METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A WET BOTTOM SUB

Description

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Field of the Disclosure

Examples of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods associated with a downhole tool, such as a wet-bottom sub. Specifically, the downhole tool may include an internal sleeve, intermediary sleeve, and an external sleeve, wherein a wiper plug is configured to land and shift the internal sleeve to seal an inner diameter across the intermediary sleeve to activate the internal sleeve, exposing an annulus outside of the intermediary sleeve to increase the pressure within the annulus to shift the external sleeve.

Background

Hydraulic fracturing is the process of creating cracks or fractures in underground geological formations. After creating the cracks or fractures, a mixture of water, sand, and other chemical additives are pumped into the cracks or fractures to protect the integrity of the geological formation and enhance production of the natural resources. The cracks or fractures are kept open by the mixture, allowing the natural resources within the geological formation to flow into a wellbore, where it is collected at the surface.

Conventionally, in oil and gas operators, cement is pumped through the wellbore to cement casing to the wellbore. Cementing operations typically also include pumping wiper plugs downhole through the string. After the wiper plug lands on a downhole seat, the wiper plug and cement set in front of the wiper plug may form a seal within the string. This may not allow additional fluids to be pumped downhole. After cementing, the wellbore must be reopened/perforated downhole to allow the circulation of fluids necessary to finish the completion process.

Therefore, operators may use a “wet bottom sub” at the end of casing, liner, or other tubing where they pump fluid so the cement does not set around or obstruct a float valve (e.g., a check valve) at the end of the tubing. After the cement sets (solidifies), fluid flow remains established through the tubing and float valve into the well. In this way, the wet bottom sub enables operators to conduct subsequent operations after cementing, such as pumping down plugs or perforating guns to the toe of the well without having to create or perforate a new conduit in the casing to communicate with the formation and other conduits behind.

Conventionally, for wet-bottom sub applications, a wet-bottom sub is run in hole, and pressure is increased within the sub to a predetermined pressure. This causes an entire sleeve to shear down, moving the entirety of the sleeve to open an internal bypass, allowing the operator to over-displace the cement, leaving the desired wet bottom sub.

Accordingly, needs exist for systems and methods for wet bottom sub-applications, wherein a wiper plug is pumped downhole behind the cement that is configured to move an internal sleeve to expose upper communications ports that allow the pressure within an annulus to increase to shear an external sleeve exposing lower communication ports. By decoupling the landing of the wiper plug from the open communication port, the new system ensures that the wiper plug doesn't hang halfway after shearing and restricts the fluid passageway. To this end, embodiments bring reliability and between areas open areas between to flow to the system, making it more reliable and less susceptible to debris and plugging.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for wet-bottom sub-applications, wherein a wiper plug is pumped downhole behind the cement. The wiper plug is configured to move an internal sleeve to expose upper communications ports. Further increasing the annulus pressure will increase forces to move an external sleeve, exposing lower communication ports and allowing communication between above and below the wiper. Embodiments may include a wiper plug and a downhole tool such as a wet-bottom sub. The downhole tool may include an internal sleeve, an intermediary sleeve, and an external sleeve. The downhole tool may be used at any depth and may be used in open holes, cased holes, or refrac applications.

The wiper plug may be any type of plug that is configured to separate cement slurry from other fluids, reducing contamination and maintaining predictable slurry performance. The wiper plug may be configured to be launched from the surface to wipe the drill pipe's inner diameter. In embodiments, the wiper plug may be configured to be pumped downhole, land in the internal sleeve, create a seal, restriction, etc. across the internal sleeve, allowing pressure to build above the internal sleeve, causing the internal sleeve to shear from the intermediary sleeve, and slide the internal sleeve downhole. In other embodiments, the wiper may land on the internal sleeve or partially in the internal sleeve.

The internal sleeve may be a sleeve that is temporarily coupled with the intermediary sleeve at the first location when run in a hole. While the internal sleeve is coupled with the intermediary sleeve at the first location, the internal sleeve may block upper ports within the intermediary sleeve. After the wiper plug lands on the internal sleeve, and pressure increases above a threshold, temporary coupling mechanisms are configured to temporarily couple the internal sleeve and the intermediary sleeve may break, allowing the internal sleeve to slide downhole. In embodiments, the wiper plug may maintain the seal, restriction, etc. across the internal sleeve when moving downhole. When the internal sleeve slides downhole, the upper ports may be exposed.

The intermediary sleeve may be a tubular pipe positioned radially between the internal sleeve and the external sleeve. The intermediary sleeve may be made of one integral piece or more than one; it may include upper ports, lower ports, a ledge, first temporary coupling mechanisms, second temporary coupling mechanisms, and vents. It may be built of cast iron, aluminum, steel, dissolvable, or any other material. In embodiments, the intermediary sleeve may be positioned axially between the top sub and bottom sub and radially between the inner sleeve and external sleeve. In other embodiments, the intermediary sleeve may be part of the top sub or part of the bottom sub, and the inner sleeve may be an integral part of the intermediary sleeve. In the latter case, the intermediary sleeve will move downward when the wiper plug lands inside and expose a window to allow flow to bypass the wiper plug. Further, in other embodiments, the inner sleeve may not exist, and the upper ports may be directly and always exposed to the flow through the intermediary sleeve.

The upper ports may be openings, channels, passageways, etc., positioned on a proximal end of the intermediary sleeve. The upper ports may be configured to allow communication between an internal diameter of the intermediary sleeve and an annulus positioned outside of the intermediary sleeve. When the downhole tool is run in the hole, the upper ports may be covered by the internal sleeve. However, after the internal sleeve is decoupled from the intermediary sleeve, the upper ports may be exposed. In other embodiments, the upper ports may not be part of the intermediary sleeve. An upper passageway may already exist and be open to flow all the time by having a gap between the proximal end of the top sub and the proximal end of the intermediary sleeve.

The lower ports may be openings, channels, passageways, etc., positioned on a distal end of the intermediary sleeve. The lower ports may be configured to allow communication between an internal diameter of the intermediary sleeve and an annulus positioned outside of the intermediary sleeve. When the downhole tool is run in the hole, the external surface of the lower ports may be covered by an external sleeve. However, after the external sleeve is decoupled from the intermediary sleeve and the external sleeve slides towards the distal end of the intermediary sleeve, the lower ports may be exposed. This may create an open passageway between the upper ports and the lower ports within the upper annulus outside of the intermediary sleeve. In other embodiments, the lower ports may be openings positioned toward the proximal end of the bottom sub. In other embodiments, there may be no external sleeve, the lower ports may be plugged by temporary means like rupture, shearing device, dissolvable disc, or combinations, or any kind of plugging mechanism that may be attached to the ports via a snap ring, shear screws, glue, epoxy, or threads. The plugging element/membrane may have dimensions that is flushed with the intermediary sleeve's external and internal diameter, but in other cases, they may have thicker or thinner cross sections, making them protrude from the intermediary sleeve or be recessed.

The ledge may be a restriction that reduces the inner diameter across the intermediary sleeve, wherein the ledge is configured to restrict the downward movement of the internal sleeve after the internal sleeve slides downward. In embodiments, the ledge may be positioned above the lower ports, such that the internal sleeve does not cover the lower ports after the internal sleeve moves. In other embodiments, where the inner sleeve and intermediary sleeve are one unitary piece, the ledge may be positioned towards the distal end of the bottom sub.

The first temporary coupling mechanisms may be shear screws, pins, or any other device that is configured to temporarily couple the internal sleeve radially within the intermediary sleeve. The first temporary coupling mechanisms may be configured to shear after the wiper plug lands on the internal sleeve, which may allow the pressure differential across the internal sleeve to increase past a first predetermined pressure differential threshold. After the first temporary coupling mechanisms shear, the internal sleeve can axially move toward the distal end/bottom sub.

The second temporary coupling mechanism may be shear screws, pins, a shear ring, shear thread, shearable no-go, or any other mechanism that is configured to temporarily couple the external sleeve radially outside of the intermediary sleeve. The second temporary coupling mechanism may be configured to shear after the upper ports are exposed, and after the pressure differential across the external sleeve top and bottom is increased past a second pressure differential predetermined threshold. After the second temporary coupling mechanism shear, the external sleeve can slide downhole to expose the lower ports.

