Downhole Tool Shifting Profile for Friction-Limited Well Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional well stimulation systems are limited by friction and buckling issues in long reach wells, preventing effective deployment of downhole tools and fracturing operations due to reliance on pressure differentials in the annulus, which can prevent movement of tools and propping agents to new target zones.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing pressure differentials and fluid flow rates within the inner diameter of a tool to activate a shifting profile, engage a sliding sleeve, and deploy packers, allowing for selective alignment of stimulation ports and independent movement of the tool and sleeve to treat multiple zones without relying on annulus pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If tubing is pushed downhole to extended reach wells, then the ability to treat or intervene in long reach wells is improved, but friction and buckling become excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetubing lengthVSAvoidfriction force

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical push-force transmission through tubing with hydraulic force transmission through fluid pumped through the inner diameter of the tool. Fluid pressure generated at surface is transmitted downhole to move the sliding sleeve and positioning mechanism, eliminating the need to mechanically push long tubing strings and avoiding friction and buckling limitations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses hydraulic pressure transmitted through fluid pumped through the inner diameter of the tool to actuate downhole components. The fluid pressure moves the sliding sleeve along the tubing and positions the tool at target zones, enabling extended reach well treatment without mechanical push-force limitations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If pressure differentials in the annulus are used to control tool elements, then conventional control is achieved, but movement of the tool and propping agents to new target zones is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidtool movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates control functions into independent hydraulic circuits: fluid pumped through the inner diameter of the tool controls the sliding sleeve and positioning mechanism, while annulus pressure controls the packing elements. This segmentation allows independent control of tool position and sealing functions, enabling movement to multiple target zones while maintaining reliable control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces fluid pumped through the inner diameter of the tool as an intermediary medium to transmit control forces to the sliding sleeve and positioning mechanism. This intermediary hydraulic system enables remote control of tool position and sleeve movement without relying on annulus pressure differentials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If sand and gravel enter the annulus and propping agent is added, then fracturing is achieved, but the string and injection assembly cannot move to the next target zone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracturing effectivenessVSAvoidmulti-zone treatment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the propping agent injection function from the annulus and relocates it to the inner diameter of the tool through the sliding sleeve mechanism. By taking out the propping agent injection from the annulus system, the annulus remains clear for tool movement, while propping agent is delivered precisely at target zones through the sliding sleeve ports

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 effective stimulation of multiple zones and ports by increasing pressure within the tool to activate the shifting profile and packers, allowing for extended reach and independent movement of the tool and sleeve, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional systems.

Implementation Method 1

When a fluid flow rate or pressure through the inner diameter of the tool is increased, this may close the check valve to create a closed distal end of the tool. When fluid is pumped in the inner diameter of the tool, the pressure within the inner diameter of the tool may increase. The increase in pressure may cause the shifting profile to be activated to selectively engage the sliding sleeve.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Responsive to further increasing the pressure within the inner diameter of the tool, the sealing elements may radially expand between the tool and the sliding sleeve.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-induced expansion: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11261716B2System and method for stimulating a well

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 COMITT WELL SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein describe fracturing methods and systems, wherein pressure differentials and fluid flow rates may be utilized to stimulate multiple zones, sleeves, or ports with the same tool.