Reverse Flow Seat Forming for Multi-Stage Fracturing
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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 actuating downhole tools.
Innovation Solution
A reverse flow system that utilizes stored energy in a connected region to actuate sliding sleeve valves by reversing the flow direction from downstream to upstream, allowing for the use of degradable restriction plug elements and constant diameter sliding sleeves to enable multiple fracture stages without the need for coil tubing or complex counting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If progressively increasing sized balls and corresponding ball-landing seats are used to treat different intervals, then multiple fracture stages can be accessed, but the number of fracture stages is restricted by the size of actuating elements and sleeves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional ball-activated mechanism by using degradable restriction plug elements that pass through constant diameter sliding sleeves rather than using progressively sized balls with corresponding seats. The sleeves remain constant in diameter throughout the wellbore, and the restriction elements degrade to allow flow rather than expanding to seal, fundamentally reversing the traditional approach to multi-stage fracturing actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter from variable sleeve diameters to constant sleeve diameters. All sliding sleeves have the same inner diameter, allowing unrestricted fluid flow during production. The actuation is achieved not by changing sleeve size but by the degradation of restriction plug elements from a blocked state to an open state, enabling multiple fracture stages without progressively larger components.
2Productivity
If degradable restriction plug elements and constant diameter sliding sleeves are used, then unrestricted well production fluid flow is enabled, but the mechanism for actuating multiple fracture stages becomes novel and untested
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction plug elements are designed to degrade automatically in response to the fracturing fluid environment, eliminating the need for external actuation mechanisms or complex control systems. The degradation process itself serves the function of actuating the sliding sleeves, as the changing dimensions of the degrading plug elements allow fluid to pass through and trigger sleeve movement, enabling the system to self-actuate based on the fracturing process conditions.
3Ease of operation
If coil tubing or complex counting mechanisms are used to manage multiple fracture stages, then precise control is achieved, but costly interventions and complex systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex control systems, coil tubing, and counting mechanisms from the multi-stage fracturing process. By using degradable restriction plug elements with constant diameter sliding sleeves, the system removes the need for externally controlled actuation, ball counting mechanisms, and intervention equipment, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the capability to perform multiple fracture stages.
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 accurate actuation of downhole tools, allowing for unrestricted well production fluid flow and out-of-order hydraulic fracturing operations, while eliminating the need for costly interventions and complex counting systems.
Implementation Method 1
the restriction plug element is degradable and passes through the sliding sleeve in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A seat forming apparatus for use in a downhole tool comprising a driving member and a seating restriction. The driving member and the seating restriction are mechanically disposed within an outer housing of the downhole tool. When the driving member drives into the seating restriction, the seating restriction or the driving member bend or buckle inwards to form a seat in the downhole tool. The inner diameter of the seat is configured to allow a restriction element to be seated in the seat.