Downhole Flow Control Valve for Acoustic Isolation During Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic fracturing operations face challenges in efficiently isolating adjacent wells due to high costs and complexity associated with traditional control lines and the need for multiple barriers, which can lead to increased operational expenses and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A downhole flow control device with autonomous sensors and valves that adjust fluid flow based on local process parameters, allowing independent control without surface intervention, using wireless telemetry for reconfiguration and power, and designed to withstand high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional control lines are used to operate valves in intelligent wells, then surface control capability is achieved, but equipment cost and deployment complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical control line system with an acoustic communication system. Downhole valves are equipped with acoustic receivers that detect pressure waves transmitted through the well fluid from the surface, enabling valve operation without physical control lines. This substitution eliminates the complexity of laying and maintaining control lines while preserving surface control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces well fluid as an intermediary medium to transmit control signals from surface to downhole valves. By using pressure waves propagated through the fluid column, the system achieves communication without direct mechanical connection, reducing deployment complexity while maintaining control functionality.
2Reliability
If multiple barriers including retrievable plugs are installed for well isolation during hydraulic fracturing, then pressure integrity is ensured, but operational costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service isolation by equipping downhole valves with autonomous acoustic control capability. The valves can automatically respond to acoustic signals from the surface without requiring manual intervention for plugging or milling operations, reducing operational time while maintaining pressure integrity through reliable acoustic communication and valve actuation.
3Ease of operation
If wireless intelligent completion technology is used, then remote operation capability is achieved, but dependency on surface operators and telemetry systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical telemetry systems with acoustic pressure wave communication. The acoustic receivers in downhole valves detect surface-generated pressure waves, providing remote operation capability through a simpler, more robust mechanism that eliminates the need for sophisticated wireless telemetry infrastructure while maintaining operator control.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
A method of isolating a portion of a well during hydraulic fracturing operations comprises locating a flow control valve downhole, closing the well, closing flow control valve, and performing hydraulic fracturing operations on an adjacent or nearby well.