Reverse Out Valve Bypass Region for Swabbing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

During well treatment operations, particularly in gravel packing, the axial movement of service tools relative to the completion string can cause swabbing of the formation, leading to damage and the undesirable movement of production fluids or wellbore fluids, which is not effectively mitigated by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A reverse out valve with an outer housing and a mandrel forming a bypass region, featuring a central flow path with a valve seat and side wall ports, allows for independent fluid flow paths in different configurations to minimize swabbing by isolating the formation from reverse out fluids and enabling operation between various tool positions without causing fluid movement into or out of the formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the service tool is moved axially relative to the completion string to operate between positions, then the service tool can be positioned for different operations (run-in, gravel slurry pumping, reverse out), but this movement causes swabbing of the formation by drawing production fluids out or forcing wellbore fluids into the formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice tool positioningVSAvoidswabbing of formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass passage acts as an intermediary fluid path that allows the service tool to move axially between positions without directly communicating with the formation. The bypass passage provides an alternative route for fluid flow that mediates between the service tool movements and the formation, preventing harmful swabbing effects while still allowing necessary tool positioning for different operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the service tool is moved axially to deliver gravel slurry and operate the circulation valve, then gravel packing can be performed, but this movement causes undesirable fluid movement into or out of the formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegravel packing operationVSAvoidfluid movement into formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly is segmented into multiple independent flow paths: a central flow path for gravel slurry delivery, a bypass passage for fluid flow during tool movement, and a circulation valve for controlling slurry injection. This segmentation allows each path to serve its specific function independently, enabling gravel packing operations while preventing harmful fluid movement into the formation through the bypass passage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the circulation valve is opened and closed by axially moving the service tool, then gravel slurry can be pumped into the well annulus, but this movement causes swabbing that damages the formation including the filter cake

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecirculation valve operationVSAvoiddamage to filter cake

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass passage serves as an intermediary that decouples the circulation valve operation from direct formation interaction. When the service tool moves axially to open or close the circulation valve, the bypass passage provides an alternative fluid flow path that prevents the formation from experiencing harmful pressure changes, thereby protecting the filter cake while still allowing easy valve operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The reverse out valve effectively prevents swabbing by providing multiple independent fluid paths that allow for the reversal of fluids without drawing production fluids out of or forcing wellbore fluids into the formation, thus protecting the formation during service tool operations.

Implementation Method 1

In the first position, a bypass passageway is formed between the first and second side wall ports via the bypass region thereby allowing bypass flow around the valve element and the valve seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through bypass region:

Implementation Method 2

The valve element and the valve seat have a one way valve configuration wherein fluid flow in a first direction relative to the central flow path is substantially prevented

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne way valve configuration:

Implementation Method 3

The mandrel is axially movable relative to the outer housing between first and second positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAxial movement:

Data Source

PatentUS7523787B2Reverse out valve for well treatment operations

Publication Date: 2009.04.28 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A reverse out valve (100) comprises an outer housing (120) and a mandrel (144) that form a bypass region (130) therebetween. The mandrel (144) includes a central flow path (164) with a valve seat (152) positioned therein and first and second side wall ports (148, 150). A valve element (168) is positioned in the central flow path (164). The valve element (168) and the valve seat (152) having a one way valve configuration that prevents downhole fluid flow and allows uphole fluid flow. The mandrel (144) is axially movable relative to the outer housing (120) between first and second positions. In the first position, a bypass passageway (184) is formed between the first and second side wall ports (148, 150) via the bypass region (130) thereby allowing bypass flow around the valve element (168) and the valve seat (152). In the second position, bypass flow is prevented.