Indexed Wellbore Completion Valve for Repeated Pressure Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore completion methods require multiple pressurization procedures using ball seat assemblies, test plugs, and wireline equipment, which are time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A completion assembly featuring a valve assembly with a housing, sleeve, compression spring, and rotatable indexing assembly that utilizes fluid pressure differentials to axially move the sleeve between open and closed positions, eliminating the need for ball seat assemblies and wireline equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ball seat assemblies, test plugs, and wireline equipment are used for multiple pressurization procedures, then the completion process can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes ball seat assemblies, test plugs, and wireline equipment from the completion process by integrating all pressurization and testing functions directly into the completion string itself. The completion string includes built-in valves and pressure control mechanisms that eliminate the need for separate testing equipment, thereby reducing completion time while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion string is designed to perform its own pressurization and testing operations through integrated valves and pressure control systems. The system can self-regulate fluid flow and pressure without requiring external wireline equipment or separate test plugs, enabling the completion process to service itself and reducing dependency on additional equipment.
2Reliability
If ball seat assemblies and wireline equipment are used for pressurization procedures, then testing can be performed, but equipment complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate functions (pressurization, testing, valve control) into a single integrated completion string assembly. The completion string includes built-in valves, pressure control mechanisms, and fluid flow paths that merge what were previously separate equipment functions into one unified system, thereby reducing overall equipment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion string is designed as a multi-functional device that performs completion, pressurization, and testing operations simultaneously. The integrated valves and pressure control systems enable the same hardware to serve multiple purposes throughout the completion process, eliminating the need for specialized equipment for each function.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional completion strings are used without integrated valve assemblies, then the completion process is simpler, but multiple pressurization procedures require additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates valve assemblies and pressure control mechanisms directly into the completion string manufacturing process. Rather than assembling separate components during field operations, the valves and control systems are incorporated into the completion string itself, reducing the quantity of separate equipment needed while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized integration.
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 allows for efficient multiple pressurization procedures without the use of ball seat assemblies or wireline equipment, saving time and resources while maintaining functionality with traditional completion strings.
Implementation Method 1
The compression spring is disposed between the first shoulder and the second shoulder and is arranged to compress or decompress as the sleeve moves axially
Implementation Method 2
The Venturi nozzle lowers a pressure of the fluid passing through the throat to increase a pressure differential between the annulus and the inner volume, causing the sleeve to move uphole
Implementation Method 3
The valve assembly receives fluid from the completion string to increase a pressure of an inner volume of the valve assembly with respect to the annulus, generating a pressure differential causing the sleeve to axially move
Data Source
AI summary
A completion assembly includes a completion string and a valve assembly. The completion string is disposed within a wellbore. The valve assembly is coupled to a downhole end of the completion string and includes a housing, a sleeve, a compression spring, and a rotatable indexing assembly. The housing includes a first fluid port and a first shoulder. The housing defines, with a wall of the wellbore, an annulus. The sleeve is disposed within the housing and includes a second fluid port, an indexing slot, and a second shoulder. The valve assembly receives fluid from the completion string to increase a pressure of an inner volume of the valve assembly with respect to the annulus, generating a pressure differential causing the sleeve to axially move, moving the sleeve between an open position with the second fluid port open, and a closed position with the second fluid port closed.