Well Packer Tool Shifting Dart for Extended Reach Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well stimulation methods are limited by the length of tubing that can be pushed downhole due to friction and buckling, restricting the ability to treat or intervene in extended or long reach wells, and the propping agent in the annulus prevents tools from moving to new target zones or the surface.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes pressure differentials and fluid flow rates to stimulate multiple zones by activating a tool with a dart, which includes a shifting profile that engages with a female profile to allow movement and treatment, and uses a seal packer to isolate zones and prevent cross-flow, enabling the tool to be reset and moved to subsequent valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If tubing is pushed further downhole to treat extended or long reach wells, then the ability to treat multiple zones is improved, but friction and buckling become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into modular components including a dart, valve body, and packer assembly that can be deployed sequentially. The dart acts as a separate conveying element that can be pushed downhole independently, while the main tool body remains in the annulus, allowing treatment of extended wells without excessive friction on the entire tool string.
Solution Approach 2:
The dart serves as an intermediary element between the surface equipment and the downhole tool. It conveys the tool to the target depth through the annulus, enabling deployment in extended wells while the propping agent in the annulus does not prevent the dart from moving the tool to new target zones.
2Reliability
If propping agent is added to the fluid to keep fractures open, then fracture support is improved, but the propping agent in the annulus prevents the tool from moving to the next target zone
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the fracture support function (propping agent in the inner diameter) from the tool conveyance function (dart moving through the annulus). This allows the propping agent to remain in the treatment zone to keep fractures open while the dart continues to move the tool to subsequent target zones without being impeded.
Solution Approach 2:
The dart acts as an intermediary conveying mechanism that operates independently in the annulus, allowing tool movement despite the presence of propping agent in the annulus. The dart pushes or pulls the tool body through the propping agent-filled annulus to reach multiple treatment zones.
3Reliability
If pressure is increased to activate the tool and shear off the dart, then tool activation is improved, but the force required may cause unwanted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve and piston mechanism are designed to concentrate the pressure increase locally at the dart shear point. When fluid flows through the inner diameter, pressure builds specifically at the dart connection, shearing it off without transmitting excessive force to other parts of the tool or causing unwanted movement elsewhere in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a threshold-based parameter change approach where a specific pressure level triggers dart shear-off. The check valve closes at a predetermined pressure, initiating the piston movement that shears the dart. This controlled parameter change ensures reliable activation while limiting unwanted force transmission through the system.
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 method allows for effective stimulation of multiple zones and extended reach wells by increasing the length of tubing that can be pushed downhole, maintaining pressure for treatment, and resetting the tool to prevent debris accumulation and facilitate sequential zone treatment.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid may be pumped in an annulus between the tool and the tubing applying pressure on the dart to push and/or pump the tool further down the well
Implementation Method 2
a seal packer may expand to assist in creating a piston force on a valve sleeve
Implementation Method 3
The increase in pressure within the inner diameter of the tool pushes a piston to move and shear off the dart
Data Source
AI summary
A casing having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, a packer positioned on a tool configured to expand across an annulus, and a pressure port positioned within a between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the casing. The pressure port includes a first end being positioned on a lower annulus on a first side of the packer and second end being positioned on an upper annulus on a second side of the packer, wherein the pressure port is configured to create a pressure differential between the upper annulus and the lower annulus.