Patent Publication Number: US-11639644-B2

Title: Downhole flow communication apparatuses

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/959,411, filed Jan. 10, 2020, titled DOWNHOLE FLOW COMMUNICATION APPARATUSES, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated into the present application by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to flow injection apparatuses for use downhole for injecting fluid into a subterranean formation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Simulating and receiving production of fluid from a subterranean formation requires selectively effecting flow communication between the surface and the subterranean formation via downhole valves. It is desirable to avoid deploying tools downhole to actuate the creation of such flow communication. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, there is provided a fluid flow conducting apparatus comprising: 
     a housing; 
     a flow communicator disposed on an external surface of the housing; 
     a housing passage configured for conducting fluid through the housing; 
     a communication passage extending through the housing from the flow communicator to the housing passage; and 
     a flow controller for controlling flow communication, via the flow communicator, between the housing passage and an environment external to the housing, and including a sealed interface-effector disposed within the communication passage; 
     wherein: 
     the flow controller is disposed in a first configuration, and adapted for disposition in a second configuration in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector in communication with a degradation-promoting agent such that degradation of the sealed interface effector is effected; 
     in the first configuration, the sealed interface effector defines a sealed interface between the housing passage and the environment external to the housing; and 
     in the second configuration, the sealed interface is defeated. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a fluid flow conducting apparatus comprising: 
     a housing; 
     a flow communicator disposed on an external surface of the housing; 
     a housing passage configured for conducting fluid through the housing; 
     a communication passage extending through the housing from the flow communicator to the housing passage; and 
     a plug disposed within the communication passage such that the communication passage is disposed in a closed condition; 
     wherein: 
     the plug is degradable; and 
     the plug and the communication passage are co-operatively configured such that, in response to degradation of the plug, the communication passage becomes disposed in an open condition. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a fluid flow conducting apparatus comprising: 
     a housing; 
     a housing passage configured for conducting fluid through the housing; and 
     a flow controller for controlling flow communication between the housing passage and an environment external to the housing; 
     wherein: 
     the flow controller includes a sealed interface-effector; 
     the flow controller is disposed in a first configuration, and adapted for disposition in a second configuration in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector in communication with a degradation-promoting agent such that degradation of the sealed interface effector is effected; 
     in the first configuration, the sealed interface effector is threadably coupled to the housing and defines a sealed interface between the housing passage and the environment external to the housing; and 
     in the second configuration, the sealed interface is defeated. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a fluid flow conducting apparatus comprising: 
     a housing; 
     a housing passage configured for conducting fluid through the housing; and 
     a plug threadably coupled to the housing; 
     wherein: 
     the plug is degradable; and 
     the plug and the housing co-operatively configured such that, in response to degradation of the plug, a communicating passage, extending through the housing, is established, and effects flow communication between the housing passage and an environment external to the housing. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a fluid flow conducting apparatus comprising: 
     a housing; 
     a housing passage configured for conducting fluid through the housing; and 
     a flow controller for controlling flow communication between the housing passage and an environment external to the housing, and including a sealed interface-effector and a one-way valve; 
     wherein: 
     the flow controller is disposed in a first configuration, and adapted for disposition in a second configuration in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector in communication with a degradation-promoting agent such that degradation of the sealed interface effector is effected; 
     in the first configuration, the sealed interface effector defines a sealed interface between the housing passage and the environment external to the housing; and 
     in the second configuration: (i) the sealed interface is defeated, (ii) fluid flow is conductible from the housing passage to the environment external to the housing, and (iii) the one-way valve is effective for preventing fluid flow from the environment external to the housing to the housing passage. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a fluid flow conducting apparatus comprising: 
     a housing; 
     a flow communicator disposed on an external surface of the housing; 
     a housing passage configured for conducting fluid through the housing; 
     a communication passage extending through the housing from the flow communicator to the housing passage; and 
     within the communication passage, a plug and a one-way valve; 
     wherein: 
