Wellbore Sleeve Systems for Sequential Zone Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore servicing systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple zones within a wellbore due to increased working pressure required to activate additional tools after initial tool activation, which complicates zonal isolation treatments.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore servicing system comprising a tubular string with multiple sleeve systems, each having a sliding sleeve and a delay system, allowing for selective restriction and delayed movement to manage fluid flow and pressure independently across different zones using obturators, enabling precise control of fluid communication between zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single obturator is used to activate multiple stimulation tools, then all tools can be activated by one device, but the working pressure required to subsequently activate additional tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wellbore treatment into discrete segments or zones, each controlled by an independent sliding sleeve. Each sleeve can be activated independently by the obturator, allowing pressure to be applied to one zone at a time rather than requiring simultaneous activation of all zones, thereby reducing the cumulative pressure requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sleeves are pre-positioned in a restricted state during installation, with flow bores initially blocked. The obturator sequentially releases each sleeve as it passes through, allowing upstream zones to be activated before downstream zones. This preliminary positioning and sequential activation prevents pressure buildup from multiple simultaneously activated tools.
2Productivity
If fluid communication is established with multiple zones simultaneously, then all zones receive treatment, but pressure management becomes difficult and subsequent tool activation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, simultaneously-open configuration to a dynamic, sequentially-open configuration. Each sliding sleeve remains closed until activated by the obturator, allowing the system to adapt pressure conditions to each zone individually. This dynamic activation sequence enables effective treatment of multiple zones while maintaining manageable pressure levels at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sleeves act as intermediary control elements between the obturator and the stimulation tools. Each sleeve can be independently opened or closed, allowing selective isolation of zones. This intermediary mechanism enables sequential activation, where upstream sleeves are opened before downstream sleeves, preventing pressure conflicts and enabling effective multi-zone treatment.
3Reliability
If sliding sleeves are allowed to move freely after restrictor disablement, then fluid communication is achieved, but premature activation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The delay system is pre-configured with a bi-metallic coil spring in a compressed, restrained state during installation. The spring is held in place by a retainment mechanism that prevents premature expansion. When the obturator passes through and disables the restrictor, the retainment mechanism releases, allowing the spring to expand and推动 the sliding sleeve to the open position at a controlled rate, ensuring activation occurs only after the obturator has passed and at the appropriate time sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay system utilizes temperature-dependent parameter changes of the bi-metallic coil spring. The spring's physical properties change in response to temperature variations, controlling the rate of expansion after release. This parameter change mechanism provides a predictable, controllable delay period between restrictor disablement and sleeve activation, preventing premature opening while ensuring reliable fluid communication establishment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of servicing a wellbore comprising positioning a tubular string within the wellbore, the tubular string comprising a first sleeve system, wherein the first sleeve system is positioned within the wellbore proximate to a first zone of the wellbore, the first sleeve system being initially configured in an installation mode where fluid flow between a flow bore of the first sleeve system and a port of the first sleeve system is restricted; a second sleeve system, wherein the second sleeve system is positioned within the wellbore proximate to a second zone of the wellbore, the second sleeve system being initially configured in an installation mode where fluid flow between a flow bore of the second sleeve system and a port of the second sleeve system is restricted; then isolating the first zone of the wellbore from the second zone of the wellbore; then passing a first obturator through at least a portion of the first sleeve system, thereby unlocking a first restrictor of the first sleeve system and thereby transitioning the first sleeve system to a delayed mode; then allowing the first sleeve system to transition from the delayed mode to a fully open mode; and then communicating a fluid to the first zone of the wellbore via one or more ports of the first sleeve system. Another method comprising a first sleeve system, a second sleeve system, a third sleeve system and a fourth sleeve system is also disclosed.