APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ISOLATION DURING MULTISTAGE HYDRAULIC FRACTURING WITH FLOW CONTROL MEMBER HAVING IMPEDANCE FEATURE

Abstract

An apparatus for deployment in a wellbore to control flow of fluids between the wellbore and a subterranean reservoir is provided, comprising: a housing; a port extending through the housing; a passage disposed within the housing; and a flow control member, releasably retained relative to the housing and disposed relative to the port such that the port is disposed in a closed condition, and including a frangible portion. The flow control member, the housing, and the port are co-operatively configured such that, in response to application of a sufficient force for urging displacement of the flow control member in a first direction: the flow control member becomes released from the retention relative to the housing; after the release of the flow control member from the retention relative to the housing, the flow control member is displaced, relative to the port, in the first direction; and while the flow control member is being displaced, relative to the port, in the first direction, the displacement of the flow control member is impeded by an interaction between the flow control member and the housing.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to obtaining confirmation of a wellbore operation.

BACKGROUND

The reliability of hydraulic fracturing suffers due to mechanical limitations of existing technologies. Components are susceptible to failure due to mechanical stress which may be difficult to anticipate or to design for.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for deployment in a wellbore to control flow of fluids between the wellbore and a subterranean reservoir, comprising: a housing; a port extending through the housing; a passage disposed within the housing; and a flow control member, releasably retained relative to the housing and disposed relative to the port such that the port is disposed in a closed condition, and including a frangible portion; wherein the flow control member, the housing, and the port are co-operatively configured such that, in response to application of a sufficient force for urging displacement of the flow control member in a first direction:

• the flow control member becomes released from the retention relative to the housing; and
• after the release of the flow control member from the retention relative to the housing, the flow control member is displaced, relative to the port, in the first direction; and
• while the flow control member is being displaced, relative to the port, in the first direction, the displacement of the flow control member is impeded by an interaction between the flow control member and the housing.

In another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for deployment in a wellbore to control flow of fluids between the wellbore and a subterranean reservoir, comprising: a housing including an interference fit-effecting portion; a port extending through the housing; a passage disposed within the housing; and a moveable flow control member, releasably retained relative to the housing such that the port is disposed in a closed condition, and including a frangible portion; wherein the flow control member, the interference fit-effecting portion, and the port are co-operatively configured such that, in response to application of a sufficient force for urging displacement of the flow control member in a first direction:

• the flow control member becomes released from the retention relative to the housing; and
• after the release of the flow control member from the retention relative to the housing, the flow control member is displaced, relative to the port, in the first direction; and
• the displacement of the flow control member, relative to the port, in the first direction includes displacement through the interference fit-effecting portion with effect that the flow control member becomes disposed in an interference fit relationship with the interference fit-effecting portion; and
• while the flow control member is disposed in the interference fit relationship with the interference fit-effecting portion, in response to sufficient urging of displacement of the flow control member, relative to the port, in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, the flow control member is fractured with effect that the frangible portion becomes separated from the flow control member such that a modified flow control member is obtained.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of producing hydrocarbon-comprising material from a subterranean formation via a wellbore extending into the subterranean formation, comprising:

• applying an opening force, in one of an uphole direction or a downhole direction, to a flow control member, that is being releasably retained relative to a housing, such that: (i) the flow control member is released from the retention relative to the housing, and (ii) the flow control member is displaced, relative to a port of the housing, in the one of an uphole direction and a downhole direction such that opening of the port is effected, with effect that the port becomes disposed in an opened condition, wherein, while the displacement of the flow control member is being effected in the one of an uphole direction and a downhole direction, the flow control member is interacting with the housing with effect that the displacement of the flow control member in the one of an uphole direction and a downhole direction, is impeded; and
• while the port is disposed in the open condition, injecting treatment material from the wellbore, via the port, into the subterranean formation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments will now be described with the following accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for effecting fluid communication between the surface and a subterranean formation via a wellbore;

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of a flow control apparatus for use in the system illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating the ports in the closed condition;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of Detail “A” in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of Detail “B” in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the flow control apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, with the flow control member having been displaced such that the flow control member is within a housing passage portion that is impeding displacement of the flow control member in the downhole direction, but is spaced apart from the hard stop;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of Detail “R” in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of Detail “T” in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the flow control apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, with the flow control member having been further displaced downhole, relative to its position in FIG. 5, such that the flow control member has become engaged to the hard stop and such that the port has become fully opened;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of Detail “E” in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of Detail “F” in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the flow control apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, with the modified flow control member having been displaced uphole from its position in FIG. 8, such that the ports have become covered by the flow control member;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of Detail “G” in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of Detail “H” in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 14 is top perspective view of an embodiment of a flow control member having a screened flow communicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is provided a wellbore material transfer system 104 for conducting material from the surface 10 to a subterranean formation 100 via a wellbore 102, from the subterranean formation 100 to the surface 10 via the wellbore 102, or between the surface 10 and the subterranean formation 100 via the wellbore 102. In some embodiments, for example, the subterranean formation 100 is a hydrocarbon material-containing reservoir.

