Patent Description:
Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as an admission of any kind.

Many types of mechanical operations are performed in the course of maintaining and optimizing production from wells. Performing some of these operations involve application of axial forces to a downhole tool located downhole in a completion assembly. For example, isolation valves located in production tubing may be opened or closed by pushing or pulling an internal feature. In other examples, axial forces are used in the retrieval of a plug or a gas valve and in various fishing operations.

To perform these mechanical operations, engineering specifications of the downhole completion elements, understanding of the interaction between a given key on a tool relative to a shifting profile that is geometrically compatible with the completion element, and data from a Surface Integration Test (SIT) aid in supporting mechanical operations, such as manipulating well completion elements.

<CIT> describes a method for latching a service tool into a shifting profile geometry disposed within a tubular in a hydrocarbon reservoir. An intervention service tool comprising an anchoring system, a shifting system, and a linear actuator system is positioned such that the shifting system is above or below the shifting profile geometry, and wherein the shifting profile geometry is disposed within the tubular at a first location. A latching mechanism of the shifting system is actuated by applying an axial input force to the latching mechanism using the linear actuator system to radially expand or radially contract latching lengths of the latching mechanism. The latching lengths exert a radial force when actuated which is adjusted to locate the shifting profile geometry, wherein the latching mechanism is compliant to inner dimensions of the tubular when the shifting profile is being located. The shifting system is locked to the shifting profile geometry by increasing the radial force exerted by the latching lengths. The shifting profile geometry is positioned at a second location that is different from the first location and the intervention service tool is then removed from the tubular.

The present invention resides in a method as defined in claim <NUM> and a system as defined in claim <NUM>.

Certain embodiments of the disclosure will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood, however, that the accompanying figures illustrate the various implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of various technologies described herein, and:.

In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the system and/or methodology may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments may be possible.

Certain terms have been used throughout this description and claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different parties may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. In this disclosure and claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to. " Also, the terms "up" and "down," "upper" and "lower," "upwardly" and "downwardly," "upstream" and "downstream," "uphole" and "downhole," "above" and "below," "top" and "bottom," and other like terms indicating relative positions above or below a given point or element are used in this description to more clearly describe some embodiments of the disclosure. In this description, a device that is "configured to" perform a task or function may be configured (e.g., programmed and/or hardwired) at a time of manufacturing by a manufacturer to perform the function and/or may be configurable (or reconfigurable) by a user after manufacturing to perform the function and/or other additional or alternative functions. The configuring may be through firmware and/or software programming of the device, through a construction and/or layout of hardware components and interconnections of the device, or a combination thereof. The recitation "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on. " Therefore, if X is based on Y, X may be a function of Y and any number of other factors.

As used herein, the term "completion element" may include a sliding sleeve or a valve or the like. For example, a "sliding sleeve" may refer to a downhole completion component used to change fluid flow. Actuation of a sliding sleeve may enable or disable fluid communication between tubing and annulus. Sliding sleeves are also applied in Formation Isolation Valves, Flow Control Valves and other downhole completion equipment that can be manipulated using a wireline shifting tool. Formation isolation valves are valves that are opened and closed by pushing or pulling a sliding sleeve that is mechanically connected to the ball valve. Flow control valves are valves that are used to control flow, and can be opened to a partially open position. The manipulation of a sliding sleeve back and forth controls the percentage of opening of the flow control valve.

Over the life of the well, as certain zones begin to become depleted, produce water or require some form of remediation, an intervention may be performed. For example, where a zone of concern is outfitted with a sliding sleeve, an intervention with a shifting tool may take place whereby the tool is directed to the sleeve to manipulate a closure of the sleeve. As such, the zone may be closed off in a manner that allows continued production to come from more productive, less contaminant prone, adjacent zones.

