Segmented Seat for Downhole Wellbore Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore servicing systems lack efficient methods for treating multiple zones with drillable seats, as existing components are not easily removable or adaptable for zonal isolation and treatment.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of segmented seats with a central port and obturator engagement, allowing for selective actuation of downhole equipment to treat multiple zones by shifting sleeves to open or block ports, and an annular seat with non-metallic material recesses for enhanced drill-out capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid metallic seats are used to seal against obturators and activate downhole tools, then reliable sealing and tool actuation is achieved, but the seats become difficult to remove requiring extensive drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into multiple segments that can separate from each other during drilling operations. Each segment contains a portion of the sealing surface and can be individually removed or drilled out, significantly reducing the complexity of seat removal while maintaining the integrity of the sealing function during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The seat segments are constructed from composite materials that combine the sealing properties of softer materials with the structural integrity of harder materials. This allows the seat to maintain reliable sealing when engaged with the obturator while being more susceptible to drilling operations for removal
2Device complexity
If single-zone treatment systems are used, then simple tool design is maintained, but the ability to treat multiple zones separately is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole tool is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones, each with its own seat and sleeve configuration. This allows each zone to be independently activated or isolated, enabling multi-zone treatment while maintaining a modular design that builds upon simple single-zone principles
Solution Approach 2:
The tool design incorporates universal components that can function in multiple zones, such as standardized seats, sleeves, and obturator interfaces that can be replicated across different zones. This maintains design simplicity while achieving multi-zone versatility through repetition and standardization
3Strength
If non-divisible seats are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but drill-out capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is designed as an assembly of segments that are strongly interconnected during operation to maintain structural integrity. The segments are configured to remain unified under operational loads but can be separated or individually accessed during drilling operations, optimizing both strength and drill-out efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the seat structure have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The sealing surfaces maintain high integrity for reliable sealing, while the structural portions are designed with characteristics that facilitate drill-out. The segments allow these different local qualities to coexist without compromising overall performance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a segmented seat for use in wellbore servicing systems, comprising an annular-shaped seat with an upward facing surface for receiving an obturator, the seat defining a central passageway. The segments are locked together at their faces by protrusions and matching recesses.