Positive Locating Feature of OptiPort Wellbore Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating multiple zones in oil and gas wells, such as sliding sleeve assemblies and ball systems, are costly, reduce the well diameter, and provide uncertain location confirmation of the bottom hole assembly (BHA), limiting the number of fracturing zones and increasing operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A BHA equipped with a locator collet and movable packing elements that engage profiles on ported tubulars to prevent movement, allowing for selective treatment of wellbore sections through hydraulic fracturing or other methods, using a j-slot track to manage the position of the locator collet and packing elements between retracted and expanded positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sliding sleeve assemblies and ball systems are used for multi-zone fracturing, then selective treatment of wellbore zones is enabled, but the well diameter is reduced and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locator collet is nested within the BHA structure, allowing it to be stored in a compact retracted position during run-in operations and then deployed outward to engage the profile on the ported tubular. This nesting approach enables the locating function to be added without significantly increasing the overall BHA diameter, thus maintaining wellbore compatibility while providing selective zone treatment capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sliding sleeve assemblies and packers are used for well completion, then multi-zone fracturing is enabled, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locating function from the complex system of sliding sleeves and packers by introducing a separate, dedicated locator collet device. This extracted locating function works in conjunction with ported tubulars but eliminates the need for expensive sliding sleeve assemblies and multiple packers, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining multi-zone fracturing capability.
3Loss of information
If over-pull weight methods are used to indicate BHA location, then location detection is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient leading to potential doubt in actual location
Solution Approach 1:
The locator collet provides a positive mechanical feedback mechanism by engaging with the profile on the ported tubular. This engagement creates a definitive mechanical stop that can be clearly detected at the surface, providing unambiguous feedback about the BHA's actual location. The engaged state is self-evident and eliminates the uncertainty associated with interpreting over-pull weight measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for treating a portion of a wellbore that includes a bottom hole assembly (BHA) connected to a work string. The BHA includes a packing element movable between an unset position and a set position and a locator device movable between retracted position and expanded positions. The locator device may be a locator collet. The locator collet may be expanded by a cone movable with respect to the collet. The expanded locator device is configured to engage a profile in a ported tubular within the wellbore. The engagement between the locator device and the profile selectively prevents further movement of the BHA and provides an indication of the location the BHA. The packing element may then be actuated and the wellbore treated through a port in the ported tubular. The BHA may then be moved to a different ported housing to treat another portion of the wellbore.