Reverse Cementing Valve With Closing Sleeve And Locking Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse cementing methods often create leak paths in the work string or require drill-out operations, compromising the integrity of fracturing sleeves and increasing completion time and cost, especially in multi-zone open hole completions where cement must be kept above the fracturing area without interfering with fracturing tools.
Innovation Solution
A reverse flow cementing valve assembly with a closing sleeve and locking device, operated by pressurized fluid, that allows for controlled fluid flow and cement placement above fracturing sleeves without creating additional leak paths or requiring drill-out operations, using a combination of flapper valves and ratchet mechanisms to manage fluid flow and maintain the work string integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a port collar is used to allow fluid flow in reverse cementing, then fluid flow is enabled, but a leak path is created in the work string
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly segments the work string into controlled flow zones using a closing sleeve that can selectively open or close ports. This allows fluid flow when needed while maintaining integrity when the sleeve is closed, eliminating the permanent leak path created by port collars.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing sleeve is made dynamic through pressurized fluid actuation, allowing it to move between open and closed positions. This dynamic control enables the system to provide fluid flow capability only when required, while maintaining work string integrity at other times, unlike static port collars.
2Productivity
If stage collars are used for reverse cementing, then cementing operation is enabled, but drill-out operations are required afterward
Solution Approach 1:
The closing sleeve and locking device are designed to be released and removed from the work string after the cementing operation is complete. This extraction eliminates the need for drill-out operations required by stage collars, saving time and maintaining work string integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard threaded connections are used, then work string assembly is simplified, but connection strength is reduced compared to welded joints
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is pre-installed and engaged with the closing sleeve before the cementing operation begins. This preliminary locking action ensures maximum connection strength is available when needed, while still allowing for standard threaded connection assembly methods.
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 cementing operations above fracturing sleeves without compromising the work string integrity, reducing the need for drill-out operations and minimizing completion time and costs, while allowing for standard packer and fracturing sleeve usage.
Implementation Method 1
a closing sleeve movable in one direction using pressurized fluid to close fluid flow through the ports
Implementation Method 2
a locking device operable to temporarily secure the closing sleeve to the outer housing, wherein the locking device is movable in an opposite direction using pressurized fluid to release the closing sleeve from engagement with the outer housing
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for conducting a reverse flow operation. The apparatus may be lowered into a wellbore on a work string, and includes an opening device, a closing device, and a locking device disposed in a housing. Pressurized fluid supplied through the work string may actuate the opening device to open fluid flow through ports in the housing. Pressurized fluid from the annulus may be supplied through the port in the reverse flow direction to actuate the locking device to enable fluid flow up through the work string back to the surface, and to release the closing device. Pressurized fluid supplied through the work string may actuate the closing device to close fluid flow through the ports in the housing.