Remotely operated and multi-functional down-hole control tools
First Claim
1. An apparatus for controlling flow in a wellbore, comprising:
- a tubular string defining an interior passage extending longitudinally therethrough;
an isolation system disposed around the tubular string to define a first zone adjacent thereto around the tubular string;
a first annulus feedback device operable to provide a first annulus feedback signal representative of a first zonal pressure within the first zone;
a first pressure maintenance device comprising a first closure member and a first opening defined through a sidewall of the tubular string, the first closure member selectively movable between an open position and a closed position, whereby flow of an interior fluid from the interior passage through the first opening into the first zone is permitted when the first closure member is in the open position and whereby flow of the interior fluid from the interior passage through the first opening is obstructed when the first closure member is in the closed position; and
a first control module communicatively coupled to the first annulus feedback device and the first pressure maintenance device, the first control module operable to receive the first annulus feedback signal, and to provide a command signal to the first pressure maintenance device based on the first annulus feedback signal to selectively move the first closure member between the open position and the closed position based on a first predetermined threshold pressure.
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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 shear joints, inflow control devices or valves (ICDs or ICVs) and a three-position valve that can be actuated by the control module without necessitating communication with a surface location.
7 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for controlling flow in a wellbore, comprising:
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a tubular string defining an interior passage extending longitudinally therethrough; an isolation system disposed around the tubular string to define a first zone adjacent thereto around the tubular string; a first annulus feedback device operable to provide a first annulus feedback signal representative of a first zonal pressure within the first zone; a first pressure maintenance device comprising a first closure member and a first opening defined through a sidewall of the tubular string, the first closure member selectively movable between an open position and a closed position, whereby flow of an interior fluid from the interior passage through the first opening into the first zone is permitted when the first closure member is in the open position and whereby flow of the interior fluid from the interior passage through the first opening is obstructed when the first closure member is in the closed position; and a first control module communicatively coupled to the first annulus feedback device and the first pressure maintenance device, the first control module operable to receive the first annulus feedback signal, and to provide a command signal to the first pressure maintenance device based on the first annulus feedback signal to selectively move the first closure member between the open position and the closed position based on a first predetermined threshold pressure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of controlling flow in a wellbore, comprising:
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(a) conveying an interior fluid into a wellbore through an interior passage of a tubular string at a first pressure selected to be higher than a predetermined threshold pressure; (b) detecting a zonal pressure within an annular zone defined in the wellbore around the tubular string; (c) evaluating the detected zonal pressure to determine whether the zonal pressure is above or below the predetermined threshold pressure; and (d) generating a local signal within the wellbore to move a closure member to either an open position or a closed position with respect to an opening defined in the tubular string between the interior passage and annular zone to thereby maintain the closure member in the open position while the zonal pressure is below the predetermined threshold pressure and to maintain the closure member in the closed position while the zonal pressure is equal to or above the predetermined threshold pressure. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of controlling flow in a wellbore, comprising:
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(a) programming a first control module of a well completion system with a first predetermined threshold pressure; (b) conveying an interior fluid into a wellbore through an interior passage of the well completion system at a first pressure selected to be higher than the first predetermined threshold pressure; (c) providing the first control module with a first zonal pressure from a first annular space defined by the well completion system; (d) utilizing the first control module to evaluate whether the first zonal pressure is above or below the first predetermined threshold pressure; and (e) operating the first control module to maintain a first closure member in a closed position while the first zonal pressure is above the first predetermined threshold pressure to thereby obstruct flow of the interior fluid from the interior passage into the first annular space, and to maintain the first closure member in an open position while the first zonal pressure is below the first predetermined threshold pressure to thereby permit flow of the interior fluid from the interior passage into the first annular space. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification