System and method for servicing a wellbore.

(54) Title: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTENANCE OF A WELL. (54) Title: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SERVICING A WELLBORE.

(57) Summary

A well drilling maintenance system, comprising a sleeve system comprising a box with ports, a sleeve sliding inside the box and movable between a first sleeve position in which the sleeve restricts fluid communication by means of the box and a second position of the sleeve in which the sleeve does not restrict it, a radially divided segmented seat movable between a first seat position in which the seat restricts movement of the sleeve and a second seat position in which the seat does not restrict it, and a cover covering a portion of the seat, the sleeves being able to make the transition from a first, to a second, to a third mode, in the first mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its first position, in the second mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its second position, and, in the third mode, the sleeve is in its second position.

(57) Abstract

A wellbore servicing system (100), comprising a sleeve system (200) comprising a ported case (208), a sliding sleeve (260) within the case and movable between a first sleeve position in which the sleeve re-stricts fluid communication via the case and a second sleeve position in which the sleeve does not, a radially divided segmented seat (270) movable between a first seat position in which the seat re-stricts movement of the sleeve and a second seat position in which the seat does not, and a sheath (272) covering a portion of the seat, the sleeve system being transitionable from a first, to a second, to a third mode, in the first mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its first position , in the second mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its second position, and, in the third mode, the sleeve is in its second position.

Institute

Mexican Property

Industrial ES _SE_ ίΚΜίΜΙΒΑ X «(« MÍA

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PATENT TITLE NO. 338701

Owner (s): HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.

Address: 10200 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, Texas, 77072, USA

Name: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTENANCE OF A WELL.

Classification: IC.8: E21B34 / 14; E21B43 / 12; E21B43 / 14 ln

JESSE CALE PORTER; KENDALL LEE PACEY; MATHEW TODO HOWELL; WILLIAM ELLIS STANDRIDGE

Number:

MX / a / 2013/009185

REQUEST

International filing date:

February 2012

PRIORITY

Country: Date: Number:

US February 10, 2011 13 / 025,041

Validity: Twenty years>

Expiration Date: February 10, 2032 ^orThe reference patent is granted coi, foundation in the ertjautoet ·, 2nd fraction V, 6th useful fraction, and 59 of the Industrial Property Law.

In accordance with article 23 of the Indusfrfaf Property Law, this patent has a non-extendable term of twenty years, counted from the date of filing of the International application and will be subject to the payment of the fee to keep the rights. '' 'The person who subscribes to this title does so on the basis of the provisions of Articles and Fractions III and 7 ° bis 2 of the Law on Industrial Property (Dlai> Official Federation (DOF) 06/27/1991 , amended on 08/02/1994, 10/25/1996, 12/26/1997, $ / 05/1999. 96/01 / 2094,16 / 06 / 2006.25Ό1 / 2006 06/08 / 2009,98 / 01 / 2910.18 "6 / 2010,2" 0ββ010, 01/27/2012 and 04/08/2012); article 1 * attraction V subsection a), 4th and 12th fractions I and lll of the Regulations of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 14/12/1999, amended on 07/01/2002, 07/15/2004, 28 / 07/2004 and 7/09/2007); Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 'section V Clause a), 16 sections I and lll and 30 of the Organic Statute of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007); 1, 3 and 5 subsection a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the Deputy Directors General, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Holders of the Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

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Issue date: 28, de.abti $ g $ g01 &amp; ..

DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

NAHANNY CANAL REYES

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Arenal No 550. Floor 1.

?,or. Pueblo Santa María Tepepan,

Xochimilco, CP 16020.

Mexico City

Tea!. (55) 53 34 07 00 www imp »gob.mx

MX / 2016J32861

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BACKGROUND

Underground hydrocarbon-containing formations are sometimes inhomogeneous in their compositions along the length of the boreholes that extend into those formations. Sometimes it is desirable to treat and / or otherwise direct the formation and / or well drilling differently in response to the various compositions of the formations. Some well drilling maintenance systems and methods allow such treatment, referred to by some as zonal isolation treatments. However, in some well drilling maintenance systems and methods, while multiple tools for use in treating areas may be activated by a single shutter, such activation of a tool by the shutter may cause the Activating additional tools is more difficult. For example, a ball can be used to activate a plurality of stimulation tools, thereby allowing fluid communication between a tool flow port with a space outside the tools. However, such fluid communication by means of activated tools can increase the operating pressure necessary to

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subsequently activate the cHlló-Lonales tools. Accordingly, there is a need for improved systems and methods of treating multiple zones of a wellbore.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a well bore maintenance system is provided, comprising a first sleeve system, the first sleeve system comprising a first box with ports, a first sliding sleeve at least partially transported within the first box with ports and movable relative to the first box with ports between a first sleeve position in which the first sliding sleeve restricts fluid communication by means of the box with ports and a second sleeve position in which the first sliding sleeve does not restrict fluid communication via the port box, a first segmented seat, the first segmented seat being radially divided into a plurality of segments and movable relative to the first box with ports between a first seat position in which the first seat restricts the movement of the sliding sleeve relative to the box with ports and a second seat position in which the first seat does not restrict movement of the sleeve

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slidable relative to the box with ports, and a first cover forming a continuous layer covering one or more surfaces of the first segmented seat, the first sleeve system transits from a first mode to a second mode and transits from the second mode to a third mode, where, when in the first mode, the first sliding sleeve is retained in the first position of the sleeve and the first segmented seat is retained in the first position of the seat, where, when in second mode, the first slip sleeve is retained in the first sleeve position and the first segmented seat is in the second seat position, and where, when in third mode, the first slip sleeve is in the second position of the sleeve.

In another aspect, a method for maintenance of a well bore is also provided, comprising positioning a first sleeve system within the well bore next to a first treatment zone, the first sleeve system comprising a first box with ports, a first sliding sleeve at least partially transported within the first box with ports and movable relative to the first box with ports between a first sleeve position in which the first sliding sleeve restricts fluid communication by means of the box with ports and a second sleeve position on e

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which the first sliding sleeve does not “restrict fluid communication through the box with ports, a first segmented seat, the first segmented seat being radially divided into a plurality of segments and movable relative to the first box with ports between a first seat position in which the first seat restricts the movement of the sliding sleeve relative to the box with ports and a seat position in which the first seat does not restrict the movement of the sliding sleeve relative to the box with ports, and a first cover forming a continuous layer covering one or more surfaces of the first segmented seat, the first sleeve system transitions from a first mode to a second mode and transits from the second mode to a third mode, where, when in the first mode, the first sliding sleeve is retained in the first position of the sleeve and the first segmented seat is retained in the first position of the seat, where, when it is in the second mode, the first sliding sleeve is retained in the first sleeve position and the first segmented seat is in the second seat position, and where, when in third mode, the first sliding sleeve is in the second sleeve position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description:

Figure 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a well drilling maintenance system according to the disclosure;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve system of the well drilling maintenance system of Figure 1 showing the sleeve system in an installation mode;

Figure 2A is a cross-sectional end view of a segmented seat of the sleeve system of Figure 2 showing the segmented seat divided into three segments;

Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of a segmented seat of the sleeve system of Figure 2 having a protective cover applied thereto;

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the sleeve system of Figure 2 showing the sleeve system in a delay mode;

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the sleeve system of Figure 2 showing the sleeve system in a fully open mode;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a sleeve system in accordance

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with the disclosure showing the sleeve system in an installation mode;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve system of Figure 5 showing the sleeve system in another stage of the installation mode;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve system of Figure 5 showing the sleeve system in a delay mode; and

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of the sleeve system of Figure 5 showing the sleeve system in a fully open mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE REALIZATIONS

In the drawings and in the description below, similar parts are generally marked throughout the specification and in the drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. Figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be exaggerated in scale or somewhat schematically, and some details of conventional elements may not be shown for reasons of clarity and conciseness.

Unless otherwise indicated, any use in any way of the terms connect, engage, couple, join, or any other term that describes a

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO Dt LA IMROmtlAL TROníDAD interaction between the elements is not intended to limit the interaction to direct the interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the elements described. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms including and understanding are used in an open way, and thus should be interpreted to mean including, but are not limited to ... References to above or below will be made for description purposes with up, top, up or upstream means towards the surface of the wellbore and with down, bottom, down or downstream means towards the terminal end of the well, regardless of the orientation of the wellbore. The term productive zone or zone as used herein refers to separate parts of the wellbore designed for treatment or production and may refer to a complete hydrocarbon formation or separate portions of a single formation such as horizontal portions and / or vertically spaced from the same formation. The various features that are mentioned as well as other aspects and that are described in more detail below, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art with the help of the present lines above, features

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disclosure after reading the following detailed description of the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Improved components are disclosed herein, more specifically, a segmented seat, with cover, for use in downhole tools. Said segmented seat, with cover, can be used alone or in combination with other components to make the transition from one or more down-the-hole tools from a first configuration to a second, third or fourth, etc. configuration or mode selectively receiving, holding and releasing a shutter (or any other suitable actuator or actuator device).

Likewise herein are disclosed sleeve systems and methods for the use of downhole tools, more specifically sleeve systems using a segmented seat, with a cover that can be placed in a borehole in a start-up configuration or in an installation mode where a sleeve of the sleeve system blocks the transfer of fluid between a flow mouth of the sleeve system and a port of the sleeve system. The installation mode can also be referred to as a locked mode since the sleeve is selectively locked in a position relative to the port. In some embodiments, the locked positional relationship between

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO Dt LA PROPIEDAD industrial

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the sleeves and ports can be selectively discontinued or deactivated by unlocking one or more components relative to one another, thereby potentially allowing movement of the sleeves relative to the ports. Furthermore, once the components are no longer locked in position relative to one another, some of the embodiments are configured to subsequently operate in a delay mode where the relative movement between the sleeve and the port is delayed to the extent that (1) said relative movement occurs but occurs at a reduced and / or controlled rate and / or (2) said relative movement is delayed until the existence of a selected condition of the wellbore. Delay mode can also be referred to as an unlocked mode since the sleeves are no longer locked in position relative to the ports. In some embodiments, the sleeve systems may be operated in delay mode until the sleeve system reaches a fully open mode where the sleeve has been moved relative to the port to allow maximum fluid communication between the system's flow port. of sleeves and the port of the sleeve system. It will be appreciated that the devices, systems and / or components of the sleeve system embodiments that selectively contribute to the establishment and / or maintenance of the locked mode may be referred to as

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lockout, lockout systems, blockers, motion regulators, limiters and the like. It will also be appreciated that the devices, systems and / or components of the magician system embodiments that selectively contribute to the establishment and / or maintenance of the delay mode may be referred to as delay devices, delay systems, retarders, timers, opening device for contingencies and the like. Also disclosed herein are methods of configuring a plurality of such sleeve systems so that one or more sleeve systems can be selectively routed from installation mode to delay mode by passing a single shutter through the plurality of sleeve systems As will be explained in greater detail later, in some embodiments, one or more sleeve systems can be configured to interact with a shutter of a first configuration while other sleeve systems can be configured not to interact with the shutter having the first configuration, but rather, configured to interact with a shutter that it has a second configuration. Such differences in configurations between the various sleeve systems may allow an operator to selectively transition from some sleeve systems to the exclusion of other sleeve systems.

