Systems and methods for multi-stage fracturing
AssigneeThe WellBoss Company, LLC
InventorsChad Michael Erick Gibson, Derek Slater Payne
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A downhole system for multistage fracturing having a first cluster of valves, and a second cluster of valves downhole from the first cluster. Each of the first and second cluster of valves has a frac valve. At least one of the first and the second cluster of valves has a flex valve. A single plugging device is used to open all of the valves in the second cluster, but leaves all valves in the first cluster closed.
Claims20
A downhole system for multistage fracturing a subterranean formation, the downhole system comprising:
- a first cluster of valves;
- a second cluster of valves downhole of the first cluster;
- a third cluster of valves downhole from the second cluster;
- and
- a plugging device comprising:
- a plug body having a distal end, a proximate end, and an outer surface;
- and
- a plurality of grooves disposed on the outer surface;
- wherein the plugging device does not open any valves of the first and second cluster of valves, but opens every valve of the third cluster of valves,
- wherein each of the first cluster of valves, the second cluster of valves, and the third cluster of valves comprise a flex valve comprising a flex sleeve configured with a rigid portion and a flexible portion, and
- wherein at least one of the first cluster of valves, the second cluster of valves, and the third cluster of valves comprises a frac valve having a solid sleeve configured with an inner sleeve shoulder.
A downhole system for multistage fracturing a subterranean formation, the downhole system comprising:
- a first cluster of valves;
- a second cluster of valves downhole of the first cluster;
- a third cluster of valves downhole from the second cluster;
- and
- a plugging device comprising:
- a plug body having a distal end, a proximate end, and an outer surface;
- a plurality of grooves disposed on the outer surface;
- and
- an index sleeve movingly disposed on the outer surface, the index sleeve configured to engage the plurality of grooves;
- wherein the index sleeve is set in an initial position before entering the first cluster of valves,
- wherein the index sleeve is incremented from the distal end toward the proximate end after leaving the first cluster of valves,
- wherein the index sleeve is moved to a first armed position by one of the second cluster of valves,
- wherein the plugging device does not open any valves of the first and second cluster of valves, but opens every valve of the third cluster of valves, and
- wherein each of the first cluster of valves, the second cluster of valves, and the third cluster of valves comprise a flex valve comprising a flex sleeve configured with a rigid portion and a flexible portion.
A downhole system for multistage fracturing a subterranean formation, the downhole system comprising:
- a first cluster of valves;
- a second cluster of valves downhole of the first cluster;
- a third cluster of valves downhole from the second cluster;
- and
- a plugging device comprising:
- a plug body having a distal end, a proximate end, and an outer surface;
- an upper sleeve engaged with the proximate end;
- an upper fin engaged with the upper sleeve;
- a plurality of grooves disposed on the outer surface;
- and
- an index sleeve movingly disposed on the outer surface, the index sleeve configured to engage the plurality of grooves;
- wherein the index sleeve is set in an initial position before entering the first cluster of valves,
- wherein the index sleeve is incremented from the distal end toward the proximate end one groove of the plurality of grooves after leaving the first cluster of valves,
- wherein any groove of the plurality of grooves is characterized as having a respective trough and crest,
- wherein the outer surface comprises an extended rib having an outer diameter larger than any surface of the plurality of grooves,
- wherein the proximate end comprises a shear ring, a seal element, and at least one backup ring disposed therearound, and
- wherein the outer surface comprises an outermost ridge near the proximate end, the outermost ridge having an outer ridge diameter larger than the outer diameter of the extended rib.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.