Remotely operated and multi-functional down-hole control tools
First Claim
1. A system for controlling flow in a wellbore, comprising:
- a tubular string comprising an interior passage and a tubing port in fluid communication with the interior passage of the tubular string;
a washpipe comprising an interior passage fluidly coupled to the interior passage of the tubular string through the tubing port, the washpipe further comprising a return port in fluid communication with the interior passage of the washpipe;
a return passage fluidly coupled the interior passage of the washpipe through the return port; and
a multi-position valve comprising a closure member selectively movable among at least two positions including;
a fully open position wherein fluid flow is permitted through both the tubular port and the return port; and
a first closed position wherein fluid flow is obstructed through the tubing port and permitted through the return port.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for controlling flow in a wellbore can include a down-hole control module that is hydraulically coupled to multiple components of the system. The control module can include a computer, which can be preprogrammed to operate the various components in a particular sequence, and communicate confirmation or error signals to a surface location. The control module can also include a micro-hydraulic motor and pump that can that can be instructed by the computer to selectively deliver hydraulic fluid to one or more of the components of the system. The system can include isolation members such as packers, hydraulic pressure maintenance devices (PMDs), hydraulic sheer joints, inflow control devices or valves (ICDs or ICVs) and a multi-position valve that can be actuated by the control module without necessitating communication with a surface location.
9 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for controlling flow in a wellbore, comprising:
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a tubular string comprising an interior passage and a tubing port in fluid communication with the interior passage of the tubular string; a washpipe comprising an interior passage fluidly coupled to the interior passage of the tubular string through the tubing port, the washpipe further comprising a return port in fluid communication with the interior passage of the washpipe; a return passage fluidly coupled the interior passage of the washpipe through the return port; and a multi-position valve comprising a closure member selectively movable among at least two positions including; a fully open position wherein fluid flow is permitted through both the tubular port and the return port; and a first closed position wherein fluid flow is obstructed through the tubing port and permitted through the return port. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An apparatus for controlling flow in a wellbore, comprising:
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a washpipe comprising an interior passage defining a tubing port and a return port therein for fluidly coupling the interior passage of the washpipe to an interior passage of a tubular string and a return passage, respectively; a multi-position valve comprising a closure member selectively movable between at least two of a fully open position, a first closed position and a second closed position, wherein fluid flow is permitted through both the tubular port and the return port when the closure member is in the fully open position, wherein fluid flow is obstructed through the tubing port and permitted through the return port when the closure member is in the first closed position, and wherein fluid flow is obstructed through both the tubing port and the return port when the closure member is in the second closed position; and a control module comprising a communication unit and a controller, the communication unit operable to receive a START signal and to transmit the START signal to the controller, and the controller operable to receive the START signal and to execute a predetermined sequence of instructions to move the closure member of the multi-position valve between the at least two of the fully open position, the first closed position and the second closed position in response to receiving the START signal. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of controlling flow in a wellbore, comprising:
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(a) deploying a washpipe into the wellbore to fluidly couple a tubing port of the washpipe to an interior passage of a tubular string extending within the wellbore and to fluidly couple a return port of the washpipe to a return passage extending on an exterior of the tubular string; and (b) instructing a control module carried by the washpipe to move a closure member of a multi-position valve carried by the washpipe to a fully open position to wherein fluid flow is permitted through both the tubular port and the return port to establish fluid communication between the interior passage of the tubular string an the interior passage of the washpipe; and (c) instructing the control module to move the closure member to at least one of a first closed position and a second closed position, wherein fluid flow is obstructed through the tubing port and permitted through the return port when the closure member is in the first closed position, and wherein fluid flow is obstructed through both the tubing port and the return port when the closure member is in the second closed position. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification