Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02923662 2016-03-14
ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED DOWNHOLE
FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to flow control apparatuses which are
deployable downhole
for controlling supply of treatment fluid to the reservoir and for controlling
production of
reservoir fluids from the reservoir.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Mechanical actuation of downhole valves can be relatively difficult,
owing to the
difficulty in deploying shifting tools on coiled tubing, or conventional ball
drop systems, for
actuating such valves, especially in deviated vvellbores. This is especially
the case with respect
to so-called "toe valves" or "toe sleeves", which are disposed at, or close
to, the furthest end of
the wellbore. Toe valves are used to enable pressure dissipation, after
pressure testing of a well
and prior to completion, so that guns and/or balls may be pumped down.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] The preferred embodiments will now be described with the following
accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0004] Figure I is a sectional view of an embodiment of the flow control
apparatus, showing the
port disposed in the closed condition, and with both of the flow control valve
member and the
pressure control valve member disposed in the closed positions;
[0005] Figure 2 is a detailed view of Detail "A" in Figure 1;
[0006] Figure 3 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the flow control
apparatus illustrated in
Figure 1, showing the port disposed in the closed condition, and with the
pressure control valve
member disposed in the open position, and with the flow control valve member
disposed in the
closed position;
[0007] Figure 4 is a detailed view of Detail "B" in Figure 3;
CAN_DMS: \101763712\1 1
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[0008] Figure 5 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the flow control
apparatus illustrated in
Figure 1, showing the port disposed in the open condition, and with both of
the flow control
valve member and the pressure control valve member disposed in the open
positions;
[0009] Figure 6 is a detailed view of Detail "C" in Figure 5;
[0010] Figure 6A is a detailed view of Detail "D" in Figure 5;
[0011] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the flow control apparatus
illustrated in Figure 1, with
the outer housing and wiring removed for clarity;
[0012] Figure 8 is a sectional view of a fragment of another embodiment of the
flow control
apparatus having a cutter, illustrated prior to the puncturing of a rupture
disc;
[0013] Figure 9 is a sectional view of a fragment of another embodiment of the
flow control
apparatus shown in Figure 8, illustrated after the puncturing of a rupture
disc by the cutter;
[0014] Figure 10 is a sectional view of a fragment of another embodiment of
the flow control
apparatus having a shaped charge, illustrated prior to detonation of the
shaped charge.
[0015] Figure 11 is a sectional view of a fragment of the embodiment of the
flow control
apparatus shown in Figure 10, illustrated after detonation of the shaped
charge;
[0016] Figure 12 is sectional view of a fragment of another embodiment of the
flow control
apparatus having an exploding bolt, illustrated prior to fracturing of the
bolt;
[0017] Figure 13 is sectional view of a fragment of the embodiment of the flow
control
apparatus shown in Figure 12, illustrated after fracturing of the bolt;
[0018] Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of the incorporation of the flow
control apparatus of
any one of the embodiments illustrated in Figure Ito 6, 6A, and 7 to 13,
within a wellbore string
disposed in a wellbore; and
[0019] Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of the incorporation of the flow
control apparatus of
any one of the embodiments illustrated in Figure 1 to 6, 6A, and 7 to 13,
within a wellbore string
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disposed in a wellbore, and a seismic vibration unit for generating an
actuating signal to be
received by the sensor.
SUMMARY
[0020] There is provided a flow control apparatus including a housing, a port,
a flow control
member, a sensor, and a trigger. The housing includes a housing passage. The
port extends
through the housing. The flow control member includes a fluid responsive
surface, and is
configured for displacement, relative to the port, such that fluid
communication is effected
between the port and the housing passage. The sensor is coupled to the housing
for sensing an
actuating signal. The trigger is configured for effecting fluid communication
between the
housing passage and the fluid responsive surface, in response to the sensing
of an actuating
signal by the sensor, for effecting displacement of the flow control member.
[0021] There is also provided a flow control apparatus including a housing, a
port, a flow control
member, a sensor, a valve, and a valve actuator. The housing includes a
housing passage. The
port extends through the housing. The flow control member includes a fluid
responsive surface,
and is configured for displacement, relative to the port, such that fluid
communication is effected
between the port and the housing passage. The sensor is coupled to the housing
for sensing an
actuating signal. The valve includes a communication sealing surface for
effecting sealing, or
substantial sealing, of fluid communication between the housing passage and
the fluid responsive
surface. The valve actuator is responsive to sensing of the actuating signal
by the sensor, for
effecting a change in condition of the valve such that the communication
sealing surface
becomes displaceable relative to the housing such that fluid communication
between the housing
passage and the fluid responsive surface is effectible.
[0022] in one aspect, the flow control apparatus is integrated within a
wellbore string that is
disposed downhole within a wellbore. In another aspect, a system is provided
including the
wellbore string having the flow control apparatus integrated therein, and also
including a seismic
source disposed at the surface for generating the actuating signal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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[0023] Referring to Figure 14, there is provided a flow control apparatus 10
for selectively
stimulating a reservoir 300 of a subterranean formation 400. The flow control
apparatus is
deployable within a vvellbore 200. Suitable wellbores include vertical,
horizontal, deviated or
multi-lateral wells.
