Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
DOWNHOLE VALVE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING SAME
FIELD
[0001] The subject matter herein generally relates to a downhole valve
assembly and method of using the same, and in particular, a downhole valve
assembly to access wells under pressure.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Wells are often stimulated by hydraulic fracturing operations,
during which a servicing fluid or a perforating fluid is introduced into at
least
a portion of a subterranean formation. The fluid can be at a hydraulic
pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein,
thereby increasing hydrocarbon production from the well.
[0003] A tubular work string can be used to communicate fluid to and
from the subterranean formation during a wellbore stimulation operation.
During a wellbore servicing operation, it can be desirable to fluidically
isolate
two or more sections of the work string, so as to close off fluid
communication through the work string flowbore in at least one direction.
Closing off fluid communication through a work string can allow for the
isolation of well pressure within the work string flowbore during run-in
and/or run-out of a work string.
SUMMARY
[0003a] According to some aspects, an actuatable valve tool is provided
including a tubular housing forming an axial flowbore. A slidable flow tube
may be disposed within the housing and a shear sleeve may be disposed
around at least a portion of the slidable flow tube. One or more valves may
be disposed within the housing, each having an open position and a closed
position. In the open position, the one or more valves may permit fluid flow
within the axial flowbore, and in the closed position the one or more valves
may block fluid flow therethrough. The slidable flow tube may be moveable
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within the housing to transition the one or more valves between the open
position and the closed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for preparation and delivery of a
cement composition to a wellbore in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0005] FIG. 2 is cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a
downhole valve assembly in a first position;
[0006] FIG. 3 is cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a
downhole valve assembly in a second position;
[0007] FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a
downhole valve assembly in a third position;
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[0008] FIG. 5
is cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a
downhole valve assembly in a fourth position;
[0009] FIG. 6
is a cross-section view of an example embodiment of a
downhole valve assembly in a fifth position;
[0010] FIG. 7
is an example embodiment of a downhole valve assembly
prior to shear during an emergency removal procedure;
[0011] FIG. 8
is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a section of the
downhole valve assembly shown in FIG. 7;
[0012] FIG. 9
is an example embodiment of a downhole valve assembly
during shear of an emergency removal procedure;
[0013] FIG.
10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of section B-B of the
downhole valve assembly shown in FIG. 9;
[0014] FIG.
11 is an example embodiment of a downhole valve
assembly after shear during an emergency removal procedure;
[0014a] FIG.
12 illustrates an enlarged view of section C-C of an example
embodiment of the actuatable valve tool shown in FIG. 11;
[0014b] FIG.
13 illustrates an example embodiment of an indexing sleeve
140; and
[0014c] FIG.
14 is a flow chart presented in accordance with an example
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] It
will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,
where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the
different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In
addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it
will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments
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described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in
detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described.
Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the
embodiments described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale
and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better
illustrate details and features of the present disclosure.
[0016] In the
following description, terms such as "upper," "upward,"
"lower," "downward," "above," "below," "downhole," "uphole," "longitudinal,"
"lateral," and the like, as used herein, shall mean in relation to the bottom
or furthest extent of the surrounding wellbore even though the wellbore or
portions of it may be deviated or horizontal.
Correspondingly, the
transverse, axial, lateral, longitudinal, radial, etc., orientations shall
mean
orientations relative to the orientation of the wellbore or tool. Unless
otherwise specified, any use of any form of the term "couple," or any other
term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the
interaction to direct interaction between the elements and also may include
indirect interaction between the elements described.
[0017] The term
"inside" indicate that at least a portion of a region is
partially contained within a boundary formed by the object. The term
"substantially" is defined to be essentially conforming to the particular
dimension, shape or other word that substantially modifies, such that the
component need not be exact. For example, substantially cylindrical means
that the object resembles a cylinder, but can have one or more deviations
from a true cylinder.
[0018] The term
"radially" means substantially in a direction along a
radius of the object, or having a directional component in a direction along a
radius of the object, even if the object is not exactly circular or
cylindrical.
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The term "axially" means substantially along a direction of the axis of the
object.
