Deformable Sealing Device for Multi-Sleeve Wellbore Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore systems with sliding sleeve actuators face limitations in the number of sleeves that can be employed due to fixed diameters, leading to complex and costly mechanisms that impact reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore tubing string assembly with deformable sealing devices that can pass through restrictions to apply force to multiple sleeves, utilizing a deformable ball that can deform and regain shape to actuate multiple tools without requiring complex mechanisms in the sleeves themselves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed diameter restrictions are used in sliding sleeve actuators, then the mechanism is simpler and more reliable, but the number of sleeves that can be employed in the well is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the sealing device from fixed diameter to deformable diameter. The sealing device can elastically deform to pass through fixed diameter restrictions that are smaller than its normal diameter, allowing a single sealing device to actuate multiple sleeves with different restriction diameters while maintaining simple, reliable fixed restriction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device transitions from a static fixed-diameter component to a dynamic deformable component. It can change its effective diameter elastically under pressure to pass through restrictions, then return to its original shape, enabling it to interact with multiple sleeves of varying restriction sizes without requiring the restrictions themselves to be complex or deformable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deformable or convertible repeating ID constriction mechanisms are used, then greater numbers of sleeves can be employed, but the mechanisms become complicated and sensitive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the restriction deformable or convertible to allow passage of the sealing device, the patent inverts the approach by making the sealing device deformable while keeping the restrictions simple and fixed. This reversal places the complexity in the sealing device rather than in the restriction mechanism, simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes to the sealing device's diameter capability, allowing it to elastically deform to pass through multiple restrictions of different diameters. This enables a single sealing device to actuate multiple sleeves without requiring each restriction to be complex or adaptable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deformable or convertible repeating ID constriction mechanisms are used, then greater numbers of sleeves can be employed, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the sealing device deformable rather than the restrictions. This allows the use of simple, inexpensive fixed diameter restrictions while still achieving the capability to actuate multiple sleeves, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable sealing device serves multiple functions: it can pass through multiple restrictions of different diameters, actuate multiple sleeves, and return to its original shape for repeated use. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, reducing overall system cost.
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 reliable actuation of multiple tools with a single deformable ball, simplifying downhole operations and reducing the need for complex mechanisms, thereby enhancing efficiency and reliability while enabling the use of multiple actuators in a single string.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing device having a diameter greater than the second restriction diameter and being deformable to be pushable through the second restriction diameter to apply a force against the second sleeve
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a deformable ball that can deform and regain shape to actuate multiple tools
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore tubing string assembly comprises: a string including an inner bore having an inner diameter and a plurality of tools installed along the string including a first tool and a second tool axially offset from the first tool along the string; the first tool includes: a first sleeve in the inner bore having an inner surface, the inner surface defining a first restriction diameter smaller than the inner diameter; a first sensor mechanism in communication with the first sleeve and responsive to an application of force against the first sleeve; the second tool includes; a second sleeve in the inner bore having an inner wall surface, the inner wall surface defining a second restriction diameter smaller than the inner diameter; a second sensor mechanism in communication with the second sleeve and responsive to an application of force against the second sleeve; and a sealing device having a diameter greater than the second restriction diameter and being deformable to be pushable through the second restriction diameter to apply a force against the second sleeve.