Flow Transported Obturating Tool for Hydraulic Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing methods in well servicing are inefficient due to the need for extensive time and high volumes of fluid to actuate multiple sliding sleeves, which restricts the number of production zones and can lead to complications such as stuck balls and inadequate fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A flow transported obturating tool with a radially translatable engagement assembly, core, interrupt member, and biasing member, which actuates sliding sleeve valves between closed, open, and closed positions, allowing for selective fluid communication and hydraulic fracturing of multiple zones without the need for multiple ball sizes, using an electronically actuated solenoid valve for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ball-actuated sliding sleeves are used to hydraulically fracture multiple zones, then the number of production zones can be increased, but the fluid volume required increases and the operation time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ball-actuation system with an electronically controlled solenoid valve system. The solenoid valves are activated by electrical signals to control fluid flow to each sliding sleeve, eliminating the need to pump multiple balls of varying sizes through the wellbore. This electronic control system reduces fluid consumption while maintaining the capability to fracture multiple zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system (solenoid valves and electronic controllers) between the fluid supply and the sliding sleeves. This intermediary system allows precise control of fluid diversion to individual zones without requiring direct mechanical intervention (balls) in the wellbore, thereby reducing overall fluid requirements and operation time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple balls of varying sizes are pumped to actuate sliding sleeves, then multiple production zones can be accessed, but the complexity of the operation increases and reliability decreases due to stuck balls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ball-actuation system with an electronically controlled solenoid valve system. The solenoid valves are activated by electrical signals to control fluid flow to each sliding sleeve, eliminating the need to pump multiple balls of varying sizes through the wellbore. This electronic control system reduces fluid consumption while maintaining the capability to fracture multiple zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically control fluid diversion to each sliding sleeve through electronically actuated solenoid valves, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex ball sequencing. The system self-regulates the actuation process, reducing operational complexity and improving reliability by avoiding stuck ball problems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ball-actuated sliding sleeves are used, then sliding sleeves can be actuated to open positions, but the restriction of fluid flow to the formation requires high pressure and low viscosity fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system (solenoid valves and electronic controllers) between the fluid supply and the sliding sleeves. This intermediary system allows precise control of fluid diversion to individual zones without requiring direct mechanical intervention (balls) in the wellbore, thereby reducing overall fluid requirements and operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control mechanism from mechanical (balls) to electronic (solenoid valves), which allows for more precise control of fluid pressure and flow parameters. This enables the system to actuate sliding sleeves effectively without requiring excessively high pressures or specialized low-viscosity fluids, as the electronic control can optimize fluid delivery parameters for each zone.
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 efficient hydraulic fracturing of multiple zones with reduced fluid requirements, minimizing the risk of tool complications and enhancing production zone access, thereby improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the fracturing process.
Implementation Method 1
an electronically actuated solenoid valve
Implementation Method 2
a biasing member disposed in the housing and in engagement with the interrupt member
Implementation Method 3
Hydraulic pressure acting against the ball causes hydraulic pressure to build behind the seated ball, causing the sliding sleeve to shift into an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A flow transported obturating tool for actuating a valve in a wellbore includes a housing including a radially translatable engagement assembly, a core slidably disposed in the housing, an interrupt member disposed radially between the core and the housing, a bore sensor disposed in the housing and in engagement with the interrupt member, and a biasing member disposed in the housing and in engagement with the interrupt member.