# US 8,739,884 B2 · Stackable multi-barrier system and method

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- Number: US 8,739,884 B2
- Document ID: US8739884B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 12/961,965
- Filed: 2010-12-07
- Published: 2012-06-07
- Granted: 2014-06-03
- Earliest claimed: 2010-12-07
- Assignees: Baker Hughes Incorporated
- Applicants: Gary B. Lake
- Inventors: Gary B. Lake
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8739884B2

## CPC

- E21B 34/06: in wells
- E21B: EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS

## Abstract

A multi-barrier system includes a first valve in fluid communication with a lower completion that is electrically actuatable and inductively coupled to an upper completion. Also included is a second valve in fluid communication with the lower completion, both the first valve and the second valve, positioned proximate an uphole extent of the lower completion, are closable in response to retrieving the upper completion and openable subsequent reengagement of an upper completion.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A multi-barrier system comprising:
a first valve in fluid communication with a lower completion being electrically actuatable and inductively coupled to an upper completion; and
a second valve in fluid communication with the lower completion, both the first valve and the second valve being positioned proximate an uphole extent of the lower completion, and both the first valve and the second valve being closable in response to retrieving the upper completion and openable subsequent reengagement of an upper completion, and both the first valve and the second valve being configured to prevent flow through an opening in the lower completion created by retrieval of the upper completion when the first valve and the second valve are closed.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The multi-barrier system of claim 1, further comprising an inductive coupler capable of transporting at least one of electrical signals and electrical power thereacross.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The multi-barrier system of claim 2, wherein a first portion of the inductive coupler is disposed at the upper completion and a second portion of the inductive coupler is disposed at the lower completion.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The multi-barrier system of claim 3, wherein the first portion is longitudinally displaced from the second portion when configured to transport at least one of electrical signals and electrical power thereacross.

### Claim 5 (depends on 3)

The multi-barrier system of claim 3, wherein the first portion is radially displaced from the second portion when configured to transport at least one of electrical signals and electrical power thereacross.

### Claim 6 (depends on 3)

The multi-barrier system of claim 3, wherein the first valve is configured to close when the first portion is functionally disengaged from the second portion.

### Claim 7 (depends on 2)

The multi-barrier system of claim 2, wherein the first valve is openable via at least one of electrical signals and electrical power transported through the inductive coupler.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The multi-barrier system of claim 1, wherein the second valve is mechanically closed upon withdrawal of the upper completion.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The multi-barrier system of claim 1, wherein the second valve is reopenable subsequent reengagement of an upper completion with the lower completion.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The multi-barrier system of claim 1, wherein openability of neither the first valve nor the second valve requires a wet connection.

### Claim 11

A method of closing multiple barriers upon retrieval of an upper completion and opening of the multiple barriers subsequent reengagement of an upper completion with a lower completion, comprising:
inductively coupling an electric line of the upper completion with an electric line of the lower completion being in functional communication with a first valve of the lower completion;
retrieving the upper completion from the lower completion;
creating an opening in the lower completion with the retrieving of the upper completion;
electrically closing the first valve in response to functional decoupling of the inductive coupling;
preventing flow from the opening in the lower completion with the closing of the first valve;
mechanically closing a second valve in response to disengagement of the upper completion from the lower completion;
preventing flow from the opening in the lower completion with the closing of the second valve;
reengaging an upper completion with the lower completion;
inductively coupling an electric line of the reengaged upper completion with the electric line of the lower completion; and
electrically opening the first valve with electrical signals or power transmitted through the inductive coupling.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The method of closing multiple barriers upon retrieval of an upper completion and opening of the multiple barriers subsequent reengagement of an upper completion with a lower completion of claim 11, further comprising mechanically opening the second valve via the reengaging of the upper completion with the lower completion.