[0024] The reservoir is stimulated by supplying treatment material from the
surface 500 to a
subterranean formation which includes the reservoir 300.
[0025] In some embodiments, for example, the treatment material is a liquid
including water. In
some embodiments, for example, the liquid includes water and chemical
additives. In other
embodiments, for example, the treatment material is a slurry including water,
proppant, and
chemical additives.
Exemplary chemical additives include acids, sodium chloride,
polyacrylamide, ethylene glycol, borate salts, sodium and potassium
carbonates, glutaraldehyde,
guar gum and other water soluble gels, citric acid, and isopropanol. In some
embodiments, for
example, the treatment material is supplied to effect hydraulic fracturing of
the reservoir.
[0026] In some embodiments, for example, the treatment material includes
water, and is supplied
to effect waterflooding of the reservoir.
[0027] In some embodiments, for example, the treatment material includes
water, and is supplied
for transporting (or "flowing", or "pumping") a wellbore tool (such as, for
example, a perforator)
downhole by application of fluid pressure.
[0028] The flow control apparatus 10 may be deployed within the wellbore 200
and integrated
within a wellbore string 100, such as, for example, a casing string (see
Figure 8).
[0029] Successive flow control apparatuses 10 may be spaced from each other
such that each
flow control apparatus is positioned adjacent a producing interval to be
stimulated by fluid
treatment effected by treatment material that may be supplied through a port
18 (see below).
[0030] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, 6A and 7, in some embodiments, for
example, the flow
control apparatus 10 includes a housing 12. In some embodiments, for example,
the housing 12
includes interconnected top sub 12A, outer housing 12B, and bottom sub 12C.
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[0031] The housing 12 is coupled (such as, for example, threaded) to the
wellbore string 100.
The wellbore string 100 is lining the wellbore 200. The wellbore string is
provided for, amongst
other things, supporting the subterranean formation within which the wellbore
is disposed. The
wellbore string may include multiple segments, and segments may be connected
(such as by a
threaded connection).
[0032] A housing passage 16 is defined within the housing 12. The housing
passage 16 is
configured for conducting treatment material from a supply source (such as at
the surface) to a
port 18 that is also defined within and extends through the housing 12.
[0033] The housing 12 includes a sealing surface configured for sealing
engagement with a flow
control member (see below). In some embodiments, for example, the sealing
surface is defined
by sealing members 11A, 11B. In some embodiments, for example, when a flow
control
member 14 is disposed in a position (the "closed position", see below)
corresponding to the
closed condition of the port 18, each one of the sealing members 11A, 11B, is,
independently,
disposed in sealing, or substantially sealing, engagement with both of the
housing 12 and the
flow control member 14. The sealing, or substantially sealing, engagement
effects sealing, or
substantial sealing, of fluid communication between the housing passage 16 and
the port 18 (and
thereby the wellbore, and, therefore, the subterranean formation 100).
[0034] In some embodiments, for example, each one of the sealing members 11A,
11B,
independently, includes an o-ring. In some embodiments, for example, the o-
ring is housed
within a recess folined within the housing 12. In some embodiments, for
example, each one of
the sealing members 11A, 11B, independently, includes a molded sealing member
(i.e. a sealing
member that is fitted within, and/or bonded to, a groove formed within the sub
that receives the
sealing member).
[0035] The port 18 extends through the housing 12, and is disposed between the
sealing surfaces
11a, lib. In some embodiments, for example, the port 18 extends through the
housing 12.
During treatment, the port 18 effects fluid communication between the housing
passage 16 and
the wellbore. In this respect, during treatment, treatment material being
conducted from the
treatment material source via the housing passage 16 is supplied to the
wellbore through the
port.
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[0036] In some embodiments, for example, it is desirable for the treatment
material, being
supplied to the wellbore through the port 18, be supplied, or at least
substantially supplied,
within a definite zone (or "interval") of the subterranean formation in the
vicinity of the port. In
this respect, the system may be configured to prevent, or at least interfere,
with conduction of the
treatment material, that is supplied to one zone of the subterranean
formation, to a remote zone
of the subterranean formation. In some embodiments, for example, such
undesired conduction to
a remote zone of the subterranean formation may be effected through an
annulus, that is formed
within the wellbore, between the casing and the subterranean formation. To
prevent, or at least
interfere, with conduction of the supplied treatment material to a zone of
interval of the
subterranean formation that is remote from the zone or interval of the
subterranean formation to
which it is intended that the treatment material is supplied, fluid
communication, through the
annulus, between the port and the remote zone, is prevented, or substantially
prevented, or at
least interfered with, by a zonal isolation material. In some embodiments, for
example, the zonal
isolation material includes cement, and, in such cases, during installation of
the assembly within
the wellbore, the casing string is cemented to the subterranean formation, and
the resulting
system is referred to as a cemented completion.
