(12)
`
`United States Patent
`
`Bishop et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,021,389 B2
`Apr. 4, 2006
`
`US0070213 89B2
`
`(54) BI-DIRECTIONAL BALL SEAT SYSTEM AND
`METHOD
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Floyd Romaine Bishop, Humble, TX
`(US); Mam“ Bryce Tmweek’
`Houston, TX (US); Richard J. Ross,
`.
`_
`Houston: TX (US): DaV'd J- Walkers
`Lafayette, LA (US); DeWayI1e M-
`Turner, Tomball, TX (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: BJ Services Company, Houston, TX
`(US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 46 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/373,319
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Feb. 24, 2003
`
`(65)
`
`(51)
`
`P1'i01' Publication Data
`US 2004/0163820 A1
`Aug. 26, 2004
`Int CL
`(2006.01)
`E213 34/14
`(52) U.s. Cl.
`.................... .. 166/373; 166/386; 166/317;
`166/318. 166/332.1
`(58) Field of Classification Search ...... .. 166/316—319,
`
`. 166/386
`.
`.
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5/1943 Penfield ..................... .. 138/45
`
`2,319,514 A *
`
`2,717,646 A *
`9/1955 Johnston ................... .. 166/318
`4,018,284 A *
`4/1977 Perkins ..................... .. 166/278
`4,114,694 A
`9/1978 Dinning
`: 13; 360W‘;
`1
`4,951,750 A
`8/1990 w:i::1 eir
`'
`5’375’662 A * 12/1994 E
`’
`,
`,
`chols et al.
`5,413,180 A
`5/1995 Ross et al.
`5,462,121 A
`10/1995 Schmuck et al.
`5,641,023 A
`6/1997 Ross et al.
`6,464,006 B1
`10/2002 Womble
`6,820,697 B1 *
`11/2004 Churchill
`* cited by examiner
`
`31
`
`............. .. 166/386
`
`.................. .. 166/374
`
`Primary Examl~ne,,_Kenneth Thompson
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—L0cke Liddell & Sapp LLP
`57
`ABSTRACT
`
`(
`
`)
`
`The present invention provides a bi-directional ball seat and
`method of use. In at least one embodiment,
`the present
`invention provides a fluid control system that includes a
`radia(l1 pI'OttI'l.1S1OI1 th:/t cagi be se1l)e:1tively Engaged arid disleifi
`gage ups ream an or rom a a
`sea . or examp e, a
`a
`can be placed in a passageway, engaged with a downstream
`ball seat, and the radial protrusion radially extended into the
`Passageway ‘Wally from the SeaPre1a“Ve ‘O ‘hf? ba“;A
`reverse movement of the ball 1S restricted by the active radial
`m°:e“1‘e“‘ gfthe rad‘]j‘1Pr°‘f1”:1°“1“:°‘1he PaSS.a§eWafy'tT1}e
`:1:
`include crossover tools, sleeves, packers, safety valves,
`.
`.
`separators, gravel packers, perforating guns, decoupling
`tools, valves, and other tools know to those with ordinary
`skills in the art.
`
`43 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4,2006
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`Sheet 1 of 10
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`US 7,021,389 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4,2006
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 7,021,389 B2
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`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 2006
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`Sheet 5 of 10
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`US 7,021,389 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4,2006
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4,2006
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`Sheet 9 of 10
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`US 7,021,389 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4,2006
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`Sheet 10 of 10
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`US 7,021,389 B2
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`
`US 7,021,389 B2
`
`1
`BI-DIRECTIONAL BALL SEAT SYSTEM AND
`METHOD
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to hydrocarbon well devices and
`processes. More specifically,
`the invention relates to a
`control system for controlling fluid flow and actuating
`various tools associated with hydrocarbon wells.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Typical hydrocarbon wells, whether on land or in water,
`are drilled into the earth’s surface to form a well bore. A
`
`protective casing is run into the well bore and the armulus
`formed between the casing and the well bore is filled with a
`concrete-like mixture. Several types of tools are run into the
`casing for the various procedures used to complete and
`subsequently produce hydrocarbons from the well. Some of
`these procedures include perforating the casing and the
`concrete-like mixture. The perforating process creates chan-
`nels into production zones of the earth at appropriate depths
`to allow the hydrocarbons to flow from the production zone
`through the casing and into production tubing for transport
`to the surface of the well. Another procedure includes gravel
`packing adjacent to the production zone to filter out in situ
`particles of sand and other solids from the production zone
`that are mixed with the hydrocarbons before the hydrocar-
`bons enter
`the production tubing. Another procedure
`includes removing various tools to allow production of the
`well once it is completed.
