Multi-stage Hydraulic Fracturing Tool Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-stage hydraulic fracturing methods, such as the plug and perforate and ball activated sliding sleeve systems, are limited by the diameter of the casing, restricting the number of stages that can be fracked and requiring complex and costly equipment, which increases operational time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage hydraulic fracturing tool system that includes an elongated casing with ports and an actuation member with a wedged portion and groove, allowing for the controlled exposure of selected locations along the wellbore to pressurized fluid by using sliding sleeve members with protrusions and a release mechanism to uncover ports, enabling more stages without the limitations of previous technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ball activated sliding sleeve systems are used, then hydraulic fracturing can be performed, but the number of stages is limited by the diameter of the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fracturing process into multiple discrete stages, with each stage having its own sliding sleeve and actuation member. The actuation members are segmented into different families with varying outer diameters, allowing sequential engagement with sliding sleeves at different depths without being constrained by casing diameter limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation members are designed to be nested within each other, with smaller diameter actuation members able to pass through the aperture of previously engaged sliding sleeves. This nested configuration allows multiple actuation members to coexist in the same wellbore, enabling more stages than the casing diameter would traditionally allow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plug and perforate method is used, then hydraulic fracturing can be performed, but coiled tubing unit is required which limits horizontal wellbore length
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the coiled tubing unit requirement from the system by using a wireline-deployed actuation member that can be pulled through the wellbore without requiring coiled tubing. This eliminates the frictional reach constraints of coiled tubing and enables much longer horizontal wellbore lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical coiled tubing deployment mechanism with a wireline-based actuation member deployment. The actuation member is attached to the wireline, pumped to the target depth, and then released to engage the sliding sleeve, eliminating the need for complex coiled tubing equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If graduated ball size functionality is used, then sliding sleeves can be activated, but the system has a finite number of stages due to ball size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the key parameter from ball size to actuation member outer diameter. Instead of using balls of gradually increasing sizes, the system uses actuation members with varying outer diameters that engage with corresponding sliding sleeves. This parameter change allows for more stages because the diameter variations can be more precisely controlled and distributed along the wellbore length.
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 system allows for a greater number of hydraulic fracturing stages without the size constraints of previous methods, reducing operational complexity and costs by enabling more efficient and selective exposure of ports, thereby enhancing the productivity of oil and gas wells.
Implementation Method 1
resilient radial outward deformation of a deformation region of the sliding sleeve member, the deformation region including the protrusions
Implementation Method 2
resilient radial inward deformation of the actuation member, said resilient radial outward and inward deformation occurring in response to action of the wedged portion on the protrusions during downhole motion of the actuation member past the protrusions
Implementation Method 3
the radially oriented face of the groove engages respective radially oriented faces of each of the one or more protrusions to transfer the force from the actuation member to the sleeve member
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-stage hydraulic fracturing tool and system for controllably exposing selected locations along a wellbore to a pressurized fluid. The system comprises an elongated casing (for disposal within the wellbore) defining an internal borehole extending longitudinally, and having one or more ports; an actuation member configured for travelling down the borehole and includes a wedged portion and a groove having a first length in the longitudinal direction, formed at least partially circumferentially around an outer surface of the actuation member, a sliding sleeve member having an aperture for receiving the actuation member, and one or more inward-facing protrusions having a length less than or equal to the first length, connected to the sliding sleeve member and at least initially protruding radially into the aperture.