[0037] To at least mitigate ingress of cement during cementing, and also at
least mitigate curing
of cement in space that is in proximity to the port 18, or of any cement that
has become disposed
within the port, prior to cementing, the port may be filled with a viscous
liquid material having a
viscosity of at least 100 mm2/s at 40 degrees Celsius. Suitable viscous liquid
materials include
encapsulated cement retardant or grease. An exemplary grease is SKF LGHP 2TM
grease. For
illustrative purposes below, a cement retardant is described. However, it
should be understood,
other types of liquid viscous materials, as defined above, could be used in
substitution for cement
retardants.
[0038] In some embodiments, for example, the zonal isolation material includes
a packer, and, in
such cases, such completion is referred to as an open-hole completion.
[0039] In some embodiments, for example, the flow control apparatus 10
includes a flow control
member 14, and the flow control member 14 is positionable, relative to the
housing 12, in open
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and closed positions. The open position of the flow control member 14
corresponds to an open
condition of the port 18.
[0040] In some embodiments, for example, the flow control member 14 includes a
sleeve. The
sleeve is slideably disposed within the housing passage 16.
[0041] While the flow control apparatus 10 is disposed within the wellbore,
while the port 18 is
disposed in a closed condition, the flow control member 14 is disposed in the
closed position,
and disposition of the flow control member 14 in the closed position is such
that the port 18 is
disposed in a closed condition. In some embodiments, for example, while the
port 18 is closed,
the flow control member 14 prevents, or substantially prevents, fluid flow
through the port 18,
between the housing passage 16 and the wellbore. In some embodiments, for
example, while the
port 18 is closed, the flow control member 14 is sealing, or substantially
sealing, the port 18 such
that a sealing interface is defined at the port 18.
[0042] The flow control member 14 may be displaced from the closed position to
the open
position and thereby effect opening of the port 18. In some embodiments, for
example, such
displacement is effected while the flow control apparatus is deployed downhole
within a
wellbore (such as, for example, as part of a wellbore string 200, such as a
casing string), and
such displacement, and consequential opening of the port 18, enables fluid,
that is being supplied
from the surface, for transporting a wellbore tool downhole through the
wellbore, to be
discharged through the port 18, such that fluid pressure within the casing
string remains below
excessive pressures that would otherwise interfere with subsequent downhole
operations. In this
respect, in some embodiments, for example, the apparatus 10 functions as a
"toe valve" or "toe
sleeve".
[0043] In some embodiments, for example, the flow control member 14 co-
operates with the
sealing members 11A, 11B to effect opening and closing of the port 18. In some
embodiments,
for example, when the port 18 is disposed in the closed condition, the flow
control member is
sealingly engaged to both of the sealing surfaces 11A, 11B, and preventing, or
substantially
preventing, fluid flow from the housing passage 16 to the port 18, and when
the port 18 is
disposed in the open condition, the flow control member 16 is spaced apart or
retracted from at
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least one of the sealing members (such as the sealing surface 11A), thereby
providing a housing
passage 16 for treatment material to be delivered to the port 18 from the
housing passage 16.
[0044] The flow control member 14 is configured for displacement, relative to
the port 18, from
the closed position (see Figures 1 and 3) to the open position (see Figure 5)
in response to
application of a sufficient net opening force. In some embodiments, for
example, the application
of a sufficient net opening force is effected by a fluid pressure
differential.
[0045] In some embodiments, for example, the housing 12 includes an inlet 28.
When the port
18 is disposed in the open condition, fluid communication is effected between
the inlet 28 and
the port 18 via the housing passage 16. When the port 18 is disposed in the
closed condition,
sealing, or substantial sealing of fluid communication, between the inlet 28
and the port 18 is
effected.
[0046] The flow control member 14 including a fluid responsive surface 20. In
this respect, the
fluid responsive surface 20 is said to be defined on the flow control member
14. The fluid
responsive surface 20 is configured to receive a force applied by a
communicated fluid to at least
contribute to the establishment of the sufficient net opening force, which
thereby effects the
displacement of the flow control member 14.
[0047] A sensor 26 is coupled to the housing for sensing an actuating signal.
[0048] In some embodiments, for example, the sensor 26 is disposed in
communication within
the housing passage 16, and the actuating signal is being transmitted within
the housing passage
16, such that the sensor 26 is disposed for sensing the actuating signal being
transmitted within
the housing passage 16. In some embodiments, for example, the sensor 26 is
disposed within the
housing passage 16. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the
sensor is mounted to
the housing 12 within a hole that is ported to the wellbore 200, and is held
in by a backing plate
that is configured to resist the force generated by pressure acting on the
sensor 26.
[0049] Referring to Figure 15, in some embodiments, for example, the sensor 26
is configured to
receive a signal generated by a seismic source . In some embodiments, for
example, the seismic
source includes a seismic vibrator unit 502. In some of these embodiments, for
example, the
seismic vibration unit 502 is disposed at the surface 500.