[0019] Disclosed herein is an actuatable valve tool which facilities
accessing wells under pressure allowing or preventing inflow of wellbore
fluids into a well pipe. The well pipe can be coil tubing, jointed pipe, or a
combination thereof. The actuatable valve tool can include a tubular housing
forming an axial flowbore. A slidable flow tube can be disposed within the
housing and have the axial flowbore therethrough. A shear sleeve can be
disposed around at least a portion of the slidable flow tube. The shear sleeve
can be disposed around the entire slidable flow tube, or can be a
longitudinally extending shearable coupling, such as a shear rod. One or
more valves can be disposed within the housing, each having an open
position and a closed position. In the open position the one or more valves
permit fluid flow within the axial flowbore, and in the closed position the
one
or more valves block fluid flow therethrough. The slidable flow tube can be
moveable within the housing to transition the one or more valves between
the closed position and open position.
[0020] The shear sleeve allows for separation of the slidable flow tube
and retrieval of a portion of the actuatable valve tool along with the work
string in response to an emergency condition. For example, the tool may
become stuck or other issue arise requiring removal of the string. In the
emergency procedure, a ball having a cross section equal to or slightly larger
than the axial flowbore is dropped into the wellpipe, which flows to position
within the axial flowbore to restrict flow therethrough. While the emergency
procedure is described herein with reference to a ball, other shaped objects
or darts capable of blocking the axial flowbore, including but not limited to
tear-drop shapes and elliptical shapes, can be used without altering the
scope of this disclosure.
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[0021] As the pressure builds on the ball, the slidable flow tube is
shifted
and a shear process can occur. The shear sleeve can have two shear points.
A first shear point allows separation of the slidable flow tube into the first
portion and the second portion. A second shear point causes at least a
portion of the shear sleeve to block one or more vent ports within the
tubular housing while allowing the second portion of the slidable flow tube to
transition downhole of one or more valves while remaining within the
actuatable valve tool. The actuatable valve tool can be removed from the
wellbore, and the shear sleeve can be replaced to recouple the slidable flow
tube first portion and second portion. The actuatable valve tool can be
repaired and returned downhole within the wellbore.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, an environmental view of an operating
system 100 for an actuatable valve tool 102 is illustrated. The operating
system 100 can be a wellbore servicing system employing the actuatable
valve tool 102. The operating system 100 can include a wellbore 104 that
penetrates into a subterranean formation 106 for the purpose of recovering
hydrocarbons, storing hydrocarbons, disposing of carbon dioxide, or the like.
The wellbore 104 can be drilled into the subterranean formation 106 using
any suitable drilling technique known in the art. A rig 108 can be can be
disposed at the surface 110 and include a derrick 112 with a floor 114
through which a work string 116. The work string 116 can be a drill string, a
tool string, a segmented tubing string, a jointed tubing string, or any other
suitable conveyance, or combinations thereof.
[0023] The wellbore 104 can extend substantially vertical away from the
surface, but can also deviate at any angle. The wellbore 104 can have a
vertical portion 118 along with a horizontal portion 120. The wellbore 104
can have one or more vertical portions 118 and one or more horizontal
portions over the length of the wellbore 104. The wellbore 104 can be lined
with a casing 122 that is secured in position against the subterranean
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formation 106. The wellbore 104 can be partially cased, such as including
the casing 122 only in a vertical portion 118, horizontal portion 120, or any
combination thereof. At least a portion of the wellbore 104 can be uncased
and employ one or more packers, such as mechanical and/or swellable
packers, to isolate two or more adjacent portions of the wellbore 104.
[0024] It should be noted that while FIG. 1 generally depicts a land-
based operation, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the
principles described herein are equally applicable to subsea operations that
employ floating or sea-based platforms and rigs, without departing from the
scope of the disclosure.
[0025] As can be appreciated in FIG. 1, the operating system 100
includes the work string 116 having actuatable valve tool 102 disposed
within the wellbore 104. The work string 116 also includes a wellbore
servicing tool 124 downhole from the actuatable valve tool 102. The wellbore
servicing tool 124 can be proximate and/or substantially adjacent to one or
more zones of the subterranean formation 106. The wellbore servicing tool
124 can be a hydrajetting tool for creating fractures in the subterranean
formation 106. The operating system 100 also has an annulus 126 formed
between the outer wall of the actuatable valve tool 102 and the inner well of
the casing 122.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section view of an example embodiment
of an actuatable valve tool 102 in a first position. The actuatable valve tool
102 includes a tubular housing 128 having an axial flowbore 130. The
tubular housing 128 has a slidable flow tube 132 disposed therein. The
slidable flow tube 132 is moveable within the tubular housing 128 between a
plurality of positions. The slidable flow tube 132 extends at least a portion
of
the length of the tubular housing 128 and has a generally cylindrical shape
with a slightly smaller cross section to be received within the tubular
housing
128. The slidable flow tube 132 can include a carbide material insert 137 and
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proximate the uphole end to protect from operating environmental
conditions, such as high velocity and turbulent flow due to the reduced flow
area in the axial flowbore.
