Systems and methods of positive indication of actuation of a downhole tool

#The present disclosure is generally related to wellbore operations and, more particularly, to positive indication of the proper actuation of a downhole tool.

#Hydrocarbon-producing wells are often stimulated by hydraulic fracturing operations in order to enhance the production of hydrocarbons present in subterranean formations. During a typical fracturing operation, a servicing fluid (i.e., a fracturing fluid or a perforating fluid) may be injected into a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore at a hydraulic pressure sufficient to create or enhance fractures within the subterranean formation. The resulting fractures serve to increase the conductivity potential for extracting hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation.

#In some wellbores, it may be desirable to strategically generate multiple fractures along the wellbore at predetermined distances apart from each other, thereby creating multiple “pay zones” in the subterranean formation. Some pay zones may extend a substantial distance along the axial length of the wellbore. In order to adequately fracture the subterranean formation encompassing such pay zones, it may be advantageous to introduce a stimulation fluid via multiple stimulation assemblies arranged within the wellbore at spaced apart locations on a work string extended therein. Each stimulation assembly, commonly referred to as sliding sleeve assemblies, may include, for example, a sliding sleeve configured to be opened and/or shut in order to regulate fluid communication between the interior of the work string and the surrounding subterranean formation.

#The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those skilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure.

#FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary well system which can embody or otherwise employ one or more principles of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments.

#FIGS. 2A and 2B are enlarged cross-sectional views of an exemplary downhole tool, according to one or more embodiments.

#The present disclosure is generally related to wellbore operations and, more particularly, to positive indication of the proper actuation of a downhole tool.

#The disclosed systems and methods provide a positive indication to a well operator of the actuation of a downhole tool, such as a sliding sleeve assembly. The downhole tool may include an indicator chamber that houses or otherwise retains a buoyant substance that is detectable at the surface using one or more optical computing devices. When the downhole tool actuates, such as when a sliding sleeve moves from its closed configuration into its open configuration, the indicator chamber may become exposed and the buoyant substance may thereby be released into the work string. Since the substance is buoyant as compared to the fluid already disposed within the work string, it tends to float toward the surface. Once the substance is detected by the optical computing device, a signal may be sent which provides a well operator with a positive indication that the sliding sleeve has indeed moved to the open configuration. At that point, the well operator may confidently perform or otherwise undertake subsequent well operations that require the sliding sleeve to be in the open configuration.

#Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is an exemplary well system 100 which can embody or otherwise employ one or more principles of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the well system 100 may include an oil and gas rig 102 arranged at the Earth's surface 104 and a wellbore 106 extending therefrom and penetrating a subterranean earth formation 108. It should be noted that, even though FIG. 1 depicts a land-based oil and gas rig 102, it will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present disclosure are equally well suited for use in other types of rigs, such as offshore platforms, or rigs used in any other geographical location.