Abstract:
Method and apparatus for performing a series of downhole operations. The method can include conveying a work string with an integrated valve into a wellbore. As the work string with the integrated valve is conveyed into the wellbore, the valve can be in a first operation mode. When the valve is located within the wellbore, the valve can be adjusted to a different operation mode by selectively rotating at least a portion of the valve without longitudinal movement of the valve relative to the wellbore.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Completion assemblies for downhole operations are typically conveyed to a desired location within the wellbore and anchored or positioned within the wellbore by a service tool. Upon placement of the completion assembly, numerous well operations, such as perforation, fracing, gravel packing, etc., can be performed using a variety of completion tools, such as sand screens, bridge plugs, packers, pumps, just to name a few. Successful completion of these operations typically requires numerous movements of the service tool to actuate or operate the respective completion tools. For successful operations, an operator must have knowledge of the downhole service tool as well as an ability to visualize the operation, location, and status of the service tool within the well. 
     In a typical operation, the operator runs a work string, a service tool, and a lower completion into the well bore until a desired location is reached. The operator then marks the work string at the surface to indicate the respective location of the tool within the lower completion. The work string and the service tool are decoupled from the lower completion, and the work string and service tool are longitudinally moved within the lower completion. As the service tool is moved within the lower completion, the marks on the service tool are assumed to indicate specific positions of the service tool within the lower completion. 
     This procedure, however, relies on substantial knowledge and experience of the operator and is prone to error. Such error is most typically caused by the expansion and contraction of the work string as it is lowered into and retrieved from the wellbore. Such length differentials are most likely caused by temperature and/or pressure fluctuations within the wellbore that cause the work string to expand or contract. Moreover, in highly deviated wellbores with difficult trajectories, much of the string movement is lost between the surface and the downhole location due to string buckling, compression, and the like. In such systems where gravel packs are performed, the service tool can be prone to sticking with respect to the downhole completion assembly. 
     There is a need, therefore, for a downhole tool capable of performing multiple downhole operations without requiring longitudinal movement relative to the wellbore. 
     SUMMARY 
     Methods and apparatus for performing a series of downhole operations are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, a work string is conveyed with an integrated valve into a wellbore. As the work string is conveyed into the wellbore, the valve can be in a first operation mode. When the valve is disposed within the wellbore, the valve is adjusted to a different operation mode by rotating at least a portion of the valve without longitudinal movement of the valve relative to the wellbore. 
     In at least one specific embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing having a first end and a second end. A flow gland can be disposed at each end of the housing. Each flow gland can have at least one flow port formed therethrough. A body having a plurality of channels formed therethrough can be disposed within the housing. The body can be rotatable within the housing to selectively isolate at least one of the channels to provide an operation mode of the valve. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the recited features can be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to one or more embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative valve, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an isometric view of an illustrative housing of the valve depicted in  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 3  depicts an isometric view of an illustrative body of the valve depicted in  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a schematic representation of various zones within a wellbore that can be selectively serviced by the valve depicted in  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve depicted in  FIG. 1  in a circulating operation mode, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve depicted in  FIG. 1  in a squeeze operation mode, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve depicted in  FIG. 1  in a reverse operation mode, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve depicted in  FIG. 1  in a washdown operation mode, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve depicted in  FIG. 1  in a blank operation mode, according to one or more embodiments described. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative valve, according to one or more embodiments. The valve  100  can include one or more housings  110 , one or more bodies  140 , and one or more flow glands (two are shown  120 ,  130 ). Each housing  110  can be at least partially disposed about the one or more bodies  140 . Each body  140  can include one or more channels or openings  142 ,  144 ,  145 ,  146 ,  147  at least partially formed therethrough. Each channel  142 ,  144 ,  145 ,  146 ,  147  can be independently isolated and/or aligned with respect to the housing  110  and/or flow glands  120 ,  130  to provide one or more flow paths through the valve  100 . As such, the valve  100  can be selectively switched between various operation modes and can be used to perform multiple downhole operations in a single trip. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an isometric view of an illustrative housing  110  of the valve  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing  110  can be a sleeve or tubular member and at least partially disposed about the body  140 . The housing  110  can have one or more openings, slots, or flow ports (“ports”) (two ports are shown  112 ,  113 ) formed therethrough. The ports  112 ,  113  can be distributed about the housing  110  in any pattern or frequency. For example, one or more ports  112 ,  113  can be radially disposed about the housing  110  at one or more longitudinal positions thereon and/or two or more ports  112 ,  113  can be longitudinally disposed about the housing  110  at two or more longitudinal positions thereon. The ports  112 ,  113  can also be helically or spirally disposed about the housing  110 . For example, the ports  112 ,  113  can be disposed about the housing  110  such that the ports  112 ,  113  are offset from one another by about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 72 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 90 degrees, or more. Any one or more ports  112 ,  113  can be in fluid communication with any one or more channels  142 ,  144 ,  145 ,  146 ,  147  of the body  140 , depending on the radial orientation of the housing  110  with respect to the body  140 . 