`Other tools and processes are needed to efficiently pro-
`duce hydrocarbons including tools for filtration and separa-
`tion of hydrocarbons from entrained water, tools that allow
`sealing of the well bore in case of explosion, rotating and
`drilling equipment in the well’s initial phases, subsequent
`operations that can maintain the effectiveness and produc-
`tion of the well, and other related processes known to those
`with ordinary skills in the art, whether above or below the
`well surface. Most of the tools and related procedures
`require control of the various tools at appropriate stages of
`the operations.
`Without limitation, one typical method of controlling the
`actuation of various tools at different stages includes the use
`of tools that have parts slidably engaged with each other.
`Often, although not necessarily,
`the parts are at
`first
`restrained from relative movement by the use of shear pins
`and other restraining devices. At an appropriate stage, the
`shear pins or other restraining devices are sheared or oth-
`erwise removed to allow a desired relative movement, such
`as actuation of the tool or for other purposes. Further,
`multiple sets of shear pins or other restraining devices can be
`used to implement multiple stages of actuation for the
`control system on the appropriate tool.
`One typical method of actuation includes providing a ball
`seat on a tool. The ball seat is positioned in a passageway of
`tubing that can be used to create a flow blockage in the
`passageway. A ball or other obstruction can be placed in the
`passageway at an appropriate time to seat against the ball
`seat and effectively seal off the passageway. Fluid in the
`passageway that is blocked is then pressurized, creating an
`unequal force on the blocked portion of the tool. If present,
`a shear pin or other restraining device is sheared or other-
`wise removed and the tool portion moves into an appropriate
`position. Sometimes the movement can close or open ports,
`release or engage associated tools, change flow patterns and
`control fluids, and other functions known to those with
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
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`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
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`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`
`ordinary skills in the art. For example, controlling fluids can
`include controlling a reversal of fluid flow caused by an
`unexpected downstream pressurization of production fluids.
`However, one issue that has remained problematic is how
`to restrict the ball or other device from reversing up the
`passageway from the direction in which it entered the
`passageway once it has been placed on the ball seat. Further,
`some of the control logic of controlling the tool is lessened
`by the inability of the ball to seal in a reverse direction. For
`example, it could be advantageous to seal in one direction to
`effectuate one series of procedures and to seal in a reverse
`direction to control other procedures. Because the ball is
`typically inserted into a tubing passageway and generally
`flows downstream in the passageway to a remote site that
`has the ball seat, it has heretofore been diflicult to construct
`a remote restraining device in the reverse direction.
`In some prior efforts, some reverse direction restrictions
`have been attempted by providing a closely dimensioned
`upstream shoulder that the ball can be forced past, before
`engaging the downstream ball seat. At least two disadvan-
`tages occur with this method. First, the ball is not actively
`captured. A suflicient pressure reversal can force the ball
`back upstream and past the shoulder. The shoulder’s ability
`to restrict a reverse travel is limited and does not correspond
`with the general strength of the tool to withstand various
`operating pressures.
`Another procedure that has been used is to restrict reverse
`movement of the ball is to form a conical ball seat in the
`
`passageway. A ball placed in the passageway engages the
`conical ball seat and becomes wedged therein. However,
`similar problems occur in this type of seat. The ability to
`withstand a reverse pressurization in the passageway can be
`lower than tool’s capabilities, because the ball can simply
`become dislodged back up the passageway.
`Neither of the above arrangements actively control the
`ball in the reverse direction. The reversal control ability is
`simply dependent upon the original size and configuration,
`and thus the reverse control capabilities of the tools are
`limited.
