Frac Plug Valve Actuation for Multiple Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing systems for wellbores, such as those using ball-actuated sliding sleeves, face limitations in the number of production zones due to the need for varying size balls and can be complicated by issues like balls getting stuck, restricting fluid flow and increasing operation complexity.
Innovation Solution
A valve system with a sliding closure member and retainer ring that allows for selectable fluid communication through a housing port, enabling actuation between multiple positions to control fluid flow and prevent sticking, using a detent mechanism for elastic deformation and a retainer ring for position control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ball-actuated sliding sleeves are used to create multiple production zones, then the number of production zones can be increased, but the operation becomes more complex and balls may get stuck
Solution Approach 1:
A single frac plug assembly with a unified sliding sleeve system can actuate multiple sliding sleeves at different zones using the same ball size and actuation mechanism, eliminating the need for varying ball sizes while maintaining the ability to create multiple production zones
Solution Approach 2:
The ball actuation mechanism is extracted from the sliding sleeve actuation process and replaced with a direct hydraulic or mechanical actuation system through the single frac plug, simplifying the overall operation and reducing the risk of balls getting stuck
2Adaptability or versatility
If varying size balls are used to actuate sliding sleeves, then multiple production zones can be accessed, but fluid flow is restricted and high pressure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The single frac plug assembly provides a universal actuation mechanism that can control multiple sliding sleeves without requiring varying ball sizes, allowing adequate fluid flow to reach the formation while maintaining the ability to access multiple production zones
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple balls of varying sizes are pumped to actuate sliding sleeves, then different production zones can be stimulated, but the risk of balls getting stuck increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball actuation mechanism is removed from the system and replaced with a more reliable actuation method through the single frac plug, eliminating the risk of balls getting stuck while maintaining the ability to stimulate different production zones
Solution Approach 2:
The single frac plug assembly with its integrated sliding sleeve system provides self-contained actuation capability, eliminating the need for external ball actuation and reducing operational risks
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
This solution enhances the hydraulic fracturing process by allowing more efficient and controlled fluid communication, reducing the risk of tool sticking and improving the ability to create multiple production zones with reduced operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the closure member is configured to elastically deform the detent
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, and a core slidably disposed in the housing, wherein the engagement assembly is configured to shift the valve from a first closed position to an open position when the core is in a first position relative to the housing, and wherein the engagement assembly is configured to shift the valve from the open position to a second closed position in response to the core being displaced from the first position to a second position that is spaced from the first position in a first axial direction.