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO DI LA PRORIEDAI INDUSTRIAL

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Also disclosed herein are methods of performing a well bore maintenance operation using a plurality of said sleeve systems by configuring said sleeve systems such that one or more of the sleeve systems can be selectively transited from the delay to fully open mode at variable time intervals. Such differences in configurations between the various sleeve systems may allow an operator to selectively transition from some sleeve systems to the exclusion of other sleeve systems, for example, so that a maintenance fluid can be communicated (eg, for the execution of a maintenance operation) through a first system of sleeves as long as it is not communicated through a second, third, fourth, etc. sleeve system. The following discussion describes various configurations of the sleeve systems, the physical operation of the sleeve systems individually, and the methods of maintaining boreholes using such sleeve systems.

Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of a well drilling maintenance system 100 is shown in an example of an operating environment. As illustrated, the operating environment comprises a maintenance 106 (for example, a

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE Dí LA FRONÉDAD industrial

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drilling, completion or conditioning / which is leaking. located on the surface of the earth 104 and extending over and around a borehole 114 that penetrates an underground formation 102 for the recovery of hydrocarbons. Well drilling 114 can be drilled into underground formation 102 using any suitable drilling technique. Well hole 114 extends substantially vertically away from land surface 104 over a portion of vertical well hole 116, deviates from vertical relative to land surface 104 over a portion of offset well hole 136, and transits into a portion of the horizontal well bore 118. In alternative operating embodiments, all or portions of the wellbore can be vertical, offset at any suitable angle, horizontal and / or curved.

At least a portion of the vertical well bore 116 is lined with casing pipe 120 which is secured in place against underground formation 102 in a conventional manner using cement 122. In alternative operating environments, a portion of the borehole horizontal well may be lined and cemented and / or portions of the well bore may be unlined. Maintenance platform 106 comprises a drilling rig 108 with a floor of the

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INDUSTRIAL platform 110 through which a production pipe or string 112 (for example, cable, steel cable, line E, line Z, joint pipe, flexible pipe, casing or casing string, etc.) it extends in a downward direction from the maintenance platform 106 towards the well drilling 114 and defines an annular space 128 between the production string 112 and the well drilling 114. Production string 112 provides the maintenance system for a borehole 100 at a selected depth within borehole 114 to perform an operation such as drilling casing pipe 120 and / or underground formation 102, creating tunnels drilling and / or fractures (eg, dominant fractures, microfractures, etc.) within the underground formation 102, producing hydrocarbons from underground formation 102 and / or other completion operations. The maintenance platform 106 comprises a motor driven winch and other associated equipment to extend the production string 112 into the borehole 114 in order to position the maintenance system of a borehole 100 at the selected depth.

While the operating means illustrated in Figure 1 refers to a stationary maintenance platform 106 for lowering and assembling the maintenance system of

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a well 100 drilling within a pu i Pu fd t'lórr “üis?¹ ground-based POU 114, in alternative embodiments, mobile conditioning platforms, well drilling maintenance units (such as coiled tubing units) and the like can be used to lower a well drilling maintenance system into a borehole well. It should be understood that a well drilling maintenance system may alternatively be used in other operating environments, such as within an offshore well drilling operating environment.

Underground formation 102 comprises a zone 150 associated with the deviated borehole portion 136. Underground formation 102 further comprises first, second, third, fourth, and fifth horizontal zones, 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d, 150e, respectively, associated with the horizontal well drilling portion 118. In this embodiment, zones 150, 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d, 150e are separated from each other along the length of wellbore 114 in the following order of progressively downhole location: 150, 150e, 150d, 150c, 150b and 150a. In this embodiment, the stimulation and production sleeve systems 200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, and 200e are located within borehole 114 in production string 112 and are associated with zones 150,

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150a, 150b, 150c, 150d, 150e, respectively. Would it be appreciated that zone isolation devices such as annular isolation devices (eg, ring packers and / or inflatable packers) can be selectively located within borehole 114 in a manner that restricts fluid communication between Spaces immediately downhole and downhole of each annular isolation device.

Referring now to Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stimulation and production sleeve system 200 (hereinafter referred to as sleeve system 200) is shown. Many of the components of the sleeve system 200 lie substantially coaxial with a central axis 202 of the sleeve system 200. The sleeve system 200 comprises an upper adapter 204, a lower adapter 206 and a box with ports 208. The box with ports 208 is attached between the top adapter 204 and the bottom adapter 206. Together, the inner surfaces 210, 212, 214 of the top adapter 204, the bottom adapter 206 and the box with ports 208, respectively, define substantially a sleeve flow port 216. Top adapter 204 comprises a collar 218, a filler portion 220 and a box interface 222. Collar 218 is internally threaded and otherwise configured to engage with an element of the string

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adjacent production 112 and ΰ'3Ρΐθηβ '' aPTl'bd lltil · »sleeve system 200 while the box interface 222 comprises external threads for coupling the box with ports 208. The bottom adapter 206 comprises a nozzle 224, a portion filler 226 and a box interface 228. Nozzle 224 is externally threaded and otherwise configured for attachment to an element in production string 112 that is adjacent and down-drilled to sleeve system 200 while box interface 228 also comprises external threads for box coupling with ports 208.

The box with ports 208 is substantially tubular in shape and comprises an upper adapter interface 230, a central body with ports 232 and a lower adapter interface

234, each having substantially the same outside diameters. The inner surface 214 of the box with ports 208 comprises a box shoulder 236 that separates an upper inner surface 238 from a lower inner surface 240. The box with ports 208 further comprises ports 244. As will be explained in greater detail below, ports 244 are through holes that extend radially through the case with ports 208 and are used selectively to provide seamless communication between the sleeve flow port 216 and a space immediately outside the box with 208 ports.

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Sleeve system 200 further comprises a piston 246 carried within the box with ports 208. Piston 246 is substantially configured as a tube comprising an upper seal shoulder 248 and a plurality of grooves

250 near a lower end 252 of piston 246. With the exception of upper seal shoulder 248, piston 246 comprises an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of upper inner surface 238. Upper seal shoulder 248 bears a circumferential seal 254. which provides a fluid tight seal between the top seal sleeve 248 and the top inner surface 238. Furthermore, the box shoulder 236 bears a seal 254 that provides a fluid tight seal between the box shoulder 236 and an outer surface 256 of the piston 246. In the embodiment shown and when the sleeve system 200 is configured in a By way of installation, the top seal shoulder 248 of the piston 246 contacts the top adapter 204. The piston 246 extends from the top seal shoulder 248 to the bottom adapter 206 so that the grooves 250 are located down the bore of the seal 254 carried by the case shoulder 236. In this embodiment, the portion of the piston 246 between the seal 254 carried by the box shoulder 236 and the seal 254 carried by the upper seal shoulder 248 does not comprise openings in the tubular wall (ie, it is a solid, fluid-tight wall). Such as

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Shown in this embodiment and in the installation mode of Figure 2, a low pressure chamber 258 is located between the outer surface 256 of the piston 246 and the upper inner surface 238 of the box with ports 208.

Sleeve system 200 further comprises a sleeve 260 carried within the box with ports 208 below piston 246. Sleeve 260 is substantially configured as a tube comprising an upper seal shoulder 262. With the exception of the upper seal shoulder 262 , the sleeve 260 comprises an outer diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the lower inner surface 240. The top seal shoulder 262 carries two circumferential seals 254, a seal 254 near each end (eg, top and bottom ends) of the top seal shoulder 262, which provides the fluid-tight seal between the top seal shoulder 262 and the lower inner surface 240 of box with 208 ports. Furthermore, the two seals 254 are carried by the sleeve 260 near a lower end 264 of the sleeve 260, and the two seals 254 form fluid-tight seals between the sleeve 260 and the inner surface 212 of the lower adapter 206. In this embodiment and the mode of installation shown in Figure 2, an upper end 266 of sleeve 260 substantially contacts a lower end of box shoulder 236 and lower end 252 of piston 246. In this

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In the embodiment and mode of installation shown in Figure 2, the top seal shoulder 262 of sleeve 260 seals ports 244 against fluid communication with sleeve flow port 216. In addition, the seal 254 carried near the lower end of the upper seal shoulder 262 is located down the hole (for example, below) ports 244 while the seal 254 carried near the upper end of the upper seal shoulder 262 is located hole up (for example, above) ports 244. The portion of sleeve 260 between seal 254 carried near the lower end of upper seal shoulder 262 and seals 254 carried by sleeve 260 near a lower end 264 of sleeve 260 does not comprise openings in the tubular wall (i.e. , is a solid, fluid-tight wall). As shown in this embodiment and in the installation mode of Figure 2, a fluid chamber 268 is located between the outer surface of the sleeve 260 and the lower inner surface 240 of the box with ports 208.

Sleeve system 200 further comprises a segmented seat 270 carried within lower adapter 206 under sleeve 260. Segmented seat 270 is substantially configured as a tube comprising an inner hole surface 273 and a bevel 271 at the upper end of the seat , bevel 271 being configured

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and / or dimensioned to selectively engage and / or retain a shutter of a particular size and / or shape (such as shutter 276). In the embodiment of Figure 2, the segmented seat 270 can be radially divided relative to the central axis 202 into segments. For example, referring now to Figure 2A, the segmented seat 27 0 is divided (eg, represented by dividing or segmenting the lines / cuts 277) into three complementary segments of approximately equal size, shape, and / or configuration. In the embodiment of Figure 2A, the three complementary segments (270A, 270B, and 270C, respectively) together form the segmented seat 270, with each of the segments (270A, 270B, and 270C) constituting approximately one-third (eg, extending radially approximately 120 °) from the segmented seat 270. In an alternate embodiment, a segmented seat such as segmented seat 270 may comprise any suitable number of equally or unequally divided segments. For example, a segmented seat may comprise two, four, five, six, or more complementary radial segments. The segmented seat 270 can be formed of a suitable material. Non-limiting examples of such a suitable material include compounds, phenolic materials, cast iron, aluminum, brass, various metal alloys, rubbers, ceramics, or combinations thereof.

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themselves. In one embodiment, the material used to form the segmented seat can be characterized as drillable, that is, the segmented seat 270 can be completely or partially degraded or removed by drilling, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art with the help of this disclosure. Segments 270A, 270B, and 270C can be independently formed or, alternatively, a preformed seat can be segmented. It will be appreciated that while the shutter 276 is shown in Figure 2 with the sleeve system 200 in an installation mode, in most applications of the sleeve system 200, the sleeve system 200 would be placed down the hole without the shutter 276 , and shutter 276 would later be provided as discussed in more detail below. Furthermore, while plug 276 is a ball, a plug of other configurations may be of any shape or device suitable for sealing against a protective cover 272 and / or a seat gasket (which will be discussed below) and flow obstruction. through the sleeve flow nozzle 216.

In an alternative embodiment, a sleeve system such as sleeve system 200 may comprise an expanded seat. Said expanded seat may be constructed of, for example, but not limited to, such low alloy steel.