     the plug is disposed between the housing passage and the one-way valve; and 
     the plug is degradable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments will now be described with the following accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration of a system for effecting flow communication between the surface and a subterranean formation via a wellbore; 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of the embodiment of a flow communication apparatus for use in the system illustrated in  FIG.  1   , illustrating the flow controller in the first configuration; 
         FIG.  3    is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the flow injection apparatus illustrated in  FIG.  2   , illustrating the flow controller in the first configuration; 
         FIG.  4    is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the flow injection apparatus illustrated in  FIG.  2   , illustrating the flow controller in the second configuration; 
         FIG.  5    is a side sectional view of another embodiment of a flow communication apparatus for use in the system illustrated in  FIG.  1   , illustrating the flow controller in the first configuration; 
         FIG.  6    is a partial side sectional view of the embodiment of the flow injection apparatus illustrated in  FIG.  5   , illustrating the flow controller in the second configuration, while the one-way valve is preventing fluid flow from an environment external to the apparatus to the housing passage; 
         FIG.  7    is a partial side sectional view of the embodiment of the flow injection apparatus illustrated in  FIG.  5   , illustrating the flow controller in the second configuration, while the one-way valve is disposed in an open condition in response to fluid pressure within the housing passage exceeding fluid pressure within the environment external to the apparatus; 
         FIG.  8    is a partial side sectional view of the embodiment of the flow injection apparatus illustrated in  FIG.  5   , with the one-way valve having been removed from the apparatus; 
         FIG.  9    is a partial side sectional view of another embodiment of a flow communication apparatus for use in the system illustrated in  FIG.  1   , illustrating the flow controller in the first configuration; and 
         FIG.  10    is a partial side sectional view of another embodiment of a flow communication apparatus for use in the system illustrated in  FIG.  1   , illustrating the flow controller in the first configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure provides apparatuses and systems that can be used in well completion for enabling selective flow communication between a wellbore  102  and a subterranean formation  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , there is provided a wellbore material transfer system for conducting (e.g. flowing) material from the surface  10  to a subterranean formation  100  via a wellbore  102 . In some embodiments, for example, the subterranean formation  100  is a hydrocarbon material-containing reservoir. 
     The wellbore  102  can be straight, curved, or branched. The wellbore  102  can have various wellbore sections. A wellbore section is an axial length of a wellbore  102 . A wellbore section can be characterized as “vertical” or “horizontal” even though the actual axial orientation can vary from true vertical or true horizontal, and even though the axial path can tend to “corkscrew” or otherwise vary. The term “horizontal”, when used to describe a wellbore section, refers to a horizontal or highly deviated wellbore section as understood in the art, such as, for example, a wellbore section having a longitudinal axis that is between 70 and 110 degrees from vertical. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the conducting includes conducting of fluid flow for enabling the downhole deployment of tools. In some embodiments, for example, the conducting includes conducting of treatment material from the surface  10  to the subterranean formation  100  for stimulating the subterranean formation  100  for production of the reservoir fluid. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the conducting (such as, for example, by flowing) treatment material to the subterranean formation  100  via the wellbore  102  is for effecting selective stimulation of the subterranean formation  100 , such as a subterranean formation  100  including a hydrocarbon material-containing reservoir. The stimulation is effected by supplying the treatment material to the subterranean formation  100 . In some embodiments, for example, the treatment material includes a liquid, such as a liquid including water. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid includes water and chemical additives. In other embodiments, for example, the stimulation material is a slurry including water and solid particulate matter, such as proppant. In some embodiments, for example the treatment material includes chemical additives. Exemplary chemical additives include acids, sodium chloride, polyacrylamide, ethylene glycol, borate salts, sodium and potassium carbonates, glutaraldehyde, guar gum and other water soluble gels, citric acid, and isopropanol. In some embodiments, for example, the treatment material is supplied to effect hydraulic fracturing of the reservoir. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the conducting of fluid, to and from the wellhead, is effected via a wellbore string  104 . The wellbore string  104  may include pipe, casing  105 , or liner, and may also include various forms of tubular segments. The wellbore string  104  defines a wellbore string passage  106  for effecting conduction of fluids between the surface  10  and the subterranean formation  100 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, the wellbore  102  includes a cased-hole completion, in which case, the wellbore string  104  includes a casing  105 . 
