Telescoping Washpipe Assembly for Fracturing Zone Isolation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-stage hydraulic fracturing methods face challenges in efficiently isolating and fracturing different zones within a wellbore, leading to potential fluid loss and hydraulic lock issues, which can damage the formation and fluid loss devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a service tool assembly with a washpipe apparatus and packer assemblies that telescopically couple and include a washpipe check valve, allowing for the isolation of upper and lower fracturing zones, preventing frac pressure from reaching non-target zones and protecting fluid loss devices, while maintaining a fixed position of washpipe perforations during fracturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional multi-stage hydraulic fracturing methods are used to isolate and fracture different zones, then fracturing can be performed in stages, but fluid loss and hydraulic lock issues occur that can damage the formation and fluid loss devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone isolation effectivenessVSAvoidfluid loss and hydraulic lock

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wellbore is divided into multiple isolated zones using packer assemblies positioned at different depths. Each packer assembly creates a sealed compartment that can be independently pressurized for fracturing operations, preventing fluid loss to non-target zones and eliminating hydraulic lock risks between zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A service tool assembly with a washpipe apparatus acts as an intermediary delivery system. The washpipe with perforations selectively positions fracturing fluid injection points within specific zones, while check valves control fluid flow direction, preventing reverse flow that could cause hydraulic lock and protecting fluid loss devices from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If frac pressure is applied to fracture productive zones, then well productivity is increased, but frac pressure may reach non-target zones causing fluid loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell productivityVSAvoidfrac fluid loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Packer assemblies divide the wellbore into isolated segments, allowing high frac pressure to be applied to productive zones without fluid loss to non-target zones. Each sealed zone maintains independent pressure control, ensuring fracturing efficiency while preventing fluid loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The service tool assembly with controlled delivery system acts as an intermediary that directs frac fluid precisely to target zones. The system uses check valves and positioned washpipe perforations to control fluid flow, ensuring pressure is applied only where needed and preventing fluid loss to non-productive zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If telescoping service tool assembly is used to position washpipe perforations, then fixed position during fracturing is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashpipe perforation positioning accuracyVSAvoidservice tool assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The service tool assembly uses a telescoping mechanism with washpipe portions that can extend and retract. During run-in, the washpipe telescopes to navigate the wellbore; during fracturing operations, the washpipe is positioned and locked to maintain fixed perforation alignment with target zones, combining dynamic placement with static operational precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The washpipe apparatus uses nested telescoping sections where inner washpipe portions are contained within outer portions. This nested structure allows compact storage and easy deployment while maintaining precise positioning capability when extended, reducing overall device complexity compared to rigid alternative designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution effectively isolates fracturing zones, preventing fluid loss and hydraulic lock, and allows for efficient fracturing without relying on bottom hole pressure or accurate shear pin installation, ensuring the integrity of the formation and fluid loss devices.

Implementation Method 1

The service tool assembly includes a washpipe check valve that prevents reverse flow of frac fluid using hydraulic pressure differential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The packer assemblies are positioned within zones of the wellbore to isolate upper and lower fracturing zones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10267120B1Formation interface assembly (FIA)

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Provided is an oil/gas service tool assembly. The oil/gas service tool assembly, in this example, may include a washpipe apparatus, the washpipe apparatus including an uphole washpipe portion, and a downhole washpipe portion having washpipe perforations therein, wherein the uphole washpipe portion and downhole washpipe portion are telescopingly coupled to one another. The oil/gas service tool assembly, in this example, includes a washpipe check valve coupled downhole of the downhole washpipe portion.