Fracture Sleeve Automatic Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracture systems in the resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries face inefficiencies and require additional technologies to enhance fluid mobility within boreholes, necessitating improved control over fluid flow and pressure management.
Innovation Solution
A fracture tool with a movable sleeve and biaser system that automatically controls the fracture port, shifting between blocked and unblocked positions in response to pressure differentials, and a pressure-activated valve that transitions from an unarmed to an armed state to manage fluid flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fracture system uses manual control methods for fluid flow management, then operational flexibility is maintained, but efficiency is reduced and remedial actions are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The fracture system employs automatic control mechanisms where the fracture sleeve responds to pressure differentials to open/close the fracture port, and the pressure-activated valve automatically transitions between unarmed and armed states. This self-regulating capability eliminates the need for continuous manual intervention, thereby improving efficiency while the integrated design keeps the added complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure differential sensing that automatically triggers sleeve movement and valve actuation. The pressure feedback mechanism detects when fracture pressure is applied and automatically closes the sleeve, while also triggering the valve to switch states, creating a closed-loop control system that improves operational efficiency
2Ease of operation
If a fracture system uses automatic pressure-responsive control, then efficiency is enhanced and fluid mobility is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fracture sleeve is designed to automatically respond to pressure differentials without external control systems. When fracture pressure is applied, the pressure differential automatically moves the sleeve to open the port, and when pressure is relieved, the biaser automatically returns the sleeve to the closed position, providing hands-free operation
Solution Approach 2:
The biaser acts as an intermediary mechanical element that automatically balances the sleeve against pressure differentials. This simple mechanical component mediates between the pressure forces and the sleeve position, providing automatic control without complex electronic or hydraulic systems
3Reliability
If the fracture sleeve remains continuously open, then fluid flow is maximized, but pressure control is lost and remedial actions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fracture sleeve is equipped with pressure differential feedback that automatically triggers closing when fracture pressure is applied. This feedback mechanism ensures the sleeve closes at the appropriate moment to maintain pressure control, preventing uncontrolled fluid flow while allowing maximum flow during the actual fracturing operation
Solution Approach 2:
The fracture sleeve operates in periodic cycles of opening and closing based on the fracturing operation requirements. It opens to allow fluid flow during fracturing, then automatically closes when pressure is relieved, creating a rhythmic operation pattern that maintains both fluid flow continuity and pressure control
4Reliability
If the valve is always in the armed position, then fluid flow control is ready, but premature actuation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The extension is designed to preliminarily position the valve in the armed state in preparation for future actuation, but the actual actuation is triggered only by the specific condition of sleeve opening. This preliminary positioning ensures readiness while the conditional trigger prevents premature actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The system design incorporates a conditional trigger mechanism that prevents premature valve actuation by requiring the specific condition of sleeve opening. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the potential harmful effect of premature actuation while maintaining readiness for proper actuation
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 solution enables precise control over fracturing and fluid flow, enhancing efficiency by automatically opening and closing the fracture port and actuating the valve based on pressure changes, thereby optimizing fluid mobility and reducing remedial actions.
Implementation Method 1
a biaser operably connected between the housing and the sleeve, the biaser biasing the sleeve to the first position
Implementation Method 2
shifting a pressure operated valve from an unarmed position to an armed position based upon the opening of the fracture sleeve
Implementation Method 3
allowing the fracture sleeve to automatically close
Data Source
AI summary
A fracture tool and a system includes a housing having a port, a sleeve disposed adjacent the housing and movable relative to the housing between a first position where the sleeve blocks the port and a second position where the sleeve unblocks the port, and a biaser operably connected between the housing and the sleeve. The biaser biases the sleeve to the first position. A method for fracturing a formation and producing a fluid includes opening a fracture sleeve, shifting a pressure-operated valve from an unarmed position to an armed position based upon the opening of the fracture sleeve. The method further includes applying fracture pressure to the formation, allowing the fracture sleeve to automatically close, actuating the valve with applied pressure, and flowing fluid through the valve. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, and a fracture and production system disposed in the borehole.