Actuatable Deflector for Completion Sleeve in Multilateral Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling and completing multilateral wellbores is a costly and time-consuming process that requires multiple trips into the parent wellbore for various completion tasks and maintenance operations, leading to increased expenses and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a remotely, wirelessly, or mechanically actuatable deflector assembly within a completion sleeve that can move between a stowed and deployed position, allowing for reduced downhole runs by enabling full-bore access and direct deflection of downhole tools through a window in the completion sleeve, thereby eliminating the need for separate installations and retrievals of deflector assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional completion sleeve is used without an integrated deflector assembly, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but multiple separate trips into the parent wellbore are required to install and retrieve deflector assemblies, increasing time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the deflector assembly with the completion sleeve into a single integrated unit. The deflector is positioned within the completion sleeve and can be moved between stowed and deployed positions, eliminating the need for separate installation and retrieval operations. This merging reduces the number of downhole trips required while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion sleeve is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the inner passage, creates the window opening, and houses the movable deflector assembly. This multi-functionality allows a single device to perform what previously required multiple separate components and operations, thereby reducing trip count and operational complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the deflector is permanently installed in the completion sleeve, then the structure is simpler, but full-bore access through the completion sleeve is blocked, preventing direct access for downhole tools
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between a stowed position (allowing full-bore access) and a deployed position (deflecting tools through the window). This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing both access and deflection functionality without requiring permanent structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector is positioned within a dedicated pocket or recess in the completion sleeve sidewall, separating it from the main flow path when stowed. This segmentation allows the deflector to be isolated in a specific zone, enabling it to move between positions without interfering with full-bore access when retracted, while still providing effective deflection when deployed.
Data Source
AI summary
A completion sleeve includes a body that defines an inner passage and a window that provides a lateral exit from the inner passage. A deflector is positioned within the inner passage and is pivotable between a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the body, and a deployed position where the deflector is positioned to deflect downhole tools laterally through the window. An actuator is positioned within the sidewall and operatively coupled to the deflector. The actuator is actuatable to move the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions.