Switchable Sleeve Assemblies for Multi-Zone Well Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well fracturing systems are inadequate for effectively stimulating and producing hydrocarbons from multiple zones intersected by a wellbore, as they lack efficient methods to selectively and reliably open and close fractures in a controlled manner.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising selectively switchable sleeve assemblies and fracturing devices with unique addresses, controlled by a surface unit to open and close hydraulic circuits, allowing for precise fracturing and production from multiple zones by actuating each device independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple fracturing devices are deployed to stimulate multiple zones, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wellbore into multiple discrete zones, each equipped with its own independently controllable fracturing device. Each device can be selectively activated to fracture specific zones, enabling targeted stimulation and production from multiple intervals simultaneously or sequentially, thereby improving overall productivity without requiring a single complex monolithic system
Solution Approach 2:
The fracturing devices incorporate movable sleeves that can transition between open and closed positions dynamically. This dynamic capability allows the system to adaptively control fluid flow paths, opening specific zones for fracturing when needed and closing them afterward, providing flexible and efficient multi-zone stimulation while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized modular components
2Ease of operation
If sleeves are made selectively switchable between open and closed positions, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential unintended movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs hydraulic circuits to actuate the movable sleeves between open and closed positions. Hydraulic actuation provides precise, controlled movement of sleeves with sufficient force to overcome friction and ensure reliable positioning. The hydraulic system enables easy selective activation of individual zones while maintaining stable sleeve positions through fluid pressure locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates controllers that monitor and control the hydraulic circuits connected to each fracturing device. These controllers provide feedback control to ensure sleeves move to the intended positions and remain stable. The feedback mechanism detects sleeve position and adjusts hydraulic pressure accordingly, preventing unintended movement and ensuring reliable operation while maintaining ease of selective zone activation
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 efficient and controlled fracturing and production from multiple zones by ensuring each zone can be selectively fractured and produced, improving hydrocarbon extraction efficiency and reducing the need for isolation devices like frac balls and packers.
Implementation Method 1
When the hydraulic circuit is complete, the sleeve assembly is movable between open and closed positions
Implementation Method 2
The frac fluid will generally include proppants. When the fracturing fluid along with the proppant is pumped into the zone and pump rates are thereafter reduced, the crack or fracture cannot close because the proppant keeps the cracks open
Data Source
AI summary
A system and process relating to well fracturing and stimulation operations are provided. The system and process allow for fracturing multiple zones in a wellbore. The system and process provide for introducing a fluid through a plurality of spaced-apart sleeve assemblies wherein each sleeve assembly can be in an operable state which allows the sleeve assembly to be open or closed and can be in a non-operable state which prevents the sleeve assembly from opening or closing.