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[0050] The sensor 26 is configured to effect the displacement of the valve 24
in response to
sensing of a actuating signal being transmitted via fluid within the housing
passage 16, such that
the fluid communication between the housing passage 16 and the pressure
responsive surface 20
is effected, and such that a force is thereby applied to the pressure
responsive surface 20 so as to
at least contribute to the sufficient net opening force that effects the
displacement of the flow
control member 14. In some embodiments, for example, the sensor 26 is a
pressure sensor, and
the actuating signal is one or more pressure pulses. An exemplary pressure
sensor is a Kellar
Pressure Transducer Model 6LHP/81188TM.
[0051] Other suitable sensors may be employed, depending on the nature of the
signal being
used for the actuating signal. Other suitable sensors include a Hall effect
sensor, a radio
frequency identification ("RFID") sensor, or a sensor that can detect a change
in chemistry (such
as, for example, pH), or radiation levels, or ultrasonic waves.
[0052] In some embodiments, for example, the actuating signal is defined by a
pressure pulse
characterized by at least a magnitude. In some embodiments, for example, the
pressure pulse is
further characterized by at least a duration. In some embodiments, for
example, the actuating
signal is defined by a pressure pulse characterized by at least a duration.
[0053] In some embodiments, for example, the actuating signal is defined by a
plurality of
pressure pulses. In some embodiments, for example, the actuating signal is
defined by a plurality
of pressure pulses, each one of the pressure pulses characterized by at least
a magnitude. In
some embodiments, for example, the actuating signal is defined by a plurality
of pressure pulses,
each one of the pressure pulses characterized by at least a magnitude and a
duration. In some
embodiments, for example, the actuating signal is defined by a plurality of
pressure pulses, each
one of the pressure pulses characterized by at least a duration. In some
embodiments, for
example, each one of pressure pulses is characterized by time intervals
between the pulses.
[0054] In one aspect, there apparatus 10 includes a trigger 15. The trigger 15
is configured for
effecting fluid communication between the housing passage 16 and the fluid
responsive surface
20, in response to the sensing of an actuating signal by the sensor 26. The
fluid communication
is effected for effecting the displacement of the flow control member 14.
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[0055] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, 6A, 7, 8 and 9, in some embodiments, for
example, the
trigger includes a valve 24 and a valve actuator 32. The valve actuator 32 is
configured to effect
a change in condition of the valve 24 such that fluid communication becomes
effected between
the housing passage 16 and the fluid responsive surface 20, in response to the
sensing of an
actuating signal by the sensor 26.
[0056] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, 6A and 7, in some embodiments, for
example, the valve 24 is
displaceable, and the change in condition of the valve 24, which the valve
actuator 32 is
configured to effect in response to the sensing of an actuating signal by the
sensor 26, includes
displacement of the valve 24. In this respect, The valve actuator 32 is
configured to effect
displacement of the valve 24 such that fluid communication becomes effected
between the
housing passage 16 and the fluid responsive surface 20 of the flow control
member 14. The flow
control apparatus 10 further includes a fluid communication passage 22. The
fluid
communication passage 22 is provided for effecting fluid communication between
the housing
passage 16 and the fluid responsive surface 20 so as to effect the
displacement of the flow
control member 14. The establishing of such fluid communication is controlled
by the
positioning of the valve 24 relative to the fluid communication passage 22.
The valve 24 is
configured for displacement relative to the fluid communication passage 22. In
some
embodiments, for example, the valve 24 includes a piston. The displacement of
the valve 24 is
from a closed position (see Figures 1 and 2) to an open position (see Figures
3 and 4). In some
embodiments, for example, when disposed in the closed position, the valve 24
is occluding the
fluid communication passage 22. In some embodiments, for example, when the
valve 24 is
disposed in the closed position, sealing, or substantial sealing, of fluid
communication, between
the housing passage 1 6 and the pressure responsive surface 20, is effected.
When the valve 24 is
disposed in the open position, fluid communication is effected between the
housing passage 16
and the fluid responsive surface 20. In this respect, this enables application
of a force to the fluid
responsive surface 20 of the flow control member 14 by fluid communicated from
the housing
passage 16, and thereby effecting displacement of the flow control member 14.
[0057] In some embodiments, for example, to mitigate versus inadvertent
opening, the valve 24
may, initially, be detachably secured to the housing 12, in the closed
position. In this respect, in
some embodiments, for example, the detachable securing is effected by a shear
pin configured
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for becoming sheared, in response to application of sufficient shearing force,
such that the valve
24 becomes movable from the closed position to the open position. In some
embodiments, for
example, the shearing force is effected by an valve actuator 32 (see below).
[0058] In some embodiments, for example, to prevent the inadvertent opening of
the valve 24,
the valve 24 may be biased to the closed position, such as by, for example, a
resilient member
such as a spring. In this respect, an valve actuator used for effecting
opening of the valve 24 (see
below) must exert sufficient force to at least overcome the biasing force
being applied to the
valve 24 that is maintaining the valve 24 in the closed position.