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as AISI 4140 or 4130, and is generally configured to be deflected radially outward so that if it is not radially constrained, a diameter (eg, outside / inside) of seat 270 is increased. In some embodiments, the expandable seat may be Constructed of a generally serpentine length of AISI 4140. For example, the expandable seat may comprise a plurality of coil loops between the top and bottom portions of the seat and continuing circumferentially to form the seat. In one embodiment, said expandable seat may be covered by a protective cover 272 (as will be discussed later) and / or may comprise a seat gasket. In the embodiment of Figure 2, one or more surfaces of the segmented seat 270 are covered by a protective cover 272. Referring to Figure 2B, an embodiment of the segmented seat 270 and the protective cover 272 is illustrated in greater detail. In an embodiment of Figure 2B, the protective cover 272 covers the bevel 271 of the segmented seat 270, the inner hole 273 of the seat segmenting 270 and a lower face 275 of the segmented seat 270. In an alternative embodiment, the protective cover 272 can cover the bevel 271, the inner hole 273, and a bottom face 275, the back 279 of the segmented seat 270, or combinations

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thereof. In another alternative embodiment, a protective cover can cover one or more of the surfaces of a segmented seat 270, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art observing the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated by Figures 2, 2A and 2B, the protective cover 272 forms a continuous layer on said surfaces of the segmented seat 270 in fluid communication with the sleeve flow port 216. For example, small gaps or gaps (for example, on dividing lines 277) may exist in the radially extending divisions between the segments (for example, 270A, 270B, and 270C) of the segmented seat 270. In one embodiment, the continuous layer formed by the protective cover 272 can fill, seal, minimize, or cover any such space or gap so that a fluid flowing through the sleeve mouthflow 216 will be prevented from contacting and / or penetrate any of said spaces or separations.

In one embodiment, protective cover 272 can be applied to segmented seat 270 while segments 270A, 270B, and 270C are retained in a closed configuration (eg, where each segment contacts adjacent segments, as illustrated in Figure 2A). ). For example, the segmented seat 270 can be retained in said closed conformation by means of bands, bands, strips,

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

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wrappers or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the segmented seat 270 can be coated and / or covered with the protective cover 272 by any suitable application method. For example, the segmented seat 270 may be immersed (eg, bathed) in a material (as will be discussed later) that will form the protective cover 272, a material that will form the protective cover 272 can be sprayed and / or brushed onto the desired surfaces of the segmented seat 270 or combinations thereof. In such an embodiment, the protective cover 272 may adhere to the segments 270A, 270B, and 270C of the segmented seat 270 and thereby retain the segments in the closed configuration.

In an alternative embodiment, the protective cover 272 can be applied individually to each of the segments 270A, 270B and 270C of the segmented seat 270. For example, segments 270A, 270B, and 270C can individually be dipped (eg, plated) in a material that will form the protective layer 272, a material that will form the protective layer 272 can be sprayed and / or brushed onto the surfaces desired segments 270A, 270B, and 270C or combinations thereof. In such an embodiment, the protective cover 272 can adhere to some or all of the surfaces of each of the segments 270A, 270B and 270C. After it has been applied

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-25 uurruro MEXICANO Dt LA ttOntDAt) INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0025.tif" />

the protective cover 272, the segments 270A, 270B and 270C can be joined to form the segmented seat 270. The segmented seat 270 can be retained in said closed configuration (for example, as illustrated in Figure 2A) by means of bands , girdles, straps, wraps or combinations thereof. In such an embodiment, the protective cover 272 may be sufficiently malleable or flexible that when the covered segments are retained in the closed conformation, any gaps or gaps between the segments (eg, segments 270A, 270B and 270C) are filled or minimized by the protective cover 272 so that a fluid flowing through the hose mouth flow 216 will be prevented from coming into contact and / or penetrating any of said gaps or separations.

Even in another alternative embodiment, the protective cover 272 need not be applied directly to the segmented seat 270. For example, a protective cover may be placed on or within the segmented seat 270, passed over a portion of the segmented seat 270 or the like. The protective cover may comprise a sleeve or similar insert configured and dimensioned to be positioned within the hole of the segmented cover and to engage against the bevel 271 of the segmented seat 270, the inner hole 273 of the segmented seat 270 and / or

-26ΙΜΡΙ

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0026.tif" />

the underside 275 of the segmented seat 270, and thereby form a continuous layer that can fill, seal, or cover any such space or gap so that a fluid flowing through the sleeve flow port 216 will be prevented from contact and / or penetrate any of these spaces or separations. In another embodiment when the protective cover 272 comprises a heat shrinkable material (as will be discussed below), said material may be placed on, around, within, approximately, or similarly, at least a portion of the segmented seat 270 and / or one or more of the segments 270A, 270B and 270C, and heated enough to cause the heat shrinkable material to contract to the surfaces of the segmented seat 270 and / or the segments 270A, 270B and 270C.

In one embodiment, the protective cover 272 can be formed of a suitable material. Non-limiting examples of such a suitable material include ceramics, carbides, hardened plastics, molded rubbers, various heat shrinkable materials, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the protective cover can be characterized as having a hardness of from about 25 durometers to about 150 durometers, alternatively, from about 50 durometers to about 100 durometers, alternatively, from about 60

IMPI

-27 maid institute DS LA RUOMIOaD iMnumiAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0027.tif" />

Durometers up to approximately 80 Durometers. In one embodiment, the protective cover can be characterized as having a thickness from about 1/64 of an inch to about 3/16 of an inch, alternatively, about 1/32 of an inch. Examples of suitable materials for the formation of the protective covering include nitrile rubber, which is commercially available from various rubber, plastic and / or composite material companies.

In one configuration, a protective cover, such as protective cover 272, can be used to advantageously decrease the degree of erosion and / or degradation for a segmented seat 270. Without being restricted by theoretical considerations, said protective cover can improve the useful life of a segmented seat covered by said protective cover by reducing the impact of erosive fluids (for example, cutting, high pressure hydro-washing and / or fracturing fluids comprising abrasives and / or support agents) with the seat segmented. In one embodiment, a segmented seat protected by said protective cover can have a useful life of at least 20% longer, alternatively at least 30% longer, alternatively at least 35% longer than an otherwise similar non-seat protected by said protective cover.

In one configuration, the segmented seat 270 can additionally

IMPI

-28IMÍTÍTUTO MEXICANO Dt LA TROMbDAI) industrial

<img file="MX338701B_D0028.tif" />

comprise a seat gasket which serves to seal against a plug. In some of the embodiments, the seat gasket may be constructed of rubber. In such an embodiment and mode of installation, the seat gasket can be substantially captured between the expanded seat and the lower end of the sleeve. In one embodiment, the protective cover 272 can serve as a gasket, for example, by coupling and / or sealing a plug. In such an embodiment, the protective cover 272 can have a variable thickness. For example, the surface (s) of the protective cover 272 configured to engage the shutter (eg, bevel 271) may comprise a thickness greater than one or more of the other surfaces of the protective cover 272.

Sleeve system 200 further comprises a seat support 274 carried within lower adapter 206 under seat 270. Seat support 274 is substantially formed as a tubular member. Seat bracket 274 comprises an outer bevel 278 at the upper end of seat bracket 274 that selectively engages an inner bevel 280 at the lower end of segmented seat 270. Seat bracket 274 comprises a circumferential channel 282. Seat bracket 274 further comprises two seals 254, one seal 254 carried auger above (eg above) channel 282 and the other

-29IMPI Mexican imrmrro Dt LA RRORIEDAD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0029.tif" />

seal 254 carried auger down (eg, below) channel 282, and seals 254 form a fluid seal between seat bracket 274 and inner surface 212 of adapter 206. In this embodiment and when in installation mode As shown in Figure 2, seat support 274 is restrained from down hole movement by means of a safety pin 284 that extends from bottom adapter 206 and is received within channel 282. Accordingly, each of the seat 270, the protective cover 272, the sleeve 260 and the piston 246 are caught between the seat support 274 and the top adapter 204 due to the restriction of movement of the seat support 274.

The bottom adapter also includes a fill port

286, a fill port 288, a metering device receptacle 290, a drain port 292 and a plug 294. In this embodiment, fill port 286 comprises a check valve device housed within a radial through port formed in the lower adapter 206 connecting the filler hole 288 to an outer space to the lower adapter 206. Fill hole 288 is formed as a substantially cylindrical longitudinal hole lying substantially parallel to center axis 202. Fill hole 288 joins fill port 286 in fluid communication with fluid chamber 268. From

IMPI

-30ΙΜΠΛΓΓΟ MEXICANO W LA EROWtOAP INDUSTWAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0030.tif" />

Similarly, the metering device receptacle 290 is formed as a substantially cylindrical longitudinal hole lying substantially parallel to the central axis 202. The metering device receptacle 290 joins the fluid chamber 268 in fluid communication with the drain hole 292. Furthermore, the drain hole 292 is formed as a substantially cylindrical longitudinal hole which lies substantially parallel to the central axis 202. Drain hole 292 extends from metering device receptacle 2 90 to each of a plug hole 296 and a safety pin hole 298. In this embodiment, plug hole 296 is a formed radial through hole. on the bottom adapter 206 connecting the drain hole 292 to an outside space to the bottom adapter 206. Safety pin hole 298 is a radial through hole formed in bottom adapter 206 that connects drain hole 292 to sleeve flow port 216. However, in the installation mode shown in Figure 2 , the fluid communication between drain port 292 and flow port 216 is obstructed by seat support 274, seals 254, and safety pin 284.

Sleeve system 200 further comprises a fluid metering device 291 received at least partially within metering device receptacle 290. In

-31IMPI

ΙΚΓΠΤυΤσ MEXICANO «THE INDUSTRIAL FXOWEDAD

<img file="MX338701B_D0031.tif" />

In this embodiment, the 2 ^ 1 fluid metering device is a fluid reducer, for example, a precision microhydraulic fluid reducer or microsupply valve of the type produced by The Lee Company of Westbrook, CT. However, it will be appreciated that any other suitable fluid measuring device can be used in alternative embodiments. For example, any suitable electrofluid device can be used to selectively pump and / or restrict the passage of fluid through the device. In additional alternative embodiments, a fluid measurement device can be selectively controlled by an operator and / or a computer so that the passage of fluid through the measurement device can be started, stopped, and / or a rate of change can be changed. fluid flow through the device. Such controllable fluid measurement devices may, for example, be substantially similar to the fluid reducers produced by The Lee Company. Suitable commercially available examples of such a fluid measurement device include JEVA1835424H and JEVA1835385H, commercially available from The Lee Company.

Bottom adapter 206 can be described as comprising an upper center hole 300 having a diameter of the upper center hole 302, the seat catch hole 304 having a hole diameter of

-32IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE RRORIKJAD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0032.tif" />

seat catch 306 and a bottom center hole 308 having a diameter of the bottom center hole 310. The top center hole 300 is attached to the bottom center hole 308 by means of the seat catch hole 304. In this embodiment, the diameter of the upper center hole 302 is dimensioned to closely fit an exterior of the seat support 274, and in one embodiment is approximately equal to the diameter of the outer surface of the sleeve 260. However, the diameter of the seat catch hole 306 is substantially larger than the diameter of the upper center hole 302, thereby allowing radial expansion of the seat 270 expansion when the seat expansion 270 enters the seat catch hole 304, such as described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the diameter of the bottom center hole 310 is smaller than each of the diameter of the top center hole 302 and the diameter of the seat catch hole 306, and in one embodiment is approximately equal to the diameter of the inside surface of the sleeve 260. Accordingly, as described in greater detail below, while the seat bracket 274 fits tightly into the upper center hole 300 and fits loosely within the diameter of the seat catch hole 306, the seat bracket 274 is very

IMPI

-33 MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF LA MONEDAD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0033.tif" />

large to fit within the lower central hole 308. Referring now to Figures 2 to 4, a method of operating the sleeve system 200 is described below. Much more generally, Figure 2 shows the sleeve system 200 in an installation mode where sleeve 200 is restricted from moving relative to box with ports 208 by means of safety pin 284. Figure 3 shows the sleeve system 200 in a delay mode where the sleeve 2 60 is no longer restricted from moving relative to the box with ports 208 by the safety pin 284 but remains restricted from such movement due to the presence of a fluid within fluid chamber 268. Finally, Figure 4 shows sleeve system 200 in a fully open mode where the sleeve

260 it no longer obstructs a fluid path between ports 244 and sleeve flow port 216, but rather, a fluid path is provided between ports 244 and sleeve flow port 216 through piston grooves 250 246.

