Downhole Progressive Pressurization Actuated Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional differential valves used in hydraulic fracturing operations are inaccurate in opening pressure and cannot be closed once opened, limiting the ability to perform multiple pressure tests while maintaining wellbore control, which poses risks such as blow-outs and hydrocarbon loss.

Innovation Solution

A wellbore servicing tool with a progressive pressurization actuated mechanism, featuring multiple sliding sleeves and pressure thresholds, allows for controlled fluid communication by applying and releasing pressure in a cyclical manner to isolate and then open fluid pathways, enabling multiple pressure tests without compromising wellbore control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional differential valves are used to provide fluid pathway after pressure test, then fluid communication is enabled, but the valve cannot be closed once opened and opening pressure is inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid pathway controlVSAvoidwellbore control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve system transitions from a static, one-way opening mechanism to a dynamic system with multiple sliding sleeves that can be precisely controlled to open and close at different pressure thresholds. The first sliding sleeve opens at a first pressure threshold while the second sliding sleeve opens at a second pressure threshold, enabling reversible and precise control of fluid pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses pressure threshold parameters to control valve opening and closing. By setting different pressure thresholds for different sliding sleeves, the system achieves precise control over when fluid pathways open and close, eliminating the inaccuracy of conventional differential valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If differential valve is opened to allow fluid communication, then fracturing operation can proceed, but multiple pressure tests cannot be performed and wellbore control is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracturing operation efficiencyVSAvoidmultiple pressure testing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The valve system is divided into multiple independent sliding sleeves (first and second sliding sleeves) that can be controlled independently. Each sliding sleeve can open and close based on its own pressure threshold, allowing the system to perform multiple pressure tests while maintaining the ability to open fluid pathways when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables periodic pressure testing by allowing pressure to be applied and released multiple times. The sliding sleeves can open and close in response to periodic pressure changes, facilitating multiple pressure tests before the final fracturing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If pressure is applied to test casing integrity, then wellbore integrity is confirmed, but fluid pathway must remain closed which limits operational flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecasing integrity verificationVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback through pressure-sensitive sliding sleeves that automatically open or close based on the applied pressure. During pressure testing, the sleeves remain closed to maintain integrity verification. When the desired pressure is reached or exceeded, the sleeves open to provide fluid pathways, offering automatic feedback-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 multiple pressure tests while maintaining wellbore integrity and control, reducing the risk of blow-outs and hydrocarbon loss by ensuring precise fluid management and communication with the subterranean formation.

Implementation Method 1

a first sliding sleeve movable within the cylindrical body from an initial position where the first sliding sleeve closes off the ports to a second position where the first sliding sleeve exposes the ports in response to a pressure differential across the first sliding sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8272443B2Downhole progressive pressurization actuated tool and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2012.09.25 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising positioning a wellbore servicing tool comprising an axial flowbore within a wellbore, making a first application of pressure to the axial flowbore of the wellbore servicing tool; wherein the pressure within the wellbore servicing tool is at least a first upper threshold during the first application of pressure, allowing the pressure within the axial flowbore following the first application of pressure to fall below a first lower threshold, making a second application of pressure to the axial flowbore of the wellbore servicing tool, wherein the pressure within the wellbore servicing tool is at least a second upper threshold during the second application of pressure, allowing a second subsiding of pressure within the axial flowbore following the second application of pressure to fall a second lower threshold, and communicating a fluid to the wellbore, the subterranean formation, or both via one or more ports of the wellbore servicing tool.