In some embodiments, for example, the conducting (such as, for example, by flowing) material to the subterranean formation 100 via the wellbore 102 is for effecting selective stimulation of a hydrocarbon material-containing reservoir. The stimulation is effected by supplying treatment material to the hydrocarbon material-containing reservoir. In some embodiments, for example, the treatment material is a liquid including water. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid includes water and chemical additives. In other embodiments, for example, the treatment material is a slurry including water, proppant, and chemical additives. Exemplary chemical additives include acids, sodium chloride, polyacrylamide, ethylene glycol, borate salts, sodium and potassium carbonates, glutaraldehyde, guar gum and other water soluble gels, citric acid, and isopropanol. In some embodiments, for example, the treatment material is supplied to effect hydraulic fracturing of the reservoir. In some embodiments, for example, the treatment material includes water, and is supplied to effect waterflooding of the reservoir.

In some embodiments, for example, the conducting (such as, for example, by flowing) material from the subterranean formation 100 to the surface 10 via the wellbore 102 is for effecting production of hydrocarbon material from the hydrocarbon material-containing reservoir. In some of these embodiments, for example, the hydrocarbon material-containing reservoir, whose hydrocarbon material is being produced by the conducting via the wellbore 102, has been, prior to the producing, stimulated by the supplying of treatment material to the hydrocarbon material-containing reservoir.

In some embodiments, for example, the conducting to the subterranean formation 100 from the surface 10 via the wellbore 102, or from the subterranean formation 100 to the surface 10 via the wellbore 102, is effected via one or more flow communication stations 115 that are disposed at the interface between the subterranean formation 100 and the wellbore 102. In some embodiments, for example, the flow communication stations 115 are integrated within a wellbore string 116 that is deployed within the wellbore 102. Integration may be effected, for example, by way of threading or welding.

The wellbore string 116 includes one or more of pipe, casing, and liner, and may also include various forms of tubular segments, such as the flow control apparatuses 115A described herein. The wellbore string 116 defines a wellbore string passage 119 for effecting conduction of fluids between the surface 10 and the subterranean formation 100. In some embodiments, for example, the flow communication station 115 is integratable within the wellbore string 116 by a threaded connection.

Successive flow communication stations 115 may be spaced from each other along the wellbore string 116 such that each flow communication stations 115 is positioned adjacent a zone or interval of the subterranean formation 100 for effecting flow communication between the wellbore 102 and the zone (or interval).

For effecting the flow communication, the flow communication station 115 includes a flow control apparatus 115A. Referring to FIGS. 2 to 13, the flow control apparatus 115A includes one or more ports 118 through which the conducting of the material is effected. The ports 118 are disposed within a sub that has been integrated within the wellbore string 116, and are pre-existing, in that the ports 118 exist before the sub, along with the wellbore string 116, has been installed downhole within the wellbore string 116.

The flow control apparatus 115A includes a flow control member 114 for controlling the conducting of material by the flow control apparatus 115A via the one or more ports 118. The flow control member 114 is displaceable, relative to the one or more ports 118, for effecting opening of the one or more ports 118. In some embodiments, for example, the flow control member 114 is also displaceable, relative to the one or more ports 118, for effecting closing of the one or more ports 118. In this respect, the flow control member 114 is displaceable from a closed position (see FIGS. 2 to 4 or FIGS. 11 to 13) to an open position (see FIGS. 8 to 10). The open position of the flow control member 114 corresponds to an open condition of the one or more ports 118. The closed position of the flow control member 114 corresponds to a closed condition of the one or more ports 118.

In some embodiments, for example, in the closed position (see FIGS. 2 to 4 or FIGS. 11 to 13), the one or more ports 118 are covered by the flow control member 114, and the displacement of the flow control member 114 to the open position (see FIGS. 8 to 10) effects at least a partial uncovering of the one or more ports 118 such that the one or more ports 118 become disposed in the open condition. In some embodiments, for example, in the closed position, the flow control member 114 is disposed, relative to the one or more ports 118, such that a sealed interface is disposed between the wellbore string 116 and the subterranean formation 100, and the disposition of the sealed interface is such that the conduction of material between the wellbore string 116 and the subterranean formation 100, via the flow communication station 115 is prevented, or substantially prevented, and displacement of the flow control member 114 to the open position effects flow communication, via the one or more ports 118, between the wellbore string 116 and the subterranean formation 100, such that the conducting of material between the wellbore string 116 and the subterranean formation 100, via the flow communication station, is enabled. In some embodiments, for example, the sealed interface is established by sealing engagement between the flow control member 114 and the wellbore string 116.