Referring now to Figure 2, while the sleeve system 200 is in install mode, each of the piston 246, the sleeve 260, the protective cover 272, the segmented seat 270, and the seat bracket 274 are all restricted of movement along the central axis

2 0 2 at least because safety pin 284 is

IMPI

-34 ΜΕΧΚΛΤΚ1 INSTITUTE OF RROPIEDAD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0034.tif" />

received within security pin hole 298 of bottom adapter 206 and within circumferential channel 282 of seat bracket 274. Also in this installation mode, low pressure chamber 258 is provided with a compressible volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure. It will be appreciated that the fluid within the low pressure chamber 258 can be air, nitrogen gas, or any other suitable compressible fluid. Because the fluid within the low pressure chamber 258 is at atmospheric pressure, when the hose system 200 is located downhole, the pressure of the fluid within the hose flow port 216 is substantially greater than the pressure within the low pressure chamber 258. Said pressure differential may be attributed in part due to the weight of the fluid column within the sleeve flow port 216, and in some circumstances, also due to the increased pressures within the sleeve flow port 216 caused by the pressurization of the sleeve 216 flow inlet using pumps. In addition, a fluid is provided within fluid chamber 268. Generally, fluid can be introduced into fluid chamber 268 through fill port 286 and subsequently through fill port 288. During said fill of fluid chamber 268, one or more of locking pin 284 and the plug 294 can be removed to allow the exit of other fluids or excess fluid

-35ί Μ ΡI

ÍNST1T 'σο MUICANO ΙΛ FftONSOAO INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0035.tif" />

filling. Thereafter, safety pin 284 and / or plug 294 can be replaced to capture fluid within fill port 288, fluid chamber 268, metering device 291, and drain hole 292.

With the sleeve system 200 and the mode of installation described above, although the sleeve flow port 216 may be pressurized, the movement of the aforementioned restricted portions of the sleeve system 200 remains restricted.

Referring now to Figure 3, the shutter 276 can be passed through the production string 112 until the shutter 276 is substantially sealed against the protective cover 272 (as shown in Figure 2), alternatively, the seat gasket in embodiments where a seat gasket is present. With the plug 276 in place against the protective cover 272 and / or the seat gasket, the pressure within the sleeve flow port 216 can be increased up hole above the plug until the plug 276 transmits sufficient force through the protective cover 272, segmented seat 270, and seat support 274 to cause safety pin 284 to cut. Once the safety pin 284 has been cut, the shutter 276 drives the protective cover 272, the segmented seat 270 and the

-36IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE Dt LA tIOtlf DAD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0036.tif" />

seat 274 hole down from their positions in install mode. However, even though the sleeve 260 is no longer restricted from down hole movement by the protective cover 272 and the segmented seat 270, the down hole movement of the sleeve 260 and the piston 246 above the sleeve 260 is delayed. Once the protective cover 272 and the segmented seat 270 no longer obstruct borehole movement down the sleeve 260, the sleeve system 200 can be referred to as being in a delayed mode.

More specifically, the downhole movement of sleeve 260 and piston 246 are retarded by the presence of fluid within fluid chamber 268. With sleeve system 200 in retard mode, the relatively low pressure within the low pressure chamber 258 in combination with relatively high pressures within the sleeve flow port 216 acting on the upper end 253 of the piston 246, the piston 246 is tilted in a down-bore direction. However, the down hole movement of the piston 246 is obstructed by the sleeve 260. However, the down hole movement of the shutter 276, the protective cover 272, the segmented seat 270 and the seat support 274 is not restricted or delayed by the presence of fluid within fluid chamber 268. Instead, the protective cover 272, the segmented seat 270, and the seat bracket 274 move down hole toward the

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO Dt LA RROFUDAU INDUSTRIAL seat catch hole 304 of the lower adapter 206. While inside the seat catch hole 304, the protective cover 272 expands, wears, breaks or disintegrates, thereby allowing the seat to be segmented 270 expands radially at the divisions between the segments (eg, 270A, 270B, and 270C) to substantially correspond to the diameter of the seat capture hole 306. In an embodiment where a band, strap, girdle, or the like is used to hold the segments (eg, 270A, 270B, and 270C) of the segmented seat 270 together, the band, strip, or girdle can similarly expand, wear, tear, or break. disintegrate to allow the segmented seat 270 to expand. Seat bracket 274 is subsequently captured between the expanded seat 270 and substantially at an interface (eg, a formed shoulder) between the seat catch hole 304 and the lower center hole 308. For example, the outer diameter of the seat bracket Seat 274 is greater than the diameter of the lower center hole 310. Once seat 270 expands sufficiently, shutter 276 is free to pass through expanded seat 270, through seat bracket 274, and into lower center hole 308. In an alternative embodiment, segmented seat 270 , the segments (eg, 270A, 270B, and 270C) thereof, the protective cover 272, or the

<img file="MX338701B_D0037.tif" />

-38IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE INDUSTRIAL FROFIÍOAD

<img file="MX338701B_D0038.tif" />

combinations thereof, can be configured ¹ to disintegrate when affected by shutter 276 as described above. In such an embodiment, the remnants of the segmented seat 270, the segments (eg, 270A, 270B, and 270C) thereof, or the protective cover 272 may fall (eg, by gravity) or be washed (eg, by movement fluid) out of the hose flow port 216. In either embodiment and as will be explained in greater detail below, the plug 276 is then free to leave the sleeve system 200 and flow further down the hole to interact with the additional sleeve systems.

Even after the shutter 276 exits the sleeve system 200, the downward movement of the sleeve 260 occurs at a rate dependent on the rate at which the fluid is allowed to escape from the fluid chamber 268 through the flow device. fluid measurement 291. It will be appreciated that fluid can escape from fluid chamber 268 by passing from fluid chamber 268 through fluid measuring device 291, through drain hole 292, through lock pin hole 298 around the remnants of cut safety pin 284, and into sleeve flow port 216. As the volume of fluid within fluid chamber 268 decreases, sleeve 260 moves in a downward bore direction until the shoulder of

IMPI

-39IHÍTTTVTO MÜUCAHO Dt LA MtORIDAC fNDVTnUAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0039.tif" />

top seal 262 of sleeve 260 contacts bottom adapter 206 near measuring device receptacle 290. It will be appreciated that lock pins or center hole screws providing a convenient fluid path can be used in place of lock pin 284 .

Referring now to Figure 4, when substantially all of the fluid within fluid chamber 268 has escaped, sleeve system 200 is in a fully open mode. In the fully open mode, the upper seal shoulder 262 of the sleeve 260 contacts the lower adapter 206 so that the fluid chamber 268 is substantially removed. Similarly, in a fully open mode, the top seal shoulder 248 of piston 246 is located substantially further down the hole and has compressed the fluid within the low pressure chamber 258 so that the top seal shoulder 248 is substantially closer to the box shoulder 236 than the box with 208 ports. With the piston 246 in this position, the grooves 250 are substantially aligned with the ports 24 4 thus providing fluid communication between the sleeve flow port 216 and the ports 244. It will be appreciated that the sleeve system 200 is configured in various partially open modes when movement of the components of the sleeve system 200 provides communication

<img file="MX338701B_D0040.tif" />

ΙΜΡΙ

-40- MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE ftOPIEDAO

INDUSTRIAL fluent between sleeve flow port 216 and ports 244 to a lesser degree than fully open mode. It will further be appreciated that with any degree of fluid communication between the sleeve 216 flow port and the ports

244, fluids can be forced out of sleeve system 200 through ports 244, or alternatively, fluids can be passed into sleeve system 200 through ports 244.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a stimulation and production sleeve system 400 (hereinafter referred to as sleeve system 400) is shown. Many of the components of the sleeve system 400 lie substantially coaxial with a central axis 402 of the sleeve system 400. The sleeve system 400 comprises an upper adapter 404, a lower adapter 406 and a box with ports 408. The box with ports 408 is attached between the top adapter 404 and the bottom adapter 406. Together, the inner surfaces 410, 412 of the top adapter

404 and the bottom adapter 406, respectively, and the interior surface of the box with ports 408 substantially define a sleeve flow port 416. The top adapter 404 comprises a collar 418, a filler portion 420 and a box interface 422. The collar 418 is internally threaded and otherwise configured to

-41IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE M industrial PROPERTY

<img file="MX338701B_D0041.tif" />

Joining with an element of a production string, such as, for example, production string 112, which is adjacent and drilled above sleeve system 400 while box interface 422 comprises external threads to engage the box with doors 408. Bottom adapter 406 comprises a filler portion 426 and a box interface 428. Bottom adapter 406 is configured (eg threaded) to join an element of a production string that is adjacent and down-drilled from sleeve system 400 while box interface 428 also comprises external threads for box engagement with 408 ports.

The box with ports 408 is substantially tubular in shape and comprises an upper adapter interface 430, a body with central ports 432, and a lower adapter interface

434, each having substantially the same outside diameters. The inner surface 414 of the box with ports 408 comprises a box shoulder 436 between an upper inner surface 438 and the ports 444. A lower inner surface 440 is adjacent to and below the upper inner surface 438, and the lower inner surface 440 comprises a diameter smaller than the upper inner surface 438. As will be explained in more detail later, ports 444 are through holes that extend radially through the box with ports 408 and are used selectively to provide

-42IMPI

ΙΝΪΠΤνΤΟ-MEXICAN OF THE INDUSTRIAL RRORirOAP

<img file="MX338701B_D0042.tif" />

Smooth communication between the sleeve flow port 416 and a space immediately outside the box with ports 408.

Sleeve system 400 further comprises a sleeve 460 carried within the box with ports 408 below the upper adapter 404. Sleeve 460 is substantially configured as a tube comprising an upper section 462 and a lower section 464. Lower section 464 comprises a outer diameter smaller than upper section 462. Lower section 464 comprises circumferential projections or teeth 466.

When in installation mode as shown in Figure 5, a top end 468 of sleeve 460 substantially contacts top adapter 404 and extends down the hole, thereby blocking smooth communication between ports 444 and the sleeve flow inlet 416.

Sleeve system 400 further comprises a piston 446 carried within the box with ports 408.

446 it is substantially configured as comprising an upper portion 448 attached to a lower portion 450 by means of a central body 452. In installation mode, piston 446 contacts lower adapter 406. Together, an upper end 453 of piston 446, the section upper sleeve 462, upper inner surface 438, lower inner surface 440 and lower end

In this embodiment and

The piston a tube

-43IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE rZá. rw LA RRORIÍDAf) CV. INDUSTRIAL 'NÍL

<img file="MX338701B_D0043.tif" />

of the box shoulder 436 form a deflection chamber 4 51. In this embodiment, a compressible spring 424 is received within the deflection chamber 451 and spring 424 is generally wrapped around sleeve 460. Piston 446 further comprises a channel C-ring 454 to receive a C-ring 456 therein. The piston also comprises a lock pin receptacle 457 for receiving a lock pin 458 therein. Lock pin 458 extends from lock pin receptacle 457 into a similar lock pin opening 459 that is formed in sleeve 460. Accordingly, in the installation mode shown in Figure 5, the piston 446 is restricted from moving relative to sleeve 460 by safety pin 458. It will be appreciated that the C-ring 456 comprises protrusions or teeth 469 that complement the teeth 4 66 in a manner that allows the C-ring 456 to slide up relative to the sleeve 4 60 but not downward while the tooth sets 466, 469 are coupled to each other.

