Sleeve Valve Selective Zone Access Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fracking methods in hydrocarbon wells require fracturing cement and formation, increasing pressure and cost due to the need to access specific zones, which is inefficient with existing inline valves.
Innovation Solution
A tubular apparatus with a sliding sleeve valve system that allows selective fluid communication between the well interior and exterior, enabling hydraulic fracturing without fracturing the cement by longitudinally displacing a shifting tool to uncover passages and direct fracturing fluid to the desired zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fracking methods are used to access specific zones, then the desired zone stimulation is achieved, but the pressure and cost increase due to fracturing cement and formation
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore is divided into multiple isolated zones using sleeve valves that can independently control fluid flow to each zone. This segmentation allows targeted stimulation without requiring high pressure to fracture through cement and formation, as each zone can be accessed separately through the valve system.
Solution Approach 2:
Sleeve valves act as intermediary devices between the well interior and exterior, providing controlled access to specific zones. These valves enable fluid communication with desired zones without requiring direct fracturing of cement and formation, thereby reducing the pressure needed for zone stimulation.
2Reliability
If conventional fracking methods are used to access specific zones, then the desired zone stimulation is achieved, but the cost and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Sleeve valves are pre-installed within the wellbore during the completion process, establishing a ready-made control system before production begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming and high-pressure fracturing operations later, as zones can be accessed directly through the pre-positioned valve system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve valve system provides an intermediary access path to zones that bypasses the need for fracturing operations. By using these valves, operators can quickly isolate and stimulate specific zones without the time-consuming process of fracturing cement and formation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inline valves are used to select zones, then zone selection capability is provided, but the cement and formation must still be fractured to access the formation
Solution Approach 1:
Sleeve valves serve as intermediary devices that provide both zone selection capability and direct access to formations. Unlike conventional inline valves that only control fluid direction, these sleeves create fluid communication pathways that bypass the need to fracture cement and formation, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing fracturing pressure requirements.
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
Reduces the pressure and cost required for fracturing by allowing selective access to zones without fracturing the cement, thereby minimizing equipment and time requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a sleeve slidably located within the central passage of the valve body adapted to selectably sealably cover or uncover the at least one sets of passages
Implementation Method 2
a shifting tool slidably locatable within the sleeve at an end of a tool string the shifting tool being engagable upon the sleeve so as to permit the shifting tool to move the sleeve longitudinally within the tubular body
Data Source
AI summary
An sleeve valve for a well assembly includes at least one set of passages extending through a tubular body between the central passage and an exterior of the tubular body and a sleeve slidably located within the central passage of the valve body adapted to selectably sealably cover or uncover the at least one sets of passages. A shifting tool for actuating the sleeve valve is connectable to a tool string and includes a shifting bore with an actuating piston extending from a central bore through the shifting tool and first and second key bores extending radially inwards from the outer surface each having a piston keys located therein. Each of the first and second piston keys is operably connected to the actuating piston so as to be extended from the outer surface when the central bore is supplied with a pressurized fluid.