[0059] In some embodiments, for example, to prevent the inadvertent opening of
the valve 24,
the valve 24 may be pressure balanced such that the valve 24 is disposed in
the closed position.
[0060] In some embodiments, for example, the fluid communication passage 22 is
defined
within (and extends through) the flow control member 14, and the valve 24 is
disposed in a space
defined between the flow control member 14 and the housing 12, such that the
displacement of
the valve 24 is also relative to the flow control member 14.
[0061] In some embodiments, for example, the valve actuator 32 includes an
electro-mechanical
trigger, such as a squib. The squib is configured to, in response to the
signal received by the
sensor 26, effect generation of an explosion. In some embodiments, for
example, the squib is
mounted within the housing 12 such that the generated explosion effects the
displacement of the
flow control member 14. Another suitable valve actuator 32 is a fuse-able link
or a piston
pusher.
[0062] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, in some embodiments, for example, the
valve 24 includes a
communication sealing surface 2442 for effecting the sealing, or substantial
sealing, of fluid
communication between the housing passage 16 and the fluid responsive surface
20. Also, the
change in condition of the valve, which the valve actuator 3222 is configured
to effect in
response to the sensing of an actuating signal by the sensor 26, includes a
change in condition of
the communication sealing surface 2442 such that fluid communication becomes
effected
between the housing passage 16 and the fluid responsive surface 20. In some
embodiments, for
example, a fluid communication passage 22 is extending between the housing
passage 16 and the
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fluid responsive surface 20, and the sealing, or substantial sealing, of fluid
communication
between the housing passage 16 and the fluid responsive surface 20, is
effected by sealing, or
substantial sealing, of the fluid communication passage by the communication
sealing surface
3222. In some embodiments, for example, the valve actuator 3222 includes a
cutter 3224
configured for puncturing the communication sealing surface 2442 such that the
change in
condition of the communication sealing surface 3222 is effected, and a cutter
actuator 3226 for
effecting displacement of the cutter 3224 such that the puncturing is
effected, in response to the
sensing of an actuating signal by the sensor 26. In some embodiments, for
example, the cutter
3224 is threaded into the housing 12. In some embodiments, for example, the
cutter actuator
3226 includes a squib and is suitably mounted for effecting displacement of
the cutter 3224 such
that the puncturing is effected. In some embodiments, for example, the cutter
3224 includes a
bayonet 3228, and the communication sealing surface is defined on a sealing
member, and, in
some embodiments, for example, the sealing member is defined by a rupture disc
3230 and a
ferrule seat. Upon actuation by the squib 226, the bayonet 3228 punctures the
rupture disc 3220,
such that fluid communication is effected between the passage 22 and the fluid
responsive
surface 20 via a passageway 3232 within the valve 24.
[0063] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, in some embodiments, for example, the
trigger 15
includes a shaped charge 151 for effecting generation of an explosion, in
response to the sensing
of an actuating signal by the sensor 26, wherein the explosion is sufficient
to effect creation of
the fluid communication passage 22 that extends through the flow control
member 14 and effects
fluid communication between the housing passage 16 and the fluid responsive
surface 20.
[0064] The shaped charge is mounted to the housing 12 and disposed between the
flow control
member 14 and the housing 12. The shaped charge is directed at the flow
control member 14
such that, when detonated, the jet produced by the charge would cut a hole in
the flow control
member 14, such hole defining the fluid communication passage 22.
[0065] In some embodiments, for example, the flow control apparatus 10 further
includes first
and second chambers 34, 36, and the sufficient net opening force is effected
when application of
an opening force, to the flow control member 14, by fluid disposed within the
first chamber 34,
exceeds a closing force, applied to the flow control member 14, by fluid
disposed within the
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second chamber 36. Each one of the first and second chambers 34, 36 are, at
least in part,
defined by one or more surface portions of the flow control member 14, such
that fluid, within
each one of the chambers 34, 36, is applying a force to the flow control
member 14. The fluid
within the first chamber 34 is applying an opening force to the flow control
member 14 (in the
illustrated embodiment, for example, in the downhole direction), and the fluid
within the second
chamber 36 is applying a closing force to the flow control member 14 (in the
illustrated
embodiment, in the uphole direction). When the opening force being applied to
the flow control
member 14 by fluid disposed within the first chamber 34 exceeds the closing
force being applied
to the flow control member 14 by fluid disposed within the second chamber 36,
the displacement
of the flow control member 14 to the open position (see Figure 5) is effected.
[0066] When the application of an opening force, to the flow control member
14, by fluid
disposed within the first chamber 34, exceeds the closing force, applied to
the flow control
member 14, by fluid disposed within the second chamber 36, the opening force
applied by fluid
disposed within the first chamber 34 includes that applied by fluid (that is
disposed in fluid
communication with the housing passage 16) to the fluid responsive surface 20.
