Apparatus for selectively isolating segments of a wellbore
AssigneeDrift Wellbore Technologies Ltd.
InventorsNathan COFFEY, Leigh DURLING, Kresten SWAIN, Dwayne WHITNEY, Andrew BUZINSKY, Stuart McLAUGHLIN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved wellbore isolation apparatus and methods of use during multi-stage hydraulic fracturing (MSHF) operations are provided, the apparatus operative to be both located and independently triggered by an improved wireline activation tool to easily and securely isolate specific sections the wellbore.
Claims20
An apparatus for selectively isolating segments of a wellbore in a subterranean formation, the apparatus configured for operable connection to and run inhole with a casing string positioned within the wellbore, the apparatus comprising:
- at least one tubular housing forming a central housing bore,
- at least one first valve assembly having at least one valve element actuatable between a first valve-open position, permitting fluid flow through central housing bore, and a second valve-closed position, preventing fluid flow through central housing bore,
- at least one actuator assembly, positioned within the central housing bore, the actuator assembly having:
- at least one stationary tubular,
- at least one movable tubular, telescopically positioned within the at least one stationary tubular, and
- at least one actuator valve for actuating movement of the at least one movable tubular relative to the at least one stationary tubular,
- wherein, movement of the at least one movable tubular actuates the at least one valve element from the first valve-open position to the second valve-closed position, preventing fluid flow through the central housing bore and selectively isolating the segment of the wellbore therebelow.
An improved method for selectively isolating segments of a wellbore in a subterranean formation, the method comprising:
- providing at least one apparatus in the wellbore, the at least one apparatus operably connected to a casing string to land at a first target location within the wellbore and having at least one valve assembly housing at least one valve element provided in a first valve-open position allowing fluid flow through a central bore of the casing string, and
- providing at least one activation tool into the casing string, the at least one activation tool configured to both:
- detect the location of the at least one apparatus within the casing string, and to
- trigger the release of the at least one valve element from the at least one valve assembly of the located at least one apparatus, causing the at least one valve element to extend across and seal the central bore of the casing string in a second valve-closed position, preventing fluid flow through the central bore of the casing string.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.