The vents may be openings, passageways, channels, etc., extending from an outer diameter of the intermediary sleeve to an inner diameter of the intermediary sleeve. This may allow pressure within the annulus below the external sleeve to be relieved, allowing the external sleeve to slide. The vents may be configured not create a pressure lock below the external sleeve within the annulus. In other embodiments, the vent may be eliminated; this can be the case if the external sleeve is a vent or while using plugging elements that are mounted directly over, on, or within the intermediary sleeve lower port.

The external sleeve may be a sliding sleeve that is configured to be temporarily coupled to an outer diameter of the intermediary sleeve. The external sleeve may be configured to be run in a hole in a position that covers the lower ports. Responsive to the upper ports being exposed, a pressure differential across the external sleeve may increase, allowing the external sleeve to be decoupled from the intermediary sleeve and slide down. After the external sleeve slides down, the lower ports may be exposed. When the upper and lower ports are exposed, a first area above the wiper plug may be in communication with a second area below the wiper plug through the upper and lower ports, even when the wiper plug maintains the seal, restriction, etc. across the inner diameter of the intermediary sleeve. This may displace cement inside the casing, hence establishing a wet-bottom sub. In other embodiments, the external sleeve may be eliminated by using a plugging element that may protect the annular volume created between the intermediary and the external sleeve, then later shear, dissolve, and disappear after the cementing job, or via activation by pressure or time.

In further embodiments, fluid may be configured to move the wiper plug, dart, etc., in a downhole direction. While the wiper plug is moving downhole, the wiper plug may interact with upper ports to allow the fluid to enter a communication chamber. Next, the wiper plug may move downhole to a ledge that stops the movement of the wiper plug at a predetermined location above the lower ports. When the wiper plug is at the predetermined location above the lower ports, pressure across a temporary sealing mechanism covering the lower ports may increase. This may cause the first face of the temporary sealing mechanism to have a greater pressure acting upon it than the second face of the temporary sealing mechanism, wherein the first face is directed towards the communication chamber and the second face is directed towards an inner diameter of the intermediary sleeve. This may cause the temporary sealing mechanism to break, decouple, and disengage based on the pressure of the backside of the temporary sealing mechanism, creating a fluid flow path that bypasses the wiper plug through the external diameter of the intermediary sleeve, and then the inner diameter of the intermediary sleeve at a position downhole of the wiper plug through the lower ports.

These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions, or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions, or rearrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described concerning the following figures, wherein reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 depicts a downhole tool to be utilized in wet-bottom sub applications, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a wiper plug landing on an internal sleeve, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a wiper plug landing on an internal sleeve, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a wiper plug landing on an internal sleeve, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a detailed view of a wiper plug landing on an internal sleeve, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a detailed view of a wiper plug landing on an internal sleeve, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a detailed view of a wiper plug landing on an internal sleeve, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a view of a wiper plug landing on an internal sleeve, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 9-11 depict an embodiment utilizing a different type of wiper plug along with an internal sleeve, intermediary sleeve, and external sleeve.

FIGS. 12-14 depict a downhole tool, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method for establishing a communication chamber, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a method for establishing a communication chamber, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 depicts a downhole tool, according to an embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are outlined to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present invention. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention.

Embodiments described herein may be configured to create a larger annular volume for a wet-bottom sub application while limiting debris within the larger annular volume. Specifically, the downhole tool may allow a full landing of a wiper plug to open communication across the wiper plug in the annulus, such that the wiper plug does not create a full obstruction within the downhole tool. This may allow a predetermined amount of cement or other fluid to be pumped downhole in the wet bottom sub application by displacing cement to the end of the casing. Specific embodiments may be utilized for pressure tests after a cementing operation is performed. After a cementing operation, fluid may be pumped downhole, causing a wiper plug to move downhole until the wiper plug becomes seated. After being seated, the wiper plug may move downhole to expose the inner diameter of upper ports to a communication chamber, wherein fluid used to displace the wiper plug further downhole may enter the communication chamber. Once sufficient time has passed for the temporary sealing mechanisms to dissolve or a sufficient pressure differential across the temporary sealing mechanism is reached, communication through the communication chamber may be established.

FIG. 1 depicts a downhole tool 100 to be utilized in wet-bottom sub applications, according to an embodiment. In embodiments, downhole tool 100 or part of it may be built from brittle or millable material, such as cast iron opposed to steel. The downhole tool 100 may include a top sub 105, an external housing 110, an intermediary sleeve 120, an internal sleeve 130, an external sleeve 140, and bottom sub 150.

