Fracturing port locator and isolation tool

Abstract

A wellbore fluid treatment assembly includes: a tubing string, a fluid port extending through the tubing string wall, the fluid port positioned in a shift gap created by movement of a sliding sleeve valve when opening the fluid port; and a tool for locating the fluid port in the tubing string, the tool including: a body, a locking protrusion encircling a circumference of the body, at least a portion of the locking protrusion having a length measured along the tool's long axis selected to fit into the shift gap.

1 .- 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A method for locating a fluid port in a tubing string, the fluid port being positioned in a shift gap from the inner diameter of a tubing string, the method comprising:
 determining an axial length of a shift gap in the tubing string;   selecting a tool including a tool body with an upper end, a lower end and an outer surface extending therebetween defining an outer diameter, a locking protrusion encircling a circumference of the body, the locking protrusion forming an annular protrusion on the tool with an axial length selected to be at least 60% of the known axial length, the locking protrusion being configurable between an outwardly locked mode and a collapse mode; and a setting mechanism to move the locking protrusion between the outwardly locked mode and the collapse mode;   running the tool into the tubing string to approximately the depth of the fluid port;   locating the tool adjacent the shift gap; and   locking the locking protrusion into the shift gap.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein locating includes catching the tool in the shift gap as the tool is moved through the tubing string and sensing a resulting hesitation at surface. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein locating includes catching the locking protrusion in the shift gap as the tool is moved through the tubing string and sensing a resulting hesitation at surface. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  wherein locking occurs by placing the tool in tension. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14  wherein locking occurs by placing the tool in compression. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising creating an annular seal about the tool above and/or below the locking protrusion. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein creating an annular seal includes substantially simultaneously setting a seal above the locking protrusion and a seal below the locking protrusion. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising creating an annular seal about the tool above and/or below the locking protrusion after locking. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising providing fluid communication between surface operations and an area about the locking protrusion. 
     
     
         23 .- 35 . (canceled)