Sleeve system 400 further comprises a segmented seat 470 carried within piston 446 and within an upper portion of lower adapter 406. In the embodiment of Figure 5, segmented seat 470 is substantially configured as a tube comprising an orifice surface 473 interior and a 471 bezel on the

-44IMPI iwmvro muicanc ot la nontiMD INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0044.tif" />

upper end of the seat, bevel 471 being configured and / or dimensioned to selectively engage and / or retain a shutter of a particular size and / or shape (such as shutter 476). Similar to the segmented seat 270 disclosed above in relation to Figures 2 to 4, in the embodiment of Figure 5 the segmented seat 470 can be radially divided relative to the central axis 402 into segments. For example, like the segmented seat 270 illustrated in Figure 2A, the segmented seat 470 is divided into three complementary segments of approximately equal size, shape, and / or configuration. In one embodiment, the three complementary segments (similar to segments 270A, 270B, and 270C, disclosed with respect to Figure 2A) together form the segmented seat 470, with each of the segments constituting approximately one third (eg, extending from radially approximately 120 °) of the segmented seat 470. In an alternative embodiment, a segmented seat such as segmented seat 470 can comprise any suitable number of equally or unequally divided segments. For example, a segmented seat may comprise two, four, five, six, or more complementary radial segments. The segmented seat 470 may be formed of a suitable material and in any appropriate manner, for example, as disclosed above with respect to the segmented seat 270 illustrated in the

-45IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF WOMETY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0045.tif" />

Figures 2 to 4. It will be appreciated that while the UbLLlIddóy 4) 6é "shown in Figure 5 with the sleeve system 400 in an installation mode, in most applications of the sleeve system 400, the sleeve system 400 would be placed down hole without shutter 476, and shutter 476 would later be provided as discussed in more detail below. Furthermore, while plug 476 is a ball, a plug of other configurations may be of any shape or device suitable for sealing against a protective cover 272 and / or a seat gasket (which will be discussed below) and flow obstruction. through the sleeve flow nozzle 216.

In an alternative embodiment, a sleeve system such as sleeve system 200 may comprise an expanded seat. Said expanded seat may be constructed of, for example, but is not limited to, a low alloy steel such as AISI 4140 or 4130, and is generally configured to be radially tilted outward so that if it is not radially constrained, it increases a diameter (eg outer / inner) of seat 270. In some embodiments, the expanded seat may be constructed of a generally serpentine length of AISI 4140. For example, the expanded seat may comprise a plurality of coil loops between the portions

-46IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO c »t la moniUA!) INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0046.tif" />

top and bottom of the seat and continuing circumferentially to form the seat. In one embodiment, said expandable seat may be covered by means of a protective cover 272 (as will be discussed later) and / or may comprise a seat gasket.

Similar to the segmented seat 270 disclosed above with respect to Figures 2 to 4, in the embodiment of Figure 5, one or more surfaces of the segmented seat 470 are covered by a protective cover 472. Like the segmented seat 270 illustrated in Figure 2A, the segmented seat 470 covers one or more of the bevel 471 of the segmented seat 470, the inner hole 473 of the segmented seat 470, a lower face 475 of the segmented seat 470, or combinations thereof. themselves. In an alternative embodiment, a protective cover may cover one or more of the surfaces of a segmented seat 470, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art from this disclosure. In one embodiment, the protective cover 472 can form a continuous layer on said surfaces of the segmented seat 470 in fluid communication with the sleeve flow port 416, can be formed in any suitable way, and can be formed of an appropriate material, for example , as disclosed above lines with respect to the segmented seat 270 illustrated in Figures 2

-47IMPI • βτπυτο MEXICAN Pl LA FROFIIUAI; industrial

<img file="MX338701B_D0047.tif" />

to 4. In summary, all of the disclosure herein regarding the protective cover 272 and the segmented seat 270 are applicable to the protective cover 472 and the segmented seat 470.

In one embodiment, the segmented seat 470 may further comprise a seat gasket that serves to seal against a plug. In some embodiments, the seat gasket can be constructed of rubber. In such an embodiment and mode of installation, the seat gasket can be substantially captured between the expandable seat and the lower end of the sleeve. In one embodiment, the protective cover 472 can serve as a gasket, for example, by coupling and / or sealing a plug. In such an embodiment, the protective cover 472 can have a variable thickness. For example, the surface (s) of the protective cover 472 configured to engage the shutter (eg, bevel 471) may comprise a greater thickness than one or more other surfaces of the protective cover 472.

Seat 470 further comprises a seat safety pin opening 478 which is radially aligned with and substantially coaxial with a similar piston safety pin opening 480 formed in piston 446. Together, openings 478, 480 receive a pin of 482, thereby restricting the movement of seat 470 with

-48IMPI (NSTm / TO MEXICANC DELA ΡΛΟΝΕΟΑΙ '

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0048.tif" />

relative to piston 446. In addition, piston 446 comprises a heel socket 484 for receiving a heel 486. In the sleeve 400 installation mode, heel 486 is captured within heel socket 484 between seat 470 and the box with ports 408. More specifically, bead 486 extends into a substantially circumferential bead channel 488 formed in box with ports 408, thereby restricting movement of piston 446 relative to box with ports 408. Accordingly, in installation mode, with each of the locking pins 458, 482 and heel 486 in place as described above, piston 446, sleeve 460, and seat 470 are all substantially secured in position relative to the box with ports 408 and relative to one another so that fluid communication between the sleeve flow port 416 and ports 444 is avoided.

Bottom adapter 406 can be described as comprising an upper center hole 490 having a diameter of the upper center hole 492 and a seat catch hole 494 having a diameter of the seat catch hole 496 attached to the upper center hole 490. In this embodiment, the diameter of the upper center hole 492 is dimensioned to fit closely to an exterior of the seat 470, and in a

-49IMPI

DELAOtOHÍDAP INDUSTUIAl Mexican INSTITUTE

<img file="MX338701B_D0049.tif" />

configuration, is approximately equal to the diameter of the outer surface of the lower sleeve section 464. However, the diameter of the seat catch hole 496 is substantially greater than the diameter of the upper center hole 492, thereby allowing Radial expansion of the seat expanded 470 when the seat expanded 470 enters the seat capture port 4 94, as described in greater detail below.

Referring now to Figures 5 through 8, a method of operating sleeve system 400 is described below. Much more generally, Figure 5 shows sleeve system 400 in an installation mode where sleeve 460 is in a rest position relative to the box with ports 408 and such that sleeve 460 prevents fluid communication between sleeve flow port 416 and ports 444. It will be appreciated that sleeve 460 may be pressure balanced. Figure 6 shows the sleeve system 400 in another stage of the installation mode where the sleeve 4 60 is no longer restricted from moving relative to the box with ports 408 by either the safety pin 482 or the heel 486, but remains restricted from said movement due to the presence of safety pin 458. In the case when sleeve 460 is pressure balanced, pin 458 can basically be used to prevent inadvertent movement of sleeve 460 due to accidental fall of

IMPI

-50ΙΝΒΠίνΤΟ MJjJUCANO DI LA PKOnibAL '

INDWTKIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0050.tif" />

tool or other unwanted acts causing sleeve 460 to move due to unwanted driving forces. Figure 7 shows the sleeve system 400 in a delay mode where the movement of the sleeve 460 relative to the box with ports 4 08 has not yet occurred but where said movement depends on the existence of a selected condition of the perforation of water well. In this embodiment, the selected condition of the wellbore is the existence of a sufficient reduction of the fluid pressure within the discharge port 416 following the achievement of the mode shown in Figure 6. Finally, Figure 8 shows the sleeve system 400 in a fully open mode where the sleeve 460 no longer obstructs a fluid path between ports 444 and the sleeve flow port 416, but rather, provides a maximum path of fluid between ports 444 and sleeve flow port 416.

Referring now to Figure 5, while sleeve system 400 is in install mode, each of piston 446, sleeve 460, guard 472, and seat 470 are all restricted from movement along the axis. central 402 at least because safety pins 482, 458 lock seat 470, piston 446 and sleeve 460 relative to box with ports 408. In this embodiment, heel 486 further restricts the

IMPI

-51 mexican institute OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX338701B_D0051.tif" />

movement of piston 446 relative to box with ports 408 because bead 486 is captured within heel socket 484 of piston 446 and between seat 470 and box with ports 408. More specifically, bead 486 is captured of bead channel 488, thereby preventing movement of piston 446 relative to box with ports 408. Furthermore, in the installation mode, the spring 424 is partially compressed along the central axis 402, thereby deflecting the piston 446 in a downward direction and away from the box shoulder 436. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the chamber Bypass 451 can be suitably sealed to allow containment of the pressurized fluids supplying such bypass of piston 446. For example, a nitrogen filler may be contained within said alternative embodiment. It will be appreciated that deflection chamber 451, in alternative embodiments, may comprise one or both of a spring such as spring 424 and said pressurized fluid.

Referring now to Figure 6, shutter 476 can be passed through a production string such as production string 112 until the shutter 476 is substantially sealed against the protective cover 472 (as shown in Figure 5) alternatively, the seat gasket in the configurations where it is

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

M LA RRORISUAI)

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0052.tif" />

present a seat gasket. With the plug 476 in place against the protective cover 472 and / or the seat gasket, the pressure within the sleeve flow port 416 can be increased up hole above the plug 476 until the plug 476 transmits sufficient force through protective cover 472 and seat 470 to cause safety pin 482 to cut. Once the safety pin 482 has been cut, the shutter 476 drives the protective cover 472 and the hole 470 bore down from their positions in the installation mode. Said downhole movement of seat 470 uncovers heel 486, thereby disabling the positional locking feature formally provided by heel 486. However, although piston 446 is already restricted from uphole movement by protective cover 472, seat 470, and heel 486, the piston remains locked in place by the force of spring spring 424 and lock pin 458. Consequently, the sleeve system remains in a balanced or locked mode, notwithstanding a different configuration or stage of the installation mode. It will be appreciated that the shutter 476, the protective cover 472 and the seat 470 continue the downward movement towards and interact with the seat catch hole 494 in substantially the same manner as the shutter 276, the

IMPI

-53 MEXICAN INSTITUTE DS THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0053.tif" />

protective cover 272 and seat 270 move toward and interact with seat capture hole 304, as disclosed lines earlier with reference to FIGS. 2 a

4.

Referring now to Figure 7, to further initiate the transition from installation mode to delay mode, the pressure within flow port 416 increases until piston 446 is forced upward and cuts safety pin 458. After said cutout of the safety pin 458, the piston 446 moves upwards towards the box shoulder 436, thereby further compressing the spring 424. With sufficient upward movement of the piston 446, the lower portion 450 of the piston 446 contacts the upper sleeve section 462. As the piston 446 moves into such contact, the teeth 469 of the C-ring 456 engage the teeth 466 of the sleeve section Lower 464. Contact between lower portion 450 of piston 446 and upper sleeve section 462 prevents further upward movement of piston 446 relative to sleeve 460. Engagement of teeth 469, 466 prevents any further downward movement of piston 446 relative to sleeve 460. Accordingly, piston 446 is secured in position relative to sleeve 460 and sleeve system 400 may be referred to as being in a delay mode.

