Steam diverter apparatus and method for controlling steam flow in a well

A kit for forming a steam diverter apparatus for forming part of a downhole tubing string, the kit comprising:

• (a) a tubular housing defining an axially extending central bore for communication of fluid with the tubing string, and at least one transversely extending port for communication of steam from the bore to outside of the housing;
• and
• (b) at least two sets of parts, wherein each set comprises:
• (i) a sleeve for removable installation within the bore, and, which when disposed within the bore, is moveable relative to the housing to control communication of steam through the at least one port from the bore to outside of the housing;
• (ii) at least one insert ring for removable installation concentrically within the bore, and axially in line with the shift sleeve;
• wherein, within each set, the shift sleeve and the at least one insert ring have a minimum inner diameter that are substantially the same;
• and wherein, between the sets, the minimum inner diameters are different.

A steam diverter apparatus for forming part of a downhole tubing string, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) a tubular housing defining an axially extending central bore for communication of fluid with the tubing string, and a plurality of transversely extending ports for communication of steam from the bore to outside of the housing;
• (b) a shift sleeve disposed within the bore, and moveable relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position wherein the shift sleeve prevents and permits, respectively, communication of steam through the ports from the bore to outside of the housing;
• and
• (c) at least one plug removably attached to a port, wherein the plug substantially closes the port.

A steam diverter apparatus for forming part of a downhole tubing string, the apparatus comprising:

• a tubular housing defining an axially extending central bore for communication of fluid with the tubing string, wherein the housing comprises:
• (a) a first portion that defines at least one transversely extending port for communication of steam from the bore to outside of the housing, wherein the first portion is formed by a first material;
• and
• (b) at least one second portion that blocks communication of steam through one of the ports, wherein the second portion is formed by a second material that dissolves at a higher dissolution rate than does the first material when exposed to a chemical solution.

A method for controlling steam flow into a formation, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) including a steam diverter apparatus in a downhole tubing string disposed within the formation, wherein the apparatus comprises a tubular housing defining an axially extending central bore for communication of fluid with the tubing string, wherein the housing comprises:
• (i) a first portion that defines at least one transversely extending port for communication of steam from the bore to outside of the housing, wherein the first portion is formed by a first material;
• and
• (ii) at least one second portion that blocks communication of steam through one of the ports, wherein the second portion is formed by a second material that dissolves at a higher dissolution rate than does the first material when exposed to a chemical solution;
• and
• (b) injecting the chemical solution into the tubing string, and allowing the chemical solution to flow into the bore to contact and dissolve the at least one second portion of the housing to thereby unblock the at least one of the ports.

A method for controlling steam flow into a formation, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) including a steam diverter apparatus in a downhole tubing string disposed within the formation, wherein the apparatus comprises:
• (i) a tubular housing defining an axially extending central bore for communication of fluid with the tubing string, and at least one transversely extending port for communication of steam from the bore to outside of the housing, wherein the housing is formed by a first material;
• and
• (ii) a sleeve disposed within the bore at a closed position wherein the shift sleeve prevents communication of steam through the at least one port from the bore to outside of the housing, and wherein the shift sleeve is formed by a second material that dissolves at a higher dissolution rate than does the first material when exposed to a chemical solution;
• and
• (b) while the sleeve is in the closed position, injecting the chemical solution into the tubing string, and allowing the chemical solution to flow into the bore to contact and dissolve the shift sleeve to thereby permit communication of steam through the at least one port from the bore to outside of the housing.