[0027] The axial flowbore 130 extends through the slidable flow tube
132. The actuatable valve tool 102 has one or more 0-rings 133 disposed
between the outer surface of the slidable flow tube 132 and the inner
surface of the tubular housing 128 to seal the axial flowbore. As can be
appreciated in FIG. 2, the actuatable valve tool 102 has four 0-rings 133,
two disposed at an upper portion of the slidable flow tube 132 and two
disposed at a lower portion of the slidable flow tube 132.
[0028] The tubular housing 128 has a biasing element 134 coupled with
the slidable flow tube 132 to resist and/or assist movement of the slidable
flow tube 132 within the tubular housing 128. The biasing element 134 can
be a spring disposed around the slidable flow tube 132 and within the
tubular housing 128. The 0-rings 133 prevent fluid or particulate from
entering the annulus 135 between the tubular housing 128 and the slidable
flow tube 132 where the biasing element resides. In some instances, the
biasing element has a compression strength of approximately 1,000 pounds
per square inch (psi). In other instances, the biasing element 134 has a
compression strength between 200 psi and 5,000 psi.
[0029] The actuatable valve tool 102 has one or more valves 136 within
the tubular housing 128. The one or more valves 136 each have an open
position and a closed position. The open position permits fluid flow within
the
axial flowbore 130 in the downhole direction. The closed position blocking
fluid flow within the axial flowbore 130 in the uphole (reverse) direction.
Each valve 136 has a flapper 138 to block the axial flowbore 130 and
reverse fluid flow therethrough. The flapper 138 is coupled at an outer edge
of the valve 136 and is positioned to pivot downhole. In other embodiments,
each valve 136 can have more than one flapper 138, such as a two flappers
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each covering substantially half the valve 136. The flapper 138 can be
biased by a spring or other biasing element to a closed position covering the
one or more valves 136.
[0030] Although the actuatable valve tool 102 is illustrated as having two
valves 136, one or more valves 136 can be implemented within the
actuatable valve tool 102, such as one valve, three valves, four valves, or
any other number of valves. Increasing the quantity of valves generally
increases the length of the work string.
[0031] The tubular housing 128 also has one or more ports 139
therethrough coupling the exterior of the tubular housing with the annulus
135. The one or more ports 139 allow the expulsion, or intake, of air or fluid
from the annulus 135 of the tubular housing 128 as the slidable flow tube
132 transitions between positions. The fluid communication provided by the
one or more ports 139 assist in the transition of the slidable flow tube 132
between positions.
[0032] The actuatable valve tool 102 is transitionable between a plurality
of positions by the application, or removal, of a pressure differential
between
the axial flowbore 130 and the annulus 126 formed between the tubular
housing 128 and the wellbore casing 122 (shown in FIG. 1). The transition
between positions is guided by an indexing sleeve 140. In some instances,
the indexing sleeve 140 can be a 3-slot as described below with respect to
FIG. 13. The actuatable valve tool 102 is illustrated in a first position in
FIG.
2. In the first position, the slidable flow tube 132 is positioned uphole from
the one or more valves 136 and the biasing element 134 is substantially
uncompressed. The one or more valves 136 are in the closed position. In
some instances of the first position, the one or more valves 136 of the
actuatable valve tool 102 can be in the open position when a flow in a first
direction through the axial flowbore 130 is present, and the pressure
differential between the annulus 135 of tubular housing 128 and the slidable
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flow tube 132 is less than the compression strength of the biasing element
134.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an actuatable valve tool 102 in a second
position. The slidable flow tube 132 is transitioned to a second position by
an
application of a pressure differential. The pressure differential can be
generated by a flow of fluid, or gas, downhole through the axial flowbore
130 causing the slidable flow tube 132 to transition downhole within the
actuatable valve tool 102 compressing the biasing element 134. The second
position may be a fully extended position, in which case it can be referred to
as a "fully stroked" or "fully indexed" position. In transitioning to this
position, the slidable flow tube 132 moves downhole within the tubular
housing 128 and extends through the one or more valves 136. The one or
more valves 136 are in the open position with at least a portion of the
slidable flow tube 132 extending therethrough. The slidable flow tube 132
extending through the one or more valves 136 protects the valves from fluid
flow pumped downhole and through the actuatable valve tool 102. In some
instances, an abrasive, such as sand, is pumped through the actuatable
valve tool 102 that can damage the one or more valves 136. The second
position provides the slidable flow tube 132 extending beyond the one or
more valves 136 thereby protecting the one or more valves 136 from any
material passing through the axial flowbore 130. The actuatable valve tool
102 remains in the second position until release of the pressure differential,
upon which causes the biasing element 134 to transition the actuatable
valve tool 102 to a third position.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of an actuatable valve
tool 102 in a third position. The actuatable valve tool 102 is transitioned
from the second position (shown in FIG. 3) to the third position by releasing
of the pressure differential. The pressure differential can be released by
stopping or decreasing the downhole flow of fluid, or gas, through the axial
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flowbore 130. The actuatable valve tool 102 is secured in the third position
by the indexing sleeve 140, such that the slidable flow tube 132 permits
reverse fluid flow. As the actuatable valve tool 102 transitions from the
second position to the third position, the slidable flow tube 132 travels
uphole relative to the tubular housing 128, though still extends beyond the
one or more valves 136.
