Remotely Controllable Valve for Well Completion Fluid Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current well completion operations face challenges in selectively isolating segments of the completion string and annulus, requiring manual tools to manage fluid communication, which is inefficient and prone to fluid loss during hydrocarbon production.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of remotely-controllable valves responsive to downhole trigger conditions, such as temperature and pressure, to selectively allow or prevent fluid communication between the internal bore and annulus, eliminating the need for manual tools and reducing fluid loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual tools are used to move sleeves for fluid isolation, then fluid communication control is achieved, but operational efficiency is reduced and fluid loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidtime for circulation operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system. A remotely operable valve with a sleeve that can be positioned automatically to open or close flow paths eliminates the need for manual tool intervention. The sleeve is actuated through a stem mechanism that responds to remote signals, enabling automated control of fluid communication between the completion string and annulus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve system enables self-service operation where the completion string can isolate and circulate fluids autonomously without requiring continuous manual intervention. The remotely operable valve allows the system to manage its own fluid circulation needs by automatically positioning the sleeve to open or close flow paths based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual tools are introduced into the completion string for fluid isolation, then selective isolation is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of fluid isolationVSAvoidcomplexity of isolation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remotely operable valve integrates multiple functions into a single device. It can selectively isolate different segments of the completion string, control fluid flow between the completion string and annulus, and enable circulation operations all through one valve mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate manual tools and simplifies the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If circulation operations are performed to isolate segments, then fluid communication control is achieved, but unwanted fluid losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid isolation reliabilityVSAvoidfluid loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The remotely operable valve prevents unwanted fluid loss by establishing proper isolation before circulation operations begin. The sleeve can be positioned in advance to close flow paths and isolate segments, preventing fluid from escaping into the annulus or formation before the isolation is needed. This preliminary positioning action prevents the harmful effect of fluid loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated sleeve positioning mechanism provides more precise and reliable isolation compared to manual operations. The remote actuation system can quickly and accurately position the sleeve to seal flow paths, ensuring dependable isolation that prevents fluid loss while maintaining the ability to open for circulation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

Enables efficient and automated control of fluid communication, reducing unwanted fluid losses and enhancing hydrocarbon production by allowing precise management of fluid isolation and circulation operations.

Implementation Method 1

remotely-controllable valves responsive to downhole trigger conditions, such as temperature and pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature response:

Implementation Method 2

remotely-controllable valves responsive to downhole trigger conditions, such as temperature and pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure response:

Data Source

PatentUS9869153B2Remotely controllable valve for well completion operations

Publication Date: 2018.01.16 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

An example tubing string may at least partially define an internal bore. The tubing string may include an expandable packer and a permeable barrier. The tubing string may further include a remotely-controllable valve responsive to at least one downhole trigger condition, such as a downhole pressure or temperature condition. The remotely-controllable valve may provide selective fluid communication through the permeable barrier between the internal bore and an annulus outside of the permeable barrier. The remotely-controllable valve may function as at least one of a fluid-loss control valve in a completion string assembly or a circulation valve about a completion string assembly.