Subterranean Well Treatment Tool Valve Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of placing gravel around a tubular filter or screen in a wellbore for gravel packing is complex and requires sophisticated equipment to maintain well integrity and ensure efficient operation, with a need for improved equipment and methods that can be applied to various well types and operations.
Innovation Solution
A gravel pack system and method that uses a service string with flow passages and valves to deposit and manage gravel, isolate annuli, and control fluid flow, including the use of a treatment tool with pressure-differential operated valves to facilitate gravel placement and treatment fluid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sophisticated equipment and techniques are used to place gravel around the screen, then well integrity is maintained and gravel placement efficiency is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment tool is divided into multiple functional components including a body, first and second valves, flow passages, and a locking device. Each component performs a specific function in controlling fluid flow and gravel placement, allowing the complex overall function to be achieved through modular, manageable segments rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically controllable valves that can transition between open and closed states based on pressure differentials and operational requirements. The first valve responds to pressure differential to control communication between annuli, while the second valve controls flow to the screen, allowing the system to adapt its configuration during different stages of the gravel packing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple valves and flow passages are used to control fluid flow and isolate annuli, then fluid flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pressure differential across the plug to automatically actuate the first valve, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuation mechanisms. The pressure differential, created by fluid flow through the service string, directly controls valve opening and closing, providing precise fluid flow control through hydraulic principles rather than complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The service string serves multiple functions: it conveys gravel slurry to the wellbore, provides pressure differential to actuate valves, enables fluid circulation for treatment operations, and maintains isolation between annuli. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby controlling overall device complexity while achieving precise flow control.
3Reliability
If a locking device is used to prevent valve transition, then reliability of valve positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically engages and disengages based on the operational state of the system. When the first valve transitions to the closed position, the locking device engages to prevent accidental reopening. When the valve needs to open, pressure differential or operational forces cause the locking device to disengage. This self-service locking mechanism provides reliable valve positioning without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms.
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
Enhances wellbore stability, allows for efficient gravel placement, and supports various well operations by maintaining isolation and controlling fluid flow effectively, improving the overall efficiency and integrity of the gravel packing process.
Implementation Method 1
A first valve of the treatment tool prevents flow between the first annulus and the second annulus in response to pressure differential
Implementation Method 2
A second valve of the treatment tool opens or closes in response to pressure differential to prevent or permit flow from the service string to the screen
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment tool can include a housing with longitudinal passages, a valve that controls flow between sections of one passage, another valve that controls flow between the one passage and a section of another passage, and a locking device that prevents the first valve from being transitioned to an open configuration from a closed configuration. A method can include flowing a fluid through a passage of a service string and into an annulus about a screen, the fluid entering the screen and flowing to another annulus via another passage of the service string, then installing a plug in the first passage, thereby preventing flow through the first passage to the annulus about the screen, and creating at least one pressure differential across the plug, thereby preventing flow from an interior of the screen to the other annulus and permitting flow from the first passage to the screen interior.