[0035] In the third position, the actuatable valve tool 102 permits flow
within the axial flowbore 130 downhole (a first direction) and uphole (a
second direction). Flow in the second direction can be referred to as "reverse
flow". Flow in the second direction can occur at any flow rate or pressure
differential within the build parameters of the actuatable valve tool 102.
Flow
in the first direction can be limited to below the pressure differential
required
to actuate the biasing element 134. Flow in the first direction creating a
pressure differential exceeding the pressure differential required to actuate
the biasing element 134 compresses the biasing element 134 and transitions
the actuatable valve tool 102 to a fourth position.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of an actuatable valve
tool 102 in a fourth position. The fourth position can be substantially
similar
to the second position (e.g. fully stroked), such that the slidable flow tube
132 transitions downhole relative to the third position. The actuatable valve
tool 102 remains in the fourth position until release of the pressure
differential, upon which the biasing element 134 can assist in transitioning
the actuatable valve tool to a fifth position.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of an actuatable valve
tool 102 in a fifth position. The fifth position can be substantially similar
to
the first position. The slidable flow tube 132 moves uphole relative to the
fourth position. In the fifth position, the slidable flow tube 132 does not
extend through the one or more valves 136, and flow in the axial flowbore
130 is permitted only in a first direction. The one or more valves 136 are not
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protected by the slidable flow tube 132 in the fifth position, and flow within
the axial flowbore 130 that exceeds the pressure differential will return the
actuatable valve tool 102 to the second position.
[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of an actuatable valve
tool 102 during an emergency removal procedure. The actuatable valve tool
102 includes a shear sleeve 142 disposed around at least a portion of the
slidable flow tube 132. During an emergency removal procedure, also known
as a "trip out", a ball 158 having a cross section substantially similar to
the
slidable flow tube 132 is placed within the axial flowbore 130 of the
actuatable valve tool 102. The ball 158 lodges within the slidable flow tube
132 and blocks flow therethrough allowing a downhole flow through the axial
flowbore 130 to increase pressure within the actuatable valve tool 102.
[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged view of section A-A of the example
embodiment of the actuatable valve tool of FIG. 7.The shear sleeve 142
couples a first flow tube portion 144 and a second flow tube portion 146 of
the slidable flow tube 132. The shear sleeve 142 has three portions, an
uphole portion 148, a middle portion 150, a downhole portion 152. The
uphole portion 148 is coupled to the middle portion 150 at first shear section
154. The first shear section 154 can be a thinned portion of the shear sleeve
142 designed to separate at a first predetermined pressure. The downhole
portion 152 is coupled to the middle portion 150 at a second shear section
156. The second shear section 156 can be a thinned portion of the shear
sleeve 142 designed to separate at a second predetermined pressure. The
first and second predetermined pressures exert a downhole (longitudinal)
force on the shear sleeve 142 coupling the first flow tube portion 144 and
second flow tube portion 146. The downhole force caused by the
predetermined pressures can exceed the material strength of the first and
second shear sections 154, 156. The thickness and material of the first and
second shear sections 154, 156 can be adjusted to achieve a specific first
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and second predetermined pressure. The first predetermined pressure can
be approximately 3000-4500 psi and is lower than the second
predetermined pressure which can be approximately 5000-7000 psi. The
first and second predetermined pressures can vary depending on desired
application and use, and can be more or less than the above stated ranges.