In this respect,
the first fluid chamber 34 is disposed in fluid communication with the fluid
responsive surface
20. As a necessary incident, this also means that, under these circumstances,
the first fluid
chamber 34 is disposed in fluid communication with the housing passage 16.
This also means
that the first fluid chamber 34 is disposable, to a state of fluid
communication with the housing
passage 16. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, 6A, and 7, this
is effectible by
displacement of the valve 26, and in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 10
and 11, this is
effectible by the creation of the fluid communication passage 22 by the shaped
charge 151.
[0067] In some embodiments, for example, the sufficient net opening force is
effected by a fluid
pressure differential between the first chamber 34 and the second chamber 36
such that fluid
pressure within the first chamber 34 exceeds fluid pressure within the second
chamber 36. In
some embodiments, for example, the exceeding of the fluid pressure within the
second chamber
36 by the fluid pressure within the first chamber 34 is effected by the
effecting of fluid
communication between the first chamber 34 and the housing passage 16, upon
the displacement
of the valve 24 from the closed position to the open position. In some
embodiments, for
example, the second chamber 36 is disposed at, or substantially at,
atmospheric pressure.
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[0068] In summary, the sufficient net opening force, effecting the
displacement of the flow
control member 14, includes a force component that is (a) urging the
displacement of the flow
control member 14 to the open position, and (b) is being applied to the fluid
responsive surface
20 by fluid (such as, for example, fluid within the first chamber 34) that has
been communicated
from the housing passage 16 in response to, in some embodiments (see Figures 1
to 6, 6A, and
7), the displacement of the valve 24, and in other embodiments, (see Figures
10 and 11), the
creation of the fluid communication passage 22 by the shaped charge 151.
[0069] In some embodiments, for example, both of the first and second chambers
34, 36 are
defined by respective spaces interposed between the housing 12 and the flow
control member 14,
and a chamber sealing member 38 is also included for effecting a sealing
interface between the
chambers 34, 36, while the flow control member 14 is being displaced to effect
the opening of
the port 18. The chamber sealing member 38, the housing 12, and the flow
control member 14
are co-operatively configured such that: (i) while the flow control member is
disposed in the
closed position, the chamber sealing member 38 is sealing engaged to both of
the housing 12 and
the flow control member 14 such that the sealing, or substantial sealing, of
fluid communication
between the first and second chambers 34, 36 is effected; and (ii) in response
to displacement of
the flow control member 14 to the open position, the chamber sealing member 38
changes its
disposition, relative to the housing 12 and the flow control member 14, such
that the flow control
member 14 is displaced such that there is a loss of the sealing engagement,
resulting in a
condition where there is an absence of sealing, or substantial sealing,
engagement between the
chamber sealing member 38 and at least one of the housing 12 and the flow
control member 14
such that the first chamber 34 is disposed in fluid communication with the
second chamber 36.
In doing so, the pressures within the first and second chambers 34, 36 become
balanced.
Concomitantly, the fluid pressure differential existing between the first and
second chambers 34,
36 is now rendered non-existent or substantially non-existent, thereby
removing interference in
those embodiments where it is desirable to return the flow control member 14
to the closed
position, and thereby close the port 18.
[0070] In some embodiments, for example, one of the housing 12 and the flow
control member
14 (in the illustrated embodiment, this would be the housing 12) includes a
recess 40 that
represents a sufficient increase in spacing between the housing 12 and the
flow control member
14
CA 02923662 2016-03-14
14, as the flow control member 14 is being displaced relative to the housing
12 to the open
position, such that the loss in sealing engagement of the displaceable chamber
sealing member
38 with at least one of the housing 12 and the flow control member 14 is
effected while the
displaceable chamber sealing member 38 is disposed within the recess 40. The
disposition of the
displaceable chamber sealing member 38 within the recess 40 is effected when
the flow control
member 40 is disposed in the open position.
[0071] In some embodiments, for example, the chamber sealing member 38 is
carried by the
flow control member 14 and the housing 12 includes the recess 40.
Alternatively, the flow
control member 14 can include the recess, and the housing 12 can contain the
chamber sealing
member 38. In this respect, one of the housing 12 and the flow control member
14 includes a
recess 40, and the housing 12, the flow control member 14, and the chamber
sealing member 38
are co-operatively configured such that, in response to the displacement of
the flow control
member 14 to the open position, the chamber sealing member 38 is displaced and
becomes
disposed within the recess 40 such that there is a loss of the sealing
engagement, such that the
absence of sealing, or substantial sealing, engagement between the chamber
sealing member 38
and at least one of the housing 12 and the flow control member 14 is effected.