The external housing 110 may be a drill string, casing, tubing, etc., that is configured to transmit fluid downhole. External housing 110 may be hollow, and be configured to allow fluid to be pumped down through External housing 110 and/or circulate back up external housing 110. Elements associated with downhole tool 100 may be positioned within external housing 110. In embodiments, a proximal end of external housing 110 may be coupled to other tubing positioned above external housing 110, and a distal end of external housing 110 may be coupled to a bottom sub 150. In embodiments, a proximal end of external housing 110 may be coupled to top sub 105. Bottom sub 150 may be the bottom of the casing string, and allow cement to be pumped around it. In other embodiments, either the bottom sub 150 can be an integral part of the external housing 110, or top sub 105 can be an integral part of the external housing 110.

Intermediary sleeve 120 may be a tubular pipe positioned radially within external housing 110, such that an upper annulus 115 and a lower annulus 117 are positioned between external housing 110 and intermediary sleeve 120. In embodiments, intermediary sleeve 120 may be formed of a single piece or multiple pieces. Upper annulus 115 eventually forms a communication chamber around a wiper plug. In embodiments, upper annulus 115 and lower annulus 117 may be created by positioning external sleeve 140 radially between external housing 110 and intermediary sleeve 120. Intermediary sleeve 120 may also be positioned radially between internal sleeve 130 and external sleeve 140. Intermediary sleeve 120 may be configured to be fixed in place while internal sleeve 130 and external sleeve 140 axially move. Intermediary sleeve 120 may include upper ports 122, lower ports 124, ledge 125, first temporary coupling mechanisms 127, second temporary coupling mechanisms 128, and vents 126. In other embodiments, intermediary sleeve 120 may not include upper ports 122, and intermediary sleeve 120 may be stationary or slidable.

In embodiments, where intermediary sleeve 120 does not include upper ports 122, a gap may be created between a proximal end 121 of intermediary sleeve 120 and top sub 105. This gap may expose the upper annulus 115. In embodiments where intermediary sleeve 120 is slidable, the proximal end 121 of intermediary sleeve 120 may be initially blocked by positioning against a surface of top sub 105 or by any other means to block communication into upper annulus 115. Pressure within intermediary sleeve 120 may then increase, causing intermediary sleeve 120 to slide down to form the gap and expose upper annulus 115. More specifically, a wiper plug, such as wiper plug 210, may be configured to land on intermediary sleeve 120, and pressuring above wiper plug 210 may cause a pressure differential above wiper plug 210 and below wiper plug 210 to be greater than a predetermined pressure threshold. This pressure differential may cause intermediary sleeve 120 to shift, creating the gap and exposing upper annulus 115.

Upper ports 122 may be openings, channels, passageways, etc., positioned on a proximal end of intermediary sleeve 120. Upper ports 122 may be configured to allow communication between an internal diameter of intermediary sleeve 120 and upper annulus 115 positioned outside of intermediary sleeve 120. When the downhole tool is run in the hole, upper ports 122 may be covered by internal sleeve 130. However, after internal sleeve 130 is decoupled from intermediary sleeve 120, upper ports 122 may be exposed. In another embodiment, inner sleeve 130 may not exist, and a gap may be created between a proximal end 121 of intermediary sleeve 120 and top sub 105. The gap may expose the upper annulus 115.

Lower ports 124 may be openings, channels, passageways, etc., positioned on a distal end of intermediary sleeve 120. Lower ports 124 may be configured to allow communication between an internal diameter of intermediary sleeve 120 and casing above and below casing below the tool 100 after external sleeve 140 shears. When the downhole tool 100 is run in hole, lower ports 124 may be exposed internally. However, after external sleeve 140 is decoupled from intermediary sleeve 120, external sleeve 140 may move towards a distal end of intermediary sleeve, exposing the lower ports 124 and allowing communication through lower ports 124. This may allow communication between the upper annulus 115 and the interior diameter of the tool 100 through a passageway created between the lower ports 124 and upper ports 122. In embodiments, a cross-sectional area of upper ports 122 and lower ports 124 may be substantially equal.

