U.S. patent application number 13/219790 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-28 for injection of fluid into selected ones of multiple zones with well tools selectively responsive to magnetic patterns.
This patent application is currently assigned to HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Michael Linley FRIPP, Eric Russell FRISBIE, Matthew Todd HOWELL, Donald KYLE, Timothy TIPS. Invention is credited to Michael Linley FRIPP, Eric Russell FRISBIE, Matthew Todd HOWELL, Donald KYLE, Timothy TIPS.
Application Number | 20130048290 13/219790 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47741964 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130048290 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HOWELL; Matthew Todd ; et
al. |
February 28, 2013 |
INJECTION OF FLUID INTO SELECTED ONES OF MULTIPLE ZONES WITH WELL
TOOLS SELECTIVELY RESPONSIVE TO MAGNETIC PATTERNS
Abstract
A method of actuating a well tool can include displacing a
magnetic device pattern in the well, thereby transmitting a
corresponding magnetic signal to the well tool, and the well tool
actuating in response to detection of the magnetic signal. A method
of injecting fluid into selected ones of multiple zones penetrated
by a wellbore can include displacing at least one magnetic device
into at least one valve in the wellbore, the valve actuating in
response to the displacing step, and injecting the fluid through
the valve and into at least one of the zones associated with the
valve. An injection valve for use in a subterranean well can
include a sensor which detects a magnetic field, and an actuator
which opens the injection valve in response to detection of at
least one predetermined magnetic signal by the sensor.
Inventors: |
HOWELL; Matthew Todd;
(Duncan, OK) ; FRISBIE; Eric Russell; (Coppell,
TX) ; FRIPP; Michael Linley; (Carrollton, TX)
; KYLE; Donald; (Plano, TX) ; TIPS; Timothy;
(Montgomery, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HOWELL; Matthew Todd
FRISBIE; Eric Russell
FRIPP; Michael Linley
KYLE; Donald
TIPS; Timothy |
Duncan
Coppell
Carrollton
Plano
Montgomery |
OK
TX
TX
TX
TX |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES,
INC.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
47741964 |
Appl. No.: |
13/219790 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/305.1 ;
166/321; 166/381; 166/66.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 41/00 20130101;
E21B 2200/06 20200501; E21B 34/14 20130101; E21B 43/162 20130101;
E21B 43/26 20130101; E21B 34/103 20130101; E21B 34/08 20130101;
E21B 43/14 20130101; E21B 34/102 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/305.1 ;
166/381; 166/321; 166/66.5 |
International
Class: |
E21B 43/16 20060101
E21B043/16; E21B 34/00 20060101 E21B034/00; E21B 31/06 20060101
E21B031/06; E21B 23/00 20060101 E21B023/00 |
Claims
1. A method of actuating at least one well tool in a well, the
method comprising: producing a first magnetic device pattern in the
well, thereby transmitting a corresponding first magnetic signal to
the well tool; and the well tool actuating in response to detection
of the first magnetic signal.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first pattern comprises a
predetermined number of the magnetic devices.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first pattern comprises a
predetermined spacing in time of the magnetic devices.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first pattern comprises a
predetermined spacing in time between predetermined numbers of the
magnetic devices.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one well tool
comprises multiple well tools, and wherein a first set of the well
tools actuates in response to detection of the first magnetic
signal.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein a second set of the well tools
actuates in response to detection of a second magnetic signal.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the second magnetic signal
corresponds to a second magnetic device pattern produced in the
well.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the well tool comprises a
valve.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the valve comprises an injection
valve.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising injecting fluid
outward through the injection valve and into a formation
surrounding a wellbore.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting the first
magnetic signal with a magnetic sensor.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the magnetic sensor comprises
an inductive sensor.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic device
pattern comprises a predetermined magnetic field arrangement.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic device
pattern comprises a predetermined arrangement of multiple magnetic
fields.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic device
pattern comprises a predetermined change in a magnetic field.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic device
pattern comprises a predetermined pattern of multiple magnetic
field changes.
17. A method of injecting fluid into selected ones of multiple
zones penetrated by a wellbore, the method comprising: displacing
at least one magnetic device in the wellbore; at least one valve
actuating in response to the displacing; and injecting the fluid
through the valve and into at least one of the zones associated
with the valve.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the valve actuates in response
to the displacing step comprising displacing a predetermined number
of the magnetic devices into the valve.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein a retractable seat is activated
to a sealing position in response to the displacing.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the valve actuates in response
to the magnetic device having a predetermined magnetic pattern.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein the valve actuates in response
to displacing a predetermined pattern of multiple magnetic devices
in the displacing step.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein the valve actuates in response
to a predetermined magnetic signal being transmitted from the
magnetic device to the valve.
23. The method of claim 17, wherein the valve actuates in response
to a sensor of the valve detecting a magnetic field of the magnetic
device.
24. The method of claim 17, wherein the valve actuates in response
to a sensor of the valve detecting a change in a magnetic
field.
25. The method of claim 17, further comprising the valve closing in
response to the displacing step.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein at least two of the magnetic
devices are displaced into the valve.
27. The method of claim 17, further comprising retrieving the
magnetic device from the valve.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein retrieving the magnetic device
comprises expanding a retractable seat.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein retrieving the magnetic device
comprises displacing the magnetic device through a seat.