The first and second shear sections 154, 156 can be different materials from
the shear sleeve 142 having lower shear strengths.
[0040] FIG. 9 illustrates an example embodiment of an actuatable valve
tool 102 during an emergency removal procedure having the first flow tube
portion 144 separated from the second flow tube portion 146 of slidable flow
tube 132. The first shear section 154 of the shear sleeve 142 shears at the
first specific pressure separating the first flow tube portion 144 from the
second flow tube portion 146 of the slidable flow tube 132. The second flow
tube portion 146 of the slidable flow tube 132 extends downhole through the
one or more valves 136, thus transitioning the one or more valves 136 to
the open position.
[0041] FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged view of section B-B of an example
embodiment of an actuatable valve tool 102. At the first predetermined
pressure, the first shear section 154 shears thereby separating the first flow
tube portion 144 and second flow tube portion 146 of the slidable flow tube
132. The first flow tube portion 144 remains uphole relative to the second
flow tube portion 146 and is biased uphole by the biasing element 134. The
pressure imposed on the lodged ball 158 shifts the second flow tube portion
146 and the downhole portion 152 of the shear sleeve 142 downhole until
the middle portion 150 abuts a protrusion 160 extending from the inner
surface of the tubular housing 128.
[0042] The protrusion 160 is positioned along the length of the tubular
housing 128 to engage and abut the middle portion 150 of the shear sleeve
142 such that the middle portion 150 covers the one or more ports 139 in
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the tubular housing 128. The protrusion 160 restricts movement of the shear
sleeve 142 downhole causing pressure within the second flow tube portion
146 of the slidable flow tube 132 to increase. The middle portion 150 at the
first shear section 154 further engages a locking mechanism 161 to prevent
uphole motion of the shear sleeve 142 and second portion of the slidable
flow tube 132. The locking mechanism 161 can be plurality of inwardly
extending fingers 163 allowing the shear sleeve 142 to pass through and
move downhole, but prevent uphole hole motion by abutting the middle
portion 150.
[0043] FIG. 11 illustrates an example embodiment of an actuatable valve
tool 102 during an emergency removal procedure having the second shear
section 156 sheared from the middle portion 150. The first flow tube portion
144 of the slidable flow tube 132 is moved uphole by the biasing element
134 and the second flow tube portion 146 of the slidable flow tube 132 is
moved downhole of the one or more valves 136. The tubular housing 128
has a length sufficient to house the second flow tube portion 146 downhole
of the one or more valves 136, while providing sufficient room for the
flapper 138 to operate and transition the valves from the open position to
the closed position.
[0044] FIG. 12 illustrates an enlarged view of section C-C of an example
embodiment of an actuatable valve tool 102. As can be appreciated in FIG.
12, upon shearing of the second shear section 156, the middle portion 150
remains covering the one or more ports 139 and the one or more valves 136
are in the closed positon. The second flow tube portion 146 remains within
the tubular housing 128 and downhole of the one or more valves 136. The
emergency removal procedure is completed upon shearing of the second
shear section 156 and the actuatable tool valve 102 (shown in FIG. 11) can
be removed or POOH (pulled-out-of-hole) from the wellbore 104. A plurality
of vents 165 can be provided downhole of the one or more valves 136
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allowing communication between the tubular housing 128 and the annulus
126 of the tubular housing 128. The plurality of vents 165 can confirm
separating of the second shear section 156 to a surface operation/operator
by indicating a drop in tubing pressure. Upon separation of the second shear
section 156, the tubing pressure will be vented into the annulus 126
inidicating the operation is complete and the tool is ready to POOH.
[0045] The actuatable valve tool 102 is repairable such that a new shear
sleeve can be inserted into the tubular housing 128 recoupling the first flow
tube portion 144 and the second flow tube portion 146, thus allowing
reinsertion (run-in-hole) into the wellbore 104.
