Multiple Shift Sliding Sleeve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrocarbon fracturing technologies face challenges in efficiently treating multiple hydrocarbon-bearing formations in a single wellbore, as existing methods require sequential fracturing and lack effective mechanisms for optimizing wellbore fluid flow and zone isolation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a fracturing assembly with movable sliding sleeves and a releasable seat mechanism, actuated by a ball, allows for simultaneous opening of multiple sliding sleeves, providing multiple fracturing initiation points and enabling the use of different ball sizes to treat various zones, along with a shifting tool for on-demand actuation to optimize wellbore diameter and isolate formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential fracturing is used to treat multiple hydrocarbon-bearing formations, then each zone can be isolated and treated individually, but the production time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore is divided into multiple discrete zones, each with its own sliding sleeve and isolation mechanism. This allows independent treatment of each zone while maintaining the ability to operate sequentially when needed, resolving the contradiction between efficient multi-zone treatment and controlled isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sleeves are designed to be dynamically adjustable between open and closed positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition between simultaneous multi-zone fracturing (high productivity) and sequential zone-by-zone treatment (precise isolation), enabling operators to optimize for either speed or control depending on operational requirements.
2Productivity
If multiple sliding sleeves are opened simultaneously using a single ball, then fracturing efficiency increases, but control over individual zone isolation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the ball diameter control mechanism to match zone segmentation. Different sized balls are used to selectively open different sets of sliding sleeves, allowing simultaneous opening of multiple zones while maintaining the ability to isolate and treat individual zones separately when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sleeve mechanism serves multiple functions: it can be opened by different sized balls for simultaneous multi-zone fracturing, closed for zone isolation, and selectively opened for sequential treatment. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between efficiency and control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different sized balls are used to treat various zones, then selective zone treatment is enabled, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each sliding sleeve is designed with specific local characteristics (seat geometry, release mechanisms) that correspond to particular ball sizes. This local differentiation enables selective zone treatment using different balls while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture, as each component is optimized for its specific function rather than requiring complex universal mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the releasable seat is supported by the housing interior diameter, then the ball can be securely held, but the seat cannot release the ball to allow passage to the next zone
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable seat is designed to dynamically transition between two states: a retained position where the housing interior diameter supports the seat to securely hold the ball, and a released position where the seat disengages from the housing support to allow ball passage. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between reliable retention and easy passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is extracted from the housing interior diameter and transferred to the releasable seat itself. The seat can engage with the housing to provide support when needed, but can also disengage to allow passage, separating the retention function from the passage function and enabling both to be achieved.
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
This approach enables efficient fracturing of multiple hydrocarbon-bearing zones in a single stage, optimizing fluid flow and allowing for selective isolation of zones, thereby enhancing hydrocarbon production and maintaining wellbore performance over its life.
Implementation Method 1
a ball can form a seal with a seat
Implementation Method 2
surface fracturing pumps may then apply fluid pressure against the now seated ball and the corresponding releasable seat to shift open the sliding sleeve
Implementation Method 3
surface fracturing pumps may increase the pressure and fracture the hydrocarbon bearing formation adjacent to the sliding sleeves providing multiple fracturing initiation points in a single stage
Data Source
AI summary
A system of sliding valves wherein the inserts of multiple sliding valves may be shifted to an open position using a single shifting ball. Each individual sliding valve has a movable insert that, depending upon the position of the insert within the sliding valve, may either block or permit fluid to radially flow between the interior and exterior of the sliding valve. The insert has a profile about the interior of the movable insert allowing a shifting tool to connect to and move the insert so that fluid may be prevented from entering the interior portion of the sliding sleeve.