Fracturing system and method

A method of fracturing at least two stages of a multiple stage production well in a hydrocarbon-producing formation using at least one ported sleeve and at least one flapper assembly, wherein each of said at least one ported sleeve and at least one flapper assembly is configurable to actuate after a predetermined number of shifting cycles, the method comprising:

• configuring a first group of at least one ported sleeve to actuate after a first quantity of shifting cycles;
• configuring a second group of at least one ported sleeve to actuate after a second quantity of shifting cycles, wherein said second quantity of shifting cycles is greater than said first quantity of shifting cycles;
• configuring a first flapper assembly to actuate after said first quantity of shifting cycles, said first flapper assembly having a first flapper plate engageable with a first flapper seal, and wherein said first flapper plate is orientated to prevent downwell fluid flow when engaged with said flapper seal;
• configuring a second flapper assembly to actuate after said second quantity of shifting cycles, said second flapper assembly having a second flapper plate engageable with a second flapper seal, and wherein said second flapper plate is orientated to prevent downwell fluid flow when engaged with said flapper seal;
• positioning said first flapper assembly in said production well;
• positioning said first group of at least one ported sleeve in said production well upwell of said first flapper assembly;
• positioning said second flapper assembly in said production well upwell of said first group;
• positioning said second group of at least one ported sleeve in said production well upwell of said second flapper assembly;
• shifting each of said first group of at least one ported sleeve, said second group of at least one ported sleeve, said first flapper assembly, and said second flapper assembly a first quantity of times;
• and
• shifting said second group and said second flapper assembly a third quantity of cycles, wherein said third quantity is equal to said second quantity less said first quantity.

A fracturing system for use in a production well, the system comprising:

• at least one ported sleeve assembly circumscribing a first flowpath, said at least one ported sleeve assembly comprising:
• a ported housing having a plurality of ports disposed therethrough;
• a first sleeve at least partially within said ported housing and moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein in said first position said first sleeve is radially positioned between said plurality of ports and said first flowpath, said first sleeve having an end, a first exterior surface having a first walking jay slot formed therein, and a first engagement surface having a first inner diameter;
• a first guiding member fixed relative to said ported housing and positionable within said first walking jay slot;
• and
• a first compression spring positioned between said end of said first sleeve and said ported housing, said first compression spring being under compression when said first sleeve is in said first position;
• and
• a flapper assembly circumscribing a second flowpath and adapted for fluid communication with said at least one ported sleeve assembly, said flapper assembly comprising:
• a flapper seal;
• a flapper plate rotatable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in said closed position said flapper plate is engaged against said flapper seal to prevent fluid flow therethrough in one direction;
• a second sleeve moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein in said first position at least a portion of said second sleeve is radially positioned between said flapper plate and said second flowpath, said second sleeve having an end, a second exterior surface having a second walking jay slot formed therein, and a second engagement surface having a second inner diameter;
• a second guiding member fixed relative to said flapper seal and positionable within said second walking jay slot;
• and
• a second compression spring positioned between said end of said second sleeve and said flapper seal, said second compression spring being under compression when said second sleeve is in said first position.

A downhole tool for use in a production well and positionable in a tubing string defining a flowpath, the tool comprising:

• a housing having a plurality of ports disposed radially therethrough;
• a flapper seal;
• a flapper plate rotatable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in said closed position said flapper plate is engaged against said flapper seal to prevent fluid flow through said flapper seal in a downwell direction;
• a sleeve at least partially within said housing and moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein in said first position a first portion of said sleeve is radially positioned between said plurality of ports and said flowpath and a second portion of said sleeve is radially positioned between said flapper plate and the flowpath, said sleeve having an upper end, an exterior surface having a walking jay slot formed therein, and an engagement surface having an inner diameter;
• a guiding member fixed relative to said housing and positionable within said walking jay slot;
• and
• a compression spring positioned between said upper end of said sleeve and said housing.