[0072] Referring to Figure 7, in some embodiments, for example, the flow
control apparatus 10
further includes a controller 30. The controller 30 is configured to receive a
sensor-transmitted
signal from the sensor 26 upon the sensing of the actuating signal and, in
response to the
received sensor-transmitted signal, supply a transmitted signal to the trigger
15 to effect the
displacement of the flow control member 14. In some embodiments, for example,
the controller
30 and the sensor 26 are powered by a battery 34 that is also housed within
the flow control
member 14. Passages 50 for wiring for electrically interconnecting the battery
34, the sensor 26,
the controller 30 and the trigger 15 (and in those embodiments where the
trigger 15 includes the
valve 24 and the valve actuator, the valve actuator 32) is also illustrated
(wiring is not shown).
[0073] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, in another aspect, the flow control
apparatus 10 includes
a valve 241 and :In valve actuator 321. The valve 241 includes a communication
sealing surface
242 for effecting sealing, or substantial sealing, of fluid communication
between the housing
passage 16 and the fluid responsive surface 20. The valve actuator 321 is
responsive to sensing
of the actuating signal by the sensor 26, for effecting a change in condition
of the valve 241 such
that the communication sealing surface 242 becomes displaceable relative to
the housing 12 such
that a loss of the sealing, or substantial sealing, of the fluid communication
between the housing
passage 16 and the fluid responsive surface 20 is effectible, with effect that
an absence of
sealing, or substantial sealing, of the fluid communication between the
housing passage 16 and
the fluid responsive surface 20 is effectible, such that fluid communication
between the housing
passage 16 and the fluid responsive surface 20 is effectible. The change in
condition of the valve
241 is from a sealing condition to a fluid communication-effectible condition.
[0074] In some embodiments, for example, the housing passage 16, valve 241,
and pressure
responsive surface 20 are co-operatively configured such that, while the
communication sealing
surface 242 is displaceable relative to the housing 12, displacement of the
communication
sealing surface 242, for effecting the fluid communication between the housing
passage 16 and
the fluid responsive surface 20, is effectible in response to urging of the
communication sealing
surface 242 by fluid disposed within the housing passage 16. In this respect,
while the
communication scaling surface 242 is displaceable relative to the housing 12,
fluid, disposed
within the housing passage 16. functions to urge displacement of the
communication sealing
surface 242, relative to the housing 12, such that fluid communication between
the housing
passage 16 and the fluid responsive surface 20, is effected.
[0075] In some embodiments, for example, the valve 241 includes a coupler 243
that interacts
with the housing 12 such that, while the valve 241 is in the sealing
condition, the valve 241 is
coupled to the housing 12 such that the communication sealing surface 242 is
effecting sealing,
or substantially sealing, of fluid communication between the housing passage
16 and the fluid
responsive surface 20. In some embodiments, for example, the coupler 243 is
threaded to the
housing 12.
[0076] In some embodiments, for example, the change in condition of the valve
241 includes at
least a weakening of at least a portion of the valve 241, In some embodiments,
for example, the
valve 241 and the housing passage 16 are co-operatively configured such that,
while the at least a
portion of the valve 241 is weakened, the valve 241 is conditioned for
fracturing (such as, for
example, at the weakened portion) in response to a force being applied by a
fluid, disposed
16
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CA 02923662 2016-03-14
within the housing passage 16, to the weakened portion of the valve 241. In
some embodiments,
for example, the conditioning of the valve 241 for fracturing is such that,
upon fracturing, the
displacement of the communication sealing surface 242 is effected such that
fluid
communication becomes effected between the housing passage 16 and the fluid
responsive
surface 20. In some embodiments, for example, the valve 241 and the housing
passage 16 are
co-operatively disposed such that, in response to the fracturing of the valve
241, the
communication sealing surface 242 becomes displaceable such that, in response
to a force
applied by fluid disposed within the housing passage 16, the communication
sealing surface 242
is displaced such that fluid communication becomes effected between the
housing passage 16
and the fluid responsive surface 20.
[0077] In some embodiments, for example, the change in condition of the valve
241 includes a
fracturing of the valve 241. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 and
11, the fracture is
identified by reference numeral 252. In some embodiments, for example, the
fracturing is such
that fluid communication becomes effected between the housing passage 16 and
the fluid
responsive surface 20. In some embodiments, for example, the valve 241 and the
housing
passage 16 are co-operatively disposed such that, in response to the
fracturing of the valve 241,
the communication sealing surface 242 becomes displaceable such that, in
response to a force
applied by fluid disposed within the housing passage 16, the communication
sealing surface 242
is displaced such that fluid communication becomes effected between the
housing passage 16
and the fluid responsive surface 20.
[0078] In some embodiments, for example, the fluid communication passage 22
extends between
the housing passage 16 and the fluid responsive surface 20, and the sealing,
or substantial
sealing, of fluid communication between the housing passage 16 and the fluid
responsive surface
20, is effected by sealing, or substantial scaling, of the fluid communication
passage 22 by the
communication sealing surface 242. In some of these embodiments, for example,
the fluid
communication passage 22 extends through the flow control member 14, and the
valve 241 is
disposed between the flow control member 14 and the housing 12.
