Autofill and Circulation Assembly for Wellbore Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore completion systems lack the ability to selectively control fluid communication between the interior and exterior of a production string during the 'run-in' process and subsequent operations, leading to inefficiencies in fluid circulation and pressure management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an autofill and circulation assembly (ACA) within a tubular string, which transitions through three configurations: allowing fluid communication from the exterior to the interior, enabling bidirectional communication, and finally disallowing any communication, based on pressure differentials and fluid flow rates, utilizing a housing with flow ports and slidably positioned sleeves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the production string is allowed to fill with fluid during run-in, then the risk of pressure surges and formation damage is reduced, but the ability to control directional fluid flow is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic valve mechanism that can transition between different states (open, closed, selective flow paths) to adapt to various operational requirements during run-in and production phases, resolving the contradiction between passive filling and active flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary valve system between the production string interior and exterior that mediates fluid flow, allowing controlled interaction between the two environments while maintaining the ability to restrict flow when needed
2Loss of substance
If the production string is sealed to prevent fluid loss, then mud losses are reduced, but the ability to circulate fluid during operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic system that can open specific flow paths for circulation while maintaining seals in other areas, enabling both mud loss prevention and controlled fluid circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the fluid flow control into multiple independent pathways, allowing selective opening and closing of different routes to achieve both sealing and circulation functions simultaneously
3Productivity
If multiple flow paths are provided for autofilling, then the run-in speed is increased, but the complexity of flow control mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow control functions into a single integrated valve assembly, providing multiple flow paths for autofilling while maintaining manageable complexity through unified design and control
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 solution allows for efficient autofilling of the production string, effective fluid circulation, and secure sealing, enhancing wellbore pressure integrity and reducing costly mud losses, while enabling faster 'run-in' speeds and selective control over fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
the ACA is configured to experience a first pressure differential in which the pressure applied to the axial flowbore is greater than the pressure applied to the exterior of the housing by at least a first threshold pressure so as to transition the ACA from the first configuration to a second configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore system comprising an autofill and circulation assembly comprising a housing defining a flowbore and comprising a first port and a second port, and a first sleeve slidable within the housing from a first position to a second position and from the second position to a third position, when the first sleeve is in the first position, the assembly allows fluid communication from an exterior of the housing to the flowbore via the first port and does not allow fluid communication from the flowbore to the exterior of the housing via the first port, when the first sleeve is in the second position, the assembly allows bidirectional fluid communication between the exterior of the housing and the flowbore via the second port, and, when the first sleeve is in the third position, the assembly disallows fluid communication between the exterior of the housing and the flowbore.