Ball Drop Two-Stage Valve for Efficient Well Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow control systems in resource exploration and recovery, such as those using coiled tubing, are costly and time-consuming for opening fluidic pathways between tubulars and formations, necessitating a more efficient method.
Innovation Solution
A ball drop two-stage valve system with sliding sleeves and ball seats that selectively block and open stimulation and flow ports, allowing controlled fluid flow and reducing operational costs and downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coiled tubing is used to open pathways between formation and tubular, then fluid pathways can be opened, but operational costs and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pathway-opening function from the coiled tubing process and integrates it directly into the valve body through a ball-drop mechanism. The ball drops through the valve body to mechanically open the pathway, eliminating the need for separate coiled tubing intervention and reducing operational downtime while maintaining reliable pathway opening capability
Solution Approach 2:
The ball acts as an intermediary element that transfers the opening action from the fluid stream to the valve internals. When the ball drops through the valve body, it mechanically actuates the opening of the pathway without requiring external coiled tubing equipment, thereby reducing operational complexity and time
2Reliability
If coiled tubing is used to open pathways between formation and tubular, then fluid pathways can be opened, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pathway-opening function from the expensive coiled tubing service and integrates it into the valve itself using a simple ball-drop mechanism. This eliminates the need for costly external equipment while maintaining the ability to reliably open fluid pathways between the formation and tubular
Solution Approach 2:
The ball is a simple, inexpensive component compared to coiled tubing equipment. It performs its function of opening the pathway and can be easily replaced if needed, providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive external intervention equipment
3Productivity
If stimulation ports are opened for fluid flow, then stimulation can occur, but control over fluid flow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve employs dynamic control where the position of the ball and sleeve can be changed during operation. The ball can be held above the stimulation ports to block flow, dropped to open them for stimulation, and the sleeve can be positioned to control flow after stimulation. This dynamic positioning provides precise control over fluid flow while maintaining high productivity during stimulation phases
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is segmented into multiple functional zones with separate stimulation ports and flow ports that can be independently controlled. The ball and sleeve can selectively block or open different port sets, allowing precise control over when and where fluid flows occur, enabling both high productivity and ease of operation
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
The system effectively manages fluid flow between tubulars and formations, reducing operational expenses and time by enabling efficient stimulation and production processes.
Implementation Method 1
The first sleeve includes a first ball seat and is selectively positionable to selectively block flow through the at least one stimulation port
Implementation Method 2
The second sleeve includes a second ball seat and is selectively positionable to selectively block flow through the at least one flow port and the at least one stimulation port
Data Source
AI summary
A ball drop two stage valve includes a tubular having a body defined by an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a fluid flow path. A stimulation port is formed in the body. The stimulation port extends through the body. At least one flow port is formed in the body longitudinally spaced from the stimulation port. The at least one flow port extends through the body. A first sleeve is slidingly positioned along the fluid flow path in the body. The first sleeve includes a first ball seat and is selectively positionable to selectively block flow through the stimulation port. A second sleeve is slidingly positioned along the fluid flow path in the body. The second sleeve includes a second ball seat and is selectively positionable to selectively block flow through the flow port and the stimulation port.