(12)
`
`United States Patent
`Bishop et al.
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,021,389 B2
`Apr. 4, 2006
`
`US0070213 89B2
`
`9/1955 Johnston ................... .. 166/318
`2,717,646 A *
`4/1977 Perkins ..................... .. 166/278
`4,018,284 A *
`9/1978 Dinning
`4,114,694 A
`4/1981 Brown
`4,263,936 A
`4,543,703 A 10/1985 WetZel et 31.
`i *
`getzel’ Jr'
`5,413,180 A
`5/1995 Ross et a1.
`5,462,121 A 10/1995 Schmuck et a1.
`5,641,023 A
`6/1997 Ross et a1.
`6,464,006 B1
`10/2002 Womble
`6,820,697 B1 * 11/2004 Churchill .................. .. 166/374
`
`,
`
`,
`
`chols et a1. ............. .. 166/386
`
`(54) BI-DIRECTIONAL BALL SEAT SYSTEM AND
`METHOD
`
`(75) Inventors: Floyd Romaine Bishop, Humble, TX
`(Us), Marvin Bryce Traweek
`Houston, TX (US); Richard J. Ross,
`Houston’ TX (Us), Davld J- Walker’
`Lafayette, LA (Us); Dewayne M-
`Turner, Tomball, TX (US)
`
`_
`
`_
`
`(73) Assignee: BJ Services Company, Houston, TX
`
`(Us)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject' to any disclaimer,~ the term of this
`gage? llssiéggngedé‘grdzdlusted under 35
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`y
`
`ys.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/373,319
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Feb. 24, 2003
`
`(65)
`
`PI‘iOI‘ PllblicatiOIl Data
`Us 2004/0163820 A1
`Aug' 26’ 200 4
`
`(51) Int_ CL
`(200601)
`E21B 34/14
`(52) us. Cl. .................... .. 166/373; 166/386; 166/317;
`166/318. 166/3321
`1 66/31 6*319
`(58) Field of Classi?cation Search
`166/321 325 328 3355334 1 376 373’
`’
`’
`’
`'
`’
`'
`’
`16’6/386’
`See a lication ?le for Com lete Search histo
`pp
`p
`ry'
`-
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`.
`.
`* c1ted by examlner
`Primary ExamineriKenneth Thompson
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or F irmiLocke 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 ?uid 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 rad1al protruslon radlally extended 1nto the
`passageway dlstally from ‘h? seaPrelanve ‘0 111‘? ba11'_A
`reverse movement of the ball 15 restrlcted by the act1ve rad1al
`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 ordina
`ry
`skills in the art.
`
`2,319,514 A *
`
`5/1943 Pen?eld ..................... .. 138/45
`
`43 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`AI _ __
`
`MEGCO Ex. 1019
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 or 10
`
`US 7,021,389 B2
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`9 .mm
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`MEGCO Ex. 1019
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4, 2006
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`Sheet 2 0f 10
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`US 7,021,389 B2
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`72
`40\42
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`54
`46
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`72
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`44c
`44 44b
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`56
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`48
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`Fig. 2D
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`MEGCO Ex. 1019
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4, 2006
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`Sheet 3 0f 10
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`US 7,021,389 B2
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`Om
`mm J.
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`mm
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`21.
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`MEGCO Ex. 1019
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4, 2006
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`Sheet 4 0f 10
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`US 7,021,389 B2
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`42
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`40\ 72
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`48
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`44
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`MEGCO Ex. 1019
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4, 2006
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`Sheet 5 0f 10
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`US 7,021,389 B2
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`96
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`62,58, 70
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`50
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`50
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`Fig. 7A
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`Fig. 7B
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`MEGCO Ex. 1019
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`U.S. Patent
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`MEGCO Ex. 1019
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`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4,2006
`
`Sheet 7 of 10
`
`US 7,021,389 B2
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`Apr. 4, 2006
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`US 7,021,389 B2
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 2006
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`Sheet 9 0f 10
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`US 7,021,389 B2
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`MEGCO Ex. 1019
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4,2006
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`Sheet 10 of 10
`
`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 speci?cally, the invention relates to a
`control system for controlling ?uid ?oW and actuating
`various tools associated With hydrocarbon Wells.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`ordinary skills in the art. For example, controlling ?uids can
`include controlling a reversal of ?uid ?oW caused by an
`unexpected doWnstream pressurization of production ?uids.