Referring to FIG. 14, in some embodiments, for example, the flow control member 114 includes a screened flow communicator 1141. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, a filter medium 20 is co-operatively disposed relative to an aperture extending through the flow control member 114 for allowing flow of fluid through the screened flow communicator 1141 but interfering with (for example, preventing or substantially preventing) passage of oversize solid particulate matter through the screened flow communicator 1141. In some embodiments, for example, the filter medium is in the form of a screen, such as a wire screen, extending across the aperture. In some embodiments, for example, the filter medium is in the form of a porous material that is integrated within the aperture. In this respect, such a flow control member 114 is displaceable relative to the one or more ports 118 between open, closed, and screened positions. In the open and closed positions, the resulting state of the one or more ports 118 is as described above. With respect to the screened position, the screened flow communicator 1141 is aligned with the one or more ports 118.

In some embodiments, for example, the flow control apparatus 115A includes a housing 120. The housing 120 includes one or more sealing surfaces configured for sealing engagement with a flow control member 114, wherein the sealing engagement defines the sealed interface described above. In this respect, sealing surfaces 122, 124 are defined on an internal surface of the housing 120 for sealing engagement with the flow control member 114. In some embodiments, for example, each one of the sealing surfaces 122, 124 is defined by a respective sealing member. In some embodiments, for example, each one of the sealing members, independently, includes an o-ring. In some embodiments, for example, the o-ring is housed within a recess formed within the housing 120. In some embodiments, for example, the sealing member includes a molded sealing member (i.e. a sealing member that is fitted within, and/or bonded to, a groove formed within the sub that receives the sealing member). In some embodiments, for example, the one or more ports 118 extend through the housing 120, and are disposed between the sealing surfaces 122, 124.

The housing 120 includes a housing passage 125 which forms a portion of the wellbore string passage 119 for effecting material transfer between the surface 10 and the subterranean formation 100. In this respect, material transfer between the housing passage 125 and the subterranean formation 100 is effected via the one or more ports 118. The housing 120 includes an inlet 120A and an outlet 120B. The inlet 120A fluidly communicates with the outlet 120B via the housing passage 125. In some embodiments, for example, the displaceability of the flow control member 114 is along an axis that is parallel to, or substantially parallel to, the central longitudinal axis 125X of the housing passage 125.

The flow control member 114 co-operates with the sealing members 122, 124 to effect opening and closing of the one or more ports 118. In some embodiments, for example, when the one or more ports 118 are disposed in the closed condition (see FIGS. 2 to 4 or FIGS. 11 to 13), the flow control member 114 is sealingly engaged to both of the sealing members 122, 124, thereby preventing, or substantially preventing, treatment material, being supplied through the wellbore string passage 119 (including the housing passage 125) from being injected into the subterranean formation 100 via the one or more ports 118. When the one or more ports 118 are disposed in the open condition (see FIGS. 8 to 10), the flow control member 114 is spaced apart or retracted from at least one of the sealing members thereby providing a passage for treatment material, being supplied through the wellbore string passage 119, to be injected into the subterranean formation 100 via the one or more ports 118.

In some embodiments, for example, the flow control member 114 includes a sleeve. In some embodiments, for example, the sleeve is slideably disposed within the housing passage 125 and is moveable along the central longitudinal axis 125X of the housing passage 125

Each one of the opening force and the closing force may be, independently, applied to the flow control member 114 mechanically, hydraulically, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, for example, the applied force is a mechanical force, and such force is applied by a shifting tool of a workstring. In some embodiments, for example, the shifting tool is integrated within a bottom hole assembly that includes other functionalities. Suitable workstrings include tubing string, wireline, cable, or other suitable suspension or carriage systems. Suitable tubing strings include jointed pipe, concentric tubing, or coiled tubing. The workstring includes a passage, extending from the surface, and disposed in, or disposable to assume, fluid communication with the fluid conducting structure of the tool. The workstring is coupled to the shifting tool such that forces applied to the workstring are transmitted to the shifting tool to actuate movement of the flow control member 114.

In some embodiments, for example, the applied force is hydraulic, and is applied by communicating pressurized fluid via the wellbore to urge the displacement of the flow control member 114.

