions by opening different frac valves at different positions in the tubular string. The ball plug can be deployed once and selectively open any valve depending on where it becomes lodged, eliminating the need for multiple plug devices and reducing operational time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functionality of multiple plug devices is merged into a single ball plug device. This unified device can selectively open multiple different frac valves throughout the wellbore, combining what would have been separate operations into one efficient process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If identical frac valves are used throughout the tubular string, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to selectively open specific valves must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve arrangement complexityVSAvoidselective valve opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

While the valves themselves are identical, the system introduces local differentiation through the tubular string structure. The tubular includes specific features at different positions that interact with the ball plug to enable selective opening of individual valves, maintaining adaptability through positional control rather than valve design variation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The tubular string acts as an intermediary between the identical frac valves and the ball plug device. It contains structural features that mediate the interaction, allowing the ball plug to selectively open specific valves based on position while the valves themselves remain uniform in design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This system simplifies the process of wellbore stimulation by reducing the need for complex valve arrangements and multiple plug devices, thereby saving time, materials, and operational costs, while maintaining flexibility in stimulation sequencing.

Implementation Method 1

the ball plug device may be pumped or otherwise floated down the tubular until the ball plug device seats on a first valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

pumping or injecting high pressure frac fluid into the zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12264567B2Systems and methods for multi-stage well stimulation

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 THE WELLBOSS CO INC

AI summary

A plugging device for use in multistage fracturing a subterranean formation. The plugging device includes a plug body having a distal end, a proximate end, and an outer surface. There are a plurality of grooves disposed on the outer surface, and an index sleeve movingly disposed on the outer surface, the index sleeve configured to engage the plurality of grooves. The index is incrementable with respect to the plurality of grooves from the distal end toward the proximate end.