Completion Assembly with Self-Closing Valves for Zonal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well stimulation techniques are labor-intensive, costly, and delay the onset of production, as they require pumping acid down a supply pipe to decompose compacted drilling mud, which is inefficient and lacks effective control over zonal isolation in wells.
Innovation Solution
An assembly with first and second fluid control means, where the second fluid control means feature self-closing valves allowing acid stimulation before being closed, enabling efficient zonal isolation and subsequent water injection through individual sections of the well, using sliding sleeve doors and check valves with acid-activated mechanisms for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional acid stimulation is performed using supply pipe pumping, then well bore stimulation is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive, costly, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly pre-positions fluid control means and packers in the well tubular before acid stimulation. The self-closing valves are pre-installed in openings, allowing acid to be pumped down without requiring complex real-time control operations. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for labor-intensive real-time monitoring and manual valve operation during the stimulation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-closing valves automatically close after a predetermined time delay without requiring external control systems. The valve mechanism serves itself by timing its closure based on the acid stimulation duration, eliminating the need for external monitoring and manual intervention. This self-service approach reduces operational complexity and time losses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stimulation techniques are used, then acid can be pumped down to decompose drilling mud, but zonal isolation control is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The well tubular is segmented into multiple zones using packers positioned at different locations. Each zone can be independently controlled by having fluid control means (openings with valves) positioned between the packers. This segmentation allows selective acid stimulation and water injection in specific zones without affecting other zones, providing effective zonal isolation control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the well tubular have different functions: some openings are equipped with self-closing valves for acid stimulation, while others have sliding sleeve doors for water injection. The packers create sealed sections with specific local properties, allowing each zone to be optimized for its specific purpose (stimulation vs. production) independently.
3Productivity
If multiple fluid control means are installed in the well tubular, then controlled water injection and zonal isolation are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid control functions are merged into a single integrated assembly. The packers, self-closing valves, sliding sleeve doors, and openings are all positioned within one well tubular, creating a unified system that performs stimulation, isolation, and injection control simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate tools and operations, reducing overall system complexity despite the multiple functions.
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 enables quick and efficient well stimulation and zonal isolation, allowing for controlled acid treatment and subsequent water injection in individual sections, reducing operational costs and time delays.
Implementation Method 1
second fluid control means comprise a valve equipped with a self-closing mechanism which is capable of completely closing off the valves, said self-closing mechanism being adapted such that acid stimulation may take place through the second fluid control means while in their open state
Implementation Method 2
The sliding sleeve door comprises an aperture in the tubular through which the oil or gas will enter the tubing. The sliding sleeve door can be closed or opened during operation of the well.
Implementation Method 3
In another embodiment screens for the removing of sand particles from the fluid of oil and gas are arranged on the outside of the sliding sleeve door
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly to be run within a well tubular includes a first fluid controller in a first section of the tubular and a second fluid controller in a second section of the well tubular. The assembly includes a set of packers for sealing of the space between the well tubular and a well bore surface of the well. The set-of packers are positioned such that a part of the well tubular having both the first fluid controller and the second fluid controller is located between the set of packers. The first fluid controller is configured to selectively block fluid flow from the interior of the well tubular to the space between the well tubular and the well bore surface. The second fluid controller is configured to selectively block fluid flow.