Frangible Well String Port for Reliable Downhole Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ported subs in well treatment strings often open prematurely or fail, causing unwanted fluid communication and require complex activation mechanisms like elastomeric seals and sliding sleeves, which are suboptimal in many applications.
Innovation Solution
A frangible material, such as glass, is used to create a nozzle that is activated by a passing activator, eliminating the need for elastomeric seals and sliding sleeves, and allows for a robust and flexible actuation system by fracturing or shattering upon activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric seals and sliding sleeves are used to prevent premature port opening, then port reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes elastomeric seals and sliding sleeves from the activation mechanism, extracting the problematic components that caused premature opening and complexity. The solution uses a simple frangible member that breaks upon ball contact, eliminating the need for complex seal systems while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible member is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that is intended to break during activation. This disposable-like approach replaces expensive, complex elastomeric seals and sliding sleeves with a single-use frangible element that achieves the sealing function through its breakage rather than through complex mechanical engagement.
2Ease of operation
If seats are installed within each sub to enable port activation, then port activation capability is improved, but flow restrictions are introduced requiring additional milling work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the seat component entirely, extracting the element that caused flow restrictions. The ball-actuated frangible member system removes the need for seats, thereby eliminating the requirement for milling operations to compensate for seat-induced flow restrictions.
3Stress or pressure
If frangible material thickness is increased, then pressure holding capability is improved, but activation load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the thickness of the frangible member to balance pressure holding capability against activation load. This allows optimization of the frangible member dimensions for specific application requirements, adjusting the trade-off between sealing strength and ease of activation.
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 provides a cost-effective and flexible actuation system that ensures reliable fluid communication without premature opening, reducing tool complexity and cost, and meets high-temperature and pressure requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The invention uses a frangible material (e.g., glass) to fill a nozzle that is triggered by the passing of an activator. Once triggered, the frangible material is fractured or shattered, allowing fluidic communication from the tubing to the annulus.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a novel nozzle for use in wellbore tubing strings. The nozzle has an annular cylindrical nozzle body surrounding a frangible material. The frangible material is bonded to the nozzle body forming a seal. When deployed in a well, the nozzle prevents fluidic communication between the inside of the tubing sting and an annulus of the well. A further component of the nozzle may comprise a stress riser that, when actuated, breaks the frangible material, allowing fluidic communication between the inside of the tubing string and the annulus of the well. Subsequent well operations (e.g., fracturing or production) may then be conducted.