Shifting tools are used to exercise or shift downhole valves and sliding sleeves by utilizing an anchoring system, a pulling or pushing load provided by a linear actuator, tractor system, or wireline cable, and a shifter tool for latching onto a completion shifting profile. Shifting tools are expected to be compatible with numerous sliding sleeve and valve types with different latching profiles, making the operation of the tool a bit different from job to job. However, once characterized, a particular type of completion equipment shifting operation should be very repeatable.

A wireline engineer is usually in charge of lowering the shifting tool into the wellbore and operating the shifting tool. This requires that the engineer be extensively trained (which increases the cost of operations), and even with proper training, shifting operations are complex and susceptible to human error. Implementations of the wireline shifting system disclosed herein include a normalized visualizer. The visualizer supports operation of the shifting tool to reduce reliance on a human operator, thereby reducing operational costs and improving operation outcomes. In various implementations of the wireline shifting system, the visualizer is disposed at the surface. In some implementations, a portion of the visualizer, e.g., a pattern comparison component, may be embedded in the shifting tool. Operations supported by the visualizer include seeking the location of the sleeve to be shifted. The seeking operation includes searching for and latching the shifting tool onto a shifting feature of a sleeve. The shifting operation includes moving the sleeve to a different position by pushing or pulling.

<FIG> shows an example system <NUM> that includes a shift tool in a well in accordance with the present disclosure. The well <NUM> traverses a formation <NUM> and extends into a horizontal section which includes a production region <NUM>. Due to the non-vertical architecture of the well <NUM>, tractor conveyance, provided by a tractor <NUM>, may be utilized in addition to the wireline <NUM> for positioning the shift tool <NUM>. The tractor <NUM> may be a wheeled or a reciprocating tractor or any other suitable conveyance mechanism known in the art. The shift tool <NUM> may be utilized in wells displaying a variety of different types of architectures and similarly conveyed through a host of different types of conveyances. While both wireline <NUM> and tractor <NUM> conveyances are depicted in <FIG>, in other embodiments, one form of conveyance may be utilized in lieu of the other. For example, the shift tool <NUM> may be deployed via a wireline cable (with or without the tractor <NUM>), via drill pipe or via a battery powered slickline embodiment.

Surface equipment <NUM> located at the oilfield <NUM> may include a wireline truck <NUM> accommodating a winch-operated wireline reel <NUM> and control unit <NUM> for directing the operation. Similarly, a mobile rig <NUM> is provided for supporting a conventional gooseneck injector <NUM> for receipt of the wireline <NUM>. Thus, the wireline <NUM> may be driven through standard pressure control equipment <NUM>, as it is advanced toward the production region <NUM>. In embodiments where the shift tool <NUM> is deployed on a wireline cable, drill pipe, or slickline, suitable surface equipment will be utilized. In the illustrated example, the production region <NUM> may be producing water or some other contaminant or may be having some other adverse impact on operations.

The shift tool <NUM> may be delivered to the site of the sliding sleeve <NUM> to close off or open production from the production region <NUM> by shifting the sliding sleeve <NUM> in one or other direction illustrated by the arrow <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example of the shift tool <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure. The shift tool <NUM> includes a shifting system <NUM>, a linear actuator <NUM>, and an anchoring system <NUM>. Some implementations of the shift tool <NUM> may also include the tractor <NUM>. The shifting system <NUM> includes radially expansive shifting arms <NUM> that radially extend from the body of the shifting system <NUM> and may include a key <NUM> to engage the sliding sleeve <NUM>. The anchoring system <NUM> includes radially expansive anchoring arms <NUM> (referred to generally as anchors <NUM>) that radially extend from the body of the anchoring system <NUM> to engage casing or tubing disposed in the well <NUM>. The linear actuator <NUM> provides axial force to push or pull (by extending or retracting rod <NUM>) the shifting system <NUM>. The anchoring arms <NUM> hold the anchoring system <NUM> in place while shifting arms <NUM> engage the sliding sleeve <NUM>, and the shifting system <NUM> is pushed or pulled by the linear actuator <NUM> to reposition the sliding sleeve <NUM>.

The shift tool <NUM> also includes a controller <NUM> that controls various functions of the shift tool <NUM>, including: the extension and retraction of the anchoring arms <NUM>, the extension and retraction of the shifting arms <NUM>, the extension and retraction of the rod <NUM>, and in some implementations of the shift tool <NUM>, the operation of the tractor <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may communicate with the control unit <NUM> and/or other surface control systems via the electrical conductors <NUM>, which extend from the surface to the shift tool <NUM>.

In some implementations of the shift tool <NUM>, the controller <NUM> autonomously controls identification of the sliding sleeve <NUM>, positioning of the shifting arms <NUM> in the sliding sleeve, actuation of the anchoring arms <NUM>, and repositioning of the sliding sleeve <NUM> by extension/retraction of the linear actuator <NUM> and/or operation of the tractor <NUM>. In some embodiments of the shift tool <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> disposed at the surface receives sensor measurements from the shift tool <NUM> and autonomously controls seeking and shifting the sliding sleeve <NUM> via communication with the controller <NUM>.

<FIG> show another example application of the shift tool <NUM> in various stages of operation in a well in accordance with the present disclosure. The shift tool <NUM> includes a shifting system <NUM>, a linear actuator <NUM>, and an anchoring system <NUM>, but without a tractor. Instead, the shifting system <NUM> moves through inch worming sequences (inching operation) through the shifting operations. <FIG> shows the anchors <NUM> open and engaged, the linear actuator <NUM> retracted, and the shifting system <NUM> open and minimally engaged at a low pressure. <FIG> shows the anchors <NUM> open, the linear actuator <NUM> extended to move the shifting system <NUM>, and the shifting system <NUM> open at a low pressure. <FIG> shows the anchors <NUM> closed, the linear actuator <NUM> extended, and the shifting system <NUM> open at a low pressure. <FIG> shows the anchors <NUM> closed, the linear actuator <NUM> retracted, and the shifting system <NUM> open at a low pressure to move the linear actuator <NUM> and anchoring system <NUM> the same distance that the shifting system <NUM> moved between <FIG>.

A Surface Integration Test (SIT) may be performed prior to operations where information such as minimum linear actuator axial force to shift open or close is captured by exercising all the valves and completion elements in all states as described above.

Information from the SIT provides the ability to recognize the responses of tool sensors or signature to the downhole geometry or profile and/or condition of the completion elements. However, the interpretation of the SIT results may be affected by several factors including, but not limited to, differing personnel and experience levels, job stoppage for crew changes or tool parameter updates, and inadequate or improper signature data collection. In embodiments of the methods of the present disclosure, the shift tool <NUM> may be disposed in a tubular that includes a sliding sleeve <NUM>. Interaction of the shift tool <NUM> with the sliding sleeve <NUM> (e.g., shifter system pressure, linear actuator force/pressure, shifting system displacement) are recorded to provide a graph (a shifting profile) of the shifting system.

Further, visualization of the interaction between a given key on a shift tool relative to a shifting profile of a completion element has traditionally been time based. However, the diagnostic is made using postprocessing and is not compatible with real time intervention workflow on costly deep-water environments and High Pressure/Temperature (HPHT) where tool exposure is a challenge.

In an implementation of the shift tool <NUM>, a normalized visualizer <NUM> (<FIG>) supports operation execution. The normalized visualizer <NUM> provides a high-resolution display of the shifting key displacement with resolution of <NUM> millimeter or less relative to the tool anchors and the completion. The visualizer combines the known specifications of completion components with the force and diameter related to the key engaging various portions of the completion components, or key pressure, to provide a visual signature or fingerprint (the shifting profile) of the completion components during all stages of engagement (e.g., a shifting procedure). For example, the normalized visualizer may provide a visual signature for a latch, a chamfer, a shear pin, or for indexing activation, equalization, and end of stroke for a sleeve mechanism.

