Sliding Valve with Drillable Seat for Well Completion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for completing and stimulating wells for hydrocarbon production are inefficient due to the need for expensive hydraulic control lines and valves, which are impractical for use in tubulars with many valves, and result in unnecessary production time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A valve system using sliding valves that can be operated by a drop ball for initial activation, allowing for efficient completion and subsequent re-stimulation of wells, with the option to drill out ball seats for mechanical operation, reducing the need for hydraulic control lines and enabling faster production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic control lines and valves are used for valve operation, then reliable valve control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the hydraulic control system from the valve operation mechanism. Instead of using hydraulic control lines and externally actuated valves, the system employs a drop ball that travels through the tubular to directly operate the valve mechanically. This extraction of the hydraulic control system eliminates the associated complexity while maintaining reliable valve control through the simplified mechanical drop ball mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is designed to be self-actuating through the drop ball mechanism. The drop ball, under its own weight and gravity, automatically operates the valve without requiring external hydraulic control lines or complex control systems. The valve opens or closes as the drop ball passes through specific annular spaces, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for complex hydraulic infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic control lines are installed for valve operation, then precise valve control is achieved, but installation time and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is pre-configured with a ball seat and annular spaces that guide the drop ball's path. The mechanical operation is built into the valve structure itself, so when the drop ball is introduced, the valve operation occurs automatically as the ball passes through the predetermined annular spaces. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming hydraulic line installation and complex control setup, enabling rapid valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the hydraulic control system with a purely mechanical drop ball operation system. The drop ball, driven by gravity and mechanical interaction with the ball seat and annular spaces, directly actuates the valve without requiring hydraulic fluid, control lines, or complex mechanical linkages. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces installation time and enables faster production.
3Reliability
If traditional valve systems are used, then zone isolation is achieved, but cost and operational flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable. The sliding valve can be moved between different positions using multiple drop balls of varying sizes, allowing the same valve to serve different functions at different times. The valve can isolate zones during completion, allow flow during production, and be re-positioned for re-stimulation operations. This dynamic capability provides both reliable zone isolation and operational flexibility for future well interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve and drop ball system is designed to perform multiple functions throughout the well's lifecycle. The same valve structure with ball seat and annular spaces can be operated by different sized drop balls to achieve zone isolation, enable production, and facilitate re-stimulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for different operational phases, providing both reliable zone isolation and adaptability for future operations.
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 allows for faster initial production, efficient water cut management, and repeated stimulation of wells, reducing costs and production time by eliminating the need for expensive hydraulic control lines and enabling operator-controlled valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
A valve (110A) for inclusion or insertion in a tubular (103), comprising a substantially cylindrical outer valve housing or outer sleeve (450) having radially extending side ports (300) and a substantially cylindrical inner sliding sleeve (800) mounted axially movable inside the valve housing or outer sleeve (450)... The inner sliding sleeve (800) can be moved axially inside the valve housing or outer sleeve (450) in order to open or close the radial side ports (300)
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for inclusion or insertion in a tubular includes a substantially cylindrical outer valve housing; an inner sliding sleeve mounted axially movable inside the valve housing; and a seat arranged for receiving a drop ball, dart or falling device. The seat is built in such a way that it can partially or completely be removed or drilled out from the valve. The inner sliding sleeve includes a first profile arranged at a first end of the inner sliding sleeve and a second profile arranged at a second end of the inner sliding sleeve, wherein the first profile and the second profile are configured to be engaged with an activating or shifting tool inserted and run in the tubular after the seat has been partially or completely removed or drilled out from the valve in order to operate the valve from an open to a closed position and/or vice versa.