30. The method of claim 17, wherein the magnetic device comprises
multiple magnetic field-producing components arranged in a pattern
on a sphere.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the pattern comprises spaced
apart positions distributed along a continuous undulating path
about the sphere.
32. An injection valve for use in a subterranean well, the
injection valve comprising: at least one sensor which detects a
magnetic field; and an actuator which opens the injection valve in
response to detection of at least one predetermined magnetic signal
by the sensor.
33. The injection valve of claim 32, wherein the actuator opens the
injection valve in response to a predetermined number of magnetic
signals being detected by the sensor.
34. The injection valve of claim 32, further comprising a
retractable seat.
35. The injection valve of claim 34, wherein the retractable seat
is activated to a sealing position in response to detection of the
predetermined magnetic signal by the sensor.
36. The injection valve of claim 32, wherein the actuator opens the
injection valve in response to a predetermined magnetic pattern
being detected by the sensor.
37. The injection valve of claim 32, wherein the actuator closes
the injection valve in response to multiple predetermined magnetic
signals being detected by the sensor.
38. The injection valve of claim 37, wherein at least two of the
predetermined magnetic signals are different from each other.
39. A method of injecting fluid into selected ones of multiple
zones penetrated by a wellbore, the method comprising: displacing a
first set of at least one magnetic device through a tubular string
having multiple injection valves interconnected therein; actuating
a first set of at least one of the injection valves in response to
the first magnetic device set displacing; displacing a second set
of at least one magnetic device through the tubular string; and
actuating a second set of at least one of the injection valves in
response to the second magnetic device set displacing.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the first injection valve set
actuates in response to the first magnetic device set including a
first predetermined number of the magnetic devices.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein the second injection valve set
actuates in response to the second magnetic device set including a
second predetermined number of the magnetic devices.
42. The method of claim 39, wherein at least one retractable seat
of the first injection valve set is activated to a sealing position
in response to the step of displacing the first magnetic device set
through the tubular string.
43. The method of claim 39, wherein the first injection valve set
actuates in response to the first magnetic device set having a
first predetermined magnetic pattern.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the second injection valve set
actuates in response to the second magnetic device set having a
second predetermined magnetic pattern.
45. The method of claim 39, wherein the first injection valve set
actuates in response to a first predetermined magnetic signal being
transmitted from the first magnetic device set to the first
injection valve set.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein the second injection valve set
actuates in response to a second predetermined magnetic signal
being transmitted from the second magnetic device set to the second
injection valve set.
47. The method of claim 39, wherein the first injection valve set
actuates in response to at least one first sensor of the first
injection valve set detecting a magnetic field of the first
magnetic device set.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the second injection valve set
actuates in response to at least one second sensor of the second
injection valve set detecting a magnetic field of the second
magnetic device set.
49. The method of claim 39, further comprising displacing a third
set of at least one magnetic device through the tubular string.
50. The method of claim 49, further comprising closing the first
injection valve set in response to the third magnetic device set
displacing.
51. The method of claim 50, further comprising displacing a fourth
set of at least one magnetic device through the tubular string.
52. The method of claim 51, further comprising closing the second
injection valve set in response to the fourth magnetic device set
displacing.
53. A magnetic device, comprising: multiple magnetic
field-producing components arranged in a pattern on a sphere.
54. The magnetic device of claim 53, wherein the magnetic
field-producing components comprise permanent magnets.
55. The magnetic device of claim 53, wherein the pattern comprises
spaced apart positions distributed along a continuous undulating
path about the sphere.
56. The magnetic device of claim 53, wherein the magnetic
field-producing components are positioned in recesses formed on the
sphere.
57. The magnetic device of claim 53, wherein the pattern of
magnetic field-producing components projects at least one magnetic
field substantially evenly about the sphere.
58. A method of actuating at least one well tool in a subterranean
well, the method comprising: inwardly retracting a seat in the well
tool; and then outwardly expanding the seat in the well tool.
59. The method of claim 58, wherein the inwardly retracting is
performed in response to displacing a magnetic device in the well
tool.
60. The method of claim 58, wherein the inwardly retracting is
performed in response to displacing a magnetic device through the
well tool.
61. The method of claim 58, further comprising sealingly engaging
the seat with a plug, after the inwardly retracting.
62. The method of claim 61, wherein the outwardly expanding is
performed in response to the sealingly engaging.
63. A valve for use in a subterranean well, the valve comprising: a
seat which is sealingly engaged by a plug in the well, and wherein
the seat inwardly retracts and outwardly expands in succession.
64. The valve of claim 63, wherein the seat inwardly retracts in
response to displacement of a magnetic device in the valve.
65. The valve of claim 63, wherein the seat inwardly retracts in
response to displacement of a magnetic device through the
valve.
66. The valve of claim 63, wherein the seat sealingly engages the
plug in an inwardly retracted configuration of the seat.
67. The valve of claim 66, wherein the seat outwardly expands in
response to sealing engagement between the plug and the seat.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to equipment utilized and
operations performed in conjunction with a subterranean well and,
in an example described below, more particularly provides for
injection of fluid into selected ones of multiple zones in a well,
and provides for magnetic actuation of well tools.
[0002] It can be beneficial in some circumstances to individually,
or at least selectively, inject fluid into multiple formation zones
penetrated by a wellbore. For example, the fluid could be
treatment, stimulation, fracturing, acidizing, conformance, or
other type of fluid.
