Downhole Shifting Sleeve Device Selective Seat Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shifting sleeve devices require sequential reduction in seat diameter to accommodate multiple sleeves, limiting the ability to run tools through the sleeves and increasing costs due to the need for wireline operations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole shifting sleeve device with multiple segments, each having a seat assembly that can be selectively deployed or retracted using plugs of approximately equal diameter, allowing for multiple seats of equal size to be formed without progressive diameter reduction, enabling tool passage and reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for wireline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sequential reduction of seat diameter is used to accommodate multiple sleeves, then multiple sleeves can be operated selectively, but the ability to subsequently run tools through the sleeves is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments, each with its own seat assembly that can be independently deployed or retracted. This segmentation allows each seat to be operated selectively while maintaining a uniform bore diameter throughout the device, enabling both selective sleeve operation and tool passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assemblies are designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable rather than fixed. This dynamic capability allows the seats to be deployed only when needed for specific sleeve operations, and retracted to maintain full bore diameter for tool passage, resolving the contradiction between selective operation and tool accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireline is used to run multiple sleeves into the wellbore, then selective operation of multiple sleeves is enabled, but operational costs increase due to additional tool and set-up requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation where multiple sleeves can be activated sequentially using simple plugs that are dropped into the wellbore and triggered by pressure differentials. This eliminates the need for expensive wireline operations, as the system uses its own internal pressure dynamics to operate the sleeves without external intervention equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses pressure differentials created by fluid flow to automatically trigger the release of plugs and activation of seat assemblies. This pneumatic/hydraulic mechanism replaces the need for wireline-based mechanical operation, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining the ability to operate multiple sleeves selectively.
3Reliability
If multiple seats with progressively reduced diameters are formed, then each ball can engage only the intended seat, but the ability to subsequently run tools through the sleeves is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assemblies transition from a retracted state (maintaining full bore diameter) to a deployed state (forming restricted diameter seats). This dynamic transformation allows the device to provide selective ball engagement when needed while maintaining full tool accessibility when seats are retracted, eliminating the permanent diameter reduction problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assemblies are held in a preliminary retracted position during device installation and tool running operations. When selective sleeve operation is required, the seats are deployed to form the restricted diameter engagement surfaces. This preliminary positioning ensures full bore diameter is maintained until the specific function is needed.
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 the formation of multiple seats of equal size within the wellbore, allowing tools to be run through the device and reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for wireline operations, while maintaining efficient deployment and release of segments.
Implementation Method 1
The plug may be configured to seal the inner bore of the seat assembly. Subsequent application of pressure in the tubing or workstring causes the sleeve to shift.
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole shifting sleeve device includes a first segment and a second segment each including a housing, a sleeve, and a seat surface connected to the sleeve. Each seat surface is configured to engage a plug traveling through an inner bore of the device, which transfers the associated sleeve from a first position to a second position. The seat surface of the second segment is formed by a selective seat assembly. When the first sleeve is in the first position, the selective seat assembly is in a retracted position in which an inner diameter of the selective seat assembly is greater than or equal to an inner diameter of the second sleeve. When the first sleeve is in the second position, the selective seat assembly is in a deployed position in which the inner diameter of the selective seat assembly is less than the inner diameter of the second sleeve.