Downhole Valve Activation via Casing Ribs and Darts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for activating multiple downhole devices in subterranean formations are limited by the need for sequential activation, restricted access, and potential damage to control lines, making it difficult and costly to create multiple production zones with varying treatment requirements.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism using a casing segment with ribs and a sliding sleeve activated by a sequence of darts, where each valve opens after a predetermined number of ribs are passed, allowing for incremental movement and selective activation of downhole pathways without damaging control lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If graduated balls or darts are used to activate valves sequentially, then valve activation is achieved, but the number of valves is limited and full-bore access is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple sections with multiple valves arranged axially along the wellbore. Each valve can be independently activated by a separate dart, allowing multiple production zones to be treated simultaneously or sequentially without blocking full-bore access. The segmentation enables each valve to function independently while maintaining full access to the entire wellbore.
2Ease of operation
If control lines are used to activate restrictions, then valve activation is achieved, but control lines may be damaged during run-in-hole
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is extracted from the valve body and replaced with passive mechanical elements (rocker members and casing ribs) that are already present in the wellbore structure. Darts pumped through the wellbore directly interact with these elements to trigger valve activation, eliminating the need for separate control lines and their associated damage risks during run-in-hole operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thicker valves are used to accommodate hydraulic mechanisms, then valve functionality is improved, but internal diameter decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing complex hydraulic mechanisms inside the valve body, the invention inverts the approach by using the external wellbore structure (casing ribs) and pumped darts as the control mechanism. This eliminates the need for internal hydraulic components, maintaining full-bore internal diameter while achieving reliable valve activation through the inverted control architecture.
4Ease of operation
If graduated ball sizes are used for sequential activation, then bottom-up activation is achieved, but intervention is required to dissolve or mill balls
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses disposable darts that are pumped through the wellbore to activate valves and then left in place or naturally disposed of. These darts are simpler and cheaper than graduated balls, requiring no dissolution or milling operations. Each dart performs its activation function and can be abandoned without requiring costly intervention operations to remove or dissolve the activation devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for selectively activating a plurality of downhole pathways. The method includes a casing segment which includes a plurality of casing ribs, a valve which includes a sleeve coupled for movement between an open and normally closed position, a rocker member mounted to the sleeve, a dart for pumping in hole including a dart profile matched to the rocker member profile such that the dart profile couples to the rocker member profile when in close proximity and, in turn, the sleeve moves using hydraulic force from the closed position to the open position.