Ledge 125 may be a restriction that reduces the inner diameter across intermediary sleeve 120, wherein ledge 125 is configured to restrict the downward movement of internal sleeve 130 after the internal sleeve 130 slides downward. In embodiments, ledge 125 may be positioned above the lower ports such that internal sleeve 130 does not cover the lower ports when positioned on ledge 125. Ledge 125 may be located at any place in intermediary sleeve 120 and can be an integral piece or a separate piece that is mounted to intermediary sleeve 120 by either permanent or temporary means.

First temporary coupling mechanism 127 may be shear screws, pins, or any other device that is configured to temporarily couple the internal sleeve 130 radially within the intermediary sleeve 120. First temporary coupling mechanisms 127 may be configured to shear after the wiper plug 210 lands on the internal sleeve 130, which may allow the pressure differential across the internal sleeve 130 to increase past a first predetermined pressure differential threshold. After the first temporary coupling mechanism 127 shear, the internal sleeve can slide downhole.

Second temporary coupling mechanisms 128 may be shear screws, pins, or any other device that are configured to temporarily couple the external sleeve 140 radially outside of the intermediary sleeve 120. Second temporary coupling mechanisms 128 may be configured to shear after the pressure differential across the external sleeve 140 increases past a second pressure differential predetermined threshold. Specifically, after upper ports 122 are exposed, and the wiper plug is contained inside the inner diameter of intermediary sleeve 120, the pressure within upper annulus 115 may increase, allowing second temporary coupling mechanisms 128 to shear. After second temporary coupling mechanism 128 shear, the external sleeve 140 can slide toward the distal end of the intermediary sleeve 120 to expose the lower ports 124. In embodiments, a pressure differential to shear the second temporary coupling mechanism 128 may be higher than a pressure differential to shear the first temporary coupling mechanisms 127. In other embodiments, the first pressure and second pressure differential may be substantially the same.

Vents 126 may be openings, passageways, channels, etc., extending from an outer diameter of intermediary sleeve 120 to an inner diameter of intermediary sleeve 122. Vents 126 may be configured to allow pressure within lower annulus 117 to be relieved, allowing the external sleeve 140 to slide.

Internal sleeve 130 may be a sleeve that is temporarily coupled with the intermediary sleeve 120 at a first location when run in a hole via first temporary coupling mechanisms 127. While internal sleeve 130 is coupled with the intermediary sleeve 130 at the first location, internal sleeve 130 may block upper ports 122. After the wiper plug lands on the internal sleeve, and pressure increases above a threshold, the first temporary coupling mechanism 127 may break, allowing the internal sleeve 130 to slide downhole. In embodiments, the wiper plug may maintain the seal, restriction, etc. across internal sleeve 130 when moving toward the distal end of intermediary sleeve 120. When the internal sleeve 130 slides downhole, the upper ports 122 may be exposed. Internal sleeve 130 may travel downhole until internal sleeve 130 contacts ledge 125. Specific embodiments may not include an internal sleeve 130, and the wiper plug 210 may be configured to land directly on ledge 125, or internal sleeve 130 may be configured as a static element that is initially positioned on ledge 125. This may cause upper ports 122 to initially be uncovered.

External sleeve 140 may be a sliding sleeve that is configured to be temporarily coupled to an outer diameter of the intermediary sleeve 120. External sleeve 140 may be configured to be run in hole in a position that covers the lower ports 124, wherein a pair of seals 142, restrictions, etc., straddle the lower ports 124. Responsive to the upper ports 122 being exposed, a pressure differential across the external sleeve 140 may increase, allowing the external sleeve 140 to be decoupled from the intermediary sleeve 120 and slide downhole. While sliding downhole, fluids positioned within the lower annulus 117 may be relieved through vents 126. After the external sleeve 140 slides downhole toward the distal end of tool 100, external sleeve 140 may cover vents 126, and the lower ports 124 may be exposed. When the upper ports 122 and lower ports 124 are exposed, a first area above the wiper plug may be in communication with a second area below the wiper plug through the upper ports 122, upper annulus 115, and lower ports 124, even when the wiper plug maintains the seal, restriction, etc. across the inner diameter of the intermediary sleeve 120.

