Reverse Flow Catch-and-Release Tool for Wellbore Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oil and gas extraction methods are limited by the size of actuating elements and sleeves, restricting the number of fracture stages that can be accessed, and do not effectively utilize stored energy in connected regions for useful work.

Innovation Solution

A catch-and-release tool is used in a wellbore casing to reverse flow, allowing a restriction element to engage and actuate sliding sleeve valves from downstream to upstream, utilizing stored energy for actuation and enabling more fracture stages without size limitations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional ball-activated sliding sleeve tools are used, then fracture treatment can be performed, but the number of fracture stages is limited by the size of actuating elements and sleeves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of fracture stagesVSAvoidsize limitations of actuating elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional actuation direction by using reverse flow to push the restriction element upstream from downstream to upstream, rather than relying on gravity to drop balls downstream. This inversion eliminates size constraints on actuating elements and enables treatment of multiple fracture stages without limitation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses hydraulic pressure from reverse flow to actuate the sliding sleeve valves. The reverse flow creates pressure that pushes the restriction element upstream, which then actuates the valves. This hydraulic mechanism replaces the mechanical gravity-based ball dropping system, enabling greater adaptability for multiple fracture stages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Measurement precision

If coil tubing is used for intervention, then accurate ball counting can be achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveball counting accuracyVSAvoidcoil tubing intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the reverse flow itself to provide the actuation force needed to push the restriction element upstream and actuate the valves. The reverse flow serves dual purposes: it provides the driving force and eliminates the need for additional intervention tools like coil tubing, making the system self-sufficient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for coil tubing and complex ball counting mechanisms by using the reverse flow to naturally push the restriction element to the correct position. The system removes unnecessary components and simplifies the overall intervention process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of energy

If stored energy in connected regions is not utilized, then simple system operation is maintained, but energy efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestored energy utilizationVSAvoidenergy recovery mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the reverse flow, which could be considered a waste or harmful pressure buildup, into a useful actuation force. The reverse flow that might otherwise be lost is captured and used to push the restriction element upstream and actuate the sliding sleeve valves, transforming potential waste into beneficial work

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 increased fracture stages and improved fluid flow during production, eliminating the need for coil tubing and accurate ball counting, while utilizing stored energy for actuation, thus enhancing the efficiency of oil and gas extraction.

Implementation Method 1

When a ball deployed into the well casing passes through the tool in a downstream direction and moves back in an upstream direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverse flow:

Implementation Method 2

a pressure differential sufficient to shear the pins holding the inner sleeve closed is reached to expose and open the fracture ports

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10294752B2Reverse flow catch-and-release tool and method

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 GEODYNAMICS INC

AI summary

A catch-and-release tool conveyed with a well casing for use in a wellbore comprising an outer housing having flow ports therethrough, a functioning apparatus disposed within the outer housing comprising a movable member/sleeve and a holding device, and a blocking apparatus comprising a blocking member configured to block the flow ports in a first position. When a ball deployed into the well casing passes through the tool in a downstream direction and moves back in an upstream direction, the restriction element engages onto the holding device and moves the movable member such that a port is exposed to up hold pressure and the blocking member travels to a second position in a reverse direction unblocking flow ports and enabling fluid communication to the wellbore. The ball is thereafter released in an upstream direction.