IMPI

-54 MEXICAN INSTITUTE DtLA INDOmiAl RATE

<img file="MX338701B_D0054.tif" />

In both the delay mode, sleeve system 400 is configured to discontinue coverage of ports 444 with sleeve 460 in response to an adequate reduction in fluid pressure within flow port 416. For example, with the pressure within flow port 416 suitably reduced, the spring force provided by spring 424 eventually exceeds the upward force applied against piston 446 that is generated by the fluid pressure within the flow port. flow 416. With the continuous reduction of pressure within flow port 416, spring 424 forces piston 446 down. Because piston 446 is now secured to sleeve 460 by means of C-ring 456, the sleeve is also forced downward. Said downward movement of sleeve 460 exposes ports 444, thereby providing fluid communication between flow port 416 and ports 444. When piston 446 is returned to its position in contact against lower adapter 406, the system Sleeve 400 is referred to as being in a fully open mode. Sleeve system 400 is shown in a fully open mode in Figure 8.

In some embodiments, the operation of a well drilling maintenance system such as a well drilling maintenance system 100 may comprise supplying a first sleeve system (for

-55ΙΜΡΙ mwicano iNSTrruTo M INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY.

<img file="MX338701B_D0055.tif" />

example, the type of sleeve system 200, 400) in a well bore and the supply of a second sleeve system in the borehole hole below the first sleeve system. The borehole maintenance pumps and / or other equipment can then be used to produce a fluid flow through the sleeve flow ports of the first and second sleeve systems. Subsequently, a plug can be introduced into the fluid flow so that the plug moves down hole and in engagement with the seat of the first sleeve system. When the shutter first contacts the seat of the first sleeve system, each of the first sleeve system and the second sleeve system are in one of the above-described installation modes so that there is no substantial fluid communication between the flow ports of sleeve and an area external to them (for example, an annular wellbore and / or a borehole, fracture or flow path within the formation) through the box with ports of the sleeve systems. Accordingly, the fluid pressure can be increased to cause a first sleeve system reducer to be unlocked as described in one of the aforementioned ways, thereby transitioning the first installation system sleeve to one of the delayed modes described above.

-56IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE Ot LA FTOFUDAD INDÜ4TMIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0056.tif" />

In some embodiments, the fluid flow and pressure can be maintained such that the shutter passes through the first sleeve system in the manner described above and subsequently engages the seat of the second sleeve system. The delayed mode of operation of the first sleeve system prevents fluid communication between the sleeve flow inlet of the first sleeve and the annular space of the well bore, thereby ensuring that no pressure loss attributable to such fluid communication prevents subsequent pressurization within the sleeve flow port of the second sleeve system. Accordingly, the auger fluid pressure above the plug can again be increased as needed to unlock a reducer of the second bag system in one of the ways described above. With both first and second sleeve systems having been unlocked and in their respective delay modes, the operation delay modes can be used to later provide and / or increase fluid communication between the sleeve flow ports and the next annular space drilling of well and / or surrounding formation without adversely impacting the ability to unlock any of the first and second sleeve systems.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that one or more of the characteristics of the sleeve systems can be configured to cause

<img file="MX338701B_D0057.tif" />

that one or more of the relatively borehole upstream iliwnysiü 'lO'Uaittfciawa systems have longer lag periods before allowing substantial fluid communication between the sleeve flow port and the annular space when compared to the lag period provided by one or more of the sleeve systems located relatively downhole. For example, the volume of fluid chamber 268, the amount of and / or type of fluid placed within fluid chamber 268, the fluid measurement device 291 and / or other features of the first sleeve system can be chosen differently and / or in different combinations than the related components of the second sleeve system in order to adequately delay the provision of fluid communication previously described by means of the first sleeve system until the second sleeve system is unlocked and / or has otherwise transitioned to a delay mode of operation, up to the provision of the fluid communication to the annular space and / or the formation by means of the second sleeve system, and / or up to a predetermined amount of time after the provision of the fluid communication by means of the second sleeve system. In some embodiments, said first and second sleeve systems can be configured to substantially allow simultaneous and / or overlapping occurrences in the provision of seamless communication.

-58IMPI

DELAKOrUDAD MEXICAN INSTITUTE

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0058.tif" />

substantial (eg, substantial fluent communication and / or achievement of the fully open mode described above). However, in other embodiments, the second sleeve system may provide said fluid communication before said fluid communication is provided by the first sleeve system.

Referring now to Figure 1, one or more methods of maintaining a well bore 114 using the well drilling maintenance system 100 is described. In some cases, the well drilling maintenance system 100 can be used to selectively treat one or more selected zones of zone 150, first, second, third, fourth and fifth zones 150a150e by selectively providing seamless communication via (by example, by opening) one or more of the sleeve systems (eg, sleeve systems 200 and 200a-200e) associated with a given zone. More specifically, by using the method described above, pre-operation lines of individual sleeve systems such as sleeve systems 200 and / or 400, any of zones 150, 150a-150e can be treated using the respective delivery systems. associated sleeves 200 and 200a-200e. It will be appreciated that zones 150, 150a-150e can be isolated from each other, for example, by means of inflatable packers, mechanical packers, sand plugs,

-59IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DI LA PtOPUDAD INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0059.tif" />

sealant compositions (eg, cement) or combinations thereof. In an embodiment where the operation of a first and second sleeve system is discussed, it will be appreciated that a plurality of sleeve systems (eg, a third, fourth, fifth, etc. sleeve system) can be similarly operated to selectively treating a plurality of zones (for example, a third, fourth, fifth, etc. treatment zone), for example, as discussed below with respect to Figure 1.

In a first embodiment, a method is provided for performing a well drilling maintenance operation by individually maintaining a plurality of areas of an underground formation with a plurality of associated sleeve systems. In such an embodiment, sleeve systems 200 and 200a-200e can be configured substantially similar to sleeve system 200 as described above. Sleeve systems 200 and 200a200e can be provided with seats configured to interact with a first configuration and / or size shutter (eg, a single ball and / or multiple balls of the same size and configuration). Sleeve systems 200 and 200a-200e comprise the fluid metering delay system and each of the various sleeve systems can be configured with a fluid metering device

-60IMPI Instituto Muicano Di LA «OPtüDAP INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0060.tif" />

chosen to provide seamless communication through said particular sleeve system within a selectable time step after transitioning from installation mode to delay mode. Each bag system can be configured to transition from delay mode to fully open mode and thus provide seamless communication in an amount of time equal to the sum of the amount of time required to travel through all the holes located further down the hole of said sleeve system from installation mode to delay mode (for example, attaching a shutter as previously described) and performing a desired maintenance operation relative to the area (s) associated with the sleeve system (s); in addition an operator may choose to incorporate an extra amount of time as a safety margin (for example, to ensure completion of such operations). Furthermore, in an embodiment where successive zones will be treated, it may be necessary to allow additional time to restrict fluid communication to a previously treated zone (eg, after completion of maintenance operations with respect to that zone). For example, it may be necessary to allow time for sandblasting relative to a particular area, as discussed below. For example, when an estimated shutter travel time between systems

IMPI

-61 «ππντο MEXICAN otutnoHtoAD nurvi« r »iAi iwouymu.

<img file="MX338701B_D0061.tif" />

of adjacent sleeves is approximately 10 minutes, when an estimated time to perform a maintenance operation is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, and when the operator wishes to have an additional 10 minutes as a safety margin, each system of sleeves could be configured to transition from delay mode to fully open mode approximately 2 hours after the sleeve system immediately down-hole the sleeve system. Referring again to Figure 1, in that example, the furthest downhole sleeve system (200a) could be configured to transition from delay mode to fully open mode shortly after transitioning from installation mode to delay (for example, immediately, within about 30 seconds, within about 1 minute, or within about 5 minutes); the second furthest hole-down sleeve system (200b) could be configured to transition to fully open mode in about 2 hours, the third much-hole-down sleeve system (200c) could be configured to transition to fully open mode in approximately 4 hours hours, the fourth much more hole-down sleeve system (200d) could be configured to transition to fully open mode in approximately 6 hours, the fifth much more hole-down sleeve system (200e) could be

IMPI

-s ^ sgS

<img file="MX338701B_D0062.tif" />

configured to transition to fully open mode in approximately 8 hours, and the much more hole-down sixth sleeve system could transition to fully open mode in approximately 10 hours. In various alternative embodiments, any one or more of the sleeve systems (eg, 200 and 200a-200e) could be configured to open within a desired amount of time. For example, a given sleeve may be configured to open within approximately 1 second after transitioning from installation mode to delay mode, alternatively within approximately 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes , 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours, 12 hours, 14 hours, 16 hours, 18 hours, 20 hours, 24 hours, or any amount of time to reach a profile of treatment given, as will be discussed hereinafter.

In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve systems 200 and 200b-200e are configured substantially similar to the sleeve system 200 described above, and the sleeve system 200a is configured substantially similar to the sleeve system 400 described above. Sleeve systems 200 and 200a-200e can be provided with seats configured to interact with a first configuration and / or size shutter. The 200 and 200bIMPI sleeve systems

-63 MEXICAN INSTITUTE O £ CA INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX338701B_D0063.tif" />

200e comprise the fluid metering delay system and each of the various sleeve systems can be configured with a chosen fluid metering device to supply fluid communication via said particular sleeve system within a selectable amount of time after transition from installation mode to delay mode, as described above. The furthest downhole sleeve system (200a) can be configured to transition from delay mode to fully open mode after a suitable reduction in fluid pressure within the flow port of said sleeve system, such as previously described with reference to sleeve system 400. In such an alternative embodiment, the farthest down hole system 200a can transition from delay mode to fully open mode shortly after transitioning to delay mode. Sleeve systems that are more hole-in-the-top can transition from delay mode to fully open mode at a selectable time step later, as described above.

In other words, in any embodiment, the fluid metering devices can be selected so that no bag system will provide seamless communication between their respective ports and ports until

-64IMPI

WJTrrUTOMWCAH ·

DCLAROmiMD

<img file="MX338701B_D0064.tif" />

INDUSTRY!

Each of the more barite sleeve systems has a particular sleeve system has transitioned from delay mode to fully open mode and / or until a predetermined amount of time has passed. Such a configuration can be used when it is desirable to treat multiple zones (eg, zones 150 and 150a-150e) individually and to activate associated sleeve systems using a single shutter, thereby avoiding the need to insert and remove multiple shutters through a production string such as production string 112. In addition, because a single size and / or plug configuration can be used relative to the multiple (eg, all) sleeve systems a common production string, the size of the flow path (eg, the diameter of a flow port) through which the production string can be more consistent, eliminating or reducing restrictions on the movement of fluid through the production string. Consequently, there may be few deviations from the flow rate of a fluid.

In any of these embodiments, a method of carrying out a well drilling maintenance operation may comprise supplying a production string comprising a plurality of sleeve systems in a configuration as described above lines and the

<img file="MX338701B_D0065.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE INDUSTRIAL PROMDAÜ

<td>positioning</td><td>of</td><td>the string</td><td>of</td><td>production</td><td>inside of</td>

<td>drilling</td><td>water well</td><td>by way of</td><td>than</td><td colspan="2">one or more of the plurality</td>

<td>of systems</td><td>of</td><td>sleeves</td><td>this</td><td>placed</td><td>next and / or</td>

<td>substantially</td><td colspan="2">adjacent to</td><td>a</td><td>or more than</td><td>the areas (for</td>

example, deviated areas) for maintenance. The zones can be isolated, for example, by driving one or more of the packers or similar isolation devices.

