Wellbore Sleeve and Frangible Disc for Testing and Fluid Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well tool devices face challenges such as increased outer diameter or reduced inner diameter, which complicates installation and flow capacity, and require complex operations like milling or removing completion strings when valves fail, while also needing initial open states for fluid exchange and pressure testing.
Innovation Solution
A well tool device with a sleeve section and frangible disc that allows initial open and intermediate closed states, featuring a bypass fluid passage and actuating systems to manage the sleeve's displacement, ensuring equal diameters to the completion string and enabling fluid exchange, pressure testing, and final open state for production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ball valves are used in the lower end of the completion string for testing, then the production tubing and production packer can be tested, but the outer diameter increases or inner diameter decreases, making installation difficult and reducing flow rate capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The valve function is segmented into two separate components: a test valve integrated in the completion string and a separate circulation valve in the tubing. This allows each component to be optimized independently - the completion string valve can be small for testing while the circulation valve handles fluid exchange without restricting flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation valve acts as an intermediary component that enables fluid exchange between the completion string and tubing without requiring changes to the completion string geometry. It mediates the fluid flow control function, allowing the completion string to maintain its optimal dimensions.
2Reliability
If the completion string is installed and pressure testing is performed, then well integrity is ensured, but the heavy well fluid must be replaced with lighter completion fluid, requiring complex operations
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation valve is pre-installed and configured in the open state before the completion string is fully assembled and tested. This preliminary configuration allows immediate fluid exchange capability without requiring complex post-installation operations. The valve is ready to facilitate fluid replacement from heavy well fluid to lighter completion fluid as soon as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation valve provides dynamic control over fluid exchange operations, allowing the system to transition smoothly between different fluid states. The valve can be opened to allow completion fluid to enter and close to trap the lighter fluid, enabling adaptable fluid management during the transition from well fluid to completion fluid.
3Ease of operation
If the tubing is open during installation, then well fluid can flow into the tubing, but the valve must be reconfigured between open and closed states, requiring complex actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation valve is designed with automatic actuation features that respond to pressure differentials and fluid flow conditions. The valve can self-regulate based on the operational state, reducing the need for complex external actuation mechanisms while maintaining reliable open/closed transitions during installation and operation.
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
The device maintains consistent diameters, facilitates efficient fluid exchange and pressure testing without complex operations, and ensures reliable transition between states for seamless well operations.
Implementation Method 1
the frangible disc is configured to be pushed axially relative to the sleeve section towards the disintegration device after release of the disc supporting device
Implementation Method 2
an axial fluid passage bypassing the frangible disc when the well tool device is in an initial state, thereby allowing a fluid flow between a first location axially above the frangible disc and a second location axially below the frangible disc
Implementation Method 3
a fluid flow preventing frangible disc; the frangible disc is provided in the bore of the sleeve section in sealing engagement with the sleeve section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a well tool device (1) comprising a housing (10) having an axial through bore (11). It comprises a sleeve section (20) axially displaceable relative to the housing (10), where the sleeve section (20) comprises an axial through bore (21) aligned with the axial through bore (11) of the housing (10). It comprises a fluid flow preventing frangible disc (30) provided in the bore (21) in sealing engagement with the sleeve section (20). It comprises an axial fluid passage (2) bypassing the frangible disc (30) when the well tool device (1) is in an initial state (S1), thereby allowing a fluid flow (FF1) between a first location (L1) above the frangible disc (30) and a second location (L2) below the frangible disc (30). The axial fluid passage (2) is closed when the well tool device (1) is in a subsequent state (s2). It comprises a disc supporting device (41) for supporting the frangible disc (30) in relation to the sleeve section (20), where the disc supporting device (41) is releasably connected inside the sleeve section (20) by means of a releasable connection device (42). It comprises a disintegration device (40) for disintegration of the frangible disc (30), where the well tool device (1) is in a final state (S3) when the frangible disc (40) has been disintegrated by means of the disintegration device (40).