     A cased-hole completion involves running casing  105  down into the wellbore  102  through the production zone. The casing  105  at least contributes to the stabilization of the subterranean formation  100  after the wellbore  102  has been completed, by at least contributing to the prevention of the collapse of the subterranean formation  100  that is defining the wellbore  102 . In some embodiments, for example, the casing  105  includes one or more successively deployed concentric casing  105  strings, each one of which is positioned within the wellbore  102 , having one end extending from the well head. In this respect, the casing  105  strings are typically run back up to the surface. In some embodiments, for example, each casing  105  string includes a plurality of jointed segments of pipe. The jointed segments of pipe typically have threaded connections. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the annular region between the casing  105  and the subterranean formation  100  is filled with cement for effecting zonal isolation. The cement is disposed between the casing  105  and the subterranean formation  100  for the purpose of effecting isolation, or substantial isolation, of one or more zones of the subterranean formation from fluids disposed in another zone of the subterranean formation. Such fluids include formation fluid being produced from another zone of the subterranean formation  100  (in some embodiments, for example, such formation fluid being flowed through a production string disposed within and extending through the casing  105  to the surface), or injected stimulation material. In some embodiments, for example, the cement also provides one or more of the following functions: (a) strengthens and reinforces the structural integrity of the wellbore, (b) prevents, or substantially prevents, produced formation fluids of one zone from being diluted by water from other zones. (c) mitigates corrosion of the casing  105 , and (d) at least contributes to the support of the casing  105 . The zonal isolation material is introduced to an annular region between the casing  105  and the subterranean formation  100  after the subject casing  105  has been run into the wellbore  102 . In some embodiments, for example, the zonal isolation material includes cement. 
     To effect flow communication between the wellbore  102  and the subterranean formation  100 , one or more flow communication stations (three flow communication stations  110 ,  112 ,  114  are illustrated) are emplaced at the interface between the subterranean formation  100  and the wellbore  102 . Successive flow communication stations  110 ,  112 ,  114  may be axially spaced from each other along the wellbore  102 . In some embodiments, for example, the spacing is such that each one of the flow communication stations  110 ,  112 ,  114 , independently, is positioned adjacent a zone or interval of the subterranean formation  100  for effecting flow communication between the wellbore  102  and the zone (or interval). 
     In some embodiments, for example, the conducting of fluid flow between the surface  10  and the subterranean formation  100 , is effected through the passage  106  of the wellbore string  104  via the one or more flow communication stations  110 ,  112 ,  114 . 
     In some of these embodiments, for example, the fluid being conducted is conducted downhole, from the surface  10  and to the subterranean formation  100 . In those embodiments where the fluid is being conducted downhole, in some of these embodiments, for example, the conducted fluid includes fluid that is urging deployment of downhole tools. In some of these embodiments, for example, the conducted fluid includes treatment material, such that the fluid being conducted is for stimulating production of hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation  100 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, the fluid being conducted is conducted uphole, from the subterranean formation  100  to the surface  10 . In this respect, in some of these embodiments, for example, the conducted fluid includes produced hydrocarbons. 
     In those embodiments where fluid is being conducted downhole from the surface  10  to the subterranean formation  100 , in some of these embodiments, for example, to effect flow communication between the surface  10  and the subterranean formation for enabling the conducting of the fluid from the surface  10  to the subterranean formation  100 , one or more of the flow communication stations  110 ,  112 ,  114  are provided for at least injecting the fluid into the subterranean formation. Each one of the flow communication stations  110 ,  112 ,  114 , independently, corresponds to a respective zone  100 A,  100 B,  100 C of the subterranean formation  100 . 
