Linear Indexing Well Bore Tool for Fracturing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sliding sleeve valves and plugs in oil and gas wells lack efficient control over fracturing processes, leading to inadequate control over fracturing location and reliability, especially in deep or hard-to-access formations, due to limitations in packer spacing and hydraulic line damage, resulting in reduced production efficiency and increased operational time.
Innovation Solution
The development of improved sliding sleeve valves and isolation plugs with a cylindrical housing, indexed driver, reciprocating shifter, actuation seat, and isolation seat, allowing for linear indexing and actuation using a series of balls of the same size to control fluid flow and fracturing stages, enhancing control and flexibility in fracturing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sliding sleeve valves are used with hydraulic actuation, then fracturing can be performed, but control over fracturing location is inadequate and reliability is reduced due to hydraulic line damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hydraulic actuation system entirely and replaces it with a mechanical ball-drop indexing mechanism. Balls are dropped through the liner to sequentially index and actuate sliding sleeve valves at different depths, eliminating hydraulic lines and their associated damage risks while improving reliability of fracturing location control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces balls as intermediary objects to transmit the actuation signal mechanically through the liner. The balls drop through the liner, engage indexing mechanisms, and sequentially trigger valve actuation at predetermined locations, serving as a reliable mechanical mediator that replaces the unreliable hydraulic system
2Productivity
If packers are used to control fracturing zones, then fracturing can be performed, but operational time increases due to limitations in packer spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fracturing process into multiple stages by using a single liner with multiple sliding sleeve valves positioned at different depths. Each valve can be independently actuated by dropped balls to fracture specific zones, eliminating the need for multiple packer installations and reducing operational time while maintaining precise zone control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single liner multi-functional by incorporating multiple sliding sleeve valves along its length. This single liner can perform multiple fracturing operations at different depths and stages, replacing the need for multiple separate packer systems and thereby increasing productivity while reducing operational time
3Productivity
If multiple fracturing stages are performed with single liner installation, then production efficiency improves, but control over fracturing location and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates predetermined indexing mechanisms and spaced detents within the liner before deployment. These pre-positioned features ensure that when balls are dropped, they will accurately index to specific locations and actuate valves at precise depths, maintaining measurement precision while enabling multiple fracturing stages from a single liner installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the unreliable hydraulic actuation system with a mechanical ball-drop indexing system. The mechanical interaction between dropped balls, indexing mechanisms, and sliding sleeve valves provides precise, predictable, and reliable valve actuation at predetermined locations, maintaining fracturing location precision while improving overall system reliability
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 precise control over fracturing stages, reduces operational time, and increases the number of stages that can be fractured, improving hydrocarbon production efficiency and reliability by allowing multiple stages of fracturing with a single liner installation.
Implementation Method 1
The driver is adapted for linear indexing from an initial position through one or more intermediate positions to a terminal position
Implementation Method 2
The reciprocating shifter is adapted to index the indexed driver from its initial position through its intermediate positions to its terminal position
Implementation Method 3
The shifter comprises an actuation seat adapted to receive a ball for actuation of the shifter
Implementation Method 4
The isolation seat is adapted to allow passage of the ball when the indexed driver is in its initial and intermediate positions and to receive the ball when the indexed driver is in its terminal position
Implementation Method 5
The valve body is adapted for movement from a closed position restricting fluid communication through the port to an open position allowing fluid communication through the port
Data Source
AI summary
Downhole tools that have a housing, a linearly indexing driver, a reciprocating shifter, and an actuation seat. The driver is adapted for linear indexing relative to the housing from an initial position sequentially through one or more intermediate positions to a terminal position. The shifter is adapted for axial reciprocation relative to the housing and is operatively connected to the driver and adapted to index the indexed driver from its initial position sequentially through its intermediate positions to its terminal position as the shifter reciprocates. The actuation seat is mounted on the shifter and is adapted to receive a ball for actuation of the shifter and to release the ball after the shifter has indexed the indexed driver. Thus, a series of such tools may be operated by deploying a series of balls, all of the same size, through the tools.