FIG. 2 depicts a wiper plug 210 landing on internal sleeve 130, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 2 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 2, a wiper plug 210 may be run downhole and land on internal sleeve 130. One skilled in the art may appreciate that wiper plug 210 may be any type of wiper plug, any type of plug, any type of object, a ball, etc., that is configured to form a seal or restriction across a sleeve. When positioned on internal sleeve 130, wiper plug 210 may seal or form a restriction/constrain fluid across the inner diameter of internal sleeve 130, which may allow pressure above the wiper plug 210 to increase. However, when the internal sleeve 130 is coupled to the intermediary sleeve 120 via the first temporary coupling mechanism 127 internal sleeve 130 cannot slide downhole.

FIG. 3 depicts a wiper plug 210 landing on internal sleeve 130, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 3 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 3, as pressure above internal sleeve 130 increases, a pressure differential across internal sleeve 130 may increase past a decoupling threshold associated with the first temporary coupling mechanisms 127 to activate internal sleeve 130. This pressure differential may cause the first temporary coupling mechanisms 127 to shear, break, decouple, disengage, activate, dislodge, etc., allowing internal sleeve 130 to be activated, and slide towards a distal end of intermediary sleeve 120, exposing upper ports 122 or a gap on a proximal end 121 of intermediary sleeve 120.

Internal sleeve 130 may move downhole toward the distal end of tool 100 until the axial movement of internal sleeve 130 is impeded by ledge 125. Due to internal sleeve 130 moving downhole, upper ports 122 may be opened, exposing external sleeve 140 to fluid above wiper plug 210 within downhole tool 100.

Additionally, after internal sleeve 130 is activated and shifted downhole, wiper plug 210 may limit fluid flow through the inner diameter of intermediary sleeve 120, forming a junk basket within internal sleeve 130. This junk basket may allow debris, material, etc. to be held within the inner diameter of intermediary sleeve 120 between the distal end of wiper plug 210 and upper ports 122. This junk basket may be utilized to limit debris from blocking upper ports 122 after internal sleeve 130 is activated, which may segregate the debris from fluid flowing downhole.

FIG. 4 depicts a wiper plug 210 landing on internal sleeve 130, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 4 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 4, as wiper plug 210 and internal sleeve 130 maintain the seal, restriction, etc. across the inner diameter of intermediary sleeve 120, the pressure within upper annulus 115 may increase via upper ports 122. This may cause a pressure differential across the external sleeve 140 to increase. When the pressure differential across the external sleeve increases past a decoupling threshold associated with second temporary coupling mechanism 128, second temporary coupling mechanisms 128 may shear, break, decouple, disengage, activate, dislodge, etc. After the second temporary coupling mechanisms 128 shear, break, decouple, disengage, activate, dislodge, etc., the external sleeve 140 may slide downhole to expose lower ports 124. When upper ports 122 and lower ports 124 are exposed, fluid may be communicated within annulus 115, bypassing the inner diameter of intermediary sleeve 120.

In embodiments, wiper plug 210 may be configured to be swallowed, and completely pass upper ports 122 and be positioned above lower ports 124 before lower ports 124 are exposed and opened. More specifically, the entirety of wiper plug 210 may be fully contained in a middle section of intermediary sleeve 120 between upper ports 122 and lower ports 124, wherein fluid may flow around wiper plug 210 in the annular space outside of intermediary sleeve 120.

FIG. 5 depicts a detailed view of wiper plug 210 landing on internal sleeve 130, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 5 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 5, inner sleeve 130 may include an overhang 510 that decreases the inner diameter across inner sleeve 130. This reduction in the size of the inner diameter of inner sleeve 130 may allow a nose of wiper plug 210 to move across inner sleeve 130 in a first direction, but restrict the relative movement of wiper plug 210 and inner sleeve 130 in a second direction. Specifically, once wiper plug 210 moves past overhang 510, dogs 520 or other elements may radially expand to increase the outer diameter of wiper plug 210 to be larger than the inner diameter across overhang 510, which may allow wiper plug 210 and inner sleeve 130 to move together in the second direction.

Furthermore, a proximal end of the wiper plug 210 may include an abutment 530 that is larger than the inner diameter across the inner sleeve 130. The sizing of the abutment 530 relative to the inner diameter across inner sleeve 130 may limit the movement of wiper plug 210 relative to inner sleeve 130 in the first direction, which may assist in moving wiper plug 210 and inner sleeve 130 downhole together.

FIG. 6 depicts a detailed view of wiper plug 210 landing on internal sleeve 130, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 6 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 6, when wiper plug 210 initially travels downhole, lower ports 124 may be covered by external sleeve 140. Furthermore, vents 126 may allow lower annulus 117 to bleed pressure.