     Each one of the one or more flow communication stations  110 ,  112 ,  114  includes one or more flow communication apparatuses  200 . The flow communication apparatus  200  is configured for integration within the wellbore string  104 . The integration may be effected, for example, by way of threading or welding. In some embodiments, for example, the integration is by threaded coupling, and, in this respect, in some embodiments, for example, each one of the uphole and downhole ends, independently, is configured for such threaded coupling to other portions of the wellbore string  104 . In some embodiments, for example, the flow communication apparatus  200  is a wellbore sub. In some embodiments, for example, the flow communication apparatus  200  is integrated within the wellbore string, and the integration is with effect that a toe sleeve is defined. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  to  10   , suitable flow communication apparatuses  200  include flow communication apparatuses  200 A,  200 B,  200 C, or  200 D. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  to  7   , the flow communication apparatus  200  includes a housing  210 . The housing  202  includes a housing passage  230 . In some embodiments, for example, the housing  202  includes an uphole port  201 A at an uphole end of the apparatus  200 , and a downhole port  201 B at a downhole end of the apparatus  200 , and the housing passage  230  extends between the uphole and downhole flow ports  201 A,  201 B. The flow communication apparatus  200  is configured for integration within the wellbore string  104  such that the wellbore string passage  106  includes the passage  230 . The integration may be effected, for example, by way of threading or welding. In some embodiments, for example, the integration is by threaded coupling, and, in this respect, in some embodiments, for example, each one of the uphole and downhole ends, independently, is configured for such threaded coupling to other portions of the wellbore string  104 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  to  10   , the flow communication apparatus  200  includes a flow controller  220  for controlling flow communication between the housing passage  230  and an environment external to the housing  210 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  to  4   , the flow controller  220  includes a sealed interface-effector  222 . 
     With respect to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  2  to  4   , the apparatus is configured to transition from a first configuration (see  FIG.  3   ) to a second configuration (see  FIG.  4   ). While the apparatus  200  is disposed in the first configuration, the sealed interface effector  222  defines a sealed interface  222 A between the housing passage  230  and the environment external to the housing  210  (i.e. the subterranean formation  100 ). 
     While the apparatus  200  is disposed in the second configuration, the sealed interface  222 A is defeated. In some embodiments, for example, the defeating of the sealed interface  222 A is with effect that flow communication is established between the housing passage  230  and the environment external to the housing  210 . 
     It is understood that, with respect to the sealed interface  222 A, although some leakage across the sealed interface  222 A may be effectible, the rate of such leakage is sufficiently small so as not to adversely affect stimulation or production processes. 
     With respect to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  2  to  4   , the apparatus  200  is transitionable from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector  222  in communication with a degradation-promoting agent. In this respect, while the apparatus  200  is disposed in the first configuration, the housing  210  and the sealed interface effector  222  are co-operatively configured such that the sealed interface  222 A, defined by the sealed interface effector  222 , is defeatable in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector  222  in communication with a degradation-promoting agent, with effect that the apparatus  200  becomes disposed in the second configuration. In some embodiments, for example, the degradation-promoting agent is a chemical agent, such as, for example, an acid. In response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector  222  in communication with the degradation-promoting agent, degradation of the sealed interface effector  222  is effected. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the sealed interface-effector  222  includes degradable material, and the degradation of the sealed interface effector  222  includes degradation of the degradable material, and the degradation is effected by, for example, at least one of dissolution and chemical conversion. In some embodiments, for example, the degradable material is a dissolvable metal material. In some embodiments, for example, the degradable material includes at least one of aluminium and magnesium. In some embodiments, for example, the degradable material is degradable in response to contact with wellbore fluid, and, in this respect, the degradation-promoting agent is the wellbore fluid. In some embodiments, for example, the disposition of the sealed interface-effector  222  in communication with a degradation-promoting agent is effected by conducting the degradation-promoting agent downhole, from the surface  10 , via the passage  106  of the wellbore string  104 . In this respect, in such embodiments, for example, the apparatus  200  is transitionable from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector  222  in communication with a degradation-promoting agent emplaced within the housing passage  230 . 