The normalized visualizer is a powerful tool for graphically presenting SIT data for use during downhole operations in real time. The normalized visualizer shows pressure on the key along the entire shifting profile (i.e., displacement) including the starting and ending stroke as well as activation of the completion component. The normalized visualizer provides visual signature recognition that may guide the Field Engineer on the steps to perform and predict what response or pressure is expected for the completion component or be used as part of an automated shifting system.

<FIG> shows an example shifting profile <NUM> and the key portion <NUM> of the shifting system <NUM> in various positions P1-P8 as the key <NUM> progresses across the shifting profile <NUM>. <FIG> is an example completion profile measurement output with data obtained from a SIT and correlates to the position of the key <NUM> in the profile <NUM> shown in <FIG> shows a graph of the axial force plotted over distance traveled or the displacement of the key <NUM> as the key progresses across the shifting profile <NUM>. The resolution of the graph is <NUM> data points per inch (<NUM> in | <NUM>). The plot shown in <FIG> represents a map of the geometry of the shifting profile <NUM> or a signature of the shifting profile. During the SIT, low pressures are used to move the key <NUM>. P1 is the position of key <NUM> (<FIG>) before reaching the shifting profile <NUM>, where a constant force or pressure is used on the key as shown at P1 in <FIG>. As the key expands outward and into an indentation of the profile <NUM>, the pressure or force drops as is represented by P2 in <FIG>. Similar drops in pressure or force occur as the key <NUM> expands outward into other indentations of the profile <NUM> shown at P4 and P6 in <FIG>. The key <NUM> becomes squeezed or compressed back inward as it encounters a bump and comes out of an indentation resulting in an increase in pressure or force, shown by P3 in <FIG>. Similar increases in pressure or force occur as the key <NUM> is compressed back by various bumps in the profile <NUM> shown at P5 and P7 in <FIG>.

While <FIG> showed the key <NUM> move from a right side or end of the profile <NUM> to a left side or end, the same data may be collected during a SIT with the key <NUM> moving from the left side or end of the profile <NUM> to the right side or end as shown in <FIG> shows shifting profile <NUM> and key <NUM> of the shifting system <NUM> in various positions 1P-6P as the key <NUM> progresses across the shifting profile <NUM>. <FIG> shows data obtained from a SIT. For example, <FIG> shows a graph of the axial force plotted over distance traveled or the displacement of the key <NUM> as the key progresses across the shifting profile <NUM> with a resolution of <NUM> data points per inch (<NUM> in | <NUM>). The plot shown in <FIG> represents a map of the geometry of the shifting profile <NUM> or a signature of the shifting profile. 1P is the position of key <NUM> expanded outward and into an indentation of the profile <NUM>, the pressure or force drops as is represented by 1P in <FIG>. Similar drops in pressure or force occur as the key <NUM> expands outward into other indentations of the profile <NUM> shown at 3P and 5P in <FIG>. The key <NUM> becomes squeezed or compressed back inward as it encounters a bump and comes out of an indentation resulting in an increase in pressure or force, shown by 2P in <FIG>. A similar increase in pressure or force occurs as the key <NUM> is compressed back by another bump in the profile <NUM> shown at 4P in <FIG>.

As demonstrated in <FIG> showing manipulation of the shifting profile in a leftward direction and <FIG> showing manipulation of the same shifting profile in a rightward direction, a map of the geometry of a shifting profile or a signature of the shifting profile may be achieved by moving an engaging key in either direction "uphole" to "downhole" and vice versa or left hand to right hand and vice versa. For example, the characteristics of P5 (<FIG>) are similar to those of 2P (<FIG>), P6 (<FIG>) to 3P (<FIG>), P7 (<FIG>) to 4P (<FIG>), and P8 (<FIG>) to 5P (<FIG>).

