Toe Sleeve Multi-Cycle Pressure Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toe sleeves with rupture discs burst before reaching the required pressure for casing pressure testing and only allow a single pressure cycle, limiting the ability to detect leaks and perform multiple testing cycles.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a mechanically driven piston and a removable rupture disc that allows communication between the inner diameter and the annulus during a bleed-off cycle, featuring a sliding sleeve, force generating device, and pressure equalizing hole to manage pressure differentials and enable multiple testing cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rupture disc is used to limit initial communication during casing testing, then the casing can be pressure tested, but the rupture disc bursts before reaching the required pressure level and only allows a single pressure cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pressure testing function into two distinct components: a rupture disc for initial communication control and a sliding sleeve with locking joint for sustained multi-cycle testing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without the limitations of a single rupture disc design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sleeve is designed to dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states based on pressure differentials. During pressure testing, the sleeve locks to maintain structural integrity for multiple cycles. During bleed-off cycles, pressure equalization allows the sleeve to unlock and enable communication, providing adaptive functionality throughout the testing process.
2Ease of operation
If a rupture disc is used to control communication, then initial pressure control is achieved, but the disc cannot be reused for multiple testing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sleeve assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure-activated lock during testing, a pressure-equalization mechanism during bleed-off cycles, and a reusable alternative to single-use rupture discs. This multi-functionality enables the system to handle both initial communication control and subsequent multi-cycle testing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters between testing and bleed-off cycles. During testing, high pressure differentials activate the locking mechanism. During bleed-off cycles, pressure equalization through the pressure equalizing hole changes the parameter state, allowing the sleeve to unlock and enabling communication without requiring disc replacement.
3Measurement precision
If pressure within the inner diameter is increased for casing testing, then leak detection capability is improved, but the conventional rupture disc bursts prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sleeve acts as an intermediary between the rupture disc and the pressure testing system. The rupture disc performs its initial function of controlling communication, then the sliding sleeve takes over as the primary pressure-containing element for subsequent multi-cycle testing, protecting against premature rupture while maintaining leak detection precision.
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 effective pressure testing of the casing by allowing communication between the inner diameter and the annulus during a bleed-off cycle, facilitating leak detection and multiple testing cycles without premature rupture of the rupture disc.
Implementation Method 1
The sliding sleeve may be configured to move in a first direction responsive to fluid flowing through the inner diameter of the tool being greater than a pressure threshold, wherein the pressure threshold is associated with a force generated by the force generating member
Implementation Method 2
The pressure equalizing hole may be configured to balance a pressure across the rupture disc between a first surface of the rupture disc facing a central axis of the tool and a second surface of the rupture disc facing an inner diameter of the outer sidewall
Implementation Method 3
The recess may be configured to increase an inner diameter within the outer sidewall. The increase of size of the inner diameter may create a piston area configured to allow the sliding sleeve to move in a first direction within the outer sidewall
Data Source
AI summary
A toe sleeve that is configured to allow communication between an inner diameter of the tool and an annulus outside of the tool during a bleed off cycle, which occurs after testing the casing. To test the casing, pressure within the inner diameter of the tool may be increased, and during a bleed off cycle the pressure within the inner diameter of the tool may be reduced.