Method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow within wellbore with selectively set and unset packer assembly
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorMarion D. Kilgore
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Abstract
Apparatus and corresponding methods are disclosed for controlling fluid flow within a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a longitudinally spaced apart series of selectively set and unset inflatable packers is utilized to substantially isolate desired portions of a formation intersected by a well. Setting and unsetting of the packers may be accomplished by a variety of devices, some of which may be remotely controllable. Additionally, a series of fluid control devices may be alternated with the packers as part of a tubular string positioned within the well.
Claims12
A method of controlling fluid flow within a subterranean wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a tubular string including a longitudinally spaced apart series of sealing devices, a pump, a control module interconnecting the pump to the sealing devices, and a receiver connected to the pump and control module;
- positioning the tubular string within the wellbore;
- transmitting a first signal to the receiver, thereby directing the control module to provide fluid communication between the pump and a selected at least one of the sealing devices;
- transmitting a second signal to the receiver, thereby actuating the pump;
- and
- sealingly engaging the at least one of the sealing devices with the wellbore.
A method of controlling fluid flow within a subterranean wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a tubular string including a longitudinally spaced apart series of sealing devices, a pump, a control module interconnecting the pump to the sealing devices, a receiver connected to the pump and control module, and a longitudinally spaced apart series of flow control devices;
- positioning the tubular string within the wellbore;
- transmitting a first signal to the receiver, thereby directing the control module to provide fluid communication between the pump and a selected at least one of the sealing devices;
- transmitting a second signal to the receiver, thereby actuating the pump;
- sealingly engaging the at least one Of the sealing devices with the wellbore;
- and
- transmitting a third signal to the receiver, thereby directing the control module to provide fluid communication between the pump and a selected at least one of the flow control devices.
A method of controlling fluid flow within a subterranean wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a tubular string including a longitudinally spaced apart series of sealing devices and an actuator in selectable fluid communication with each of the sealing devices;
- positioning the tubular string within the wellbore;
- selecting at least one of the sealing devices for actuation;
- and
- transmitting a first signal to the actuator, thereby actuating the selected at least one Of the sealing devices to sealingly engage the wellbore.
An apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a subterranean well, the apparatus comprising:
- a series of longitudinally spaced apart sealing devices;
- a series Of longitudinally spaced apart flow control devices, the flow control devices and sealing devices being interconnected in a tubular string in which the flow control devices are alternated with the sealing devices;
- and
- an actuator interconnected to each of the sealing devices and to each of the flow control devices and independently actuating each of the sealing devices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.