     With respect to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  2  to  4   , in some embodiments, for example, while the apparatus  200  is disposed in the first configuration, the housing  210  and the sealed interface effector  222  are co-operatively configured such that defeating of the sealed interface, defined by the sealed interface effector  222 , in response to exceeding of fluid pressure, in the environment external to the housing  210 , by fluid pressure within the housing passage  230 , is only effectible when the exceeding is by at least a minimum pressure differential, and the minimum pressure differential is at least 4,000 psi. Below the minimum pressure differential, there is an absence of defeating of the sealed interface, defined by the sealed interface effector  222 , in response to exceeding of fluid pressure, in the environment external to the housing  210 , by fluid pressure within the housing passage  230 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, the sealed interface effector  222  is defined by a plug that is disposed within a communication passage  240 , extending through the housing  210 , from a flow communicator  220  (defined by, for example, a port), disposed on an external surface of the housing  210 , to the housing passage  230 . In some embodiments, for example, the plug  222  is received within the communication passage  240 . In some embodiments, for example, the plug  222  is threadably coupled to the housing  210  within the communication passage  240 . In some embodiments, for example, the plug  222  has a yield strength of at least 20,000 psi, such as, for example, at least 30,000 psi, such as, for example, at least 40,000 psi. In some embodiments, for example, the communication passage  240  has a maximum cross-sectional area of less than 50 square inches, such as, for example, less than 28 square inches. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the plug  222  is co-operatively disposed relative to the communication passage  240  such that the communication passage  240  is disposed in the closed condition. In response to degradation of the plug  222 , the communication passage  240  becomes disposed in the open condition. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5  to  10   , in some embodiments, for example, the flow controller  220  includes the sealed interface-effector  222  and a one-way valve  224 . 
     With respect to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  5  to  10   , the apparatus is configured to transition from a first configuration (see, for example,  FIG.  5   ) to a second configuration (see, for example,  FIG.  6   ). 
     While the apparatus  200  is disposed in the first configuration, the sealed interface-effector  222  and the one-way valve  224  are co-operatively disposed such that the sealed interface-effector  222  is disposed between the housing passage  230  and the one-way valve  224 , and the sealed interface effector  222  defines a sealed interface  222 A between the housing passage  230  and the environment external to the housing  210  (i.e. the subterranean formation  100 ). It is understood that, with respect to the sealed interface  222 A, although some leakage across the sealed interface  222 A may be effectible, the rate of such leakage is sufficiently small so as not to adversely affect stimulation or production processes. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the flow controller  220  is defined within the communication passage  240 . In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, each one of the sealed interface-effector  222  and the one-way valve  224 , independently, is disposed within the communication passage  240 . 
     While the apparatus  200  is disposed in the second configuration, (i) the sealed interface  222 A is defeated, (ii) material flow is conductible, via the flow communicator  220 , from the housing passage  230  to the environment external to the housing  210 , in response to exceeding of fluid pressure, in the environment external to the housing  210 , by fluid pressure within the housing passage  230 , and (iii) the one-way valve is effective for preventing material flow, via the flow communicator  220 , from the environment external to the housing  210  to the housing passage  230 . 
     It is understood that, with respect to the sealed interface  222 A, although some leakage across the sealed interface  222 A may be effectible, the rate of such leakage is sufficiently small so as not to adversely affect stimulation or production processes. 
     It is understood that, while the apparatus is disposed in the second configuration, the one way valve effects sealing, or substantial sealing, of flow communication between the housing passage  230  and the environment external to the housing  210  (i.e. the subterranean formation  100 ), while the fluid pressure, in the environment external to the housing  210 , is exceeding the fluid pressure within the housing passage  230 , and, although some leakage may be present from the environment external to the housing  210  to the housing passage  230 , the rate of such leakage is sufficiently small so as not to adversely affect stimulation or production processes. 
     In some embodiments, for example, while the apparatus  200  is disposed in the second configuration, the conducting of material flow, via the flow communicator  220 , from the housing passage  230  to the environment external to the housing  210 , in response to exceeding of fluid pressure, in the environment external to the housing  210 , by fluid pressure within the housing passage  230 , is only effectible when the exceeding is by at least a minimum pressure differential, and the minimum pressure differential is less than 250 psi. In some of these embodiments, for example, while the conducting of material flow, via the flow communicator  220 , from the housing passage  230  to the environment external to the housing  210 , is being effected, the one way valve  224  is disposed in the open condition. As a corollary, in some of these embodiments, for example, while the fluid pressure in the environment external to the housing  210  is exceeded by the fluid pressure within the housing passage  230  by less than the minimum pressure differential, or while the fluid pressure in the environment external to the housing  210  exceeds the fluid pressure within the housing passage  230 , there is an absence of flow communication, via the flow communicator  220 , between the environment external to the housing  210  and the housing passage  230 . In this respect, while the apparatus  200  is disposed in the second configuration, fluid flow, via the flow communicator  220 , from the environment external to the housing  210  to the housing passage  230  is prevented by the one-way valve  224 . In some of these embodiments, for example, while the one way valve  224  is disposed in the closed condition, there is an absence of flow communication, via the flow communicator  220 , between the environment external to the housing  210  and the housing passage  230 . 
