Wellbore Servicing Mandrel for Seamless Perforating to Fracturing Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wellbore servicing tools require the use of obturating members to transition between perforating and fracturing configurations, leading to increased time and expense, and are prone to wear and failure due to erosion.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore servicing apparatus with a mandrel that alternates between positions to control fluid communication through high-pressure and high-volume ports, allowing for seamless transition between jetting and fracturing configurations without the need to remove or introduce obturating members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wellbore servicing tools use obturating members to transition between configurations, then the tool can switch between perforating and fracturing modes, but the operational time increases and the risk of tool failure due to wear and erosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the obturating member from the system entirely. Instead of using a ball or plug to block ports, the tool uses a mandrel with multiple positions that directly control fluid communication. The mandrel can be set to different positions (first, second, third positions) to selectively open or close high-pressure and high-volume ports without requiring any obturating member to be pumped downhole or retrieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the configuration control mechanism and the fluid communication pathway. By positioning the mandrel in different locations within the tool body, the same component controls both jetting configuration (when blocking high-volume ports) and fracturing configuration (when opening high-volume ports), eliminating the need for separate obturating members for each mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wellbore servicing tools use obturating members to transition between configurations, then the tool can switch between perforating and fracturing modes, but the reliability decreases due to wear and erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the obturating member from the system entirely. Instead of using a ball or plug to block ports, the tool uses a mandrel with multiple positions that directly control fluid communication. The mandrel can be set to different positions (first, second, third positions) to selectively open or close high-pressure and high-volume ports without requiring any obturating member to be pumped downhole or retrieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel itself performs the configuration control function without requiring external obturating members. The tool uses its own structural components (mandrel positioning) to achieve configuration changes, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating parts that are subject to wear from being pumped through the wellbore and from repeated engagement/disengagement cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wellbore servicing tools require obturating members to be pumped downhole or retrieved, then configuration changes can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the obturating member from the system entirely. Instead of using a ball or plug to block ports, the tool uses a mandrel with multiple positions that directly control fluid communication. The mandrel can be set to different positions (first, second, third positions) to selectively open or close high-pressure and high-volume ports without requiring any obturating member to be pumped downhole or retrieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the configuration control function and the fluid communication pathway into a single integrated mandrel structure. The mandrel's position simultaneously determines both the mechanical configuration state and the fluid flow path, merging what were previously separate functions (obturator positioning and port blocking) into one unified mechanism.
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 reduces operational time and minimizes tool failure by eliminating the need for obturating members, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of wellbore stimulation processes.
Implementation Method 1
a mandrel slidably positioned within the housing, the mandrel defining a mandrel axial flowbore and being alternatingly movable from a first position relative to the housing to a second position relative to the housing and to a third position relative to the housing, wherein, when the mandrel is in the second position, a route of fluid communication via the one or more high-pressure ports is provided and a route of fluid communication via the high-volume ports is obstructed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for servicing a wellbore comprising a housing, high-pressure ports, high-volume ports, and a mandrel slidably positioned within the housing. The housing defines an axial flowbore and the mandrel defines a mandrel axial flowbore. The mandrel is alternatingly movable from a first position to a second position and to a third position. When the mandrel is in the second position, a route of fluid communication via the high-pressure ports is provided and a route of fluid communication via the high-volume ports is obstructed. When the mandrel is in the third position, a route of fluid communication via the high-volume ports is provided. The apparatus is transitionable from the second position to the third position without communicating an obturating member to the apparatus, without removing an obturating member from the apparatus, or combinations thereof.