[0003] Therefore, it will be appreciated that improvements are
continually needed in the art. These improvements could be useful
in operations other than selectively injecting fluid into formation
zones.
SUMMARY
[0004] In the disclosure below, systems and methods are provided
which bring improvements to the art. One example is described below
in which a magnetic device is used to open a selected one or more
valves associated with different zones. Another example is
described below in which different magnetic devices, or different
combinations of magnetic devices can be used to actuate respective
different ones of multiple well tools.
[0005] A method of actuating a well tool can include displacing a
magnetic device pattern in the well, thereby transmitting a
corresponding magnetic signal to the well tool, and the well tool
actuating in response to detection of the magnetic signal.
[0006] In one aspect, a method of injecting fluid into selected
ones of multiple zones penetrated by a wellbore is provided to the
art by the disclosure below. In one example, the method can include
displacing one or more magnetic devices into one or more valves in
the wellbore, the valve(s) actuating in response to the magnetic
device displacing, and injecting the fluid through the valve(s) and
into at least one of the zones associated with the valve(s).
[0007] In another aspect, an injection valve for use in a
subterranean well is described below. In one example, the injection
valve can include a sensor which detects a magnetic field, and an
actuator which opens the injection valve in response to detection
of at least one predetermined magnetic signal by the sensor.
[0008] In a further aspect, another method of injecting fluid into
selected ones of multiple zones penetrated by a wellbore is
provided to the art. In one example described below, the method can
include displacing a set of one or more magnetic devices through a
tubular string having multiple injection valves interconnected
therein, opening a set of the injection valves in response to the
displacing of the magnetic device set, displacing another set of
one or more magnetic devices through the tubular string, and
opening another set of one or more injection valves in response to
the second magnetic device set displacing.
[0009] A magnetic device described below can, in one example,
comprise multiple magnetic field-producing components arranged in a
pattern on a sphere.
[0010] These and other features, advantages and benefits will
become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon careful
consideration of the detailed description of representative
examples below and the accompanying drawings, in which similar
elements are indicated in the various figures using the same
reference numbers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a representative partially cross-sectional view of
a well system and associated method which can embody principles of
this disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a representative cross-sectional view of an
injection valve which may be used in the well system and method,
and which can embody the principles of this disclosure.
[0013] FIGS. 3-6 are a representative cross-sectional views of
another example of the injection valve, in run-in, actuated and
reverse flow configurations thereof.
[0014] FIGS. 7 & 8 are representative side and plan views of a
magnetic device which may be used with the injection valve.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a representative cross-sectional view of another
example of the injection valve.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 is a system 10 for
use with a well, and an associated method, which can embody
principles of this disclosure. In this example, a tubular string 12
is positioned in a wellbore 14, with the tubular string having
multiple injection valves 16a-e and packers 18a-e interconnected
therein.
[0017] The tubular string 12 may be of the type known to those
skilled in the art as casing, liner, tubing, a production string, a
work string, etc. Any type of tubular string may be used and remain
within the scope of this disclosure.
[0018] The packers 18a-e seal off an annulus 20 formed radially
between the tubular string 12 and the wellbore 14. The packers
18a-e in this example are designed for sealing engagement with an
uncased or open hole wellbore 14, but if the wellbore is cased or
lined, then cased hole-type packers may be used instead. Swellable,
inflatable, expandable and other types of packers may be used, as
appropriate for the well conditions, or no packers may be used (for
example, the tubular string 12 could be expanded into contact with
the wellbore 14, the tubular string could be cemented in the
wellbore, etc.).
[0019] In the FIG. 1 example, the injection valves 16a-e permit
selective fluid communication between an interior of the tubular
string 12 and each section of the annulus 20 isolated between two
of the packers 18a-e. Each section of the annulus 20 is in fluid
communication with a corresponding earth formation zone 22a-d. Of
course, if packers 18a-e are not used, then the injection valves
16a-e can otherwise be placed in communication with the individual
zones 22a-d, for example, with perforations, etc.
[0020] The zones 22a-d may be sections of a same formation 22, or
they may be sections of different formations. Each zone 22a-d may
be associated with one or more of the injection valves 16a-e.
[0021] In the FIG. 1 example, two injection valves 16b,c are
associated with the section of the annulus 20 isolated between the
packers 18b,c, and this section of the annulus is in communication
with the associated zone 22b. It will be appreciated that any
number of injection valves may be associated with a zone.
[0022] It is sometimes beneficial to initiate fractures 26 at
multiple locations in a zone (for example, in tight shale
formations, etc.), in which cases the multiple injection valves can
provide for injecting fluid 24 at multiple fracture initiation
points along the wellbore 14. In the example depicted in FIG. 1,
the valve 16c has been opened, and fluid 24 is being injected into
the zone 22b, thereby forming the fractures 26.
[0023] Preferably, the other valves 16a,b,d,e are closed while the
fluid 24 is being flowed out of the valve 16c and into the zone
22b. This enables all of the fluid 24 flow to be directed toward
forming the fractures 26, with enhanced control over the operation
at that particular location.
