Lock ring hold open device for frac sleeve

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10487622-B2
Application number	US-201715499214-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Apr 27, 2017
Priority date	Apr 27, 2017
Publication date	Nov 26, 2019
Grant date	Nov 26, 2019

Abstract

A lock ring fits into a housing recess defined by a sliding member such as a sleeve. The lock ring is loosely fitted in the recess when the sleeve is in an initial position. The lock ring is preferably smooth on an outer dimension and has a beveled end. The beveled end engages an internal taper in the housing if a force is placed on the sliding sleeve to return it toward the original position. Preferably the shifting of the sleeve to a ports open position places the ratchet on the sleeve in alignment with the lock ring to hold the sliding sleeve locked in the open position.

First claim

We claim:

1. An assembly for locking return relative movement between components of a borehole tool after allowing an initial relative movement between components, comprising:
a housing:
a member movably mounted to said housing defining a recess in between, said member comprising a part of a selectively meshing ratchet pattern;
said member comprises a sliding sleeve selectively covering at least one port in a wall of said housing; and
a lock ring loosely mounted in said recess and having a cooperatively meshing lock ring ratchet pattern, said lock ring wedging against said housing and said member on an attempt of said return relative movement, said lock ring having a smooth exterior surface opposite said ratchet pattern on an interior surface thereof.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
said lock ring comprises an end bevel.

3. The assembly of claim 2 , wherein:
said end bevel selectively contacting a mating bevel on said housing.

4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
said lock ring is guided by said housing to maintain a parallel orientation to said member while loosely mounted in said recess.

5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
said sliding sleeve further comprises a structure in a passage therethrough adapted to accept an object thereon for pressure buildup that translates said meshing ratchet pattern parts over each other.

6. The assembly of claim 5 , wherein:
said housing comprising a flowpath therethrough in alignment with said passage in said sliding sleeve.

7. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
said lock ring is continuous for 360 degrees.

8. A treatment method, comprising:
operating at a predetermined location in a borehole an assembly for locking return relative movement between components of a borehole tool after allowing an initial relative movement between said components to open access to a formation, comprising:
a housing comprising at least one port;
a member movably mounted to said housing defining a recess in between, said member comprising a part of a selectively meshing ratchet pattern;
providing a sliding sleeve as said member, said sliding sleeve selectively covering said at least one port in a wall of said housing;
a lock ring loosely mounted in said recess and having a cooperatively meshing lock ring ratchet pattern, said lock ring wedging against said housing and said member on an attempt of said return relative movement;
treating the formation through said at least one port; and
locking said member against closing said at least one port.

9. The method of claim 8 , comprising:
providing a smooth exterior surface on said lock ring opposite said ratchet pattern on an interior surface thereof.

10. The method of claim 8 , comprising:
providing an end bevel on said lock ring.

11. The method of claim 10 , comprising:
selectively contacting said end bevel to a mating bevel on said housing.

12. The method of claim 8 , comprising:
guiding said lock ring with said housing to maintain a parallel orientation to said member while said lock ring is loosely mounted in said recess.

13. The method of claim 8 , comprising:
providing a structure in a passage through said sliding sleeve adapted to accept an object thereon for pressure buildup that translates said meshing ratchet pattern parts over each other.

14. The method of claim 13 , comprising:
providing a flowpath through said housing in alignment with said passage in said sliding sleeve.

Assignees

• Baker Hughes A Ge Company
• Baker Hughes A Ge Co Llc

Inventors

• Nickles James T
• Sanchez James S
• Bocangel Wara C

Classifications

• E21B2200/06

  Sleeve valves · CPC title

• E21B34/102 Primary

  with means for locking the closing element in open or closed position (E21B34/105 and E21B34/108 take precedence) · CPC title

• E21B2034/007

  Fixed Constructions · mapped topic

• E21B43/26

  by forming crevices or fractures · CPC title

• E21B34/142 Primary

  unsupported or free-falling elements, e.g. balls, plugs, darts or pistons · CPC title