Re-closeable Sleeve Port Actuation via Shifting Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closeable sleeves for hydrocarbon-containing reservoirs are overly complex, prone to mechanical stresses, and face issues with immediate closure due to solid materials near treatment ports, leading to operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a wellbore string with a flow control member that includes a valve plug and shifting tools to establish a sealing interface, using pressurized fluid to open and close the port, and a workstring with actuatable tools to manage the flow control member's position, ensuring controlled opening and closing of the port without unnecessary mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing closeable sleeves are used to provide operational flexibility during fluid treatment, then the port can be opened and closed, but the structure becomes overly complicated and prone to mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The closeable sleeve is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion with the port, a flow control member (ball) that can be positioned to open or close the port, and a workstring with shifting tools for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex closing mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simple ball valve system. Instead of using a complicated sleeve closure mechanism, a ball flow control member is introduced that can be easily positioned to block or allow flow through the port, significantly simplifying the overall structure while preserving the ability to control fluid treatment operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing closeable sleeves are used to provide operational flexibility, then the port can be opened and closed, but the structure is prone to unnecessary mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical sleeve closure system is replaced with a ball valve mechanism actuated by a workstring. The ball flow control member simply needs to be positioned to block or allow flow, eliminating the need for complex mechanical coupling and reducing mechanical stresses on the port structure during opening and closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control mechanism changes from a mechanical sleeve movement to a positional parameter change of the ball valve. By controlling the position of the ball (upstream or downstream of the port), the system achieves the same operational flexibility without the mechanical stresses associated with sleeve deformation and coupling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the port is closed immediately after fluid treatment, then operational flexibility is maintained, but solid materials in the vicinity prevent proper closing
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid intermediary is introduced to clear solid materials from the port vicinity before closing. Pressurized fluid is directed through the port to wash away proppant and other solids that would interfere with the ball valve's ability to seal against the port, enabling proper closure even in the presence of treatment materials.
Solution Approach 2:
A preliminary flushing action is performed before closing the port. The workstring positions the ball valve to allow fluid flow, and pressurized fluid is used to clear the port area of solids. Only after this preliminary cleaning action is complete is the ball valve positioned to close the port, ensuring successful closure operation.
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 solution simplifies the operation of closeable sleeves, reduces mechanical stress, and effectively manages the flow control in hydrocarbon-containing reservoirs by ensuring precise control over the port's opening and closing, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
applying a displacement-urging pressure differential across the sealing interface by supplying of pressurized fluid uphole of the sealing interface such that, in response, the actuated first shifting tool urges displacement of the flow control member in a downhole direction such that the opening of the port is effected by the displacement
Implementation Method 2
applying a tensile force to the workstring that is (i) insufficient to effect displacement of the flow control member relative to the port such that the port becomes closed, and (ii) with effect that the workstring becomes disposed in tension
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of stimulating a formation within a wellbore that is lined with a wellbore string, the wellbore string including a port and a flow control member, wherein the flow control member is displaceable relative to the port for effecting opening and closing of the port. The port is opened by displacing the flow control member in response to an applied pressure differential across a sealing interface. The port is closed by displacing the flow control member with hydraulic hold down buttons prior to removing the sealing interface and effecting pressure equalization.