[0024] However, in other examples, multiple valves 16a-e could be
open while the fluid 24 is flowed into a zone of an earth formation
22. In the well system 10, for example, both of the valves 16b,c
could be open while the fluid 24 is flowed into the zone 22b. This
would enable fractures to be formed at multiple fracture initiation
locations corresponding to the open valves.
[0025] It will, thus, be appreciated that it would be beneficial to
be able to open different sets of one or more of the valves 16a-e
at different times. For example, one set (such as valves 16b,c)
could be opened at one time (such as, when it is desired to form
fractures 26 into the zone 22b), and another set (such as valve
16a) could be opened at another time (such as, when it is desired
to form fractures into the zone 22a).
[0026] One or more sets of the valves 16a-e could be open
simultaneously. However, it is generally preferable for only one
set of the valves 16a-e to be open at a time, so that the fluid 24
flow can be concentrated on a particular zone, and so flow into
that zone can be individually controlled.
[0027] At this point, it should be noted that the well system 10
and method is described here and depicted in the drawings as merely
one example of a wide variety of possible systems and methods which
can incorporate the principles of this disclosure. Therefore, it
should be understood that those principles are not limited in any
manner to the details of the system 10 or associated method, or to
the details of any of the components thereof (for example, the
tubular string 12, the wellbore 14, the valves 16a-e, the packers
18a-e, etc.).
[0028] It is not necessary for the wellbore 14 to be vertical as
depicted in FIG. 1, for the wellbore to be uncased, for there to be
five each of the valves 16a-e and packers, for there to be four of
the zones 22a-d, for fractures 26 to be formed in the zones, etc.
The fluid 24 could be any type of fluid which is injected into an
earth formation, e.g., for stimulation, conformance, acidizing,
fracturing, water-flooding, steam-flooding, treatment, or any other
purpose. Thus, it will be appreciated that the principles of this
disclosure are applicable to many different types of well systems
and operations.
[0029] Referring additionally now to FIG. 2, an enlarged scale
cross-sectional view of one example of the injection valve 16 is
representatively illustrated. The injection valve 16 of FIG. 2 may
be used in the well system 10 and method of FIG. 1, or it may be
used in other well systems and methods, while still remaining
within the scope of this disclosure.
[0030] In the FIG. 2 example, the valve 16 includes openings 28 in
a sidewall of a generally tubular housing 30. The openings 28 are
blocked by a sleeve 32, which is retained in position by shear
members 34.
[0031] In this configuration, fluid communication is prevented
between the annulus 20 external to the valve 16, and an internal
flow passage 36 which extends longitudinally through the valve (and
which extends longitudinally through the tubular string 12 when the
valve is interconnected therein). The valve 16 can be opened,
however, by shearing the shear members 34 and displacing the sleeve
32 (downward as viewed in FIG. 2) to a position in which the sleeve
does not block the openings 28.
[0032] To open the valve 16, a magnetic device 38 is displaced into
the valve to activate an actuator 50 thereof. The magnetic device
38 is depicted in FIG. 2 as being generally cylindrical, but other
shapes and types of magnetic devices (such as, balls, darts, plugs,
fluids, gels, etc.) may be used in other examples. For example, a
ferrofluid, magnetorheological fluid, or any other fluid having
magnetic properties which can be sensed by the sensor 40, could be
pumped to or past the sensor in order to transmit a magnetic signal
to the actuator 50.
[0033] The magnetic device 38 may be displaced into the valve 16 by
any technique. For example, the magnetic device 38 can be dropped
through the tubular string 12, pumped by flowing fluid through the
passage 36, self-propelled, conveyed by wireline, slickline, coiled
tubing, etc.
[0034] The magnetic device 38 has known magnetic properties, and/or
produces a known magnetic field, or pattern or combination of
magnetic fields, which is/are detected by a magnetic sensor 40 of
the valve 16. The magnetic sensor 40 can be any type of sensor
which is capable of detecting the presence of the magnetic field(s)
produced by the magnetic device 38, and/or one or more other
magnetic properties of the magnetic device.
[0035] Suitable sensors include (but are not limited to) giant
magneto-resistive (GMR) sensors, Hall-effect sensors, conductive
coils, etc. Permanent magnets can be combined with the magnetic
sensor 40 in order to create a magnetic field that is disturbed by
the magnetic device 38. A change in the magnetic field can be
detected by the sensor 40 as an indication of the presence of the
magnetic device 38.
[0036] The sensor 40 is connected to electronic circuitry 42 which
determines whether the sensor has detected a particular
predetermined magnetic field, or pattern or combination of magnetic
fields, or other magnetic properties of the magnetic device 38. For
example, the electronic circuitry 42 could have the predetermined
magnetic field(s) or other magnetic properties programmed into
non-volatile memory for comparison to magnetic fields/properties
detected by the sensor 40. The electronic circuitry 42 could be
supplied with electrical power via an on-board battery, a downhole
generator, or any other electrical power source.
[0037] In one example, the electronic circuitry 42 could include a
capacitor, wherein an electrical resonance behavior between the
capacitance of the capacitor and the magnetic sensor 40 changes,
depending on whether the magnetic device 38 is present. In another
example, the electronic circuitry 42 could include an adaptive
magnetic field that adjusts to a baseline magnetic field of the
surrounding environment (e.g., the formation 22, surrounding
metallic structures, etc.). The electronic circuitry 42 could
determine whether the measured magnetic fields exceed the adaptive
magnetic field level.