In some embodiments, for example, while the flow control apparatus 115A is being deployed downhole with the wellbore string 116, the flow control member 114 is releasably secured relative to the housing 120 and disposed, relative to the one or more port 118, such that the one or more ports 118 are disposed in the closed position. By virtue of the releasable securing of the flow control member 114 relative to the housing 120, the flow control member 114 is thereby restricted from displacement relative to the one or more ports 118.

In some embodiments, for example, the relasable securing of the flow control member 114 relative to the housing 120 is effected by one or more frangible interlocking members 134 (such as, for example, one or more shear pins). The one or more frangible interlocking members 134 are provided to secure the flow control member 114 to the wellbore string 116 (including while the wellbore string is being installed downhole) so that the passage 119 is maintained fluidically isolated from the formation 100 until it is desired to treat the formation 100 with treatment material.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, for example, the releasable retention of the flow control member 114, relative to the housing 120, is effected by press-fit engagement of the flow control member with the housing 120.

To effect the initial displacement of the flow control member 114 from the closed position to the open position, sufficient force must first be applied for effecting the release of the flow control member 114 from the retention relative to the housing 120 (such as, for example, a force that effects shearing of the frangible interlocking members 134). In some operational implementations, the force that effects the release of the flow control member 114 from the retention relative to the housing 120, is applied via a workstring. In some operational implementations, the force that effects the release of the flow control member 114 from the retention relative to the housing 120 is applied to the flow control member 14 mechanically, hydraulically, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, for example, the force that effects the fracturing is applied in a first direction.

The release of the flow control member 114 from the retention relative to the housing 120 (such that the flow control member becomes displaceable relative to the one or more ports 118) is effected by application of a sufficient force. Upon the release of the flow control member 114 from the retention relative to the housing 120, continued application of the force, in the first direction, effects displacement of the flow control member 114 relative to the one or more ports 118. If the displacement force were permitted to continue to effect the displacement of the flow control member 114, without any interference, the flow control member 114 could continue to accelerate, and attain a sufficiently high speed, such that, upon rapid deceleration of the flow control member 114 caused by an obstruction to its displacement in the first direction (such as by a hard stop), associated components become vulnerable to damage. This risk is exacerbated as the distance which the flow control member 114 needs to be shifted (such as, for example, to open a relatively long port), in order to effect complete uncovering of a port, is increased.

To at least mitigate the possibility of such damage, the displacement of the flow control member 114, relative to the one or more ports 118, that is effected after its release from the retention relative to the housing 120 (such as, for example, after fracturing of the one or more frangible interlocking members 134), is impeded.

In this respect, the housing 120, the flow control member 114, and the one or more ports 118 are co-operatively configured such that, in response to application of a sufficient force for urging displacement of the flow control member 114 in a first direction:

• the flow control member 114 becomes released from the retention relative to the housing 120;
• after the release of the flow control member 114 from the retention relative to the housing 120, the flow control member 114 is displaced, relative to the one or more port 118, in the first direction; and
• during the displacement of the flow control member 114, relative to the one or more ports 118, in the first direction, the flow control member 114 interacts with the housing 120 such that the displacement of the flow control member 114 is impeded.

In this respect, the displacement of the flow control member 114 is impeded by an interaction between the flow control member 114 and the housing 120.

In some embodiments, for example, the interaction between the flow control member 114 and the housing 120, which is impeding the displacement of the flow control member 114, relative to the one or more ports 118, includes a frictional engagement. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the housing 120 includes an interior surface passage-defining portion 120C that is tapered inwardly relative to the central longitudinal axis 125X of the housing passage 125 such that the cross-sectional area of the passage 125 becomes progressively smaller, and co-operates with the flow control member 114 (such as, for example, a flow control member 114 that is in the form of a cylindrical sleeve), while the flow control member 114 is being displaced, relative to the one or more ports 118, in the first direction, for effecting the impeding of the displacement of the flow control member 114 in the first direction.

In some embodiments, for example, the displacement of the flow control member 114, relative to the one or more ports 118, in the first direction, is with effect that the one or more ports 118 become disposed in an open condition.

In some embodiments, for example, the flow control member 114, the housing 120, and the one or more ports 118 are co-operatively configured such that the displacement of the flow control member 114, relative to the one or more ports 118, in the first direction is with effect that an opening of the one or more ports 118 is effected such that at least about 75% of the cross-sectional area of the one or more ports 118 is unobstructed by the flow control member 114. In some embodiments, for example, the flow control member 114, the housing 120, and the one or more ports 118 are co-operatively configured such that the displacement of the flow control member 114, relative to the one or more ports 118, in the first direction is with effect that opening of the one or more ports 118 is effected such that less than about 25% of the cross-sectional area of the one or more ports 118 is occluded by the flow control member 114.