     The first flow gland or end cap  120  can be secured to or engaged with a first end of the housing  110 . The second flow gland or end cap  130  can be secured to or engaged with a second end of the housing  110 . Preferably, the flow glands  120 ,  130  form a fluid tight seal with the housing  110  to prevent fluid loss therebetween. Any sealing member or mechanism can be used to provide the seal. For example, the seal can be or include one or more molded rubber seals, composite rubber seals, and/or elastomeric o-rings. 
     The first flow gland  120  can include one or more flow ports or openings (three are shown  122 ,  124 ,  126 ) formed therethrough. The second flow gland  130  can also include one or more flow ports or openings (one is shown  132 ) formed therethrough. The flow ports  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  132  provide an opening or path for fluid flow into or from the body  140 . The flow ports  124 ,  126  can be offset from one another. The offset can range from about less than 1 degree to 350 degrees. In one or more embodiments, flow ports  124 ,  126  can be offset from one another by less than 10 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 25 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 90 degrees, about 100 degrees, about 115 degrees, about 120 degrees, about 130 degrees, about 144 degrees, about 150 degrees, or more. More ranges include 10 degrees to 150 degrees, 20 degrees to 120 degrees, 30 degrees to 100 degrees, 40 degrees to 90 degrees, and 30 degrees to 60 degrees. 
       FIG. 3  depicts an isometric view of an illustrative body  140  of the valve  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the channels  142 ,  144 ,  145 ,  146 ,  147  can be formed through at least a portion the body  140 . The channels  142 ,  144 ,  145 ,  146 ,  147  can be selectively formed through the body  140  such that the channels  142 ,  144 ,  145 ,  146 ,  147  can be aligned with one or more portions of the housing  110  and/or the flow glands  120 ,  130  to provide one or more flow paths through the valve  100 . In one or more embodiments, each channel  142 ,  144 ,  145 ,  146  can be in fluid communication with one another and not in fluid communication with the channel  147 . 
     The body  140  can be at least partially disposed within the housing  110  between the first flow gland  120  and the second flow gland  130 . The body  140  can be manipulated relative to the housing  110  and/or the flow glands  120 ,  130  to provide one or more flow paths through the valve  100 . For example, in a first position, the body  140  can be oriented within the housing  110  so that the channel  142  aligns with the flow port  122  and the channel  144  aligns with the flow port  126 . As such, in the first position a first flow path can be provided through the valve  100  between the flow ports  122 ,  126 . In a second position, the body  140  can be oriented so that the channel  142  aligns with the flow port  122 , the channel  145  aligns with at least one of the ports  112 ,  113 , and the channel  147  aligns with the flow ports  132 ,  126 . As such, in the second position, a second flow path can be provided through the valve  100  between the ports  122 ,  126 ,  132  of the flow glands  120 ,  130 , and at least one of the ports  112 ,  113  of the housing  110 . In a third position, the body  140  can be oriented within the housing  110  so that the channel  142  aligns with the flow port  122  and the channel  145  aligns with at least one of the ports  112 ,  113 . As such, in the third position, a third flow path is provided through the valve  100  between the flow port  122  and at least one of the ports  112 ,  113 . 
     In yet another position, the body  140  can be oriented within the housing  110  so that the channel  142  aligns with the flow port  122  and the channel  146  aligns with the flow port  132 , providing a fourth flow path through the valve  100  between the flow port  122  and the flow port  132 . In yet another position, the body  140  can be oriented so that the flow port  122  aligns with the channel  142  and the other channels  144 ,  145 ,  146 ,  147  align with solid portions of the housing  110  and/or the flow glands  120 ,  130 , which prevents fluid flow through the valve  100 . 
