Downhole Ball Seat Segmentation for Fluid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional downhole ball seat systems are limited in the number of stacked seats that can be employed, leading to restricted fluid flow and premature actuation of tools due to orifice cross-sectional areas below a threshold, which affects the effectiveness of fluid regulation and device actuation in the drilling and completion industry.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic fracturing system with a first seat assembly that allows larger objects to pass through while obstructing fluid flow and a second seat assembly with multiple openings to accommodate smaller objects, ensuring the net cross-sectional area remains above the threshold, thereby preventing fluid restriction and enabling effective fracturing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple ball seats are stacked in a borehole to improve fluid regulation, then the number of stacked seats increases, but the net cross-sectional area of openings decreases below a threshold causing fluid flow restriction and premature tool actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single seat assembly into multiple separate seat assemblies stacked in sequence within the borehole. Each seat assembly has its own set of openings and can be independently actuated by balls of different sizes. This segmentation allows each seat to maintain adequate opening cross-sectional area while collectively providing multi-stage fluid regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-seat radial configuration to a multi-seat axial stacking arrangement. By adding the axial dimension to the deployment geometry, multiple seats can be positioned at different depths along the borehole, each contributing to fluid regulation without compromising the cross-sectional area of individual openings.
2Quantity of substance
If the cross-sectional area of openings in stacked seats is reduced to accommodate more seats, then more seats can be stacked, but fluid flow becomes restricted causing premature actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The total fluid flow capacity is distributed across multiple segmented seat assemblies rather than concentrated in a single seat. Each segmented seat maintains sufficient opening area to prevent flow restriction, while the collective arrangement provides the desired number of controllable stages for fluid regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple seat assemblies are combined in a stacked configuration within the borehole. The combined system achieves the functional equivalent of a single seat with reduced openings by distributing the flow control across multiple seats, each maintaining adequate opening cross-sectional area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional seat assemblies are used with limited stacking capability, then device complexity remains low, but the number of controllable fluid flow paths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid control system is segmented into multiple independent seat assemblies, each capable of being actuated by differently sized balls. This segmentation enables independent control of multiple fluid flow paths while using standardized, relatively simple seat assembly units that can be stacked in various configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assemblies are designed with universal characteristics allowing them to perform multiple functions: each can be actuated by balls of specific sizes, each provides fluid flow regulation, and they can be stacked in various combinations to create different control scenarios. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 enhances the number of stacked ball seats, allowing for improved fluid regulation and preventing premature tool actuation, thereby increasing the effectiveness of downhole operations by maintaining fluid flow and facilitating efficient fracturing and device actuation.
Implementation Method 1
dropping a plurality of first objects each having a first size; landing the plurality of first objects at a first seat assembly
Implementation Method 2
each of the like-sized openings having a cross sectional area complementary to a corresponding plurality of objects such that each of the objects is matable therewith to substantially inhibit fluid flow through each like-sized opening
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole fracturing system including a seat assembly having a plurality of like-sized openings therein. Each of the like-sized openings has a cross sectional area complementary to a corresponding plurality of objects such that each of the objects is matable therewith to substantially inhibit fluid flow through each like-sized opening. The objects have dimensions insufficient to mate with an opening in a next adjacent upstream seat assembly. A method of hydraulic fracturing is also included.