In some embodiments, for example, the housing 120 further includes a hard stop 130 for limiting displacement of the flow control member 114 while the flow control member 114 is being displaced through the interference fit-effecting portion 120A.

Comparing FIGS. 2 to 4 with FIGS. 8 to 10, in some embodiments, for example, the distance between the hard stop 130 and the one or more ports 118 is sufficient to permit travel of the flow control member 114, upon its release from its retention relative to the housing 120, with effect that the flow control member 114 becomes disposed, relative to the one or more ports 118, such that the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of the flow control member 114 is clear of the one or more ports 118. In some embodiments, for example, the distance between the hard stop 130 and the one or more ports 118 is sufficient to permit travel of the flow control member 114, upon its release from retention by the housing 120, with effect that the flow control member 114 becomes disposed, relative to the one or more ports 118, such that there is an absence, or substantial absence, of occlusion of at least a portion of the one or more ports 118 by the flow control member. In some embodiments, for example, the distance between the hard stop 130 and the one or more ports 118 is sufficient to permit travel of the flow control member 114, upon its release from retention by the housing 120, with effect that the flow control member 114 becomes disposed, relative to the one or more ports 118, such that the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of the one or more ports 118 is unobstructed, or substantially unobstructed, by the flow control member 114. In some embodiments, for example, the distance between the hard stop 130 and the one or more ports 118 is sufficient to permit travel of the flow control member 114, upon its release from retention by the housing 120, with effect that the flow control member 114 becomes disposed, relative to the one or more ports 118, such that flow communication through the one or more ports 118, between the passage 125 and an environment external to the housing 125, is unobstructed, or substantially unobstructed, by the flow control member 114.

In some embodiments, for example, a dimension of the one or more ports 118, measured along an axis that is parallel to the central longitudinal axis 125X of the housing passage 125, is at least one (1) foot, such as at least three (3) feet, such as at least five (5) feet, or such as, for example, at least eight (8) feet. In some embodiments, for example, a dimension of the one or more ports 118, measured along an axis that is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the housing passage 25, is ten (10) feet.

In some embodiments, for example, the flow control member 114 and the housing 120 are co-operatively configured such that, in response to the displacement of the flow control member 114, relative to the one or more ports 118, in the first direction, the flow control member 114 and the housing 120 become co-operatively disposed in an interference-fit relationship.

In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the housing 120 includes an interference fit-effecting portion 120A configured for receiving the flow control member 114 with effect that the interference fit relationship between the flow control member 114 and the interference fit-effecting portion 120A is effected. In some embodiments, for example, the housing passage portion 125AA of the interference fit-effecting portion 120A has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the housing passage portion 125BB at the one or more ports 118. In some embodiments, for example, the housing 120 includes a transition portion, defined by the tapered interior surface passage-defining portion 120C, disposed between the one or more ports 118 and the interference fit-effecting portion 120A.

In some embodiments, for example, the flow control member 114 is deformable for effecting the interference fit relationship. The flow control member 114 and the interference fit-effecting portion 120A are co-operatively configured such that the flow control member 114 is deformed while being displaced through the interference fit-effecting portion 120A (see FIGS. 5 to 10).

In some embodiments, for example, the flow control member 114 includes a frangible portion 114A that is configured to fracture with effect that the frangible portion 114A is separable from the flow control member 114 to produce a modified flow control member 114M. In some embodiments, for example, the fracturing is effected by fracturing of interlocking members 114B (e.g. shear pins) that is effecting integration of the frangible portion 114A within the flow control member 114 (i.e. the frangible portion 114 overlaps with, and is coupled to another portion with the interlocking members 114B, to form the flow control member 114). In some embodiments, for example, the flow control member 114 includes a breakaway segment that is defined by machining a groove or score into the surface of the flow control member 114 (e.g. where the flow control member 114 is in the form of a cylindrical sleeve, about a circumference of the flow control member 114).

In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the flow control member 114 and the housing 120 are co-operatively configured such that, while the flow control member 114 is disposed in the interference fit relationship with the housing 120, in response to application of a sufficient force for urging displacement of the flow control member 114, relative to the housing 120, in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, the flow control member 114 is fractured with effect that the frangible portion 114A becomes separated from the flow control member 114 such that a modified flow control member 114M is obtained.

In this respect, in some embodiments for example, the material of construction of the interference fit-effecting portion 120A is stiffer relative to the material of construction of the frangible portion 114A, thereby facilitating the fracturing of the flow control member 114, as above-described.

