Isolation Sleeve Injection Port for Multi-Zone Well Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for stimulating subterranean formations, such as using isolation plugs and isolation balls, become economically and technically challenging as the length of wells increases, due to difficulties in setting and removing these devices, limiting the number of zones that can be effectively stimulated and increasing the overall cost of the stimulation process.
Innovation Solution
The use of an isolation sleeve with an injection port and perforation devices to selectively provide fluid communication between the casing conduit and the subterranean formation, allowing for the stimulation of multiple zones without the need for multiple isolation devices, and enabling the stimulation process to be repeated along the length of the well without removing devices post-stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional isolation plugs or isolation balls and seats are used to stimulate multiple zones in long wells, then the stimulation process can be performed, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly, and the process becomes increasingly difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the isolation function and injection function into a single integrated device. The isolation device includes both an isolation element (ball or plug) and an injection element (seater or injector) that work together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate isolation devices and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation device is designed to perform multiple functions: it isolates the wellbore, provides injection capability, and can be reused across multiple zones. The universal design allows the same device type to be used for stimulating multiple zones along the wellbore, reducing the total number of devices needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional isolation plugs are used to stimulate multiple zones, then zone isolation is achieved, but the time required for removing and setting multiple isolation devices increases the overall process time
Solution Approach 1:
The injection element is pre-configured within the isolation device before deployment. This preliminary setup allows the injection function to be immediately available when the isolation device is set, eliminating the need for separate injection device deployment steps and reducing overall process time
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation device is designed to be self-contained with the injection element integrated inside. The device serves its own isolation and injection functions without requiring external assistance or multiple separate devices, streamlining the stimulation process
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple isolation devices are used along the wellbore to stimulate multiple zones, then each zone can be stimulated independently, but the cost of the stimulation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the isolation and injection functions into a single device, the patent reduces the total number of components needed. This consolidation lowers material costs, reduces inventory requirements, and simplifies the overall stimulation process economics
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation device is designed to be retrieved and reused after the stimulation process. The ability to recover and reuse the same device for multiple zones eliminates the need to discard and replace multiple isolation devices, significantly reducing material costs
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 approach allows for efficient and cost-effective stimulation of multiple zones in long wells by reducing the need for multiple isolation devices and eliminating the need for post-stimulation removal, thereby enhancing the economic viability and efficiency of the stimulation process.
Implementation Method 1
providing a stimulating fluid stream to the casing conduit to increase a fluid pressure within the casing conduit
Implementation Method 2
locating an isolation device on the isolation sleeve to fluidly isolate a downhole portion of the casing conduit from an uphole portion of the casing conduit
Implementation Method 3
creating a downhole perforation in a downhole longitudinal section of the production casing with a perforation device
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for stimulating a subterranean formation comprising providing a stimulating fluid stream to a casing conduit that is defined by a production casing that extends within the subterranean formation to increase a fluid pressure within the casing conduit. The methods further include locating an isolation device on an isolation sleeve to fluidly isolate a downhole portion of the casing conduit from an uphole portion of the casing conduit and opening an injection port that is associated with the isolation sleeve to permit an injection port fluid flow into the subterranean formation. The methods also include sealing the injection port and creating an uphole perforation in the uphole longitudinal section of the production casing responsive to the fluid pressure exceeding the threshold perforating pressure.