<FIG> shows axial force plotted over distance traveled or the displacement of a key <NUM> as the key engages a sliding sleeve <NUM>. The various stages of the key <NUM> and sliding sleeve <NUM> are shown in the bottom half of <FIG> below a displacement ruler D. In the operational stages illustrated in <FIG>, with the key <NUM> in position <NUM>, the location of the key <NUM> relative to an engagement feature of the sliding sleeve <NUM> may be initially unknown. Travel of the key <NUM> from position <NUM> to position <NUM>, and from position <NUM> to position <NUM> may be undertaken to log the profile of the tubular inner surface and to confirm engagement of the key <NUM> with an engagement feature of the sliding sleeve <NUM>. A drop in pressure applied to the key <NUM> indicates that the inner diameter of the tubular has increased, and that the key <NUM> has engaged the engagement feature of the sliding sleeve <NUM>. The distance from position <NUM> to position <NUM> corresponds to the total travel distance of the sliding sleeve <NUM> and the key <NUM> engaged therewith. A repeat pass of the key <NUM> from position <NUM> to position <NUM> confirms the change in inner diameter of the tubular based on pressure applied to the key <NUM>, and confirms the fully-shifted position of the sliding sleeve <NUM> based on an increase in axial force applied to the key <NUM>.

Aligned with the displacement ruler D are graphs 325a and 325b showing the axial force and pressure (y-axis) plotted over displacement (x-axis) of the key <NUM>. As shown by the displacement ruler D, there is a direct correlation between graphs 325a and 325b and actual displacement of the key <NUM>. In comparison to the graphs 325a and 325b, a conventional log having time as the x-axis and displaying displacement axial force and key pressure may be difficult to read due to variation in shifting speed, time to enter parameters, crew change at wellsite, and other factors. Such a log may be multiple pages in length, which increases the difficulty in identifying a meaningful signature. The use of displacement, and removal of time from the log (as in the graphs 325a and 325b), allows for comparison of travel distance (e.g., in inches or other convenient units) with an engineering drawing or a previously acquired log, thereby allowing the engineer to immediately see stiffness, spacing, and/or latch abnormalities that are obscured by a conventional time-based log.

With data obtained from the SIT, the normalized visualizer may provide a data collection or library of known events and expected behaviors for the completion components in a wellbore in a visual format that may be used in real time during downhole operations such as manipulation of completion components.

For example, <FIG> shows a normalized visualization output graph <NUM> of the axial force (y-axis) plotted over distance traveled or the displacement (x-axis) of a key as the key engages the sliding sleeve based on output from a SIT of a completion component similar to sliding sleeve <NUM> and key <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The normalized visualization output graph <NUM> provides a visual signature or fingerprint of the key <NUM> during all stages of engagement with the sliding sleeve <NUM>, and thus may guide the Field Engineer on the steps to perform and predict what response or pressure is expected during the manipulation of sliding sleeve <NUM> or be used to automatically manipulate the sliding sleeve (by the control unit <NUM>).

<FIG> shows a normalized visualization output graph <NUM> of actual axial forces plotted over actual distance traveled or the actual displacement of key <NUM> as the key engages the sliding sleeve <NUM> during manipulation of the sliding sleeve <NUM> with the key <NUM> at a depth of approximately <NUM>,<NUM> meters. The normalized visualization output graph <NUM> of the SIT accurately predicts the expected pressures during the sliding sleeve <NUM> manipulation as shown in the actual normalized visualization graph <NUM> during all stages of manipulation of the sliding sleeve <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a normalized visualization output graph <NUM> that may be derived from a SIT of a completion component (e.g., a sliding sleeve) or may represent actual axial forces plotted over actual distance traveled or the actual displacement of a key as the key engages the sliding sleeve during manipulation of the sliding sleeve in a wellbore. The normalized visualization output graph <NUM> provides the visual signature or fingerprint of the sliding sleeve during closing and opening the sleeve. During the closing of the sleeve (indicated by <NUM>), normalized visualization output graph <NUM> identifies confirmation of various steps including, but not limited to: confirming latching of the key to a bottom end of the sleeve (indicated by 405a); positioning the key at the top end of the sleeve (indicated by 405b); engaging the top of the sleeve with the key (indicated by 405c); C-ring pop out (indicated by 405d); and reaching an end of the stroke (indicated by 405e). During the opening of the sleeve (indicated by <NUM>), the normalized visualization output graph <NUM> identifies confirmation of various steps including, but not limited to: confirming latching of the key to a bottom end of the sleeve (indicated by 415a); retracting for a full stroke (indicated by 415b); retracting with no pressure to confirm the pass (indicated by 415c); and confirming the pass (indicated by 415d).

