Baker Hughes Corporation

Maria M O'Connell

Michael H Johnson

Yang Xu

Lale Korkmaz

Hector H Mireles

Charles C Johnson

David A Castillo

An interval can be divided into zones by inserting a series of plugs that register with specific profiles at predetermined intervals along a section of pipe. Each plug supports a releasable perforating gun that can release from the plug and perforate an interval for treatment such as fracturing or acidizing. A subsequent plug then isolates the just treated zone and the process is repeated working up toward the surface. When the full interval is treated the plugs can then be removed by making their cores disappear using a reaction or dissolving techniques. Mechanical alternative that push all the plugs to hole bottom or that retrieve them together or individually are possible alternative techniques for removal of the plugs from the treated interval before production is initiated.

Isolation of zones for fracturing using removable plugs

A plug counter includes a seat receptive of a plug in a first position and capable of passing the plug in a second position. A first sleeve is in operable communication with the seat and is longitudinally movable in response to movement of the seat between the first position and the second position. A second sleeve is in operable communication with at least one of the first sleeve and the seat and is configured to index upon passage of the plug. A key is in operable communication with the seat and is configured to prevent movement of the seat to the second position after a selected number of plugs have passed the seat. A third sleeve is in operable communication with the first sleeve, and a release member is in operable communication with the third sleeve and is configured to move the third sleeve after it is released.

Fracing system and method

Plug counter, fracing system and method

A mandrel is formed with a projection, depression or a surface irregularity to retain the seal material sealing a passage in the mandrel or an annular space around it against differential pressure. The material can be a shape memory or swelling material.

Retention mechanism for subterranean seals experiencing differential pressure

A series of jet nozzles have a telescoping structure designed to impact the borehole wall and initiate a fracture. The nozzles can be extended through fluid pumped through them or with some mechanical force from within the bottom hole assembly. The leading ends of the telescoping assembly can be sharp and hardened to facilitate the initiation of a formation fracture in an open hole. The telescoping structures can be disposed in a single or multiple rows with the circumferential spacing being such that each telescoping structure is designed to cover a target circumferential distance of 45 degrees or less so that jetted fluid from at least one jet will be within 22.5 degrees of a location of maximum formation stresses to reduce the tortuosity of the created fractures from jetting through the nozzles with possible enhancement of the fracturing from added annulus pressure.

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Cypress, TX, United States of America

Maria M O'Connell