FIG. 7 depicts a detailed view of wiper plug 210 landing on internal sleeve 130, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 7 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements may be omitted.

Due to the pressure differential across external sleeve 140 increasing past a threshold, external sleeve 140 may slide downhole, exposing ports 124.

FIG. 8 depicts a view of wiper plug 210 landing on internal sleeve 130, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 8 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements may be omitted.

After a wet bottom sub application is complete, and if the float equipment below the tool 100 fails, fluid may reverse flow from the distal end of the intermediary sleeve 120. This reverse flow may cause the inner sleeve 130 and wiper plug 210 to travel back up the hole together. Due to the reverse circulation, inner sleeve 130 may shift back up the hole and cover upper ports 122. This may allow the wet shoe to act as a barrier or restrictor that prevents or contains flow from a formation through the internal diameter of the casing, while still allowing pumping through it in normal circulation at any time.

FIGS. 9-11 depict an embodiment utilizing a different type of wiper plug 910 along with internal sleeve 130, intermediary sleeve 120, and external sleeve 134.

As depicted in FIGS. 9-11, the downhole tool 100 may incorporate any type of wiper plug 910 or other sealing element, including a ball in a wet shoe application.

FIGS. 12-14 depict a downhole tool 1200, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIGS. 12-14 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements may be omitted. Furthermore, downhole tool 1200 may utilize similar concepts as those described in association with downhole tool 1200. However, downhole tool 1200 may not include an external sleeve, but may instead utilize plugging elements 1210 positioned within lower ports 124.

As depicted in FIG. 12, a passageway to a proximal end of communication chamber 1220 may be initially blocked by internal sleeve 120 covering upper ports 122 or another passageway. A distal end of the communication chamber 1220 may be initially blocked by plugging elements 1210. In embodiments, communication chamber 1220 may be configured to always communicate pressure with the inner diameter of intermediary sleeve 120. Alternatively, communication chamber 1220 may be configured to be sealed via internal sleeve 130 and plugging elements 1210, which may allow communication chamber 1220 to be an atmospheric chamber before being exposed to the inner diameter of intermediary sleeve 120.

Once the upper ports 122 are exposed, the communication chamber 1220 may be contaminated or filled with fluid used to displace the wiper plug. As soon as the control chamber 1220 is filled with fluid, the fluid within the communication chamber 1220 may contact plugging elements 1210.

Plugging elements 1210 may be configured to be decoupled from lower ports 124 based on a pressure differential across plugging elements 1210, a certain amount of time, or after dissolution caused by chemical reactions with pumping fluid over a period of time. Once the pressure within the communication chamber 1220 increases, a pressure differential across plugging elements 1210 may cause an increase past a threshold, dislodging plugging elements 1210 from lower ports 124. In embodiments, plugging elements 1210 may be positioned on an internal surface of internal sleeve 120, within the lower portions 124, or positioned on an external surface of internal sleeve 120.

In embodiments, wiper plug 1205 (or other blocking object) may be configured to be positioned across an inner diameter of internal sleeve 130. When the wiper plug 1205 or other object lands on the internal sleeve 130, the area object wiper plug 1205 may be isolated from the area below wiper plug 1205. This isolation may allow a pressure differential across wiper plug 1205 to increase and internal sleeve 130 to shear, break, decouple, disengage, activate, dislodge, etc., first temporary coupling mechanisms 127.

As depicted in FIG. 14, after pressure within communication chamber 1220 reaches a predetermined threshold, after a certain amount of time, or a combination, plugging elements 1210 may be decoupled from the intermediary sleeve, and circulation can be established around wiper plug 1210 through communication chamber 1220. Specifically, internal sleeve 130 may move to ledge 125, positioned above lower ports 124.

The movement of internal sleeve 130 may allow fluid to enter communication chamber 1220, wherein communication chamber 1220 is positioned radially outside of intermediary sleeve 120.