Next, when fluid communication is to be provided by means of the sleeve systems 200 and 200a-200e, a shutter such as the shutter 276 configured and / or dimensioned to interact with the seats of the sleeve systems is inserted into and made passing through the production string 112 until the shutter 27 6 reaches the sleeve system relatively further down hole 200 and engages a seat such as seat 270 of said sleeve system. Continued pumping can increase the pressure applied against the seat 270 causing the sleeve system to transition from installation mode to delay mode and the shutter to pass through the sleeve system, as previously described. The shutter can then continue to move through the production string to similarly engage and transition sleeve systems 200a-200e into delay mode. When all sleeve systems 200 and 200a-200e have transitioned to delay mode, sleeve systems can

<img file="MX338701B_D0066.tif" />

transition from delay mode to compTé 1! álllél 1 te mode¹ abitü.i¹ Li&gt; in the order in which to maintain the zone or zones associated with a sleeve system. In one embodiment, the zones can be maintained starting with the relatively furthest down-hole zone (150a) and progressively working toward the nearest down-hole zones (eg, 150b, 150c, 150d, 150e, then 150). Maintenance of a particular zone is carried out by transitioning the sleeve system associated with said zone to the fully open mode and communicating a maintenance fluid to said zone through the ports of the sleeve system In an embodiment where the systems of sleeves 200 and 200a-200e of Figure 1 are configured substantially similar to sleeve system 200 of Figure 2, the transition from sleeve system 200a (which is associated with zone 150a) to fully open mode can be accomplished by waiting for the present amount of time after unlocking of sleeve system 200a while the fluid metering system allows the system sleeve opens, as described above. With the sleeve system 200a fully open, a maintenance fluid can be communicated to the associated area (150a). In an embodiment where sleeve systems 200 and 200b-200e are configured substantially similar to sleeve system 200 and sleeve system 200a is

-67IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OT THE INDUSTRIAL EROMÍDAD

<img file="MX338701B_D0067.tif" />

configured substantially similar to sleeve system 400, the transition from sleeve system 200a to fully open mode can be accomplished by allowing a reduction in pressure within the flow port of the sleeve system, as previously described.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the maintenance fluid communicated to the area can be selected depending on the maintenance operation to be performed. Non-limiting examples of such maintenance fluids include a fracturing fluid, a high-pressure hydro-wash or drilling fluid, an injection fluid, acidification fluid, a fluid for loss control, a sealing composition, or the like.

As may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art from observation of the present disclosure, when maintenance of a zone has been performed, it may be desirable to restrict fluent communication with that zone, for example, so that a maintenance fluid can be communicated to another area. In one embodiment, when the maintenance operation has been completed with respect to the relatively furthest downhole area (150a), an operator may restrict fluid communication with the area 150a (eg, through the sleeve system 200a) causing intentionally a grit or sand plug.

As will be appreciated by

-68IMPI

WJJTnZTO'MtXICANO Di LA EROME 0A1) INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0068.tif" />

A person skilled in the art from observing the present disclosure, a sandblasting or sand loss refers to a condition where the solid and / or particulate material transported within a maintenance fluid creates a bridge that restricts the flow of fluid through a fluid path. By sandblasting the flow paths to one area, fluid communication to the area can be restricted so that fluid can be directed to one or more other areas. When fluid communication has been restricted, the maintenance operation can continue with respect to the additional zones (eg, 150b-150e and 150) and associated bag systems (eg, 200b-200e and 200). As previously disclosed, additional bag systems will transition to fully open mode at current time intervals following the transition from installation mode to delay mode, thereby providing seamless communication with the associated zone and allowing maintenance of the zone. Following the completion of holding of a given zone, fluid communication with that zone may be restricted, as previously disclosed. In one embodiment, when the maintenance operation has been completed with respect to all zones, the solid and / or particulate material used to restrict fluid communication with one or more of the

IMPI

-69 INSTITUTO MíXJCAWO Dt LA ftlOHEDAD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0069.tif" />

Zones can be removed, for example, to allow the flow of production fluid from the wellbore to the openings of open-sleeve systems through the ports of open-sleeve systems.

In an alternative embodiment, using the systems and / or methods disclosed herein, multiple treatment sites can be treated and / or maintained in any suitable sequence, that is, a given treatment profile. Said treatment profile can be determined and a plurality of sleeve systems such as sleeve system 200 can be configured (eg, by means of suitable time delay mechanisms as disclosed herein) to achieve said particular profile. For example, in an embodiment where an operator wishes to treat three zones of a formation beginning with the lowest zone, followed by the highest zone, followed by the intermediate zone, three sleeve systems of the type disclosed herein may be positioned next to to each zone. The first sleeve system (for example, close to the lowest zone) can be configured to open first, the third sleeve system (for example, close to the highest zone) can be configured to open second (for example, allowing enough time to complete the maintenance operation in relation to the first zone and obstruct the fluid communication through the first bag system) and

-70IMPI

ΙΝϊΤΤΠΓΓυ MIXICANO '' U'U MUICANO DI LA IWOrilDAP INDOSTRIAl

<img file="MX338701B_D0070.tif" />

the second sleeve system (for example, close to the intermediate h3 ~) can be configured to open to the last one (for example, allowing sufficient time to complete the maintenance operation in relation to the first and second zones and obstruct the fluid communication by the first and second sleeve systems).

While the following discussion is related to the actuation of two groups of sleeves (each group having three sleeves), it should be understood that said description is non-limiting and that any number and / or grouping of sleeves can be operated in the corresponding stages of treatment. In a second embodiment when treatment of zones 150a, 150b and 150c is desired without treatment of zones 15.0d, 150e and 150, sleeve systems 200a200e are configured substantially similar to sleeve system 200 described above. In said embodiment, the sleeve systems 200a, 200b and 200c can be provided with seats configured to interact with a shutter of a first configuration and / or size while the sleeve systems 200d, 200e and 200 are configured not to interact with the shutter that has the first setting. Accordingly, sleeve systems 200a, 200b and 200c can be transitioned from installation mode to delay mode by passing the shutter having a first configuration through the sleeve systems.

<img file="MX338701B_D0071.tif" />

<img file="MX338701B_D0072.tif" />

hole up 200, 200e and 200d and hacicT.e'l JUljplJiuiLiiliyiwj!

successive with sleeve systems 200c, 200b and 200a.

Since the sleeve systems 200a-200c comprise the fluid metering delay system, the various sleeve systems can be configured with the chosen fluid metering devices to provide controlled and / or relatively slower opening of the systems of sleeves. For example, fluid metering devices can be selected so that none of the sleeve systems 200a-200c effectively provide smooth communication between their respective ports and ports before each of the sleeve systems 200a200c has reached transition from installation mode to delayed mode. In other words, the delay systems can be configured to ensure that each of the sleeve systems 200a-200c has been unlocked by the shutter prior to such smooth communication.

To perform the above-described treatment of zones 150a, 150b, and 150c, it will be appreciated that to prevent fluid loss and / or fluid pressure through ports of sleeve systems 200c, 200b, each of the Sleeves 200c, 200b can be provided with a fluid measuring device that delays such loss until the shutter has unlocked the sleeve system 200a. It will further be appreciated that individual sleeve systems

-72IMPff rwnwwme »

WLMfl

IN

<img file="MX338701B_D0073.tif" />

they can be configured to provide relatively longer delays (for example, the time from when a bag system is unblocked to the time the bag system allows fluid flow through its ports) in response to the location of the bag system which is located relatively more auger above a final sleeve system that must be unlocked during operation (eg, in this case, sleeve system 200a). Accordingly, in some embodiments, a sleeve system 200c can be configured to provide a greater delay than the delay provided by the sleeve system 200b. For example, in some embodiments, when the estimated shutter travel time from sleeve system 200c to sleeve system 200b is approximately 10 minutes and an estimated travel time from sleeve system 200b to sleeve system 200a It is also approximately 10 minutes, the sleeve system 200c can be provided with a delay of at least approximately 20 minutes. The 20 minute delay can ensure that the shutter can reach and unlock the sleeve systems 200b, 200a before any fluid and / or fluid pressure is lost through the ports of the sleeve system 200c.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the sleeve systems 200c, 200b can each be configured to

-73IMPI

MEXICAN IWmUTO WUI% JBfD »D mmwnuM

<img file="MX338701B_D0074.tif" />

provide the same delay as long as the delay of both is sufficient to prevent the loss of fluid and / or fluid pressure described above from sleeve systems 200c, 200b before the shutter unlocks sleeve system 200a. For example, in one embodiment when an estimated shutter displacement time from sleeve system 200c to sleeve system 200b is approximately 10 minutes and an estimated displacement time from sleeve system 200b to sleeve system 200a is also about 10 minutes, sleeve systems 200c, 200b can each be provided with a delay of at least about 20 minutes. Accordingly, by using the methods described above, the three sleeve systems 200a-200c can be unlocked and transition into a fully open mode with a single trip through the production string 112 of a single plug and without unlock the 200d, 200e, and 200 sleeve systems that are located upstream of the 200c sleeve system.

Next, if the 200d, 200e and 200 sleeve systems are to be opened, a shutter having a second configuration and / or size can be passed through the 200d, 200e and 200 sleeve systems in a manner similar to that described above to selectively open the remaining sleeve systems 200d, 200e and 200.

IMPI

-74II * STTJVrO MEXICANO DE LA EROriEDAEl INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0075.tif" />

Of course, this is done by providing 200d, 200e, and 200 with seats configured to interact with the shutter having the second configuration.

In alternative embodiments, the sleeve systems such as 200a, 200b and 200c may all be associated with a single zone of a well bore and may all be provided with seats configured to interact with a plug of a first configuration and / or size while that sleeve systems such as 200d, 200e and 200 may not be associated with the only zone mentioned above and are configured to interact with the shutter having the first configuration. Accordingly, sleeve systems such as 200a, 200b and 200c can be transitioned from an installation mode to a delay mode by passing the shutter having the first configuration through the uphole hole systems 200, 200e and 200d. and in successive coupling with the sleeve systems 200c, 200b and 200a. In this way, the single shutter having the first configuration can be used to unlock and / or activate multiple sleeve systems (eg 200c, 200b and 200a) within a single selected zone after having selectively passed through others. Top and / or unselected auger sleeve systems (eg 200d, 200e and 200).

An alternative embodiment of a method of maintaining

IMPI

-75ιχττηντΌ kuk-master OF THE nONMMD

INDOSTUIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0076.tif" />

A well bore can be substantially the same as the previous examples, but instead using at least one sleeve system substantially similar to sleeve system 400. It will be appreciated that while sleeve systems substantially similar to sleeve system 400 are used instead of sleeve systems substantially similar to sleeve system 200, A primary difference in method is that fluid flow between fluid flow nozzles and related ports is not achieved between the three sleeve systems that are transitioning from an installation mode to a fully open mode until the pressure inside the flow ports is suitably reduced. Only after such a reduction in pressure will the springs of the sleeve systems substantially similar to the sleeve system 400 force the piston and the sleeves downward to provide the desired fully open mode.

Regardless of which type of the aforementioned sleeve systems 200, 400 is used, it will be appreciated that the use of any type can be carried out in accordance with a method described below. A method of maintaining a wellbore can comprise supplying a first sleeve system in a wellbore and also supplying a second system of boreholes down the first system of boreholes.

-76IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE INDUSTRIAL FROFUDAIJ

<img file="MX338701B_D0077.tif" />

sleeves. Subsequently, a first shutter can be passed through at least a portion of the first sleeve system to unlock a reducer from the first sleeve, thereby transitioning the first sleeve from an operating installation mode to a delayed mode of operation. The shutter can then be moved down the hole from the first sleeve system to pass through at least a portion of the second sleeve system to unlock a reducer from the second sleeve system. In some embodiments, unlocking of the second sleeve reducer may occur prior to loss of fluid and / or fluid pressure through the ports of the first sleeve system.