[0079] In some embodiments, for example, the valve actuator 341 includes a
squib, and the
change in condition is effected by an explosion generated by the squib in
response to sensing of
17
CA 02923662 2016-03-14
the actuating signal by the sensor 26. In some embodiments, for example, the
squib is suitably
mounted to apply the necessary force to the valve 241.
[0080] In some embodiments, for example, the valve 241 and the valve actuator
341 are defined
by an exploding bolt 250, such that the flow control apparatus 14 includes the
exploding bolt
250. In some embodiments, for example, the squib is integrated into the bolt
250.
[0081] Similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, 6A and 7, and
the embodiment
illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, and the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10
and 11, the
embodiment of the flow control apparatus 10 illustrated in Figures 12 and 13
includes first and
second chambers 34, 36 (second chamber 36 is not shown for this embodiment)
disposed within
the housing 12. In the case of the embodiment of the flow control apparatus 10
illustrated in
Figures 10 and 11, however, the first chamber 34 is disposable into fluid
communication with the
housing passage 16 in response to a displacement of the communication sealing
surface 242.
[0082] In some embodiments, the housing 12 further includes a constricting
portion 46 that
defines a constricted portion 48 of the housing passage 16 for interfering
with movement of the
flow control member 14. In some embodiments, for example, the flow control
member 14 is
configured to deform and become pinched by the constricting portion 46 while
moving through
the constricted portion 48 of the housing passage 16. The pinching is such
that interference is
provided to the displacement of the flow control member 14 to the closed
position.
[0083] In some embodiments, for example, while the flow control apparatus 10
is being
deployed downhole, the flow control member 14 is maintained in a position, by
one or more
shear pins 42 (see Figure 6), such that the port 18 remain disposed in the
closed condition. The
one or more shear pins 42 are provided to secure the flow control member to
the casing string so
that the housing, passage 16 is maintained fluidically isolated from the
reservoir until it is desired
to treat the reservoir with treatment material. To effect the initial change
in disposition of the
flow control member 14 from the first position to the second position,
sufficient force must be
applied to the one or more shear pins 42 such that the one or more shear pins
become sheared,
resulting in the flow control member becoming displaceable relative to the
port. In some
operational implementations, the force that effects the shearing is applied by
fluid pressure being
applied within the easing string.
18
CA 02923662 2016-03-14
[0084] An exemplary process for supplying fluid to a subterranean formation,
through a
wellbore string, disposed within a wellbore, and incorporating an embodiment
of the flow
control apparatus 10 illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, 6A, and 7, will now be
described. Initially, the
flow control member 14 is disposed in the closed position, the first and
second chambers 34, 36
are disposed at atmospheric pressure, and the valve 24 is disposed in the
closed position (see
Figures 1 and 2). The shear pins 42 are interfering with inadvertent opening
of the flow control
member 14. The actuating signal (such as one or more pressure pulses) is
transmitted downhole.
The actuating signal is detected by the sensor 26. In response to the
detection of the actuating
signal, the sensor 26 transmits the sensor-transmitted signal to the
controller 30. The controller
30 receives and processes the sensor-transmitted signal, and transmits an
valve actuator signal to
the valve actuator 32 (such as a suib). In response to receiving the actuation
signal, the valve
actuator 32 effects opening of the valve 24 (see Figures 3 and 4). After the
valve 24 has become
opened, fluid communication is effected between the first chamber 34 and the
housing passage
16 via the fluid communication passage 22. Pressurized fluid, within the
housing passage 16
(the pressurized fluid may or may not have already been disposed within the
housing passage 16
while the actuating signal was being transmitted), is conducted to the first
chamber 34, via the
fluid communication passage 22, to effect pressurization of the first chamber
34. When the
opening force (being applied by fluid within the first chamber 34) acting on
the flow control
member 14 sufficiently exceeds the closing force (being applied by fluid
within the second
chamber 34) acting on the flow control member 14, the shear pins become
sheared and the flow
control member 14 is urged to move downhole, thereby effecting opening of the
port 18 (see
Figures 5 and 6). The displacement of the flow control member 14 is such that,
after the port 18
has become disposed in the open condition, the displaceable chamber sealing
member 38. being
carried by the flow control member 14, becomes disposed within the recess. The
fluid pressure
differential, between the first and second chambers 34, 36, is sufficient to
effect displacement of
the sealing member 38 such that the sealing member 38 loses sealing, or
substantially, sealing
engagement with one or both of the housing 12 and the flow control member 14.
In doing so,
pressure equalization is effected between the first and second chambers 34,
36.
[0085] In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details
are set forth in
order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However,
it will be
apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not
required in order to practice
19
CA 02923662 2016-03-14
the present disclosure.
Although certain dimensions and materials are described for
implementing the disclosed example embodiments, other suitable dimensions
and/or materials
may be used within the scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and
variations, including
all suitable current and future changes in technology, are believed to be
within the sphere and
scope of the present disclosure. All references mentioned are hereby
incorporated by reference
in their entirety.
