Isolation Assembly for Zonal Isolation in Multiple-Interval Well Bores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating multiple interval well bores face challenges in providing effective zonal isolation, leading to inefficient targeted treatments due to lack of isolation between intervals, resulting in lower throughput and poor treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The use of an isolation assembly comprising a liner, swellable packers, and adjustable sleeves and screen-wrapped sleeves, which are deployed to create fluidic isolation and allow for selective treatment of intervals by adjusting their positions to open or closed configurations, enabling targeted stimulation and production fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional isolation methods (straddle packers, cementing) are used to isolate well bore intervals, then zonal isolation is provided to allow targeted treatment, but the methods result in lower rate throughputs due to additional well bore restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The well bore is divided into multiple isolated zones using packers positioned at different depths, allowing independent treatment of each interval while maintaining overall system productivity through parallel flow paths
Solution Approach 2:
The liner is nested within the existing well bore casing, and packers are positioned within the liner to create isolated zones without requiring complete well bore restriction, maintaining annular flow paths for productivity
2Reliability
If conventional isolation methods are used to provide zonal isolation, then targeted treatment of selected intervals is enabled, but the isolation quality is poor leading to depletion and cross-flow between intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is pre-installed in the well bore before treatment operations, and packers are positioned within the liner to create isolation zones in advance, ensuring proper isolation quality before treatment fluids are introduced
Solution Approach 2:
The packers utilize swelling characteristics of elastomeric materials when exposed to treatment fluids or gas, changing their physical state from compact to expanded to create reliable isolation seals against the liner or well bore wall
3Reliability
If multiple isolation devices are deployed to treat multiple intervals, then zonal isolation is achieved, but the device complexity increases with multiple packers, sleeves, and screen-wrapped sleeves
Solution Approach 1:
The liner serves multiple functions as both a structural well bore component and a sealing surface for packers, while sleeves and screen-wrapped sleeves provide both isolation and flow control functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeves are designed to be movable between open and closed positions, allowing dynamic control of fluid flow paths through the isolation assembly, enabling treatment of multiple intervals through a single deployable structure rather than multiple static isolation devices
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 allows for precise treatment and reestablishment of zonal isolation in multiple interval well bores, enhancing treatment efficiency by preventing fluid flow between intervals and enabling single-trip placement and treatment operations, reducing risks associated with traditional fracturing methods.
Implementation Method 1
swelling at least one of the plurality of swellable packers so as to provide zonal isolation one or more selected intervals
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for treating multiple interval well bores. More particularly, an isolation assembly may be used to allow for zonal isolation to allow treatment of selected productive or previously producing intervals in multiple interval well bores. One example of a method for treating a multiple interval well bore includes the steps of: introducing an isolation assembly to a well bore, the isolation assembly comprising a liner, one or more sleeves and a plurality of swellable packers, wherein the sleeves and swellable packers are disposed about the liner; deploying a shifting tool inside the liner, where the sleeves are configured so as to provide open, closed and open to screen positions when actuated by the shifting tool. An open position allows for treatment of the well bore while an open to screen position allows for receiving fluid from the well bore. A closed position re-establishes zonal isolation.