Master-Slave Wellbore Stimulation Assemblies

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to efficiently and effectively configure multiple stimulation assemblies for simultaneous communication of fluid in hydrocarbon-producing wells, which is necessary for creating multiple fractures in subterranean formations to enhance hydrocarbon production.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a wellbore completion string with a master activatable stimulation assembly and a slave activatable stimulation assembly, where the slave assembly activates in response to the master assembly, allowing for simultaneous communication of a stimulation fluid to multiple subterranean formation zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple stimulation assemblies are configured for simultaneous fluid communication, then hydrocarbon production is enhanced, but the complexity of configuring and activating multiple assemblies increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon productionVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stimulation system is divided into multiple independent stimulation assemblies that can be individually activated. Each assembly includes its own activation mechanism (such as ball valves or pistons) that can be operated separately, allowing selective stimulation of different formation zones while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple stimulation assemblies with activation mechanisms positioned and ready for simultaneous or sequential activation. The assemblies are pre-positioned in the wellbore with their activation components (balls, pistons, valves) in predetermined locations, enabling rapid deployment without complex real-time configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple stimulation assemblies are activated simultaneously, then multiple fractures are created in different zones, but the difficulty of controlling and coordinating activation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture creation efficiencyVSAvoidactivation control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the activation status of each stimulation assembly and provide real-time information about fluid flow, pressure changes, and activation completion. This feedback enables operators to coordinate multiple assemblies effectively, adjusting activation timing and parameters based on actual response from each zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Each stimulation assembly includes self-activating or self-regulating mechanisms such as ball valves that automatically open or close based on pressure differentials, and pistons that self-reset after stimulation. This reduces the need for complex external control systems and simplifies coordination of multiple assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8893811B2Responsively activated wellbore stimulation assemblies and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A system for servicing a subterranean formation comprising a wellbore completion string comprising a first master activatable stimulation assembly, a first slave activatable stimulation assembly, wherein the first slave activatable stimulation assembly activates responsive to activation of the first master stimulation assembly; a second master activatable stimulation assembly, and a second slave activatable stimulation assembly, wherein the second slave activatable stimulation assembly activates responsive to activation of the second master stimulation assembly.