Downhole Sleeve Actuation via Fluid-Driven Piston Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stimulating multiple production zones in wells are time-consuming and unreliable, as they require individual retrieval of balls used to open sleeves, which can be difficult and prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A downhole device with a displacement mechanism, including projection and anchor elements, and a sealing system that uses pressurized fluid to operate sleeves, allowing for simultaneous stimulation of multiple zones and reliable retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If balls are dropped to stimulate multiple production zones, then stimulation of multiple zones is achieved, but the retrieval process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the ball from the system by providing it through a delivery tube that can be removed independently. The ball is delivered to the sleeve through the tube, and after stimulation, the tube can be retrieved without requiring retrieval of the ball itself, solving the time-consuming ball retrieval problem
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into separate functional components: the delivery tube for ball delivery, the sleeve for stimulation control, and the ball itself. This segmentation allows independent retrieval of the delivery tube while leaving the ball in place, eliminating the need to retrieve multiple balls sequentially
2Productivity
If balls are dropped to stimulate multiple production zones, then stimulation is achieved, but the retrieval process becomes unreliable and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is extracted from the retrieval process entirely. The delivery tube serves as the retrieval target instead, and since the tube is designed to be pulled through the wellbore, retrieval becomes more reliable compared to retrieving a round ball that can roll in the ball seat
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery tube acts as an intermediary between the surface operation and the downhole ball delivery. It provides a reliable mechanical connection for both delivering the ball and subsequent retrieval, replacing the unreliable direct ball retrieval method
3Ease of operation
If operation tool is submerged to retrieve balls one by one, then ball retrieval is achieved, but the process requires multiple runs and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is taken out of the retrieval equation by using a delivery tube that can be retrieved independently. This eliminates the need for multiple operation tool runs and complex sequential retrieval procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery tube serves multiple functions: delivering the ball to the sleeve, allowing stimulation to occur, and serving as the retrieval target. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple operations into a single simple retrieval action
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
Enables faster and more reliable stimulation of multiple production zones by using pressurized fluid to operate sleeves, improving efficiency and reducing the time and complexity of the retrieval process.
Implementation Method 1
a displacement mechanism comprising a piston movable within a piston cylinder to displace, in the axial extension, the first part in relation to the second part when anchored in the well tubular structure to operate the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
a seal element configured to seal against the well tubular structure
Implementation Method 3
two projection elements having a profile matching grooves in the sleeve
Implementation Method 4
the first end may have a surface area being larger than the face area of the piston so that pressurised fluid in the well tubular structure forces the piston further into the piston cylinder
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a downhole device for being moved downwards in a well by fluid to assist stimulation of a production zone of the well, the well comprising a well tubular structure having a first opening and a first movable sleeve arranged opposite the first opening, and the well tubular structure having an inner diameter, the downhole device having an axial extension, and comprising: a first part comprising two projection elements having a profile matching grooves in the sleeve, and a second part comprising: a body, two anchor elements projectable from the body for anchoring the second part in the well tubular structure, and a sealing element configured to seal against the well tubular structure, the downhole device further comprising: a displacement mechanism comprising a piston movable within a piston cylinder to displace, in the axial extension, the first part in relation to the second part when anchored in the well tubular structure to operate the sleeve. The invention also relates to a downhole system for stimulating a formation surrounding a well tubular structure of a well. Finally, the present invention relates to a stimulation method for stimulating a formation by means of a downhole system according to the invention.