Fracturing Isolation Tool Protector Sleeve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fracturing isolation tools expose seal surfaces and pressure barrier profiles to high pressures and abrasion during fracturing operations, leading to potential damage and failure after the process.
Innovation Solution
A fracturing isolation assembly that includes a pressure barrier profile within the fracturing isolation tool and a removable protector sleeve to protect these surfaces from fracturing pressures and fluids, ensuring they remain sealed and functional for later installation of pressure barriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fracturing isolation tool seals inside the casing or on the bit guide, then isolation from high pressures is achieved, but full bore access to the casing is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation system is divided into two separate components: the fracturing isolation tool that provides pressure isolation, and the bridge plug that provides full bore access. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bridge plugs as intermediary elements that can be installed through the isolation tool. These plugs serve as mediators that maintain well control while allowing subsequent operations to proceed with full bore access.
2Reliability
If bridge plugs are installed to maintain well control after fracturing, then well control is maintained, but equipment costs increase due to rental and service crew requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fracturing isolation tool is designed to remain in place and continue providing isolation and well control after the fracturing operation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional bridge plugs and service crews, reducing operational complexity and costs.
3Productivity
If the isolation tool seal surfaces and pressure barrier profiles are exposed to fracturing pressures and fluids, then the fracturing operation can proceed, but the surfaces may be damaged leading to failure after the process
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure barrier profile is pre-formed within the isolation tool before the fracturing operation begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that the sealing surfaces are ready to function immediately after fracturing without having been exposed to damaging high pressures and abrasive fluids during the process.
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 assembly effectively isolates and protects the seal and pressure barrier surfaces during fracturing, maintaining their integrity for post-fracturing operations and reducing equipment costs by minimizing damage and repetitive installation needs.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure barrier profile formed in the internal bore of the fracturing isolation tool to accommodate a pressure barrier
Implementation Method 2
a fracturing isolation tool sealed in the vertical bore of the one or more wellhead body members above the production casing
Data Source
AI summary
A wellhead assembly to seal to a production casing including one or more pressure-containing wellhead body members defining a vertical bore, with the lowermost of the wellhead body members sealing to the production casing. A fracturing isolation tool is sealed in the vertical bore of the wellhead body members above the production casing, and forms a pressure barrier profile in its internal bore. A removable protector sleeve is located at least partially within the fracturing isolation tool to seal, protect, isolate and cover the pressure barrier profile against a fracturing pressure and a fracturing fluid. After fracturing the protector sleeve is removed and a pressure barrier is sealed in the pressure barrier profile of the fracturing isolation tool. The invention also extends to the method of isolating the wellhead body members and to the fracturing isolation tool assembly which includes the fracturing isolation tool and the protector sleeve.