     The flow glands  120 ,  130  can also be independently manipulated relative to one another, the housing  110 , and/or the body  140  to provide one or more flow paths through the valve  100 . For example, in a first position, the flow gland  120  can be oriented within the first end of the housing  110  so that the flow port  122  aligns with the channel  142  and the flow port  126  aligns with the channel  144 . As such, in the first position a first flow path can be provided through the valve  100  between the flow ports  122 ,  126 . In a second position, the flow gland  120  can be oriented within the first end of the housing  110  so that the flow port  122  aligns with the channel  142  and the flow port  126  aligns with the channel  147 ; the housing  110  can be oriented about the body  140  so that at least one of the ports  112 ,  113  aligns with the channel  145 ; and the flow gland  130  can be oriented within the second end of the housing  110  such that the flow port  132  aligns with the channel  147 . As such, in the second position, a second flow path can be provided through the valve  100  between the ports  122 ,  126 ,  132  of the flow glands  120 ,  130 , and at least one of the ports  112 ,  113  of the housing  110 . In a third position, the flow gland  120  can be oriented within the first end of the housing  110  so that the flow port  122  aligns with the channel  142 , and the housing  110  can be oriented about the body  140  so that at least one of the ports  112 ,  113  aligns with the channel  145 . As such, in the third position, a third flow path is provided through the valve  100  between the flow port  122  and at least one of the ports  112 ,  113 . 
     In yet another position, the flow gland  120  can be oriented within the first end of the housing  110  so that the flow port  122  aligns with the channel  142  and the flow gland  130  can be oriented within the second end of the housing  110  so that the flow port  132  aligns with the channel  146 , providing a fourth flow path through the valve  100  between the flow port  122  and the flow port  132 . In yet another position, the flow gland  120  can be oriented within the first end of the housing  110  so that the flow port  122  aligns with the channel  142  and solid portions thereof align with the channels  144 ,  146 ,  147 ; the housing  110  can be oriented about the body  140  so that solid portions thereof align with the channel  145 ; and the flow gland  130  can be oriented within the second end of the housing  110  so that solid portions thereof align with the channels  144 ,  146 ,  147 , which prevents fluid flow through the valve  100 . 
     An actuation device (not shown) can be used to manipulate the body  140 , the flow glands  120 ,  130 , and/or the housing  110  either independently of one another or in some combination of two or more to provide the selective flow paths through the valve  100 . The actuation device can be any actuation device capable of rotating in-situ at least one of the body  140 , the flow glands  120 ,  130 , and/or housing  110 . For example, the actuation device can be a hydraulically operated piston with a j-slot or w-slot. Other illustrative actuation methods can include motors, mechanical actuation devices, electro-mechanic actuation devices, and the like. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a schematic representation of various zones within a wellbore  205  that can be selectively serviced by the valve  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments. As depicted, the wellbore  205  can be divided or separated into at least four distinct zones  210 ,  215 ,  225 ,  228  about the valve  100  and a work string  200 . A first zone  210  can be an inner bore of a first or “upper” portion of the work string  200  adjacent the valve  100 . A second zone  215  can be an inner bore of a second or “lower” portion of the work string  200  adjacent the valve  100 . Accordingly, the valve  100  can separate the zones  210 ,  215  from one another. 
     A third zone  225  and a fourth zone  228  can be located within an annulus formed between the wellbore  205  and the work string  200 . For example, the third zone  225  and the fourth zone  228  can be isolated from one another by a packer  202  positioned about the valve  100 . The third zone  225  can be the portion of the annulus adjacent the first portion of the work string  200 . The fourth zone  228  can be the portion of the annulus adjacent the second zone  215 . 
     As used herein, the terms “up” and “down;” “upper” and “lower;” “upwardly” and “downwardly;” “upstream” and “downstream;” and other like terms are merely used for convenience to depict spatial orientations or spatial relationships relative to one another in a vertical wellbore. However, when applied to equipment and methods for use in wellbores that are deviated or horizontal, it is understood to those of ordinary skill in the art that such terms are intended to refer to a left to right, right to left, or other spatial relationship as appropriate. 
