Deformable Seat Flow Control for Multistage Fracturing Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The number of stages accessible for hydraulic fracturing is limited due to mechanical limitations of existing technologies, particularly in providing reliable isolation of previously fracked stages.
Innovation Solution
A flow control apparatus is developed, comprising a housing with a port and a displaceable flow control member that applies force to a co-operating member, creating a seating surface for receiving a flow communication interference body, allowing for reliable isolation and control of fluid flow between stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing flow control mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the reliability of isolation between stages is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control apparatus is divided into distinct functional components: a flow control member with support members, a co-operating member with receiving spaces, and a housing with ports. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing isolation failures between stages
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are disposed within the housing structure, with second support members extending from the flow control member into receiving spaces defined by first support members extending from the housing. This nested arrangement creates multiple sealing interfaces and structural support levels that enhance isolation reliability without proportionally increasing external dimensions
2Productivity
If the number of fracked stages is increased, then the productivity improves, but the mechanical limitations cause isolation reliability to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control member is made displaceable relative to the ports, allowing it to move between positions that open or close flow paths. This dynamic capability enables reliable stage-by-stage isolation during sequential hydraulic fracturing operations, allowing increased number of fracked stages while maintaining isolation integrity through active control rather than static mechanical constraints
3Reliability
If a seating surface is obtained through deformation, then the sealing reliability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seating surface is obtained through controlled deformation of the flow control member or co-operating member rather than requiring precision-machined surfaces. This parameter change from static precision surfaces to dynamic deformation-based sealing allows reliable sealing while reducing manufacturing precision requirements, as the deformation process itself creates the conformal sealing interface
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 apparatus enables effective isolation and control of fluid flow, enhancing the number of stages that can be hydraulically fractured by ensuring reliable sealing and communication interference, thereby improving the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
displacement of the flow control member, relative to the port, is with effect that a force is applied by the flow control member to the co-operating member, with effect that a seating surface is obtained for receiving a flow communication interference body that is being conducted through the housing passage; and the seating surface is obtained in response to a deformation effected by the applied force
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control apparatus is provided comprising: a housing including a port; a housing passage disposed within the housing; a flow control member, displaceable, relative to the port, for effecting opening of the port; and a co-operating member. The flow control member and the co-operating member are co-operatively configured such that displacement of the flow control member, relative to the port, is with effect that a force is applied by the flow control member to the co-operating member, with effect that a seating surface is obtained for receiving a flow communication interference body that is being conducted through the housing passage. The seating surface is obtained in response to a deformation effected by the applied force.