Wellbore Servicing Tool Sliding Sleeve Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore servicing technologies lack efficient methods for selectively injecting fluids into multiple formation zones, leading to inadequate control over fluid distribution and operation in subterranean wells.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore servicing tool with a housing, sliding sleeves, and a triggering system that allows fluid communication through ports based on predetermined pressure, temperature, or flow-rate signals, enabling selective fluid injection into specific zones by transitioning the sleeves between positions in response to detected signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current wellbore servicing technologies are used, then fluid injection into formation zones can be performed, but selective control over fluid distribution into multiple zones is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore servicing tool is divided into multiple independently controllable sections, each with its own sliding sleeve assembly that can be actuated separately. This segmentation allows selective fluid injection into different formation zones by controlling each sleeve independently through distinct trigger mechanisms positioned at different locations along the tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sleeves are designed to transition between fixed and movable states dynamically. Each sleeve can be held in a closed position to block fluid flow or moved to an open position to allow injection, providing real-time dynamic control over fluid distribution patterns in response to downhole conditions and operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sliding sleeves are used to control fluid communication, then selective zone injection is enabled, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The triggering mechanism substitutes complex multi-stage mechanical actuation with simpler magnetic field-based activation. Magnets positioned on the tubular string interact with corresponding magnets in the sliding sleeves to trigger sleeve movement, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, pistons, or cam mechanisms while maintaining reliable zone selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic fields serve as an intermediary between the control system on the tubular string and the sliding sleeve actuators. This magnetic coupling allows transmission of actuation signals through the tubular wall without direct mechanical contact, simplifying the overall mechanism while enabling precise control over sleeve positioning and fluid communication paths.
3Productivity
If multiple zones are serviced simultaneously, then operational efficiency improves, but control precision over each zone decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates multiple independently operable sliding sleeve assemblies, each associated with a specific formation zone. This segmentation allows simultaneous servicing of multiple zones while maintaining independent control over fluid injection parameters for each zone, as each sleeve can be actuated, opened, and controlled separately through its dedicated trigger mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sliding sleeve assembly is designed with localized control characteristics, including zone-specific trigger mechanisms and magnetic actuators. This local quality ensures that fluid distribution control precision is maintained for each individual zone even when multiple zones are being serviced simultaneously, as each zone's injection parameters can be independently adjusted and monitored.
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 precise and controlled fluid injection into targeted formation zones, enhancing operational efficiency and control during wellbore servicing operations such as fracturing and stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
the predetermined signal comprises a predetermined pressure signal
Implementation Method 2
the predetermined signal comprises a predetermined temperature signal
Implementation Method 3
the predetermined signal comprises a predetermined flow-rate signal
Implementation Method 4
applying a hydraulic pressure of at least a predetermined threshold to the wellbore servicing tool, wherein the application of the hydraulic pressure causes the second sliding sleeve to transition from the first position to the second position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A wellbore servicing tool comprising a housing comprising ports, a triggering system, a first sliding sleeve transitional from a first position to a second position, and a second sliding sleeve transitional from a first position to a second position, wherein, when in the first position, the first sliding sleeve retains the second sliding sleeve in the first position, wherein, when in the first position, the second sliding sleeve prevents a route of fluid communication via the one or more ports of the housing and, when is in the second position, the second sliding sleeve allows fluid communication via the ports, and wherein the triggering system is configured to allow the first sliding sleeve to transition from the first position to the second position responsive to recognition of a predetermined signal comprising a predetermined pressure signal, a predetermined temperature signal, a predetermined flow-rate signal, or combinations thereof.