Reverse flow sleeve actuation method
A sleeve actuation method for actuating sleeves in a reverse direction. The method includes a use of stored energy created by injecting into a connected region of a well such that the stored energy is used to actuate a tool installed in a wellbore casing that is either heel ward or uphole of the connected region. The tool actuated in a direction from toe end to heel end while the tool reconfigures to create a seat for seating plugging elements.
1. A method for monitoring actuation and location of sliding sleeve valves in a wellbore casing,
wherein said method comprises the steps of:
(1) installing said wellbore casing along with said sliding sleeve valves at predefined positions;
(2) creating and treating a first injection point into a hydrocarbon formation;
(3) pumping a restriction plug element in a downstream direction such that said restriction plug element passes through unactuated said sliding sleeve valves;
(4) checking pressure and comparing with a seating pressure from a pressure-time chart for proper seating of said restriction plug element in a downhole tool;
(5) reversing direction of flow such that said restriction plug element flows back in an upstream direction towards a first sliding sleeve valve;
(6) continuing flow back so that said restriction plug element engages onto said first sliding sleeve valve;
(7) sensing pressure and comparing pressure from said pressure-time chart and checking for proper engagement of said restriction plug element on a downstream end of said first sliding sleeve valve;
(8) actuating said first sliding sleeve valve with said restriction plug element with fluid motion from downstream to upstream direction;
(9) sensing pressure and comparing with a differential pressure from said pressure-time chart and determining location of said first sliding sleeve based on sensing pressure;
(10) creating a second injection point and pumping down treatment fluid in said downstream direction and treating the second injection point, while said first restriction plug element disables fluid communication downstream of said first sliding sleeve valve; and
(11) sensing pressure and comparing pressure from said pressure-time chart to determine if said first sliding sleeve valve is actuated.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said first injection point is created in a toe valve at a toe end in said wellbore casing.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein an operator at a wellhead monitors said pressure chart monitor.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said seating pressure ranges from 2000 PSI to 10,000 PSI.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said differential pressure ranges from 1000 PSI to 5000 PSI.
6. The sliding sleeve actuation method of claim 1 wherein said reversing direction of flow step (5) is enabled by stopping pumping and releasing stored energy in said first injection point.