[0046] FIG. 13 illustrates an example embodiment of an indexing sleeve
140. The indexing sleeve 140 is a 3-slot type sleeve. The indexing sleeve
140 can be coupled with the slidable flow tube 132 and have one or more
grooves 162 formed on the outer surface to transition the actuatable valve
tool 102 (shown in FIGS. 2-6) between the first position, second position,
third position, fourth position, and fifth position. The tubular housing 128
can engage the grooves 162 of the indexing sleeve 140 thereby causing
slidable flow tube 132 to transition between the various positions. As the
slidable flow tube 132 (shown in FIGS. 2-6) moves between positions within
the tubular housing 128, the grooves 162 formed in indexing sleeve 140
cause slidable flow tube 132 to rotate. The indexing sleeve 140 allows the
slidable flow tube 132 to fixed in the third position such that the actuatable
valve tool 102 allows flow in the first direction and the second direction.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 14, a flowchart is presented in accordance with
an example embodiment. The example method 1400 is provided by way of
example, as there are a variety of ways to carry out the method 1400. The
method 1400 described below can be carried out using the configurations
illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, for example, and various elements of these figures
are referenced in explaining example method 1400. Each block shown in
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FIG. 14 represents one or more processes, methods or subroutines, carried
out in the example method 1400. Furthermore, the illustrated order of
blocks is illustrative only and the order of the blocks can change according
to
the present disclosure. Additional blocks may be added or fewer blocks may
be utilized, without departing from this disclosure. The example method 900
can begin at block 1402.
[0048] At block
1402, an actuatable valve tool 102 is provided in a first
position and has a tubular housing 128, a slidable flow tube 132, and one or
more valves 136. The actuatable valve tool 102 can transition between
various positions with the slidable flow tube 132 moving within the tubular
housing 128.
[0049] At block
1404, a pressure differential is generated transitioning
the actuatable valve tool 102 from the first position to a second position. In
the second position, the slidable flow tube 132 slides downhole extending
through the one or more valves 136. The pressure differential is the
hydrostatic pressure compared with the well pressure and must be sufficient
to compress a biasing element 134. The pressure differential is caused by a
flow through the actuatable valve tool 102 in a first direction. In the second
position, flow through the actuatable valve tool 102 is only permitted in the
first direction.
[0050] At block
1406, the pressure differential is released, thereby
transitioning the actuatable valve tool 102 from the second position to a
third position. The third position allows flow through the actuatable valve
tool 102 in the first direction and a second direction substantially opposite
the first direction. The second direction can be referred to as "reverse
flow".
In the third position, the slidable flow tube 132 extends beyond the one or
more valves 136, but is uphole relative to the second position.
[0051] At block
1408, a pressure differential is generated transitioning
the actuatable valve tool 102 from the third position to a fourth position.
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fourth position is substantially similar to the second position. The slidable
flow tube 132 extends further downhole relative to the third position and
beyond the one or more valves 136. Flow is permitted only in the first
direction.
[0052] At block 1410, the pressure differential is released transitioning
the actuatable valve tool 102 to a fifth position. The fifth position is
substantially similar to the first position. The slidable flow tube is uphole
relative to the fourth position and does not extend through the one or more
valves 136. Flow is permitted in the first direction so long as the generated
pressure does not exceed the pressure differential, if the pressure
differential is reached the actuatable valve tool 102 returns to the second
position.
[0053] At block 1412, a ball 158 is disposed within the axial flowbore 130
of the actuatable valve tool 102. The ball 158 blocks flow therethrough
increasing pressure within the axial flowbore 130.
[0054] At block 1414, a pressure is generated by flow through the axial
flowbore 130 and impeded by the ball 158. A shear sleeve 142 disposed at
least a portion of the slidable flow tube 132 shears at a first shear section
154 causing the slidable flow tube 132 to become a two pieces a first flow
tube portion 144 and a second flow tube portion 146. The first flow tube
portion 144 is moved uphole by the biasing element 134, and the second
flow tube portion 146 is moved downhole by the generated pressure.
[0055] At block 1416, a second shear section 156 shears by the
increased pressure generated. A middle portion 150 of the shear sleeve 142
remains covering one or more ports 139, and the second flow tube portion
146 of the slidable flow tube 132 transitions within the actuatable valve tool
102 downhole past the one or more valves 136.
[0056] At block 1418, the flow is stopped causing the one or more valves
136 transition to the closed position. The second flow tube portion 146 of the
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slidable flow tube 132 is downhole of the closed one or more valves 136, and
the first flow tube portion 144 is uphole of the closed one or move valves
136. The actuatable valve tool 102 can then be removed from the wellbore
104.
[0057] The embodiments shown and described above are only examples.
Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present
technology have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with
details of the structure and function of the present disclosure, the
disclosure
is illustrative only, and changes may be made in the detail, including in
matters of shape, size and arrangement of the parts within the principles of
the present disclosure up to, and including, the full extent established by
the
broad general meaning of the terms used in the claims.
STATEMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE INCLUDE:
[0058] Statement 1: An actuatable valve tool comprising a tubular
housing having an axial flowbore, a slidable flow tube disposed within the
housing and having the axial flowbore therethrough, a shear sleeve disposed
around at least a portion of the slidable flow tube, and one or more valves
disposed within the housing, each having an open position and a closed
position, wherein in in the open position the one or more valves permit fluid
flow within the axial flowbore, and in the closed position the one or more
valves block fluid flow therethrough, and wherein the slidable flow tube is
moveable within the housing to transition the one or more valves between
the closed position and the open position.
[0059] Statement 2: The actuatable valve tool of Statement 1, wherein
the slidable flow tube is moveable from a first position to a second position
by a pressure differential, in the first position the one or more valves are
in
the closed position and in the second position the one or more valves are in
the open position, thereby allowing fluid flow in a first direction.
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[0060] Statement 3: The actuatable valve tool of Statement 2, wherein
the pressure differential is formed between the axial flowbore and an
annulus between the tubular housing and the slidable flow tube.
[0061] Statement 4: The actuatable valve tool of Statement 2, wherein
the slidable flow tube is moveable to a third position, the third position
having the slidable flow tube fixed relative to housing with one more valves
in the open position such that the flowbore allows fluid flow in the first
direction and a second direction opposite the first direction.
[0062] Statement 5: The actuatable valve tool of any one of the
preceding Statements 2-4, wherein the slidable flow tube is moveable from
the first position to the second position by application of a pressure
differential and the slidable flow tube is movable to the third position by
releasing of the pressure differential.
[0063] Statement 6: The actuatable valve tool of any one of the
preceding Statements 4-5, wherein the slidable flow tube is moveable to a
fourth position by the application of a pressure differential, and upon
release
of the pressure differential the slidable flow tube returns to the first
position.
[0064] Statement 7: The actuatable valve tool of any one of the
preceding Statements 1-6, wherein an indexing sleeve is coupled with the
slidable flow tube and configured to allow the slidable flow tube to move
between a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth
position.
[0065] Statement 8: The actuatable valve tool of Statement 7, wherein
the indexing sleeve is a 3-slot.
[0066] Statement 9: The actuatable valve tool of any one of the
preceding Statements 1-8, wherein the slidable flow tube includes a first
flow tube portion and a second flow tube portion coupled together by the
shear sleeve, the sections separable when the shear sleeve is sheared.
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[0067] Statement 10: The actuatable valve tool of Statement 9, wherein
the shear sleeve has two shear sections, a first shear section adjacent the
first flow tube portion of the slidable flow tube, and a second shear section
adjacent the second flow tube portion of the slidable flow tube.
[0068] Statement 11: The actuatable valve tool of Statement 10,
wherein the first shear section is configured to shear at a first pressure
differential and the second shear section is configured to shear at a second
pressure differential, the second pressure differential higher than the first
pressure differential.
[0069] Statement 12: The actuatable valve tool of Statement 10,
wherein the shear sleeve has a middle portion disposed between the first
shear section and the second shear section.
[0070] Statement 13: The actuatable valve tool of Statement 12,
wherein the tubular housing has a plurality of ports and the middle portion
covers the plurality of ports upon shearing of the first shear section.
[0071] Statement 14: The actuatable valve tool of Statement 11,
wherein shearing of the first shear section decouples the first flow tube
portion of the slidable flow tube and the second flow tube portion of the
slidable flow tube.
[0072] Statement 15: A wellbore servicing system comprising a work
string, and an actuatable valve tool comprising a tubular housing having an
axial flowbore, a slidable flow tube disposed within the housing, a shear
sleeve disposed around at least a portion of the slidable flow tube, one or
more valves disposed within the housing, each having an open position and
a closed position, wherein in in the open position the one or more valves
permit fluid flow within the axial flowbore, and in the closed position the
one
or more valves block fluid flow therethrough, wherein the slidable flow tube
is moveable within the housing to transition the one or more valves between
the closed position and the open position.
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[0073] Statement 16: The wellbore servicing system of Statement 15,
wherein the slidable flow tube is moveable from a first position to a second
position by a pressure differential, in the first position the one or more
valves are in the closed position and in the second position the one or more
valves are in the open position, thereby allowing fluid flow in a first
direction.
[0074] Statement 17: The wellbore servicing system of any one of the
preceding Statements 15-16, wherein the slidable flow tube includes a first
flow tube portion and a second flow tube portion coupled together by the
shear sleeve, the sections separable when the shear sleeve is sheared.