<FIG> shows portions of different normalized visualization output graphs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the axial force (y-axis) plotted over distance traveled or the displacement (x-axis) of a key as the key engages a completion component. The normalized visualization output graph <NUM> represents actual pressure and displacement data that matches a SIT-based visual signature or fingerprint of a sliding sleeve door during stages of engagement with a key (not shown). The normalized visualization output graph <NUM> represents actual pressure and displacement data that does not match the SIT-based visual signature or fingerprint of during stages of engagement of the key with the sliding sleeve door. A deviation from the normalized visualization output <NUM> may indicate an issue during manipulation of the sliding sleeve door such as anchor <NUM> slip (see <FIG>, <FIG>) possibly due to insufficient pressure. The addition of pressure to the anchoring system <NUM> may resolve the issue to manipulate the sleeve into the desired position, which is shown in the portion of normalized visualization output graph <NUM>. The data collection or library of known events and expected behaviors for the completion components in a wellbore in a visual format may be expanded to further include slip events and other aberrations or malfunctions for future identification and guidance on the steps to perform and predict what response or pressure is expected for the aberration.

As further shown in <FIG>, the normalization visualizer may identify a malfunction during manipulation of a completion element such as valve malfunction during a shifting operation. <FIG> shows portions of different normalized visualization output graphs <NUM>, <NUM> of the axial force (y-axis) plotted over distance traveled or the displacement (x-axis) of a key as the key engages a completion component. The normalized visualization output graph <NUM> represents actual pressure and displacement data that matches a SIT-based visual signature or fingerprint of a sliding sleeve for a valve during stages of engagement with a key (not shown). The normalized visualization output graph <NUM> represents actual pressure and displacement data that does not match the SIT-based visual signature or fingerprint during stages of engagement of the key with the sliding sleeve valve, and instead shows a force approximately five times the normal predicted force (indicated by 655a) without the last portion of displacement being achieved (indicated by 655b) to complete the shift (i.e., the manipulation of the sliding sleeve). A deviation from the normalized visualization output <NUM> may indicate an issue preventing manipulation of the sliding sleeve such as debris caught in the shifting profile that prevents the keys from properly and completely expanding outward and into the indentation of the shifting profile. Use of a debris removal tool may clear the debris blocking the key and resolve the issue to manipulate the sleeve into the desired position.

<FIG> shows a flow diagram for a method <NUM> for operating an intervention service tool using normalized visualization in accordance with the present disclosure. Though depicted sequentially as a matter of convenience, at least some of the actions shown can be performed in a different order and/or performed in parallel. Additionally, some implementations may perform only some of the actions shown. Operations of the method <NUM> may be performed by an implementation of the system <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> may be configured to control the shift tool <NUM>, the winch operated wireline reel <NUM>, the tractor <NUM>, the normalized visualizer <NUM> and other components of the system <NUM> to perform the operations of the method <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may include a computer having a processor and memory encoded with instructions for performing the operations of the method <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, a signature for a completion component disposed in a tubular is acquired. The completion component may be the sliding sleeve <NUM>, and the signature may be a graph of a shifting profile geometry of the sliding sleeve. The signature may be acquired using a SIT in which the key <NUM> is moved across the shifting profile <NUM> and pressure, force, and displacement values are recorded. Alternatively, the signature may be acquired by executing a simulation of key <NUM> and shifting profile <NUM> interaction and recording pressure, force, and displacement values generated by the simulation.