`
`Therefore, there remains a need to actively control and
`produce a fully capable control system associated with
`hydrocarbon wells.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention provides a control system and
`The present
`method of use. In at least one embodiment,
`the present
`invention provides a fluid control system that includes a
`radial protrusion that can be selectively engaged and disen-
`gaged upstream and/or from a ball seat. For example, a ball
`can be placed in a passageway, engaged with a downstream
`ball seat, and the radial protrusion radially extended into the
`passageway distally from the seat relative to the ball. A
`reverse movement of the ball is restricted by the active radial
`movement of the radial protrusion into the passageway. The
`control system can be used to control a variety of tools
`associated with the well. Without limitation, the tools can
`include crossover tools, sleeves, packers, safety valves,
`separators, gravel packers, perforating guns, decoupling
`tools, valves, and other tools know to those with ordinary
`skills in the art.
`
`In some cases, the control system provides a blocked
`passageway can be further pressurized to force further
`movement, so that the ball and ball seat enter an additional
`region of control. For example,
`the ball can move to a
`second, third, or other subsequent tool or portion of the tool
`for subsequent procedures. In other cases, the ball moves to
`
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`US 7,021,389 B2
`
`3
`a release position for discarding, such as to remote areas of
`the well. In other cases, the ball is inserted in the passageway
`and then restricted in a reverse direction to which it entered
`
`the passageway.
`In at least one embodiment, the present invention pro-
`vides a fluid control system for a hydrocarbon well, com-
`prising a first portion of the control system; an actuator
`coupled to the first portion; an inner sleeve slidably disposed
`inside the first portion and forming a longitudinal passage-
`way; a seat coupled to the control system and exposed to the
`passageway; a passageway seal coupled to the inner sleeve
`and exposed to the passageway; and a radial protrusion
`disposed at least partially in the inner sleeve and distal from
`the seat relative to the passageway seal, the radial protrusion
`adapted to have a radial position retracted from the passage-
`way and another radial position extended into the passage-
`way, the radial positions determined by engagement of the
`protrusion with the actuator, the seat and the radial protru-
`sion being adapted to selectively restrict in at least one
`direction movement of the movable restriction through the
`passageway, and the control system adapted to selectively
`restrict flow in at least one direction by sealing engagement
`with the movable restriction inserted in the passageway.
`The invention also provides a fluid control system for a
`hydrocarbon well, comprising a first portion of the control
`system having an actuator; an inner sleeve slidably disposed
`inside the first portion and forming a longitudinal passage-
`way; a seat coupled to the control system and exposed to the
`passageway; and a radial protrusion disposed at least par-
`tially in the inner sleeve, the radial protrusion adapted to
`have a position retracted from the passageway and another
`position extended into the passageway, the positions deter-
`mined by engagement of the protrusion with the actuator, the
`seat and the radial protrusion being adapted to selectively
`restrict in at least one direction movement in the passageway
`of a movable restriction disposed in the passageway between
`the seat and the radial protrusion.
`The invention also provides a method of using a fluid
`control system for a hydrocarbon well, the control system
`comprising a first portion having an actuator, an inner sleeve
`slidably disposed with the first portion and forming a
`longitudinal passageway, a seat coupled to the control sys-
`tem and exposed to the passageway, and a radial protrusion
`disposed at least partially in the inner sleeve and exposed to
`the passageway with the seat, the method comprising using
`the control system in a location associated with the well with
`the radial protrusion retracted from the passageway; allow-
`ing a movable restriction to engage the seat; and moving the
`inner sleeve relative to the first portion to cause the actuator
`of the first portion to extend the radial protrusion into the
`passageway to selectively restrict the longitudinal travel of
`the movable restriction between the radial protrusion and the
`seat.
`
`The invention also provides a method of using a fluid
`control system for a hydrocarbon well, the control system
`comprising a first portion having at least one actuator, an
`inner sleeve slidably disposed with the first portion and
`forming a longitudinal passageway, and at least two radial
`protrusions disposed at least partially in the inner sleeve and
`exposed to the passageway, at
`least
`two of the radial
`protrusions being adapted to selectively extend into and
`retract from the passageway, the method comprising using
`the control system in a location associated with the well with
`the two radial protrusions extended into the passageway and
`with a movable restriction disposed in the passageway and
`restricted in longitudinal travel between at least two of the
`extended radial protrusions; moving the inner sleeve relative
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`to the first portion so that at least one of the radial protru-
`sions retracts from the passageway to selectively release the
`movable restriction from between the radial protrusions.