`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
`?oWs doWnstream in the passageWay to a remote site that
`has the ball seat, it has heretofore been di?icult 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 su?icient 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 con?guration,
`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
`
`The present invention provides a control system and
`method of use. In at least one embodiment, the present
`invention provides a ?uid 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
`
`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 annulus
`formed betWeen the casing and the Well bore is ?lled 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 ?oW 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 ?lter 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 e?iciently pro
`duce hydrocarbons including tools for ?ltration 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 ?rst
`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 ?oW 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 ?oW patterns and
`control ?uids, and other functions knoWn to those With
`
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`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 ?uid control system for a hydrocarbon well, com
`prising a ?rst portion of the control system; an actuator
`coupled to the ?rst portion; an inner sleeve slidably disposed
`inside the ?rst 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 ?ow in at least one direction by sealing engagement
`with the movable restriction inserted in the passageway.
`The invention also provides a ?uid control system for a
`hydrocarbon well, comprising a ?rst portion of the control
`system having an actuator; an inner sleeve slidably disposed
`inside the ?rst 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 ?uid
`control system for a hydrocarbon well, the control system
`comprising a ?rst portion having an actuator, an inner sleeve
`slidably disposed with the ?rst 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 ?rst portion to cause the actuator
`of the ?rst 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 ?uid
`control system for a hydrocarbon well, the control system
`comprising a ?rst portion having at least one actuator, an
`inner sleeve slidably disposed with the ?rst 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
`
`4
`to the ?rst 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 ?uid control system for
`a hydrocarbon well, comprising a ?rst portion of the control
`system having an actuator; an inner sleeve slidably disposed
`inside the ?rst 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 ?ow 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
`
`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
`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 ?uid
`?ow 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 ?ow direction.
`FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of another
`embodiment of the present invention having at least one
`radial protrusion in a position.
`FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the
`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.
`
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`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
`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
`embodiment shoWn in FIG. 12B in a third position.
`FIG. 12D is a schematic cross-sectional vieW of the
`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 annulus 18 betWeen the casing and the Well bore
`12 is generally ?lled 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 ?uid
`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, ?led 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 ?oW path of the Well
`?uids, 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 di?icult 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 ?uids 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 ?gures 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 ?oW in the tubular string 21 for control
`
`MEGCO Ex. 1019
`
`

`
`US 7,021,389 B2
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`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. 2Ai2D 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 ?rst 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 ?rst 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 brie?y described the intent of FIGS. 2Ai2D,
`further details are described beloW. Similar elements are
`similarly numbered throughout the various ?gures.
`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 ?rst portion
`42 and an inner sleeve 48 associated With the ?rst portion 42.
`The ?rst portion 42 can be an outer sleeve disposed on a
`periphery of the tool or disposed Within the tool. Further, the
`?rst portion 42 can be other members besides a sleeve as
`may be appropriate in a given situation. It is advantageous
`that the ?rst portion 42 alloWs movement of the inner sleeve
`48 relative thereto. In at least one embodiment, the ?rst
`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 ?rst 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 annulus 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 ?rst portion
`42 and the step 44b could extend beyond the inner surface
`of the ?rst portion 42 (biased radially outWard) in this and
`any other embodiment. Further, the actuator 44 can be
`con?gured 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 ?rst portion 42. While the term “sleeve” is used
`to generally re?ect 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
`?uid can pass, regardless of the geometry.
`A port 52 can be disposed through the inner sleeve 48 to
`connect an inner and outer volume (not labeled), similar to
`port 46 ofthe ?rst portion 42. The port 52 can be offset from
`port 46 in at least one embodiment so that ?oW therebetWeen
`is restricted. Relative movement of the control system 40
`can cause alignment of the ports to alloW subsequent ?oW
`therethrough. In other embodiments, the control system can
`align ports 46 and 52 and subsequently misalign the ports to
`subsequently restrict the ?oW. In some embodiments, it can
`be advantageous to include one or more seals 54, 56 at one
`or more positions to restrict ?oW betWeen the ?rst portion 42
`and sleeve 48.
`Further, a shear pin 72 can be used to secure the move
`ment betWeen the ?rst portion of 42 and the inner sleeve 48.
`The term “pin” is de?ned broadly to include any device that
`can be used to restrain the relative movement betWeen tWo
`portions of the control system, including, Without limitation,
`pins, dogs, threads, springs, C-ring, solenoids, and other
`restraining devices. Further, the pin 72 can be disposed at
`different positions relative to the ?rst portion 42 and inner
`sleeve 48.
`A lock (not shoWn) such as a spring-loaded pin or other
`element, can be used to lock the inner sleeve 48 after
`movement to restrict reverse movement, as Would be knoWn
`to those With ordinary skil