Segmented Sleeve System for Staged Wellbore Zone Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore servicing systems face challenges in efficiently managing non-homogeneous subterranean formations, as activating one tool can inadvertently activate others, increasing working pressure and complicating the treatment of multiple zones.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore servicing system featuring a sheathed, segmented sleeve system that transitions through multiple modes, allowing selective activation and fluid communication control, using a sliding sleeve and segmented seat with a protective sheath to manage fluid flow and pressure effectively across different zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single obturator is used to activate multiple stimulation tools, then tool activation is simplified, but the working pressure required to activate additional tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into multiple segmented seats (first segmented seat, second segmented seat, etc.), each segment capable of being activated independently or in sequence. This segmentation allows the obturator to activate tools at different pressure levels, with each segment having its own activation threshold, thereby preventing simultaneous activation of all tools and reducing the peak working pressure required.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sleeve is designed to move dynamically between different positions (first sleeve position, second sleeve position) based on the activation state of segmented seats. This dynamic movement allows the system to transition between different operational modes, controlling fluid communication and pressure distribution to tools in a sequential manner rather than all at once.
2Productivity
If multiple tools are activated simultaneously, then fluid communication is established quickly, but control over individual zone treatment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the stimulation tools and seats into multiple segments that can be activated independently. Each segmented seat corresponds to specific treatment zones, allowing selective activation of individual zones while maintaining overall system productivity. The first segmented seat controls first plurality of tools, while the second segmented seat controls second plurality of tools, enabling zonal isolation treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sleeve transitions between different positions to dynamically control fluid communication pathways. In the first mode, fluid communication is restricted; in the second mode, selective communication is enabled; in the third mode, full communication is established. This dynamic control allows the system to balance productivity with zonal treatment adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore servicing system, comprising a sleeve system comprising a ported case, a sliding sleeve within the case and movable between a first sleeve position in which the sleeve restricts fluid communication via the case and a second sleeve position in which the sleeve does not, a radially divided segmented seat movable between a first seat position in which the seat restricts movement of the sleeve and a second seat position in which the seat does not, and a sheath covering a portion of the seat, the sleeve system being transitionable from a first, to a second, to a third mode, in the first mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its first position, in the second mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its second position, and, in the third mode, the sleeve is in its second position.