Fracturing Tool Sleeve and Burst Plug Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic fracturing tools face challenges in maintaining sufficient fluid pressure to effectively stimulate lower regions of a wellbore, leading to fluid loss and suboptimal stimulation, as the design requires greater pressure to open lower fluid ports, which can also activate higher ports, resulting in inefficient pressure distribution.
Innovation Solution
A fracturing tool with a tubular housing, burst plugs, and a sleeve member that allows fluid ports to open only at a prescribed threshold pressure, featuring a deformable seat that changes conditions upon displacement, ensuring fluid ports remain closed until the necessary pressure is reached, preventing fluid escape and allowing sequential actuation of lower zone tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If greater fluid pressure is applied to push the ball past lower seats, then the ball can be actuated to lower regions, but fluid escapes from higher fluid ports causing pressure loss and fluid loss
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve member is positioned in advance to cover the fluid ports before treatment fluid is pumped. This preliminary covering action prevents fluid escape when pressure is applied to actuate the ball to lower regions, eliminating the need to compensate for fluid loss while maintaining pressure for deep zone stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve member acts as an intermediary between the treatment fluid and the fluid ports. It mediates the pressure transmission by allowing pressure buildup behind it while preventing direct fluid escape through the ports, enabling the ball to be pushed to lower regions without losing fluid.
2Ease of operation
If greater fluid pressure is applied to push the ball past lower seats, then the ball can reach lower regions, but the pressure required may be insufficient for effective fracturing of lower formations
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve member covers the fluid ports in advance, creating a sealed chamber that allows treatment fluid pressure to accumulate to the high levels needed for effective fracturing. This preliminary sealing enables both ball actuation and sufficient pressure buildup for lower formation stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve member creates a hydraulic seal that traps and amplifies fluid pressure. By preventing fluid escape through the ports, the system can build up the high pressure required for effective fracturing of lower formations while still allowing the ball to be actuated to those regions.
3Productivity
If fluid ports are opened early, then treatment can begin, but pressure cannot be maintained at optimal levels for fracturing
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve member is positioned to cover fluid ports before treatment fluid is introduced. This preliminary action delays port opening until after pressure has been built up to optimal fracturing levels, ensuring both treatment readiness and sufficient pressure for effective fracturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in distinct phases: first, the sleeve member maintains closure to build pressure; second, upon reaching threshold pressure, the sleeve member displaces to open ports. This periodic action sequence ensures optimal pressure is achieved before treatment initiation.
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 ensures all fluid ports within an isolated zone can be effectively opened and stimulated at optimal pressure levels, enhancing hydraulic fracturing efficiency and preventing fluid loss, thereby improving the stimulation of the surrounding formation.
Implementation Method 1
a burst plug disposed in the at least one fluid port, the burst plug being operable from a closed condition in which the burst plug prevents the treatment fluid flowing through the fluid port to an open condition in which the burst plug is arranged to allow treatment fluid flowing through the fluid port in response to a prescribed threshold hydraulic pressure level
Implementation Method 2
a deformable seat disposed in the central passageway so as to be operable between a first condition in which the deformable seat is adapted to receive the actuating member seated thereon and a second condition in which the deformable seat is adapted to allow the actuating member to pass through the central passageway
Data Source
AI summary
A fracturing tool is used for hydraulically fracturing multiple stages of a well bore with treatment fluid. The tool includes a tubular housing retaining a longitudinally sliding sleeve which moves between a first position concealing fluid ports in the tubular housing and a second position in which the ports are uncovered. A deformable seat disposed in the sliding sleeve cooperates with an actuating member which is directed downwardly through a fracturing string locating a plurality of tools therein associated with respective stages of an isolated zone to sequentially uncover the fluid ports. Disposed in the fluid ports are burst plugs arranged to open when exposed to a threshold pressure. All uncovered burst plugs of the tools within the isolated zone can thus be sequentially uncovered and then opened when exposed to the threshold pressure to permit the treatment fluid to exit from the housing into the surrounding well bore.