In some embodiments, for example, the modified flow control member 114M is displaceable, relative to the one or more ports 118, in the second direction, for effecting closing of the one or more ports 118, such that the one or more ports 118 become disposed in the closed condition. In some embodiments, for example, the modified flow control member 114M is displaceable relative to the one or more ports 118 for effecting opening and closing of the one or more ports 118 (see FIGS. 11 to 13). In some embodiments, for example, the displacement of the flow control member 114M in the second direction is effectible mechanically, such as, for example, by a shifting tool.

In some embodiments, for example, the housing 120 includes a hard stop 132 for limiting displacement of the modified flow control member 114M while the modified flow control member 114M is being displaced in the second direction. The modified flow control member 114M, the one or more ports 118, and the hard stop 132 are co-operatively configured such that, while the modified flow control member 114M is engaged to the hard stop 132, the one or more ports 118 are disposed in the closed condition. In this respect, the hard stop 132 functions to determine the closed position of the modified flow control member 114M.

In some embodiments, the displacement of the flow control member 114 in the first direction is along the same axis, or substantially the same axis, as that of the displacement of the modified flow control member 114M in the second direction. In some embodiments, for example, such axis is parallel to, or substantially parallel to, the central longitudinal axis 125X of the housing passage 125.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, in some embodiments, for example, the separated frangible portion 114 becomes retained by the interference fit-effecting portion 120A, thereby limiting displacement of the modified flow control member 114M in the first direction (e.g. the downhole direction). In this respect, the flow control member 114, the housing 120, and the one or more ports 118 are further co-operatively configured such that, while the modified flow control member 114M is disposed relative to the one or more ports 118 such that the one or more ports 118 are disposed in a closed condition, in response to application of sufficient force for urging the displacement of the modified flow control member 114 in the first direction, the modified flow control member 114M is displaced, relative to the one or more ports 118, in the first direction, with effect that the one or more ports 118 become disposed in the open condition, and there is an absence of impedance, or substantial absence of impedance, by the housing 120 to the displacement of the modified flow control member 114M in the first direction. In some embodiments, for example, the modified flow control member 114M becomes disposed in contact engagement with the retained frangible portion 114A, thereby limiting displacement of the modified flow control member 114M in the first direction.

In some embodiments, for example, the first direction is the downhole direction and the second direction is the uphole direction.

In some embodiments, for example, the first direction is the uphole direction and the second direction is the uphole direction.

In those embodiments where the initial displacement is in the first direction, in some of these embodiments, for example, the fracture of the frangible portion 114A results in a shorter flow control member 114

In some embodiments, for example, the impeding of displacement of the modified flow control member 114M is no longer necessary after the initial displacement following the release from retention relative to the housing 120. This is because similar concerns about component damage are not present while displacing the modified flow control member 114 after the initial displacement following the releasing of the flow control member 114 from retention relative to the housing 120, as it is less difficult to maintain a lower applied force to effect subsequent displacements of the modified flow control member 114M following the initial displacement.

In some embodiments, for example, the modified flow control 114M includes another frangible portion disposed at an end of the modified flow control member 114M that is opposite to the end of the modified flow control member 114M from which the frangible portion 114 has become separated (as described above). Such additional frangible portion could be co-operatively configured with the housing to become retained by the housing on the other side of the one or more ports 118, after the displacement of the flow control member 114M, relative to the one or ports 118, has been effected in the second direction. As a result, the modified flow control member 114M has been further shortened to a second modified flow control member, enabling a new flow control member position (determined by the retained frangible portion 114B) upon the next displacement, relative to the one or more ports 118, in the first direction, thereby, for example, enabling opening of a second set of one or more ports.

A method of producing hydrocarbon-comprising material from a subterranean formation 100 via a wellbore 102 extending into the subterranean formation 100, will now be described, with reference to an embodiment of the apparatus 115A.

While the flow control member is releasably retained relative to the housing 120 (see FIGS. 2 to 4), pressurized fluid is used to apply an opening force, in the downhole direction, to the flow control member 114, such that: (i) the flow control member 114 is released from the retention relative to the housing 120, and (ii) the flow control member 114 is displaced, relative to the one or more ports 118 of the housing 120, in the downhole direction. Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, as a result, opening of the one or more ports 118 is effected, and the one or more ports 118 becomes disposed in an open condition. During the displacement of the flow control member, relative to the one or more ports 118, in the downhole direction by the opening force, the flow control member 114 is interacting with the housing 120 (such as, for example, by frictional engagement with the housing 120) with effect that the displacement of the flow control member in the downhole direction, is impeded. The displacement of the flow control member 114, relative to the one or more ports 118, in the downhole direction, is with effect that the flow control member 114 and the housing 120 become co-operatively disposed in an interference-fit relationship

After the one or more ports 118 have been opened, treatment material is injected from the surface 10, through the wellbore 102, via the port, into the subterranean formation 100.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, after the injecting of treatment material, a closing force is applied to the flow control member 114, in the uphole direction. The closing force is effected mechanically, such as with a shifting tool. In response to the application of the closing force in the uphole direction, the flow control member 114 is fractured with effect that a frangible portion 114A becomes separated from the flow control member 114 and retained relative to the housing 120, and a modified flow control member 114M (obtained after the separation of the frangible portion 114A from the flow control member 114) is displaced, relative to the one or more ports 118, in the uphole direction, and effects re-closing of the one or more ports 118.