[0038] In one example, the sensor 40 could comprise an inductive
sensor which can detect the presence of a metallic device (e.g., by
detecting a change in a magnetic field, etc.). The metallic device
(such as a metal ball or dart, etc.) can be considered a magnetic
device 38, in the sense that it conducts a magnetic field and
produces changes in a magnetic field which can be detected by the
sensor 40.
[0039] If the electronic circuitry 42 determines that the sensor 40
has detected the predetermined magnetic field(s) or change(s) in
magnetic field(s), the electronic circuitry causes a valve device
44 to open. In this example, the valve device 44 includes a
piercing member 46 which pierces a pressure barrier 48.
[0040] The piercing member 46 can be driven by any means, such as,
by an electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, explosive, chemical or
other type of actuator. Other types of valve devices 44 (such as
those described in U.S. patent application Nos. 12/688 058 and
12/353 664, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein
by this reference) may be used, in keeping with the scope of this
disclosure.
[0041] When the valve device 44 is opened, a piston 52 on a mandrel
54 becomes unbalanced (e.g., a pressure differential is created
across the piston), and the piston displaces downward as viewed in
FIG. 2. This displacement of the piston 52 could, in some examples,
be used to shear the shear members 34 and displace the sleeve 32 to
its open position.
[0042] However, in the FIG. 2 example, the piston 52 displacement
is used to activate a retractable seat 56 to a sealing position
thereof. As depicted in FIG. 2, the retractable seat 56 is in the
form of resilient collets 58 which are initially received in an
annular recess 60 formed in the housing 30. In this position, the
retractable seat 56 is retracted, and is not capable of sealingly
engaging the magnetic device 38 or any other form of plug in the
flow passage 36.
[0043] When the piston 52 displaces downward, the collets 58 are
deflected radially inward by an inclined face 62 of the recess 60,
and the seat 56 is then in its sealing position. A plug (such as, a
ball, a dart, a magnetic device 38, etc.) can sealingly engage the
seat 56, and increased pressure can be applied to the passage 36
above the plug to thereby shear the shear members 34 and downwardly
displace the sleeve 32 to its open position.
[0044] As mentioned above, the retractable seat 56 may be sealingly
engaged by the magnetic device 38 which initially activates the
actuator 50 (e.g., in response to the sensor 40 detecting the
predetermined magnetic field(s) or change(s) in magnetic field(s)
produced by the magnetic device), or the retractable seat may be
sealingly engaged by another magnetic device and/or plug
subsequently displaced into the valve 16.
[0045] Furthermore, the retractable seat 56 may be actuated to its
sealing position in response to displacement of more than one
magnetic device 38 into the valve 16. For example, the electronic
circuitry 42 may not actuate the valve device 44 until a
predetermined number of the magnetic devices 38 have been displaced
into the valve 16, and/or until a predetermined spacing in time is
detected, etc.
[0046] Referring additionally now to FIGS. 3-6, another example of
the injection valve 16 is representatively illustrated. In this
example, the sleeve 32 is initially in a closed position, as
depicted in FIG. 3. The sleeve 32 is displaced to its open position
(see FIG. 4) when a support fluid 63 is flowed from one chamber 64
to another chamber 66.
[0047] The chambers 64, 66 are initially isolated from each other
by the pressure barrier 48. When the sensor 40 detects the
predetermined magnetic signal(s) produced by the magnetic device(s)
38, the piercing member 46 pierces the pressure barrier 48, and the
support fluid 63 flows from the chamber 64 to the chamber 66,
thereby allowing a pressure differential across the sleeve 32 to
displace the sleeve downward to its open position, as depicted in
FIG.
[0048] 4.
[0049] Fluid 24 can now be flowed outward through the openings 28
from the passage 36 to the annulus 20. Note that the retractable
seat 56 is now extended inwardly to its sealing position. In this
example, the retractable seat 56 is in the form of an expandable
ring which is extended radially inward to its sealing position by
the downward displacement of the sleeve 32.
[0050] In addition, note that the magnetic device 38 in this
example comprises a ball or sphere. Preferably, one or more
permanent magnets 68 or other type of magnetic field-producing
components are included in the magnetic device 38.
[0051] In FIG. 5, the magnetic device 38 is retrieved from the
passage 36 by reverse flow of fluid through the passage 36 (e.g.,
upward flow as viewed in FIG. 5). The magnetic device 38 is
conveyed upwardly through the passage 36 by this reverse flow, and
eventually engages in sealing contact with the seat 56, as depicted
in FIG. 5.
[0052] In FIG. 6, a pressure differential across the magnetic
device 38 and seat 56 causes them to be displaced upward against a
downward biasing force exerted by a spring 70 on a retainer sleeve
72. When the biasing force is overcome, the magnetic device 38,
seat 56 and sleeve 72 are displaced upward, thereby allowing the
seat 56 to expand outward to its retracted position, and allowing
the magnetic device 38 to be conveyed upward through the passage
36, e.g., for retrieval to the surface.
[0053] Referring additionally now to FIGS. 7 & 8, another
example of the magnetic device 38 is representatively illustrated.
In this example, magnets (not shown in FIGS. 7 & 8, see, e.g.,
permanent magnet 68 in FIG. 4) are retained in recesses 74 formed
in an outer surface of a sphere 76.