`Further, the invention provides a fluid control system for
`a hydrocarbon well, comprising a first portion of the control
`system having an actuator; an inner sleeve slidably disposed
`inside the first portion and forming a longitudinal passage-
`way; a seat coupled to the control system and exposed to the
`passageway; a movable restriction adapted to restrict flow in
`the passageway when engaged with the seat, wherein the
`movable restriction comprises a covering disposed over a
`disintegratable core.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a well with
`
`various tools disposed therein.
`FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a well with
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`a control system of the present invention.
`FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a well with
`
`another embodiment of the control system.
`FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of one
`
`embodiment of the control system.
`FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the
`embodiment of FIG. 2A wherein the ball or other movable
`
`restriction has engaged a ball seat.
`FIG. 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of embodi-
`
`ment of FIG. 2B wherein the parts are shifted and a radial
`protrusion is extended into a passageway to block the
`reverse travel of the ball or other movable restriction.
`FIG. 2D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the
`embodiment shown in FIG. 2C wherein a reversal of fluid
`flow downstream of the ball or other movable restriction has
`
`occurred and shifted the movable restriction against the
`radial protrusion.
`FIG. 3A is a schematic sectional view an exemplary
`embodiment of the present invention with at least one radial
`protrusion in a position.
`FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the
`embodiment shown in FIG. 3A with at least one other radial
`
`protrusion in another position.
`FIG. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view across the
`passageway.
`FIG. 3D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the
`embodiment shown in FIG. 3B in a reverse flow direction.
`FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of another
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`embodiment of the present invention having at least one
`radial protrusion in a position.
`FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the
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`embodiment shown in FIG. 4A where a radial protrusion is
`extended into the passageway to block the reverse travel of
`the movable restriction.
`FIG. 4C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the
`
`embodiment shown in FIG. 4B with a second radial protru-
`sion retracted from the passageway.
`FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodi-
`ment of the movable restriction.
`FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of another
`embodiment of the movable restriction.
`FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the control
`
`system having a cutter disposed in the passageway for
`impairment of the movable restriction.
`FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodi-
`
`ment where at least one radial protrusion is extended into the
`passageway to block the travel of the movable restriction.
`
`MEGCO EX. 1011
`
`MEGCO Ex. 1011
`
`

`
`US 7,021,389 B2
`
`5
`FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional View of the
`embodiment shown in FIG. 7A with at least one radial
`
`protrusion is retracted from the passageway.
`FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional View of another
`
`multi-staged embodiment.
`FIG. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional View of the
`
`embodiment shown in FIG. 8A in a second position.
`FIG. 8C is a schematic cross-sectional View of the
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`embodiment shown in FIG. 8B in a third position.
`FIG. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional View of another
`embodiment.
`FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional View of the
`
`embodiment shown in FIG. 9A in a second position.
`FIG. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional View of another
`embodiment.
`FIG. 10B is a schematic cross-sectional View of the
`
`embodiment shown in FIG. 10A in a second position.
`FIG. 10C is a schematic cross-sectional View of the
`
`embodiment shown in FIG. 10B in a third position.
`FIG. 11A is a schematic cross-sectional View of another
`embodiment.
`FIG. 11B is a schematic cross-sectional View of the
`embodiment shown in FIG. 11A with a moVable restriction
`inserted therein.
`FIG. 11C is a schematic cross-sectional View of the
`
`embodiment shown in FIG. 11B in a second position.
`FIG. 11D is a schematic cross-sectional View of the
`
`embodiment shown in FIG. 11C in a second position.
`FIG. 12A is a schematic cross-sectional View of another
`embodiment.
`FIG. 12B is a schematic cross-sectional View of the
`
`embodiment shown in FIG. 12A in a second position.
`FIG. 12C is a schematic cross-sectional View of the
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`embodiment shown in FIG. 12B in a third position.