     With respect to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  5  to  10   , the prevention of fluid flow, via the flow communicator  220  from the environment external to the housing  210  to the housing passage  230 , by the one-way valve  224 , prevents undesirable ingress of material into the housing passage  230  from the environment external to the housing  210 , while the apparatus  200  is disposed in the second configuration (i.e. the configuration assumed after the sealed interface, originally defined by the sealed interface effector  222 , has been defeated). In some embodiments, for example, it is desirable to prevent the ingress of material into the housing passage  230  from the environment external to the housing  210  for the purpose of mitigating an increase of wellhead pressure which could result in a blowout. In some embodiments, for example, where the material entering the housing passage  230  from the environment external to the housing  210  includes hydrocarbon material, preventing ingress of such material may be desirable for preventing the creation of explosive conditions. 
     With respect to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  5  to  10   , the apparatus  200  is transitionable from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector  222  in communication with a degradation-promoting agent. In this respect, the housing  210  and the sealed interface effector  222  are co-operatively configured such that, while the apparatus  200  is disposed in the first configuration, the sealed interface  222 A, defined by the sealed interface effector  222 , is defeatable in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector  222  in communication with a degradation-promoting agent, with effect that the apparatus  200  becomes disposed in the second configuration. In response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector  222  in communication with a degradation-promoting agent, degradation of the sealed interface effector  222  is effected. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the sealed interface-effector  222  includes degradable material, and the degradation of the sealed interface effector  222  includes degradation of the degradable material, and the degradation is effected by, for example, at least one of dissolution and chemical conversion. In some embodiments, for example, the degradable material is degradable in response to contact with wellbore fluid, and, in this respect, the degradation-promoting agent is the wellbore fluid. In some embodiments, for example, the disposition of the sealed interface-effector  222  in communication with a degradation-promoting agent is effected by conducting the degradation-promoting agent downhole, from the surface  10 , via the passage  106  of the wellbore string  104 . In this respect, in such embodiments, for example, the apparatus  200  is transitionable from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector  222  in communication with a degradation-promoting agent emplaced within the housing passage  230 . 
     With respect to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  5  to  10   , in some embodiments, for example, the apparatus  200  is adapted for disposition in a third configuration. Referring to  FIG.  8   , in the third configuration, the preventing of material flow, via the flow communicator  220 , from the environment external to the housing  210  to the housing passage  230 , is defeated, with effect that flow communication is established, via the flow communicator  220  between the environment external to the housing  210  and the housing passage  230 . In this respect, while the apparatus  200  is disposed in the third configuration, material flow is conductible, via the flow communicator  220 , from the housing passage  230  to the environment external to the housing  210 , and is also conductible, via the flow communicator  220 , from the environment external to the housing  210  to the housing passage  230 . To this end, while the apparatus  200  is disposed in the third configuration, hydrocarbon material is producible from the subterranean formation  100  via the flow communicator  220 . 
