Expandable Sleeve Downhole Tool for Simultaneous Zone Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 'plug and perf' method for creating openings in a production liner for injecting fluid into a formation is time-consuming due to the individual operation and removal of perforation guns and plugs, which limits the efficiency of the fracturing process.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with an expandable sleeve that radially expands when a first body is slid along its bore, actuating the tool from a run-in to a set configuration, and deploying an isolation device to apply a radial-outward force, allowing for efficient fracturing operations without the need for individual perforation guns and plugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plug and perf method is used with individual perforation guns and plugs, then the liner can be perforated and fractured zone by zone, but the operation becomes extremely time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple plugs into a single integrated expandable sleeve structure that can isolate multiple zones simultaneously. The sleeve contains multiple isolation devices (balls or plugs) that can be deployed at different levels within the same tool assembly, eliminating the need to run separate plugs for each zone and dramatically reducing operation time while maintaining zone isolation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable sleeve serves multiple functions: it acts as a container for multiple isolation devices, provides zone isolation when expanded, and enables simultaneous fracturing operations across multiple zones. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate tools and operations
2Productivity
If plugs are removed after the frac job is complete, then production can occur through the liner, but additional operations (drilling out) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable sleeve is designed as a disposable component that remains in place after fracturing operations. Rather than requiring removal or drilling out like traditional plugs, the sleeve is left as a permanent structural element that continues to provide zone isolation while allowing production flow through its permeable or slotted wall structure
3Ease of operation
If multiple individual tools are run into the well, then each function (perforation, isolation, fracturing) can be performed separately, but the overall process efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges perforation guns, isolation devices, and fracturing equipment into a single integrated expandable sleeve assembly. This allows all functions to be deployed simultaneously in one run, eliminating the need to sequentially operate multiple separate tools and significantly improving overall fracturing efficiency
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 expandable sleeve tool significantly reduces the time required for fracturing operations by enabling simultaneous expansion and isolation, enhancing the efficiency of fluid injection and fracturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
sliding the first body along the bore of the expandable sleeve causes the expandable sleeve to radially expand so as to actuate the downhole tool from a run-in configuration to a set configuration
Implementation Method 2
A pressure on the isolation device is at least partially transmitted to the expandable sleeve as a radially-outward force
Data Source
AI summary
Downhole tools and methods, of which the downhole tool includes an expandable sleeve defining a bore therethrough, and a first body positioned at least partially within the bore of the expandable sleeve. The first body is slidable relative to the expandable sleeve, and sliding the first body along the bore of the expandable sleeve causes the expandable sleeve to radially expand so as to actuate the downhole tool from a run-in configuration to a set configuration. The downhole tool also includes an isolation device received at least partially in the expandable sleeve in the set configuration. A pressure on the isolation device is at least partially transmitted to the expandable sleeve as a radially-outward force.