Reverse Flow Arming for Downhole Tool Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oil and gas extraction methods face limitations in actuating sleeves due to size constraints of actuating elements and wellbore casing, restricting the number of fracture stages, and lack the ability to utilize stored energy in connected regions for useful work.

Innovation Solution

A reverse flow method is employed where stored energy in a connected region of a hydrocarbon formation is used to actuate downhole tools by reversing the flow direction, allowing for the arming and actuation of pressure devices within the wellbore casing, enabling the actuation of sliding sleeve valves and other tools without the need for coil tubing or complex counting mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional ball-activated sliding sleeves are used to actuate fracture stages, then the system can isolate and treat different zones, but the number of fracture stages is limited by the size constraints of actuating elements and wellbore casing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of fracture stagesVSAvoidsize constraints of actuating elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reverses the conventional actuation direction by using reverse flow to move actuating elements from the toe end upward through the casing. This inversion allows multiple actuation events without requiring progressively smaller balls, thereby increasing the number of fracture stages that can be treated while eliminating size constraint limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If coil tubing or complex counting mechanisms are used to actuate tools, then precise control of fracture stages can be achieved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation controlVSAvoidcoil tubing and counting mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the natural reverse flow of fluid through the wellbore to automatically actuate the sliding sleeves. The reverse flow itself provides the driving force to move actuating elements, eliminating the need for external coil tubing or complex counting mechanisms to track and control each fracture stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by employing fluid pressure and reverse flow to actuate the downhole tools. The fluid dynamics of reverse flow provide the mechanical force needed to move actuating elements and trigger fracture stages without requiring additional mechanical actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Productivity

If stored energy in connected regions is not utilized, then the system operates with conventional energy inputs, but the efficiency and productivity of hydrocarbon extraction are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon production efficiencyVSAvoidstored energy utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the previously wasted or dissipated stored energy in connected regions into a useful actuation mechanism. By harnessing the natural pressure differentials and fluid flow that occur during well operations, the system transforms what would be lost energy into the driving force for actuating fracture stages, thereby improving overall extraction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 approach allows for the actuation of multiple fracture stages without size limitations, eliminates the need for coil tubing, and utilizes stored energy to efficiently arm and actuate tools, enhancing the production of hydrocarbons by enabling out-of-order fracturing operations and unrestricted fluid flow.

Implementation Method 1

reversing flow from downstream to upstream and flowing back the restriction element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverse flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

stored energy in a connected region of a hydrocarbon formation is used to generate reverse flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10221654B2Reverse flow arming and actuation apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 GEODYNAMICS INC

AI summary

An arming apparatus for arming a downhole tool in a wellbore casing comprising an arming member and a holding device. The arming member is disposed within an outer housing of the downhole tool and the holding device is mechanically coupled to the arming member. When a ball deployed into the wellbore casing passes through the downhole tool in a downhole direction and moves back in an uphole direction due to reverse flow, the ball engages on the holding device and functions the arming member such that a pressure actuating device in the downhole tool is armed.