     With respect to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  5  to  10   , the apparatus  200  is transitionable from the second configuration to the third configuration in response to communication of a defeating stimulus to the one way valve  224 . In this respect, the housing  210  and the sealed interface effector  222  are co-operatively configured such that, while the apparatus  200  is disposed in the second configuration, the preventing of material flow, via the flow communicator  220 , from the environment external to the housing  210  to the housing passage  230 , by the one way valve  224 , is defeatable in response to communication of a defeating stimulus to the one way valve  224 , with effect that the apparatus  300  becomes disposed in the third configuration. In some of these embodiments, for example, the defeating is with effect that the functionality of the one-way valve, relative to the apparatus, is defeated. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the defeating stimulus is a fluid pressure differential that is established by an exceeding of fluid pressure, in the environment external to the housing  210 , by fluid pressure within the housing passage  230 . In some embodiments, for example, the defeating stimulus is a fluid pressure differential that is established by an exceeding of fluid pressure, in the environment external to the housing  210 , by fluid pressure within the housing passage  230 , and the defeating of the preventing of material flow, via the flow communicator  220 , from the environment external to the housing  210  to the housing passage  230 , by the one way valve  224 , is only effectible by the defeating stimulus when the exceeding is by at least a minimum pressure differential, and the minimum pressure differential is less than 250 psi. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the defeating stimulus is a degradation-promoting agent. In some embodiments, for example, the degradation promoting agent is a chemical agent, such as, for example, an acid. In this respect, in some embodiments, while the apparatus  200  is disposed in the second configuration, the housing  210  and the one way valve  224  are co-operatively configured such that the preventing of material flow, via the flow communicator  220 , from the environment external to the housing  210  to the housing passage  230 , by the one way valve  224 , is defeatable in response to communication of the one way valve  224  with the degradation-promoting agent. In response to disposition of the one way valve  224  in communication with a degradation-promoting agent, degradation of the one way valve  224  is effected. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the one way valve includes degradable material, and the degradation of the one way valve  224  includes degradation of the degradable material, and the degradation is effected by, for example, at least one of dissolution and chemical conversion. In some embodiments, for example, the degradable material is a dissolvable metal material. In some embodiments, for example, the degradable material includes at least one of aluminium and magnesium. In some embodiments, for example, the degradable material is degradable in response to contact with wellbore fluid, and, in this respect, the degradation-promoting agent is the wellbore fluid. In some embodiments, for example, the disposition of the one way valve  224  in communication with a degradation-promoting agent is effected by conducting the degradation-promoting agent downhole, from the surface  10 , via the passage  106  of the wellbore string  104 . 
     In those embodiments where the defeating stimulus is a degradation-promoting agent, in some of these embodiments, for example, the defeating stimulus-defining degradation-promoting agent is different than the degradation-promoting agent that, in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector  222  in communication with which, the apparatus  200  is transitionable from the first configuration to the second configuration. 
     In those embodiments where the defeating stimulus is a degradation-promoting agent, in some of these embodiments, for example, the defeating stimulus-defining degradation-promoting agent is the same as the degradation-promoting agent that, in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector  222  in communication with which, the apparatus  200  is transitionable from the first configuration to the second configuration. In some of these embodiments, for example, the sealed interface-effector  222  and the one-way valve  224  are co-operatively configured such that, relative to degradation of the sealed interface-effector  222  in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector  222  in communication with the degradation-promoting agent, the degradation of the one-way valve  224  in response to disposition of the one-way valve  224  in communication with the degradation-promoting agent is faster. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 - 10   , in some embodiments, for example, the one-way valve  224  includes a valve body  224 A and a corresponding valve seat  224 B for seating the valve body  224 A, and the sealed interface-effector  222  and the one way valve  224  are disposed within the communication passage  240 . Referring to  FIGS.  5 - 9   , in some embodiments, for example, the valve body  224 A is defined by a disc. Referring to  FIG.  10   , in some embodiments, for example, the valve body  224 A is defined by a ball. 
     With respect to those embodiments where the one-way valve  224  includes a valve body  224 A and a valve seat  224 B, and the sealed interface-effector  222  and the one way valve  224  are disposed within the communication passage  240 , in some of these embodiments, for example, the sealed interface-effector  224  is defined by a plug. In some embodiments, for example, the plug  220  is received within the communication passage  240 . In some embodiments, for example, the plug  220  is threadably coupled to the housing  210  within the communication passage  240 . In some embodiments, for example, the plug  220  has a yield strength of at least 20,000 psi, such as, for example, at least 30,000 psi, such as, for example, at least 40,000 psi. In some embodiments, for example, the communication passage  240  has a maximum cross-sectional area of less than 50 square inches, such as, for example, less than 28 square inches. 
