In the petroleum industry, a sliding side door (SSD) refers to a type of equipment or mechanism, commonly used in well completion tools, particularly in downhole equipment.
- Selective Flow Control
A sliding side door is often part of a tubing string and allows operators to open or close specific flow paths in the wellbore. This helps in controlling the production of oil, gas, or water from specific zones. - Zonal Isolation and Access
It enables zonal isolation or selective production from different sections of the reservoir. Operators can open or close the door to access or shut off specific zones. - Interventionless Operations
Modern sliding side doors can often be operated without intervention, such as using shifting tools conveyed by wireline, coiled tubing, or even remotely. - Applications in Well Testing or Stimulation
SSDs are used during well testing, acidizing, or stimulation to control fluid flow to targeted zones.
These mechanisms are crucial in advanced well completions, especially in complex wells such as multilateral or horizontal wells