[0054] The recesses 74 are arranged in a pattern which, in this
case, resembles that of stitching on a baseball. In FIGS. 7 &
8, the pattern comprises spaced apart positions distributed along a
continuous undulating path about the sphere 76. However, it should
be clearly understood that any pattern of magnetic field-producing
components may be used in the magnetic device 38, in keeping with
the scope of this disclosure.
[0055] The magnets 68 are preferably arranged to provide a magnetic
field a substantial distance from the device 38, and to do so no
matter the orientation of the sphere 76. The pattern depicted in
FIGS. 7 & 8 desirably projects the produced magnetic field(s)
substantially evenly around the sphere 76.
[0056] Referring additionally now to FIG. 9, another example of the
injection valve 16 is representatively illustrated. In this
example, the actuator 50 includes two of the valve devices 44.
[0057] When one of the valve devices 44 opens, a sufficient amount
of the support fluid 63 is drained to displace the sleeve 32 to its
open position (similar to, e.g., FIG. 4), in which the fluid 24 can
be flowed outward through the openings 28. When the other valve
device 44 opens, more of the support fluid 63 is drained, thereby
further displacing the sleeve 32 to a closed position (as depicted
in FIG. 9), in which flow through the openings 28 is prevented by
the sleeve.
[0058] Various different techniques may be used to control
actuation of the valve devices 44. For example, one of the valve
devices 44 may be opened when a first magnetic device 38 is
displaced into the valve 16, and the other valve device may be
opened when a second magnetic device is displaced into the valve.
As another example, the second valve device 44 may be actuated in
response to passage of a predetermined amount of time from a
particular magnetic device 38, or a predetermined number of
magnetic devices, being detected by the sensor 40.
[0059] As yet another example, the first valve device 44 may
actuate when a certain number of magnetic devices 38 have been
displaced into the valve 16, and the second valve device 44 may
actuate when another number of magnetic devices have been displaced
into the valve. Thus, it should be understood that any technique
for controlling actuation of the valve devices 44 may be used, in
keeping with the scope of this disclosure.
[0060] Another use for the actuator 50 (in any of its FIGS. 2-9
configurations) could be in actuating multiple injection valves.
For example, the actuator 50 could be used to actuate multiple ones
of the RAPIDFRAC (.TM.) Sleeve marketed by Halliburton Energy
Services, Inc. of Houston, Tex. USA. The actuator 50 could initiate
metering of a hydraulic fluid in the RAPIDFRAC (.TM.) Sleeves in
response to a particular magnetic device 38 being displaced through
them, so that all of them open after a certain period of time.
[0061] Note that in the FIGS. 2 & 3-6 examples, the seat 58 is
initially expanded or "retracted" from its sealing position, and is
later deflected inward to its sealing position. In the FIGS. 3-6
example, the seat 58 can then be again expanded (see FIG. 6) for
retrieval of the magnetic device 38 (or to otherwise minimize
obstruction of the passage 36).
[0062] The seat 58 in both of these examples can be considered
"retractable," in that the seat can be in its inward sealing
position, or in its outward non-sealing position, when desired.
Thus, the seat 58 can be in its non-sealing position when initially
installed, and then can be actuated to its sealing position (e.g.,
in response to detection of a predetermined pattern or combination
of magnetic fields), without later being actuated to its sealing
position again, and still be considered a "retractable" seat.
[0063] Although in the examples of FIGS. 2-6, the sensor 40 is
depicted as being included in the valve 16, it will be appreciated
that the sensor could be otherwise positioned. For example, the
sensor 40 could be located in another housing interconnected in the
tubular string 12 above or below one or more of the valves 16a-e in
the system 10 of FIG. 1. Multiple sensors 40 could be used, for
example, to detect a pattern of magnetic field-producing components
on a magnetic device 38. Thus, it should be understood that the
scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular
positioning or number of the sensor(s) 40.
[0064] In examples described above, the sensor 40 can detect
magnetic signals which correspond to displacing one or more
magnetic devices 38 in the well (e.g., through the passage 36,
etc.) in certain respective patterns. The transmitting of different
magnetic signals (corresponding to respective different patterns of
displacing the magnetic devices 38) can be used to actuate
corresponding different sets of the valves 16a-e.
[0065] Thus, displacing a pattern of magnetic devices 38 in a well
can be used to transmit a corresponding magnetic signal to well
tools (such as valves 16a-e, etc.), and at least one of the well
tools can actuate in response to detection of the magnetic signal.
The pattern may comprise a predetermined number of the magnetic
devices 38, a predetermined spacing in time of the magnetic devices
38, or a predetermined spacing on time between predetermined
numbers of the magnetic devices 38, etc. Any pattern may be used in
keeping with the scope of this disclosure.
[0066] The magnetic device pattern can comprise a predetermined
magnetic field pattern (such as, the pattern of magnetic
field-producing components on the magnetic device 38 of FIGS. 7
& 8, etc.), a predetermined pattern of multiple magnetic fields
(such as, a pattern produced by displacing multiple magnetic
devices 38 in a certain manner through the well, etc.), a
predetermined change in a magnetic field (such as, a change
produced by displacing a metallic device past or to the sensor 40),
and/or a predetermined pattern of multiple magnetic field changes
(such as, a pattern produced by displacing multiple metallic
devices in a certain manner past or to the sensor 40, etc.). Any
manner of producing a magnetic device pattern may be used, within
the scope of this disclosure.