     With respect to those embodiments where the one-way valve  224  includes a valve body  224 A and a valve seat  224 B, and the sealed interface-effector  222  and the one way valve  224  are disposed within the communication passage  240 . In some embodiments, for example, the seat  224 B is defined by the housing  210 . 
     With respect to those embodiments where the one-way valve  224  includes a valve body  224 A and a valve seat  224 B, and the sealed interface-effector  222  and the one way valve  224  are disposed within the communication passage  240 , in some of these embodiments, for example, while: (i) the apparatus  200  is disposed in the second configuration (see  FIG.  6   ), and (ii) the fluid pressure in the environment external to the housing  210  is exceeded by the fluid pressure within the housing passage  230  by less than a first minimum pressure differential, or while the fluid pressure in the environment external to the housing  210  exceeds the fluid pressure within the housing passage  230 , the body  224 A is urged to a seated position, whereby the body  224 A is seated on the seat  224 B, such that the one-way valve  224  is disposed in the closed condition. While the apparatus  200  is disposed in the second configuration, in response to fluid pressure within the housing passage  230  exceeding the fluid pressure in the environment external to the housing  210  (such as, for example, by at least the first minimum pressure differential, as described above), the body  224 A becomes unseated (see  FIG.  7   ). While the apparatus  200  is disposed in the second configuration, in response to fluid pressure within the housing passage  230  exceeding the fluid pressure in the environment external to the housing  210  (such as, for example, by at least a second minimum pressure differential), the body  224 A is ejected from the communication passage  240 , with effect that there is an absence of interference of the communication passage  240 , such that the apparatus  200  becomes disposed in the third configuration (see  FIG.  8   ). In some of these embodiments, for example, the first minimum pressure differential is different than the second minimum pressure differential. In some of these embodiments, for example, the first minimum pressure differential is the same as the second minimum pressure differential. In some of these embodiments, for example, the transitioning of the apparatus  200  from the first configuration to the second configuration to the third configuration is continuous, such that the second configuration is an intermediate transitory state, and is effected in response to a pressure differential, between the housing passage  230  and the environment external to the housing  210 , that remains established throughout the transitioning. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , in some embodiments, for example, a cement retardant  226  is disposed within the communication passage  240  for preventing ingress of cement into the communication passage  240  during cementing. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the flow communication station  114  functions as a toe initiator station, and each one of the one or more flow communication apparatuses  200 , independently, function as toe initiators. In some embodiments, for example, the flow communication station  114  includes a plurality of such flow initiators. In some embodiments, for example, the plurality of flow initiators are spaced apart relative to one another. In some embodiments, for example, the plurality of flow initiators are axially spaced apart relative to one another. In this respect, fluid is conductible through an opened flow communicator  220 , (i.e. once the sealed interface defined by the sealed interface effector  224  has been defeated) for purposes of, for example, deploying tools downhole. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the flow communication apparatus  200  functions to inject treatment material into the subterranean formation  100  for effecting conditioning of the subterranean formation  100  for hydrocarbon production through an opened flow communicator  220 , (i.e. once the sealed interface defined by the sealed interface effector  224  has been defeated). For the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  2 - 4   , the flow communication apparatus  200  would be effective to inject treatment material while disposed in the first configuration. For the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  5 - 10   , the flow communication apparatus  200  would be effective to inject treatment material while disposed in the second or third configurations. In some embodiments, for example, for effecting the injection of treatment material via the flow communication apparatus  200 , the flow communication apparatus  200  is integrated within a straddle packer system. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the flow communication apparatus  200  functions to receive hydrocarbon production through an opened flow communicator. For the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  2 - 4   , the flow communication apparatus  200  would be effective to receive hydrocarbon production while disposed in the first configuration. For the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  5 - 10   , the flow communication apparatus  200  would be effective to receive hydrocarbon production while disposed in the third configuration. In some embodiments, for example, for effecting the production of hydrocarbon material from a subterranean formation via the flow communication apparatus  200 , the flow communication apparatus  200  is integrated within a straddle packer system. 
     Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. 
     As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be examples only. The invention is defined by the appended claims.