[0075] Statement 18: The wellbore servicing system of Statement 17,
wherein the shear sleeve has two shear sections, a first shear section
adjacent the first flow tube portion of the slidable flow tube, and a second
shear section adjacent the second flow tube portion of the slidable flow tube.
[0076] Statement 19: The wellbore servicing system of Statement 18,
wherein the first shear section is configured to shear at a first pressure
differential and the second shear section is configured to shear at a second
pressure differential, the second pressure differential higher than the first
pressure differential.
[0077] Statement 20: The wellbore servicing system of any one of
preceding Statements 17-19, wherein the tubular housing has a plurality of
ports and the middle portion covers the plurality of ports upon shearing of
the first shear section and the shear sleeve has a middle portion disposed
between the first shear section and the second shear section configured to
cover the plurality of vents.
[0078] Statement 21: The actuatable valve tool of Statement 1, wherein
at least a portion of the slidable flow tube comprises a carbide material
insert.
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[0079] Statement 22: The actuatable valve tool of Statement 9, wherein
the first portion further comprises a slidable the carbide metal insert.
[0080] Statement 23: The actuatable valve tool of any one of the
preceding Statements 10-11, wherein a locking mechanism is provided to
lock the shear sleeve in place once the first shear section has separated.
[0081] Statement 24: The actutable valve tool of any one of the
preceding Statements 1-14, wherein a pluratiy of vents are provided to
communicate between the tubular housing and the annulus of the tubular
housing down hole of the one or more valves.
[0082] Statement 25: The actuatable valve tool of Statement 24,
wherein the plurality of vents reduce tubing pressure upon separation of the
second shear section.
[0083] Statement 26: A method of wellbore servicing comprising
generating a pressure differential within an actuatable valve tool having a
tubular housing having one or more valves and a slidable flow tube capable
of transitioning from a first position to a second position upon the
application
of a pressure differential; transitioning the actuatable valve tool to a third
positon up release of the pressure differential; transitioning the actuatable
valve tool to a fourth position upon application of the pressure differential;
and transitioning to a fifth position upon release of the pressure
differential;
wherein the actuatable valve tool has an indexing sleeve to transition the
slidable flow tube between positions.
[0084] Statement 27: The method of wellbore servicing of Statement 26,
further comprising dropping a ball within an axial flowbore of the actuatable
valve tool to impede flow through the axial flowbore.
[0085] Statement 28: The method of wellbore servicing of Statement 27,
further comprising generating a flow into the axial flowbore and impeded by
the ball, thereby increasing pressure and shearing a first shear section of a
shear sleeve disposed around the slidable flow tube.
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[0086] Statement 29: The method of wellbore servicing of Statement 28,
further comprising increasing the pressure within the axial flowbore thereby
shearing a second shear section of the shear sleeve.
[0087] Statement 30: The method of wellbore servicing of Statement 29,
further comprising stopping the flow into the axial flowbore allowing the one
or more valves to close and returning the actuatable valve tool to surface.
[0088] Statement 31: A method comprising disposing an actuatable
valve tool within a wellbore, the actuatable valve tool having a tubular
housing having an axial flowbore and one or more valves. The one or more
valves transitionable between an open position and a closed position, the
open position permitting fluid flow through the axial flowbore, and the closed
position blocking flow through the axial flow bore. A slidable flow tube
disposed within the housing and slidable between a first position and second
position to transition the one or more valves between the open position and
closed positions. The slidable flow tube having a first flow tube portion and
a
second flow tube portion, and a shear sleeve disposed about the slidable
flow tube and joining the first flow tube portion and a second flow tube
portion. Shearing the shear sleeve disposed about the slidable flow tube and
separating the first portion and the second portion of the slidable flow tube.
[0089] Statement 32: The method of Statement 32 further comprising
dropping a ball within the axial flowbore of the actuatable valve tool to
impede flow through the axial flowbore, thereby increasing pressure and
shearing the shear sleeve.
[0090] Statement 33: The method of any of the preceding Statements
31-32, wherein the shearing occurs in response to generating a first
pressure differential in the actuatable valve tool.
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[0091] Statement 34: The method of Statement 33, further comprising
generating a second pressure differential higher than the first pressure
differential within the actuatable valve tool thereby shearing a second shear
section of the shear sleeve.
[0092] Statement 35: The method of any of the proceeding Statements
31-34, wherein the tubular housing has one or more ports to the exterior of
the tubular housing, and upon shearing the second section of the shear
sleeve, a middle portion of the shear sleeve blocks the one or more ports.
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