After the re-closing of the one or more ports 118, a second opening force is applied to the modified flow control member 114M in the downhole direction, with effect that the modified flow control member 114M is displaced, relative to the one or more ports 118, in the downhole direction, with effect that the one or more ports 118 becomes disposed in the open condition for facilitating production. This second displacement in the downhole direction, resulting in the opening of the one or more ports 118 for facilitating production, is unimpeded, or substantially unimpeded, by interaction between the flow control member and the housing. This is because the retained frangible portion 114A functions as a stop for blocking displacement of the modified flow control member 114 through the portion of the housing which would impede its displacement.

After this second opening of the one or more ports 118, hydrocarbon material is produced from the subterranean formation 100 and to the surface 10, via the one or more ports 118 and the wellbore 102.

In some embodiments, for example, both of the opening and closing forces are applied via the Shift Frac Close™ tool available from NCS Multistage Inc.

In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the present disclosure. Although certain dimensions and materials are described for implementing the disclosed example embodiments, other suitable dimensions and/or materials may be used within the scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and variations, including all suitable current and future changes in technology, are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the present disclosure. All references mentioned are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1.-49. (canceled)

50. An apparatus for deployment in a wellbore to control flow of fluids between the wellbore and a subterranean reservoir, comprising: wherein the flow control member, the housing, and the port are co-operatively configured such that, in response to application of a sufficient force for urging displacement of the flow control member in a first direction:

a housing;

a port extending through the housing;

a passage disposed within the housing; and

a flow control member, releasably retained relative to the housing and disposed relative to the port such that the port is disposed in a closed condition, and including a frangible portion;

the flow control member becomes released from the retention relative to the housing;

after the release of the flow control member from the retention relative to the housing, the flow control member is displaced, relative to the port, in the first direction; and

during the displacement of the flow control member, relative to the port, in the first direction, the flow control member interacts with the housing such that the displacement of the flow control member is impeded.

51. The apparatus as claimed in claim 50; wherein the interaction between the flow control member and the housing, which is impeding the displacement of the flow control member, relative to the port, includes a frictional engagement.

52. The apparatus as claimed in claim 50; wherein:

the flow control member, the housing, and the port are co-operatively configured such that an opening of the port is effected during the displacement of the flow control member in the first direction.

53. The apparatus as claimed in claim 50; wherein:

the flow control member, the housing, and the port are co-operatively configured such that the displacement of the flow control member in the first direction is with effect that an opening of the port is effected such that at least about 75% of the cross-sectional area of the port is unobstructed by the flow control member.

54. The apparatus as claimed in claim 50; wherein:

the flow control member, the housing, and the port are co-operatively configured such that the displacement of the flow control member in the first direction is with effect that opening of the port is effected such that less than about 25% of the cross-sectional area of the port is occluded by the flow control member.

55. The apparatus as claimed in claim 50; wherein:

the displacement of the flow control member relative to the port is a displacement in the first direction;

the flow control member includes a frangible portion; and

the flow control member and the housing are co-operatively configured such that: in response to the displacement in the first direction, the flow control member and the housing become co-operatively disposed in an interference fit relationship; and while the flow control member is disposed in the interference fit relationship with the housing, in response to application of a sufficient force for urging displacement of the flow control member, relative to the housing, in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, the flow control member is fractured with effect that the frangible portion becomes separated from the flow control member such that a modified flow control member is obtained.

56. The apparatus as claimed in claim 55; wherein:

the flow control member is deformable; and

the flow control member and the housing are further co-operatively configured such that the flow control member is deformed during the interaction for effecting the interference-fit relationship.

57. The apparatus as claimed in claim 55; wherein the flow control member and the housing are further co-operatively configured such that, upon the separation of the frangible portion from the flow control member, the frangible portion is retained by the housing.

58. The apparatus as claimed in claim 55; wherein:

the modified flow control member is positionable relative to the port such that the port is disposed in a closed condition; and

the flow control member, the housing, and the port are further co-operatively configured such that, while the modified flow control member is disposed relative to the port such that the port is disposed in a closed condition, the modified flow control member is displaceable, relative to the port, in the first direction, with effect that the port becomes disposed in the open condition; and

there is an absence of impedance, or substantial absence of impedance, by the housing to the displacement of the modified flow control member in the first direction.

59. The apparatus as claimed in claim 50; further comprising:

one or more frangible interlocking members effecting the releasable retention of the flow control member to the housing, and configured for fracturing, in response to the sufficient urging of displacement of the flow control member in the first direction, for effecting the release of the flow control member from the retention relative to the housing.

60. The apparatus as claimed in claim 50; wherein:

the housing includes a transition portion disposed between the port and the interference fit-effecting portion, and the transition portion defines a housing passage-defining surface that is tapered inwardly, relative to the central longitudinal axis of the housing passage, in the first direction.

61. An apparatus for deployment in a wellbore to control flow of fluids between the wellbore and a subterranean reservoir, comprising: a housing including an interference fit-effecting portion; a port extending through the housing; a passage disposed within the housing; and a flow control member, releasably retained relative to the housing such that the port is disposed in a closed condition, and including a frangible portion; wherein the flow control member, the interference fit-effecting portion, and the port are co-operatively configured such that, in response to application of a sufficient force for urging displacement of the flow control member in a first direction:

the flow control member becomes released from the retention relative to the housing; and

after the release of the flow control member from the retention relative to the housing, the flow control member is displaced, relative to the port, in the first direction; and

the displacement of the flow control member, relative to the port, in the first direction includes displacement through the interference fit-effecting portion with effect that the flow control member becomes disposed in an interference fit relationship with the interference fit-effecting portion; and

while the flow control member is disposed in the interference fit relationship with the interference fit-effecting portion, in response to sufficient urging of displacement of the flow control member, relative to the port, in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, the flow control member is fractured with effect that the frangible portion becomes separated from the flow control member such that a modified flow control member is obtained.

62. The apparatus as claimed in claim 61; wherein the flow control member and the interference fit-effecting portion are further co-operatively configured such that, upon the separation of the frangible portion from the flow control member, the frangible portion is retained by the interference fit-effecting portion.

63. The apparatus as claimed in claim 62; wherein:

the flow control member, the housing, and the port are further co-operatively configured such that, while the modified flow control member is disposed relative to the port such that the port is disposed in a closed condition, in response to application of sufficient force for urging the displacement of the modified flow control member in a first direction, the modified flow control member is displaced, relative to the port, in the first direction, with effect that the modified flow control member becomes disposed in contact engagement with the retained frangible portion; and

there is an absence of impedance, or substantial absence of impedance, by the housing to the displacement of the modified flow control member in the first direction.

64. The apparatus as claimed in claim 63; wherein the displacement of the modified flow control member, relative to the port, in the first direction is with further effect that the port becomes disposed in an open condition.

65. The apparatus as claimed in claim 61; wherein:

the flow control member is deformable; and

the flow control member and the interference fit-effecting portion are further co-operatively configured such that the flow control member is deformed while being displaced, relative to the port, in the first direction.

66. The apparatus as claimed in claim 61; wherein:

the flow control member, the interference fit-effecting portion, and the port are co-operatively configured such that an opening of the port is effected during the displacement of the flow control member in the first direction.

67. A method of producing hydrocarbon-comprising material from a subterranean formation via a wellbore extending into the subterranean formation, comprising:

applying an opening force, in one of an uphole direction or a downhole direction, to a flow control member, that is being releasably retained relative to a housing, such that: (i) the flow control member is released from the retention relative to the housing, and (ii) the flow control member is displaced, relative to a port of the housing, in the one of an uphole direction and a downhole direction, such that opening of the port is effected, with effect that the port becomes disposed in an opened condition, wherein, during the displacement of the flow control member, relative to the port, in the one of an uphole direction and a downhole direction, the flow control member is interacting with the housing with effect that the displacement of the flow control member in the one of an uphole direction and a downhole direction, is impeded; and

while the port is disposed in the open condition, injecting treatment material from the wellbore, via the port, into the subterranean formation.

68. The method as claimed in claim 67; wherein:

the displacement of the flow control member, relative to the one or more ports, in the one of an uphole direction and a downhole direction, is with effect that the flow control member and the housing become co-operatively disposed in an interference-fit relationship; and

while the flow control member is disposed in the interference fit relationship with the housing, in response to the application of the closing force in the other one of an uphole direction and a downhole direction, the flow control member is fractured with effect that a frangible portion becomes separated from the flow control member and retained relative to the housing, such that a modified flow control member is displaced, relative to the port, in the other one of an uphole direction and a downhole direction, and effects the re-closing of the port.

69. The method as claimed in claim 68; wherein the flow control member that is displaced, in response to the application of the second opening force, is the modified flow control member.