`FIG. 12D is a schematic cross-sectional View of the
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`embodiment shown in FIG. 12C in a fourth position.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional View of a well with
`
`Various tools disposed therein. Awell 10 is generally used to
`recoVer below-surface minerals such as gas, oil, and other
`minerals, hereinafter termed “hydrocarbons.” Generally, a
`well bore 12 is formed in the surface of the ground or subsea
`layers 14. A casing 16 is normally inserted in the well bore
`12, when the well bore has been drilled to a certain desired
`depth. An armulus 18 between the casing and the well bore
`12 is generally filled with a cement-like substance. Atubular
`string 20 is inserted in the casing 16. The tubular string can
`be a completion string, coiled tubing, a production string,
`wireline, and other members that are inserted down the
`casing 16 for different processes used to ultimately extract
`the hydrocarbons from the underlying layers through which
`the well bore is formed. Various equipment can be attached
`directly or indirectly to the tubing string below or aboVe the
`surface. For example, a blow-out preVenter or other equip-
`ment 22 can be attached to the upper portion of the tubing
`string 20. Additionally, auxiliary equipment 24, such as fluid
`and solids separators, power supplies, pumps, rotary drilling
`heads, sensors, support equipment, and other associated
`equipment is generally used in the drilling, completion, and
`subsequent production of the well. Some of the tools that can
`be attached to the down hole portion of the tubular string that
`are inserted below the surface 14 can include, for example
`and without limitation, a setting tool 26, a graVel packer 28,
`a crossoVer tool or closing sleeVe 30, a screen 32, a packer
`
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`34, a decoupling tool 36, a perforating gun 38, and other
`tools, as would be known to those with ordinary skill in the
`art. Without limitation, one tool that can adVantageously use
`the control system described herein is described in patent
`application U.S. Ser. No. 60/214,689, filed Aug. 24, 2001,
`and is incorporated herein by reference. One or more of
`these Various tools can be inserted indiVidually down the
`well or in one or more assemblies with each other, depend-
`ing upon the particular requirements and desires of the
`drilling and production engineers.
`The tools can be used in a location associated with the
`
`well, such as adjacent to the well, in the flow path of the well
`fluids, on the surface of the well, or down hole in the well
`bore. Many of the tools require Various control systems to
`either actuate the tool or de-actuate the tool or affect other
`
`tools coupled thereto, including for example, the setting tool
`26, the packers 28, 34, the crossoVer tool or closing sleeVe
`30,
`the decoupling tool 36,
`the perforating gun 38, and
`others. Often the control system must work remotely, such
`as down hole, or in other assemblies haVing diflicult access.
`The present inVention proVides a control system adaptable
`to be coupled to or formed with many of the tools generally
`associated with a hydrocarbon well and can be a “tool” as
`the term is broadly used by proViding a control element to
`a well. HoweVer,
`it
`is to be understood that the control
`system can be used for other purposes besides producing
`hydrocarbons. The inVention described herein is limited
`only by the claims that follow. Further,
`in general,
`the
`present inVention uses the concept of blocking passageways
`and pressurizing fluids disposed therein to cause relatiVe
`moVement between portions of the control system. The
`relatiVe moVement causes Various alignments and radial
`moVements within the control system. HoweVer, it is to be
`understood that other modes of moVement besides pressur-
`ization are included within the scope of the claims recited
`herein and can include, without
`limitation, electrical,
`mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, chemical, and other
`forms of actuation. Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein
`are only exemplary of the concepts embodied herein and
`recited in the accompanying claims.
`FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional View of a well with
`
`a control system. Similar elements from FIG. 1 are similarly
`numbered throughout the Various figures herein. The well 10
`generally includes a casing 16 inserted into the well bore 12.
`The tubular string 12 generally includes one or more tools
`coupled thereto. A control system 40 can be coupled to the
`tubing string directly or indirectly through interVening tools.
`Further, additional control systems 40 can be coupled
`thereto for additional concurrent or subsequent control
`efforts. Thus, one or more control system can be arranged in
`modular units as appropriate to the functions desired in the
`well 10.
`FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional View of a well with
`
`another embodiment of a control system. The tubular string
`20 is disposed in the well 10, generally inside a casing 16.
`The tubular string can be temporarily or permanent and can
`be an existing installation. In at least one embodiment, a tool
`23, such as a seating nipple or other locating tool, is coupled
`to the tubular string 21. Another tubular string 20 can be
`inserted through the tubular string 21. The tubular string 21
`generally includes a mating portion 25 of the tool 23, if
`present, and a control system 40 coupled thereto as a
`cartridge unit. The control system 40 is located by engaging
`the tool 23 with the mating portion 25. The control system
`can therefore restrict flow in the tubular string 21 for control
`
`MEGCO EX. 1011
`
`MEGCO Ex. 1011
`
`

`
`US 7,021,389 B2
`
`7
`of tools, such as those shown in FIG. 1. The control system
`can be retrieved or left in place, depending on the particular
`operation of the well.
`FIGS. 2A—2D illustrate one embodiment of the control
`
`system 40 and a non-limiting sequence of the progression
`and interaction between a radial protrusion, a movable
`restriction, and a seat. It is to be understood that other
`sequences both prior to and after the illustrated sequences
`are possible and are contemplated in the present invention.
`For example, the radial protrusion can be initially retracted
`and subsequently extended or vice versa.
`FIG. 2A shows a first portion 42 and an inner sleeve 48
`in a position with the radial protrusion retracted at least
`partially out of the passageway. FIG. 2B shows a movable
`restriction 64 inserted into a passageway 50 and engaged
`with a seat 58. FIG. 2C shows the relative movement
`
`between the first portion 42 and the inner sleeve 48, so that
`the radial protrusion 62 has been actuated and extended at
`least partially into the passageway 50. FIG. 2D shows the
`movable restriction unseated from the seat 58 and engaged
`against the protrusion 62. FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate that the
`passageway seal 60 can seal against the movable restriction
`in an upstream or downstream position between the seat 58
`and radial protrusion 62.
`Having briefly described the intent of FIGS. 2A—2D,
`further details are described below. Similar elements are
`
`similarly numbered throughout the various figures.
`FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of one
`
`embodiment of the control system of the present invention
`in a position. The control system 40 includes a first portion
`42 and an inner sleeve 48 associated with the first portion 42.
`The first portion 42 can be an outer sleeve disposed on a
`periphery of the tool or disposed within the tool. Further, the
`first portion 42 can be other members besides a sleeve as
`may be appropriate in a given situation. It is advantageous
`that the first portion 42 allows movement of the inner sleeve
`48 relative thereto. In at least one embodiment, the first
`portion 42 generally includes an actuator 44. The actuator 44
`generally includes the combination of the recess 44a and
`step 44b in a radial direction. Sliding movement of the
`sleeve 48 along the recess 44a and step 44b assists in
`actuating the control system, as described herein. Other
`actuators can include other modes of movement as noted
`above.
`
`In some embodiments, a port 46 can be formed through
`the first portion 42 for communication between an inner and
`outer volume. For example, an inner volume can be a
`passageway 50 formed within the tubular string 20,
`in
`reference to FIG. 1, and an outer volume (not labeled) can
`be a portion outside the tool in an armulus formed between
`the string 20 and the casing 16, also referring to FIG. 1.
`While the actuator 44 is shown as a recess 44a and step 44b
`(biased radially outward),
`it is to be understood that the
`differences in radial dimensions could be switched, so that
`recess 44a is aligned with an inner surface of the first portion
`42 and the step 44b could extend beyond the inner surface
`of the first portion 42 (biased radially outward) in this and
`any other embodiment. Further,
`the actuator 44 can be
`configured to other portions of the control system 40. In
`general,
`it is the interaction between the various control
`system portions that cause the movable restriction to be
`secured between downstream and upstream surfaces.
`As mentioned, an inner sleeve 48 is generally disposed
`within the first portion 42. While the term “sleeve” is used
`to generally reflect a hollow tubular member, it is to be
`understood that the term is used broadly to encompass any
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`movable part having an internal volume through which a
`fluid can pass, regardless of the geometry.
`A por