Port Control Assemblies for Sequential Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracturing operations in the downhole drilling industry are time-consuming and require a large number of tools due to the need for high pressure and sequential opening of ports, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A port control system utilizing groups of assemblies that respond to specific plug sizes, allowing multiple ports to be opened with a single plug and enabling efficient fracturing by shifting sleeves to open ports in response to fluid pressure differentials, with each assembly designed to either delay or prevent plug passage based on plug size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure is used to open ports sequentially, then the fracturing operation can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires a large number of tools
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the port opening operation into multiple independent assemblies, each capable of being actuated by a plug. Multiple assemblies can be opened simultaneously or in parallel sequences, allowing the fracturing operation to proceed without sequential delays, thus improving productivity while maintaining reliable fracturing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple port control assemblies are combined into a single system that can be actuated by multiple plugs of different sizes. This merging allows simultaneous or parallel opening of multiple ports, reducing the total time required for the fracturing operation while maintaining the necessary pressure differential for reliable fracturing.
2Reliability
If multiple ports are opened sequentially with high pressure, then the fracturing can be achieved, but the number of tools required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple assemblies that can each be actuated by a plug of a specific size. These assemblies serve multiple functions: they control port opening, manage pressure differentials, and enable sequential or simultaneous fracturing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized tools for each port, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes plugs of different sizes to actuate different assemblies, changing the parameter of plug dimension to control which assembly is activated. This parameter change approach allows a single plug type to control multiple ports through size variation, reducing the number of different tool types needed while maintaining reliable fracturing capability.
3Reliability
If sequential port opening is used, then control over the fracturing process is maintained, but the operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple assemblies are prepared and positioned in advance within the wellbore, each ready to be actuated by a plug of the appropriate size. This preliminary arrangement allows multiple ports to be opened in parallel or in rapid succession without requiring sequential control operations, significantly reducing operational time while maintaining process control through the predetermined sequence of plug deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic control of the fracturing process by allowing multiple assemblies to be actuated in different sequences or simultaneously based on operational requirements. The dynamic capability to switch between sequential and parallel port opening modes provides both time efficiency and process control flexibility, resolving the contradiction between control and operational time.
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 system enhances operational efficiency by allowing multiple ports to be opened with a single plug, reducing the number of tools needed and speeding up the fracturing process, thereby increasing the length of formation exposed and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
shift a sleeve to open one or more ports responsive to contact with a same sized plug upon fluid pressure differential across the plug
Data Source
AI summary
A port control system including a group of port control assemblies at least one of which delaying passage of a plug and at least one of which preventing passage of a plug, each assembly of the group configured to shift a sleeve to open one or more ports responsive to contact with a same sized plug upon fluid pressure differential across the plug; and at least one second group of port control assemblies at least one of which delaying passage of a plug and at least one of which preventing passage of a plug, each assembly of the group configured to shift a sleeve to open one or more ports responsive to contact with a same sized plug upon fluid pressure differential across the plug. A method is included.