[0067] A first set of the well tools might actuate in response to
detection of a first magnetic signal. A second set of the well
tools might actuate in response to detection of another magnetic
signal. The second magnetic signal can correspond to a second
unique magnetic device pattern produced in the well.
[0068] The term "pattern" is used in this description to refer to
an arrangement of magnetic field-producing components (such as
permanent magnets 68, etc.) of a magnetic device 38 (as in the
FIGS. 7 & 8 example), and to refer to a manner in which
multiple magnetic devices can be displaced in a well. The sensor 40
can, in some examples, detect a pattern of magnetic field-producing
components of a magnetic device 38. In other examples, the sensor
40 can detect a pattern of displacing multiple magnetic
devices.
[0069] The sensor 40 may detect a pattern on a single magnetic
device 38, such as the magnetic device of FIGS. 7 & 8. In
another example, magnetic field-producing components could be
axially spaced on a magnetic device 38, such as a dart, rod, etc.
In some examples, the sensor 40 may detect a pattern of different
North-South poles of the magnetic device 38. By detecting different
patterns of different magnetic field-producing components, the
electronic circuitry 42 can determine whether an actuator 50 of a
particular well tool should actuate or not, should actuate open or
closed, should actuate more open or more closed, etc.
[0070] The sensor 40 may detect patterns created by displacing
multiple magnetic devices 38 in the well. For example, three
magnetic devices 38 could be displaced in the valve 16 (or past or
to the sensor 40) within three minutes of each other, and then no
magnetic devices could be displaced for the next three minutes.
[0071] The electronic circuitry 42 can receive this pattern of
indications from the sensor 40, which encodes a digital command for
communicating with the well tools (e.g., "waking" the well tool
actuators 50 from a low power consumption "sleep" state). Once
awakened, the well tool actuators 50 can, for example, actuate in
response to respective predetermined numbers, timing, and/or other
patterns of magnetic devices 38 displacing in the well. This method
can help prevent extraneous activities (such as, the passage of
wireline tools, etc. through the valve 16) from being misidentified
as an operative magnetic signal.
[0072] It may now be fully appreciated that the above disclosure
provides several advancements to the art. The injection valve 16
can be conveniently and reliably opened by displacing the magnetic
device 38 into the valve, or otherwise detecting a particular
magnetic signal by a sensor of the valve. Selected ones or sets of
injection valves 16 can be individually opened, when desired, by
displacing a corresponding one or more magnetic devices 38 into the
selected valve(s). The magnetic device(s) 38 may have a
predetermined pattern of magnetic field-producing components, or
otherwise emit a predetermined combination of magnetic fields, in
order to actuate a corresponding predetermined set of injection
valves 16a-e.
[0073] The above disclosure describes a method of injecting fluid
24 into selected ones of multiple zones 22a-d penetrated by a
wellbore 14. In one example, the method can include displacing at
least one magnetic device 38 in the wellbore 14, at least one valve
16 actuating in response to the displacing step, and injecting the
fluid 24 through the valve 16 and into at least one of the zones
22a-d associated with the valve 16. The valve(s) 16 could actuate
to an open (or at least more open, from partially open to fully
open, etc.) configuration in response to the displacing step.
[0074] The valve 16 may actuate in response to displacing a
predetermined number of magnetic devices 38 into the valve 16.
[0075] A retractable seat 56 may be activated to a sealing position
in response to the displacing step.
[0076] The valve 16 may actuate in response to the magnetic device
38 having a predetermined magnetic pattern, in response to a
predetermined magnetic signal being transmitted from the magnetic
device 38 to the valve, and/or in response to a sensor 40 of the
valve 16 detecting a magnetic field of the magnetic device 38.
[0077] The valve 16 may close in response to at least two of the
magnetic devices 38 being displaced into the valve 16.
[0078] The method can include retrieving the magnetic device 38
from the valve 16. Retrieving the magnetic device 38 may include
expanding a retractable seat 56 and/or displacing the magnetic
device 38 through a seat 56.
[0079] The magnetic device 38 may comprise multiple magnetic
field-producing components (such as multiple magnets 68, etc.)
arranged in a pattern on a sphere 76. The pattern can comprise
spaced apart positions distributed along a continuous undulating
path about the sphere 76.
[0080] Also described above is an injection valve 16 for use in a
subterranean well. In one example, the injection valve 16 can
include a sensor 40 which detects a magnetic field, and an actuator
50 which opens the injection valve 16 in response to detection of
at least one predetermined magnetic signal by the sensor 40.
[0081] The actuator 50 may open the injection valve 16 in response
to a predetermined number of magnetic signals being detected by the
sensor 40.
[0082] The injection valve 16 can also include a retractable seat
56. The retractable seat 56 may be activated to a sealing position
in response to detection of the predetermined magnetic signal by
the sensor 40.
[0083] The actuator 50 may open the injection valve 16 in response
to a predetermined magnetic pattern being detected by the sensor
40, and/or in response to multiple predetermined magnetic signals
being detected by the sensor. At least two of the predetermined
magnetic signals may be different from each other.