As depicted in FIG. 14, after pressure within communication chamber 1220 reaches a predetermined threshold, after a certain amount of time, or a combination, plugging elements 1210 may be decoupled from the intermediary sleeve, and circulation can be established around wiper plug 1210 through communication chamber 1220. More specifically, the pressure against the backside of plugging elements 1210 may cause plugging elements 1210 to move into an inner diameter of intermediary sleeve 120, establishing a full communication chamber 1220 around wiper plug 1210.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method 1500 for establishing a communication chamber, according to an embodiment. The operations of method 1500 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method 1500 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method 1500 are illustrated in FIG. 15 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

At operation 1510, a wiper plug may land on an internal sleeve, wherein the internal sleeve initially blocks ports, a passageway, etc., into a proximal end of a communication chamber.

At operation 1520, pressure above the wiper plug may increase, and the internal sleeve may shuttle the wiper plug downhole within an intermediary sleeve. The wiper may be fully swallowed at the end of the stroke, exposing a full inner diameter of the intermediary sleeve. After the internal sleeve moves downhole, the proximal end of the communication chamber may be exposed.

At operation 1530, the pressure within the communication chamber may increase.

At operation 1540, the increase in pressure may cause blocking elements positioned in lower ports to become dislodged from the lower ports. Specifically, the pressure differential from the backside of the blocking elements and the front side of the blocking elements may increase past a pressure differential to cause the inward movement of the blocking elements, wherein the blocking elements cover a distal end of the communication chamber.

At operation 1550, communication around the wiper plug through the communication chamber may be established.

FIG. 16 illustrates a method 1600 for establishing a communication chamber, according to an embodiment. The operations of method 1600 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method 1500 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method 1500 are illustrated in FIG. 15 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

At operation 1610, a wiper plug may land on an internal sleeve, wherein the internal sleeve initially blocks ports, a passageway, etc., into a proximal end of a communication chamber.

At operation 1620, pressure above the wiper plug may increase, and the internal sleeve may shuttle the wiper plug downhole within an intermediary sleeve. The wiper may be fully swallowed at the end of the stroke, exposing a full inner diameter of the intermediary sleeve. After the internal sleeve moves downhole, the proximal end of the communication chamber may be exposed.

At operation 1630, pressure within the communication chamber and/or inner diameter of the intermediary sleeve may increase.

At operation 1640, the increase in pressure may cause a downhole sleeve positioned internally within the intermediary sleeve or external to the intermediary sleeve housing to move downhole, and no longer cover lower ports, wherein the lower ports are positioned at a distal end of the communication chamber.

At operation 1650, communication around the wiper plug through the communication chamber may be established.

FIG. 17 depicts a downhole tool 1700, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 17 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements may be omitted. Furthermore, downhole 1700 may utilize similar concepts as those described in association with downhole 100 and 1200. However, downhole tool 1700 may not include an external sleeve, but may instead utilize an internal downhole sleeve 1710.

Downhole sleeve 1710 may be configured to be initially positioned on the inner diameter of intermediary sleeve 120 and aligned with lower ports 124. Specifically, downhole sleeve 1710 may be placed over lower port 124 to initially block the distal end of communication chamber 1730.

In certain embodiments, after a wiper plug lands on internal sleeve 130, a pressure differential across the first temporary coupling mechanism 127 may cause decoupling, allowing internal sleeve 130 to slide downhole. While the internal sleeve 130 slides downward, the wiper plug may retain the seal, restriction, etc., across the inner diameter of internal sleeve 130. Additionally, as internal sleeve 130 slides downward, upper ports 122 or a gap on the proximal end of intermediary sleeve 120 may be exposed, allowing continuous pressure communication within communication chamber 1730.

An increase in pressure may act upon the downhole sleeve 1710 between a pair of seals, 1712 and 1714, causing the second temporary coupling mechanisms 1720 to shear, break, decouple, disengage, activate, dislodge, etc. After the temporary coupling mechanisms 1720 decouple, the downhole sleeve 1710 may slide downhole, exposing the inner diameter of the intermediary sleeve 120 to the communication chamber 1730 via lower ports 124. This, in turn, may enable fluid communication to an area above and below the wiper plug or another blocking object across the internal sleeve 130 via communication chamber 1730, which is positioned radially outside of the intermediary sleeve 120.

As indicated, these modifications may be made to the invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, while the invention has been described herein concerning particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes, and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment may be able to be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, components, systems, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention. While the invention may be illustrated by using a particular embodiment, this is not and does not limit the invention to any particular embodiment and a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional embodiments are readily understandable and are a part of this invention.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above in specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component.