In block <NUM>, an intervention service tool that includes the key <NUM> is disposed in a tubular, such as casing or tubing disposed in the well <NUM>. The tubular includes the sliding sleeve <NUM>. The intervention service tool may be the shift tool <NUM> and include the shifting system <NUM>, the linear actuator <NUM>, and the anchoring system <NUM>. The intervention service tool may be disposed in the tubular by the winch operated wireline reel <NUM> controlled by the control unit <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the intervention service tool is positioned within the tubular relative to the sliding sleeve and the shifting profile geometry thereof. For example, the intervention service tool may be positioned above or below the shifting profile geometry within the tubular. Positioning of the intervention service tool may be provided by the winch operated wireline reel <NUM>, the tractor <NUM>, and/or inching operation of the intervention service tool.

In block <NUM>, one or more of the shifting system <NUM>, linear actuator <NUM>, or the anchoring system <NUM> is actuated. For example, the anchoring system <NUM> may be actuated to cause the anchoring arms <NUM> to engage a wall of the tubular. The shifting system <NUM> may be actuated to extend the shifting arms <NUM>. The linear actuator <NUM> may be actuated to move the shifting system <NUM> relative to the anchoring system <NUM>, and move the key <NUM> across the shifting profile <NUM> of the sliding sleeve <NUM>. Actuation of the shifting system <NUM>, linear actuator <NUM>, or the anchoring system <NUM> may be controlled by the controller <NUM> and/or or the control unit <NUM>. Actuation of the shifting system <NUM>, linear actuator <NUM>, or the anchoring system <NUM> may also be provided in conjunction operations of various blocks of the method <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, pressure, force, and/or displacement of the key <NUM> are measured as the key <NUM> moves across the shifting profile <NUM> of the sliding sleeve <NUM>. The measurements may be transmitted to the control unit <NUM>. The winch operated wireline reel <NUM>, the tractor <NUM>, and/or inching operation of the intervention service tool may be applied to move the key <NUM> across the shifting profile <NUM> of the sliding sleeve <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the measurements of block <NUM> are compared to the signature acquired in block <NUM>. For example, in the control unit <NUM>, the normalized visualizer <NUM> displays or presents (in graphical or other form) the measurements relative to the corresponding measurements of the signature for analysis by a user, the control unit <NUM>, or other analysis system. In some implementations, the normalized visualizer <NUM> may analyze the measurements of block <NUM> relative to the corresponding measurements of the signature.

In block <NUM>, comparison of the measurements of block <NUM> to the signature acquired in block <NUM> may determine that a malfunction of the intervention service tool or the sliding sleeve <NUM> has occurred. For example, if the measurements of block <NUM> deviate by more than a predetermined amount from the corresponding measurements of the signature of block <NUM>, then a malfunction may have occurred. The nature of the malfunction may be determined by comparing the measurements of block <NUM> to malfunction signatures stored in or provided to the control unit <NUM>. The malfunction signatures may be similar to the signature of block <NUM>, but acquired when a specific defect or condition is present in the intervention service tool or the sliding sleeve <NUM>.

If a malfunction is detected in block <NUM>, then a remedial operation may be performed in block <NUM> to correct the malfunction. The particular action taken may be based on the identified malfunction. For example, if the identified malfunction indicates that debris caught in the shifting profile <NUM> prevents the key <NUM> from properly and completely expanding outward and into the indentation of the shifting profile <NUM>, then a remedial operation may use a debris removal tool to clear the debris blocking the key <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the position of the key <NUM> relative to the shifting profile <NUM> is determined based on the comparison of block <NUM>.

Having determined the position of the key <NUM> relative to the shifting profile <NUM> in block <NUM>, the key <NUM> is moved to engage the shifting profile <NUM> in block <NUM>. For example, the key <NUM> is moved to a position of an engagement feature of the shifting profile <NUM>, and the pressure applied to the shifting arms <NUM> is increased.