     As mentioned with reference to  FIG. 1 , the housing  110 , the body  140 , and or flow glands  120 ,  130  can be independently manipulated to provide the one or more flow paths through the valve  100 , which places any two or more distinct zones  210 ,  215 ,  225 ,  228  within the wellbore  205  in fluid communication with one another. Accordingly, any number of operations can be performed in-situ using the valve  100 . For simplicity and ease of description, however, the valve  100  will be further described with reference to an illustrative gravel packing operation that utilizes circulating, squeeze, reverse, washdown, and/or blank operation modes. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve  100  in a circulating operation mode, according to one or more embodiments. As depicted, the valve  100  can be placed in circulating operation mode by aligning the channel  145  with the port  112 , aligning the channel  142  with the flow port  122 , and aligning the channel  147  with the flow ports  126 ,  132 . The channel  144  is aligned with a solid portion of the first flow gland  120 , preventing fluid flow through the channel  144 . The channel  146  is also aligned with a solid portion of the second flow gland  130 , preventing fluid flow through the channel  146 . Consequentially, the valve  100  provides fluid communication between the first zone  210  and the fourth zone  228  and the second zone  215  and the third zone  225  and prevents fluid communication between the first zone  210  and the second zone  215 , the third zone  225  and the fourth zone  228 , the second zone  215  and the fourth zone  228 , and the third zone  225  and the first zone  210 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve  100  in a squeeze operation mode, according to one or more embodiments. In squeeze operation mode, the channel  142  is aligned with the flow port  122 , and the channel  145  is aligned with the port  113 . The alignment of the channel  142  with the flow port  122  and the channel  145  with the port  113  forms a flow path from the flow port  122  to the port  113  via channels  142 ,  145 . Further, the channels  144 ,  146 ,  147  are isolated by solid portions of the first flow gland  120  and the second flow gland  130 . Accordingly, when the valve  100  is in squeeze operation mode, the valve  100  provides fluid communication between the first zone  210  and the fourth zone  228  and prevents fluid communication between the first zone  210  and the second zone  215 , the second zone  215  and the third zone  225 , the third zone  225  and the fourth zone  228 , and the third zone  225  and the first zone  210 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve  100  in a reverse operation mode, according to one or more embodiments. When the valve  100  is in reverse operation mode, the channel  142  is aligned with the flow port  122 . Additionally, the channel  144  is aligned with the flow port  124 . Accordingly, a flow path is provided through the valve  100  between flow port  124  and the flow port  122  via channels  144 ,  142 . Further, the channels  146 ,  147  of the body  140  are aligned with solid portions of the flow glands  120 ,  130 , which isolate the channels  146 ,  147 . The channel  145  is aligned with the housing  110 , which isolates the channel  145 . Accordingly, when the valve  100  is in the reverse operation mode, the valve  100  provides fluid communication between the third zone  225  and the first zone  210  and prevents fluid communication between the first zone  210  and the second zone  215 , the second zone  215  and the fourth zone  228 , and the third zone  225  and the fourth zone  228 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve  100  in a washdown operation mode, according to one or more embodiments. When the valve  100  is in washdown operation mode, the channel  142  is aligned with the flow port  122 , the channel  144  is aligned with the flow port  126 , and the channel  146  is aligned with the flow port  132 . Furthermore, when the valve  100  is in a washdown operation mode, the channel  147  is aligned with solid portions of the first flow gland  120  and the second flow gland  130 , which isolate the channel  147 . The channel  145  is aligned with a solid portion of the housing  110 , which isolates the channel  145 . Accordingly, in washdown operation mode, the valve  100  provides fluid communication between the first zone  210  and the second zone  215  and the first zone  210  and the third zone  225  and prevents fluid communication between the first zone  210  and fourth zone  228 , the third zone  225  and the second zone  215 , the fourth zone  228  and the second zone  215 , and the fourth zone  228  and the third zone  225 . 
     In one or more embodiments, it may be desirable to isolate the third zone  225  and the first zone  210 . For example, fluid communication between the third zone  225  and the first zone  210  can be undesirable if the third zone  225  is producing hydrocarbons concurrently with the washdown operation. Accordingly, in one embodiment, when the valve  100  is in a washdown operation mode, the valve  100  can be configured such that the channel  144  is aligned with a solid portion of the flow gland  120 , the channel  142  is aligned with the flow port  122 , the channel  146  is aligned with the flow port  132 , the channel  147  is aligned with solid portions of the first flow gland  120  and the second flow gland  130 , and the channel  145  is aligned with a solid portion of the housing  110 . Accordingly, the valve  100  can provide fluid communication between the first zone  210  and the second zone  215  and prevent fluid communication between the first zone  210  and fourth zone  228 , the third zone  225  and the second zone  215 , the fourth zone  228  and the second zone  215 , the fourth zone  228  and the third zone  225 , and the third zone  225  and the first zone  210 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve  100  in a blank operation mode, according to one or more embodiments. When the valve  100  is in blank operation mode, the channel  142  of the body  140  is aligned with the flow port  122  of the first flow gland  120 . However, the solid portions of the first flow gland  120  and the second flow gland  130  align with and isolate the channels  144 ,  146 ,  147  of the body  140 . Additionally, a solid portion of the housing  110  aligns with and isolates the channel  145  of the body  140 . Accordingly, the valve  100  prevents fluid communication between all wellbore zones  210 ,  215 ,  225 ,  228 . 
     In addition to gravel pack operations such as the illustrative operation above, the valve  100  can be used in various other applications that require selective isolation of one or more wellbore zones. For example, the valve  100  can be integrated with one or more downhole completions to provide multiple flow paths through the completion without requiring longitudinal movement of the completion relative to the wellbore. The valve  100  can also be integrated with various subterranean systems. For example, the valve  100  can be used with steam assisted gravity drainage systems, carbon sequestering systems, water storage systems, and steam injection systems. 
     Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values are “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted. 
     While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.