Hydraulic Cycle Opening Sleeve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools face challenges in providing a reliable communication path from the inside of an inner tubular to the annular area between the inner and outer tubulars or an uncased borehole wall for stimulation or production, as current fracturing sleeves often require complex actuation mechanisms and may not efficiently manage pressure cycles.
Innovation Solution
The hydraulic cycle opening sleeve employs a valve collar with a piston and lock rod system that uses fluid pressure to open and maintain an aperture between the inner and outer tubulars, featuring a shear pin mechanism to control the opening and a spring for retention, allowing for controlled fluid communication between the tubulars and the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex actuation mechanism is used to open the fracturing sleeve, then the reliability of opening the sleeve is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation mechanisms with a hydraulic system. A piston positioned within a cylinder receives hydraulic pressure to move the sleeve from closed to open position. This hydraulic actuation system eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages, ball actuators, or RFID mechanisms while providing reliable and controlled sleeve opening through fluid pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic cylinder and piston system to actuate the fracturing sleeve. Hydraulic pressure applied to the piston generates the force necessary to overcome the shear pin and move the sleeve. This hydraulic mechanism provides a simple yet reliable means of actuation that reduces device complexity compared to mechanical alternatives.
2Ease of operation
If a shear pin mechanism is used to control the opening, then the controlled opening is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shear pin is pre-installed in a weakened state within the piston assembly, designed to fail at a predetermined hydraulic pressure. This preliminary preparation allows the system to automatically transition from closed to open position when the formation pressure reaches the desired level, providing controlled opening without requiring complex sensing or control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear pin mechanism utilizes changes in hydraulic pressure as the controlling parameter. The pin is designed with specific mechanical properties that cause it to shear at a predetermined pressure threshold. This parameter-based control mechanism provides precise and reliable sleeve opening control while maintaining system simplicity.
3Productivity
If multiple pressure cycles are managed, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables periodic pressure cycling through the hydraulic system to manage multiple fracturing stages. The sleeve can be opened, closed, and reopened through controlled hydraulic pressure application and release. This periodic hydraulic action allows multiple pressure cycles to be managed through a simple system without requiring complex control mechanisms, thereby improving productivity while maintaining system simplicity.
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 enables controlled and reliable fluid communication between the downhole tubular and the wellbore, allowing for effective stimulation or production operations while maintaining well integrity during pressure tests and subsequent operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first valve piston positioned to move in response to fluid pressure applied to a first end of the first valve piston
Implementation Method 2
a first valve spring positioned within the first valve cylinder positioned to bias the first valve piston into the open position
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the disclosure, a hydraulic cycle opening sleeve includes a valve assembly and an opening assembly. The valve assembly includes at least one valve chamber and valve piston positioned to move in response to fluid pressure. The opening assembly includes a sliding piston to selectively open or close the hydraulic cycle opening sleeve.