Magnetic Actuation for Downhole Sleeve Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selectively opening wellbore tubulars to equalize pressure and allow fluid flow are limited by frictional forces, restricting the length and number of stimulation stages that can be effectively deployed in extended reach wells, which hinders the optimization of oil and gas production from horizontal and non-vertical wells.
Innovation Solution
A ported assembly with a pressure-balanced sliding sleeve and magnetic induction system that allows remote, non-mechanical actuation of downhole ports, enabling selective opening and closing of pathways for fluid communication between the inside and outside of tubulars, using an actuation control device with a magnet and electronic counter to trigger the opening of ports without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical actuation methods (wireline or tubing) are used to open downhole ports, then ports can be selectively opened to equalize pressure and allow fluid flow, but frictional forces limit the length of wireline or tubing that can be used, restricting the number of stimulation stages and the depth of extended reach wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical actuation system (wireline or tubing mechanically manipulating sliding sleeves) with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Magnets are conveyed downhole via the wellbore and used to actuate port openings through magnetic interference, eliminating the need for long mechanical linkages and overcoming frictional limitations of conventional mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the surface control system and the downhole port actuation mechanism. The magnetic field serves as a non-contact mediator that can actuate ports at any depth without being physically constrained by the length of wireline or tubing, allowing selective opening of ports in extended reach wells.
2Productivity
If conventional mechanical manipulation tools are used to actuate sliding sleeves, then ports can be opened to permit fluid communication, but the frictional forces generated by continuous or jointed tubing limit the practical length that can be conveyed within a well
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical manipulation approach with magnetic field actuation. Magnets conveyed downhole actuate sliding sleeves through magnetic interference without requiring continuous or jointed tubing to be physically connected to the actuation mechanism, thereby eliminating frictional limitations on tubing length while maintaining effective fluid communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the actuation function from the mechanical tubing system and implements it through magnetic fields. This separation allows the tubing to be shorter since it only needs to convey the magnets to the actuation point, rather than providing continuous mechanical linkage throughout the entire wellbore length.
3Ease of manufacture
If directional explosive charges are used to perforate wellbore tubular goods, then openings can be created to allow fluid flow, but frictional limitations on wireline or tubing length prevent effective deployment in extended reach wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the explosive charge system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Magnets conveyed downhole actuate port openings through magnetic interference, providing a non-mechanical alternative that overcomes the frictional limitations of long wireline or tubing while effectively creating openings for fluid flow in extended reach wells.
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
Enables longer extended reach wells to be optimally stimulated and produced by allowing multiple, evenly spaced equalization assemblies along the wellbore, overcoming the limitations of existing methods and enhancing production rates.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic solenoid. When the control device passes through each equalization assembly an electrical current is generated in the induction coil of said equalization assembly
Implementation Method 2
an electrical current is generated in the induction coil of said equalization assembly
Implementation Method 3
an electrical current is generated in the induction coil of said equalization assembly
Implementation Method 4
the elevated wellbore pressure, as well as any surface pump pressure, is communicated through-bores in the sliding sleeve and acts on the fluid piston
Implementation Method 5
the elevated wellbore pressure, as well as any surface pump pressure, is communicated through-bores in the sliding sleeve and acts on the fluid piston
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole equalization assembly permits selective and remote opening of at least one downhole port or pathway to allow communication of pressure and/or fluid flow from inside a pressure containing system (such as, for example, a tubular pipe or other pressure containment system) to the outside of the containment system, or vice versa. A control device generating a magnetic field is inserted into a well and conveyed to a downhole equalization assembly. When the control device passes through an equalization assembly, an electrical current is generated that triggers an electronic counter. When a predetermined counter number is reached, a sliding sleeve is shifted, thereby exposing ports and/or pathways extending between the inside and outside of the equalization assembly. No physical contact or mechanical interference is required between the control device and any other components in order to actuate the equalization assembly.