In any of the above-described methods of maintaining a wellbore, the methods may continue to flow maintenance fluids from the wellbore from the fluid flow nozzles of the open sleeve systems out through the ports. of open sleeve systems. Alternatively and / or in combination with such outward flow of maintenance fluids from a wellbore, production fluids from a wellbore can flow into the discharge ports of open-hole systems by means of the ports of open sleeve systems.

<img file="MX338701B_D0078.tif" />

IMPI

-77- MEXICAN INSTITUTE

Dt LA ntOHBDAO

INDUSTRIAL

ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE

The following are specific, non-limiting embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure:

Embodiment A. A well drilling maintenance system, comprising:

a first sleeve system, the first sleeve system comprising:

a first box with ports;

a first sliding sleeve at least partially transported within the first box with ports and movable relative to the first box with ports between a first sleeve position in which the first sliding sleeve restricts fluid communication by means of the box with ports and a second sleeve position in which the first slider sleeve does not restrict fluid communication through the port box;

a first segmented seat, the first segmented seat being radially divided into a plurality of segments and movable relative to the first box with ports between a first seat position in which the first seat restricts the movement of the sliding sleeve relative to the box with ports and a second seat position in which the first seat does not restrict movement of the sliding sleeve relative to the box with ports; and

IMPI

-78INSTJTUTO MEXICANO Dt IA INTERIAL FRONTIM

<img file="MX338701B_D0079.tif" />

a first cover forming a continuous layer covering one or more surfaces of the first segmented seat;

the first sleeve system making the transition from a first mode to a second mode and making the transition from the second mode to a third mode, where, when in the first mode, the first slide sleeve is retained in the first position of the sleeve and the first segmented seat are retained in the first seat position, where, when in the second mode, the first sliding sleeve is retained in the first sleeve position and the first segmented seat is in the second seat position, and where, when in third mode, the first sliding sleeve is in the second sleeve position.

Embodiment B. The maintenance system of a well drilling in Embodiment A, further comprising:

a second sleeve system, the second sleeve system comprising:

a second box with ports;

a second sliding sleeve at least partially transported within the second box with ports and movable relative to the second box with ports between a first sleeve position in which the second sliding sleeve

-79IMPI

ΙΜΤΤΥΜΌ MUICUO MVAteñttMp IHIMimwU.

<img file="MX338701B_D0080.tif" />

restricts fluid communication through the port box and a second sleeve position in which the second slider sleeve does not restrict fluid communication through the port box;

a second segmented seat, the second segmented seat being radially divided into a plurality of segments and movable relative to the second box with ports between a first seat position in which the second seat restricts the movement of the sliding sleeve relative to the box with ports and a second seat position in which the second seat does not restrict the movement of the sliding sleeve relative to the box with ports; and a second cover that forms a continuous layer covering one or more surfaces of the second segmented seat;

the second sleeve system making the transition from a first mode to a second mode and making the transition from the second mode to a third mode, where, when in the first mode, the second sliding sleeve is retained in the first position of the sleeve and the second segmented seat is retained in the first seat position, where, when in the second mode, the second sliding sleeve is retained in the first sleeve position and the second segmented seat is in the second

-80IMPI ίΝτπτυτσ mexican

Dt LA rPOnFOAO INtXIXTJrjAl

<img file="MX338701B_D0081.tif" />

seat position, and where, when in third mode, the second slide sleeve is in the second sleeve position.

Embodiment C. The well drilling maintenance system of Embodiment A, wherein the first segmented seat comprises at least three radially divided segments.

Embodiment D. The well drilling maintenance system of Embodiment A, wherein the first segmented seat comprises a drillable material.

Embodiment E. The well drilling maintenance system of Embodiment A, wherein the first segmented seat comprises a compound, a phenolic material, cast iron, aluminum, brass, a metal alloy, a rubber, a ceramic or the combinations of themselves.

Embodiment F. The well drilling maintenance system of Embodiment A, wherein the first segmented seat comprises a first radial diameter when the first segmented seat is in the first seat position and a second radial diameter when the first segmented seat it is in the second seat position, the second radial diameter being greater than the first radial diameter.

-81IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO Oí LA ntWMJA »industrial

<img file="MX338701B_D0082.tif" />

Embodiment G. The well drilling maintenance system of Embodiment A, where the protective cover covers those portions of the first seat

<td>segmented</td><td colspan="2">in contact</td><td>with a</td><td>mouth</td><td>flow</td><td>first</td>

<td colspan="2">sleeve system.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Realization</td><td>H.</td><td>The</td><td>system</td><td>of</td><td>maintenance</td><td>of a</td>

<td>drilling</td><td>well</td><td>of</td><td colspan="2">the realization</td><td>A, where the</td><td>first</td>

protective cover comprises a ceramic, a carbide, a hardened plastic, a molded rubber, a heat shrinkable material or combinations thereof.

Embodiment I. The maintenance system of a borehole in Embodiment A, where the first protective cover is characterized by having a hardness from approximately 50 durometers to approximately 100 durometers.

Embodiment J. The well drilling maintenance system of Embodiment A, where the first protective cover is applied to the first segmented seat, one or more segments of the first segmented seat, or combinations thereof.

<td>Realization</td><td>K.</td><td>The</td><td>system of</td><td>maintenance</td><td>of a</td>

<td>drilling</td><td>well</td><td>of</td><td>the realization</td><td colspan="2">A, where the first</td>

<td colspan="2">protective cover</td><td>is</td><td>preformed and</td><td>is inserted</td><td>within</td>

<td>a mouth</td><td colspan="2">flow</td><td>longitudinal</td><td>Of the first</td><td>seat</td>

segmented.

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1MTRVK) MUICAMÜ Dt IA ftvOMfiAO

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0083.tif" />

<td>Realization</td><td>L.</td><td>The</td><td>system</td><td>of</td><td>maintenance</td><td>of a</td>

<td>drilling</td><td>well</td><td>of</td><td colspan="2">the realization</td><td>A, where the</td><td>first</td>

<td colspan="2">protective cover</td><td>is</td><td>received</td><td colspan="2">inside a recess</td><td>inside</td>

<td>of the seat</td><td colspan="2">segmented.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Realization</td><td>M.</td><td>The</td><td>system</td><td>of</td><td>maintenance</td><td>of a</td>

<td>drilling</td><td>well</td><td>of</td><td colspan="2">the realization</td><td>A, where a</td><td>first</td>

portion of the first protective cover is configured to receive a shutter, wherein the first portion of the first protective cover comprises a thickness greater than the thickness of another portion of the first protective cover. Realization N. The maintenance system of a well drilling in Realization A, further comprising:

a fluid chamber formed between the first box with ports and the first sliding sleeve; and a fluid measurement device in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.

Embodiment O. The maintenance system of a well bore in Embodiment N, wherein fluid flow is prevented through the fluid metering device while the first segmented seat is retained in the first seat position.

Realization P. The maintenance system of a well drilling in Realization O, where the first segmented seat is retained in the first position of the

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL RROHEDAD

<img file="MX338701B_D0084.tif" />

seat by means of a safety pin and where fluid flow is allowed through the measuring device after a cut of the safety pin. Embodiment Q. The maintenance system of a borehole in Embodiment P, wherein the safety pin is received within each of a seat support of the first sleeve system and a bottom adapter of the first sleeve system.

Realization R. The maintenance system of a well drilling in Realization A, further comprising:

a first piston transported at least partially within the first box with ports; and a low pressure chamber formed between the first piston and the first box with ports.

Realization S. The maintenance system of a well drilling in Realization A, the first reducer comprising:

a first piston at least partially received in a concentric manner between the first sliding sleeve and the first box with ports.

Realization T. The maintenance system of a well drilling in Realization S, further comprising:

a heel selectively received through the first

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piston and between the first segmented seat; Q__i¿_J_a - fi £ UJBAíA-with ports.

Embodiment U. The maintenance system of a borehole in Embodiment T, wherein the heel is selectively received within a heel channel of the first box with ports.

Realization V. The maintenance system of a well drilling in Realization I, further comprising:

a deflection chamber at least partially defined by each of the first box with ports, the first sliding sleeve and the first piston.

Realization W. The maintenance system of a well drilling in Realization V, further comprising:

a spring received at least partially within the deflection chamber.

Embodiment X. The well drilling maintenance system of Embodiment A, wherein the first sleeve system is configured such that the transition from the first sleeve system from the second mode to the third mode comprises allowing a first amount of time after the transition from the first sleeve system to the second mode.

Embodiment Y. A method of maintaining a piercing

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ICυΤΌ MEXICANO DE LA EROPIÍDAO industrial

<img file="MX338701B_D0086.tif" />

well comprising:

placing a first sleeve system within the well bore next to a first treatment zone, the first sleeve system comprising:

a first box with ports;

a first sliding sleeve at least partially transported within the first box with ports and movable relative to the first box with ports between a first sleeve position in which the first sliding sleeve restricts fluid communication by means of the box with ports and a second sleeve position in which the first slider sleeve does not restrict fluid communication through the port box;

a first segmented seat, the first segmented seat being radially divided into a plurality of segments and movable relative to the first box with ports between a first seat position in which the first seat restricts the movement of the sliding sleeve relative to the box with ports and a second seat position in which the first seat does not restrict movement of the sliding sleeve relative to the box with ports; and a first cover that forms a continuous layer covering one or more surfaces of the first segmented seat;

the first sleeve system making the transition from

IMPI

-86 MEXICAN INSTITUTE OE LA ^ QUEDAD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX338701B_D0087.tif" />

a first mode to a second mode and transitioning from the second mode to a third mode, where, when in the first mode, the first sliding sleeve is retained in the first sleeve position and the first segmented seat is retained in the first seat position, where, when in second mode, the first sliding sleeve is retained in the first sleeve position and the first segmented seat is in the second seat position, and where, When in third mode, the first slide sleeve is in the second sleeve position. Embodiment Z. The method of Embodiment Y, further comprising:

make the transition from the first sleeve system to the third mode; and communicating a maintenance fluid from a well bore through the port box of the first sleeve system to the first treatment zone.

At least one embodiment is disclosed and variations, combinations and / or modifications of the embodiment (s) and / or features of the embodiment (s) made by a person skilled in the art are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments resulting from the combination, integration and / or omission of characteristics of

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INOUSTEIAL

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the realization (s) are also inside the aleálidér *¹ flé Tá '**** disclosure. When numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include ranges or limitations of an iterative or similar magnitude that fall within the expressly stated ranges or limitations (for example, from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2 , 3, 4, etc., greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example, every time a numerical range is disclosed with a lower limit, Ri, and an upper limit R_or, any number that falls within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range are specifically disclosed: R = Ri + k * (R_or-Ri), where k is a variable in a range from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increase, that is, k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, ..., 50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent,. . . , 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Furthermore, any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined above lines is also specifically disclosed. The use of the term optionally with respect to any element of a claim means that the element is required, or alternatively, the element is not required, both alternatives being within the scope of

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Cm ucmvró Muucftrtu aumomau)

IMDUmuU the claim. The use of terms FftáS áiVipiiós as it comprises, includes and has to be understood to provide support for the shorter terms as it consists of, consists essentially of, and substantially comprises of.

Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the above description but is defined by the claims that follow, said scope includes all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as a further disclosure in the specification and the claims are embodiment (s) of the present invention.

IMPI wnrriro MUICANÜ

D «LA ntOHfDAU

INDUSTRIAL