In block <NUM>, the key <NUM> has engaged the shifting profile <NUM>, and the shifting system <NUM> is moved (e.g., by operation of the linear actuator <NUM>), to move the shifting profile <NUM> from a first position to a second position. Moving the shifting profile <NUM> from the first position to the second position may, for example, open or close a valve. Movement of the key <NUM> and the shifting profile <NUM> to the second position may be verified by comparing the measurements of block <NUM> to the signature acquired in block <NUM>. That is, the operations of blocks <NUM> and <NUM> may be repetitively performed in conjunction with the operations of blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to determine the location and state of the key <NUM> and the shifting profile <NUM>.

An accurate visual representation with a high degree of resolution provided by the normalized visualizer allows any engineer or automated system to have a visual signature for each stage and/or expected event with explanations or meanings of each event available in real time during downhole operations. The normalized visualization output graphs may provide improved depth correlation through the key engaging expected downhole geometry or profiles with known parameters and locations and may be accurate within inches of a desired location or profile compared to standard gamma ray winch conveyed correlation that may only be accurate to within <NUM> to <NUM> meters (ten to twenty feet). The normalized visualizer may also assist in quality assurance and quality control of a downhole shifting job for example.

The normalized visualizer may support diagnostics as well as latching and shifting operations. Completion component signatures with unique axial shifting distances plotted against force can be defined theoretically (by simulation of key and sliding sleeve interaction) and/or by using a SIT. The normalized visualizer may support identification of a position of a completion element (e.g., a sliding sleeve) targeted for manipulation including fully opened, fully closed, and any intermediate position between fully opened and fully closed. The normalized visualizer may also support immediate recognition of an abnormal response such as, but not limited to, downhole valve malfunctioning, anchor slip, stuck sleeve, popped out key, and/or abnormal latch due to debris. The normalized visualizer may further enable confirmation of downhole completion component or element behavior including tool latching and anchoring through surface controlled downhole movement.

The normalized visualizer may also enable the measurement and confirmation of inner completion component profiles using direct shifter inner diameter measurements and/or shifter pressure changes and/or linear actuator force/pressure changes while operating the shifting system open and minimally engaged at a low pressure.

The normalized visualizer further enables bringing a key to an exact position of a shifting profile to support latching and shifting confirmation because shifting distance and force versus displacement behavior are known. The normalized visualizer also enables taking corrective action for off depth stroking because completion component geometries and expected correlated pressures or forces are known. The normalized visualizer further allows for a reduced expertise requirement for latching using inchworm or tractor conveyance by providing visual signatures for each stage and/or expected event with explanations or meanings of each the event available in real time during downhole operations.

Claim 1:
A method, comprising:
disposing an intervention service tool (<NUM>) within a tubular, wherein:
the intervention service tool (<NUM>) comprises an anchoring system (<NUM>), a shifting system (<NUM>), and a linear actuator system (<NUM>); and
the tubular comprises a shifting profile (<NUM>) geometry disposed within the tubular at a first location;
positioning the intervention service tool (<NUM>) such that the shifting system (<NUM>) is above or below the shifting profile (<NUM>) geometry;
actuating one or more of the anchoring system (<NUM>), the shifting system (<NUM>), and the linear actuator system (<NUM>);
characterized by
measuring one or more of shifter system (<NUM>) pressure, linear actuator system (<NUM>) force, linear actuator system (<NUM>) pressure, and displacement of the shifting system (<NUM>);
comparing a known graph of the shifting profile (<NUM>) geometry to one or more of a measured pressure, a measured force, or a measured displacement produced by the measuring;
based on a result of the comparing, performing at least one of
determining a position of a key (<NUM>) disposed on the shifting system (<NUM>) relative to the shifting profile (<NUM>) geometry;
engaging the shifting profile (<NUM>) geometry with the key (<NUM>) based on the position of the key (<NUM>); and
positioning the shifting profile (<NUM>) geometry at a second location that is different from the first location; or
identifying a malfunction of the intervention service tool (<NUM>) or a completion component; and
performing a remedial operation to correct the malfunction.