[0084] A method of injecting fluid 24 into selected ones of
multiple zones 22a-d penetrated by a wellbore 14 is also described
above. In one example, the method can include displacing a first
set of at least one magnetic device 38 through a tubular string 12
having multiple injection valves 16a-e interconnected therein,
opening a first set (such as, valves 16b,c) of at least one of the
injection valves 16a-e in response to the first magnetic device 38
set displacing step, displacing a second set of at least one
magnetic device 38 through the tubular string 12, and opening a
second set (such as, valve 16a) of at least one of the injection
valves 16a-e in response to the second magnetic device 38 set
displacing step.
[0085] The first injection valve set 16b,c may open in response to
the first magnetic device 38 set including a first predetermined
number of the magnetic devices 38. The second injection valve set
16a may open in response to the second magnetic device 38 set
including a second predetermined number of the magnetic devices
38.
[0086] At least one retractable seat 56 of the first injection
valve set 16b,c can be activated to a sealing position in response
to the step of displacing the first magnetic device 38 set through
the tubular string 12.
[0087] The first injection valve set 16b,c may open in response to
the first magnetic device 38 set having a first predetermined
magnetic pattern. The second injection valve set 16a may open in
response to the second magnetic device 38 set having a second
predetermined magnetic pattern.
[0088] The first injection valve set 16b,c may open in response to
a first predetermined magnetic signal being transmitted from the
first magnetic device 38 set to the first injection valve set
16b,c. The second injection valve set 16a may open in response to a
second predetermined magnetic signal being transmitted from the
second magnetic device 38 set to the second injection valve set
16a.
[0089] The first injection valve set 16b,c may open in response to
at least one sensor 40 of the first injection valve set 16b,c
detecting a magnetic field of the first magnetic device 38 set. The
second injection valve set 16a may open in response to at least one
sensor 40 of the second injection valve set 16a detecting a
magnetic field of the second magnetic device 38 set.
[0090] The method can include displacing a third set of at least
one magnetic device 38 through the tubular string 12. The first
injection valve set 16b,c can close in response to the third
magnetic device 38 set displacing step.
[0091] The method can include displacing a fourth set of at least
one magnetic device 38 through the tubular string 12. The second
injection valve set 16a may close in response to the fourth
magnetic device 38 set displacing step.
[0092] In another aspect, the above disclosure describes a method
of actuating well tools in a well. In one example, the method can
include producing a first magnetic device pattern in the well,
thereby transmitting a corresponding first magnetic signal to the
well tools (such as valves 16a-e, etc.), and at least one of the
well tools actuating in response to detection of the first magnetic
signal.
[0093] The first magnetic device pattern may comprise a
predetermined number of the magnetic devices 38, a predetermined
spacing in time of the magnetic devices 38, or a predetermined
spacing in time between predetermined numbers of the magnetic
devices 38, etc. Any pattern may be used in keeping with the scope
of this disclosure.
[0094] A first set of the well tools may actuate in response to
detection of the first magnetic signal. A second set of the well
tools may actuate in response to detection of a second magnetic
signal. The second magnetic signal can correspond to a second
pattern of magnetic devices 38 displaced in the well.
[0095] The well tools can comprise valves, such as injection valves
16, or other types of valves, or other types of well tools. Other
types of valves can include (but are not limited to) sliding side
doors, flapper valves, ball valves, gate valves, pyrotechnic
valves, etc. Other types of well tools can include packers 18a-e,
production control, conformance, fluid segregation, and other types
of tools.
[0096] The method may include injecting fluid 24 outward through
the injection valves 16a-e and into a formation 22 surrounding a
wellbore 14.
[0097] The method may include detecting the first magnetic signal
with a magnetic sensor 40.
[0098] The magnetic device pattern can comprise a predetermined
magnetic field pattern (such as, the pattern of magnetic
field-producing components on the magnetic device 38 of FIGS. 7
& 8, etc.), a predetermined pattern of multiple magnetic fields
(such as, a pattern produced by displacing multiple magnetic
devices 38 in a certain manner through the well, etc.), a
predetermined change in a magnetic field (such as, a change
produced by displacing a metallic device past or to the sensor 40),
and/or a predetermined pattern of multiple magnetic field changes
(such as, a pattern produced by displacing multiple metallic
devices in a certain manner past or to the sensor 40, etc.).
[0099] In one example, a magnetic device 38 described above can
include multiple magnetic field-producing components arranged in a
pattern on a sphere 76. The magnetic field-producing components may
comprise permanent magnets 68.
[0100] The pattern may comprise spaced apart positions distributed
along a continuous undulating path about the sphere 76.
[0101] The magnetic field-producing components may be positioned in
recesses 74 formed on the sphere 76.
[0102] It is to be understood that the various examples described
above may be utilized in various orientations, such as inclined,
inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various
configurations, without departing from the principles of this
disclosure. The embodiments illustrated in the drawings are
depicted and described merely as examples of useful applications of
the principles of the disclosure, which are not limited to any
specific details of these embodiments.
[0103] In the above description of the representative examples,
directional terms (such as "above," "below," "upper," "lower,"
"upward," "downward," etc.) are used for convenience in referring
to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be clearly
understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any
particular directions described herein.
[0104] Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful
consideration of the above description of representative
embodiments, readily appreciate that many modifications, additions,
substitutions, deletions, and other changes may be made to these
specific embodiments, and such changes are within the scope of the
principles of this disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed
description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of
illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the
invention being limited solely by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *