Annular Restrictor Tubular String Advancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying a tubular string with a bottom hole assembly into a wellbore, especially in horizontal or inclined sections, is hindered by friction, making it difficult to advance the string further due to the weight bias in vertical sections.
Innovation Solution
An annular restrictor is used to create a pressure differential by restricting fluid flow through an annulus between the tubular string and the wellbore, generating a biasing force to displace the bottom hole assembly further into the wellbore, and optionally includes a vibratory tool, perforator, or cutting device to assist in the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a tubular string is advanced into a horizontal or inclined wellbore section, then the tubular string can be positioned in the wellbore, but friction between the tubular string and wellbore section prevents further displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic pressure differentials created by an annular restrictor to generate a biasing force that pushes the tubular string into the wellbore. Fluid is pumped through the annulus formed between the tubular string and wellbore, creating pressure differential across the annular restrictor that results in a net force directing the tubular string forward, thereby overcoming friction forces in horizontal or inclined sections.
2Force
If weight of the tubular string in vertical section acts to bias the tubular string into the wellbore, then gravitational force assists advancement, but friction in horizontal sections counteracts this force
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic pressure differentials to create an additional biasing force that supplements or replaces gravitational force. By pumping fluid through the annulus and utilizing the annular restrictor, a controlled pressure differential is established that generates a unidirectional force on the tubular string, making advancement possible even when gravitational bias is insufficient or when operating in horizontal sections where gravity provides no assistance.
3Force
If an annular restrictor is used to create pressure differential, then large downward forces can be applied to advance the tubular string, but the restrictor must be released to prevent swabbing during retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The annular restrictor is designed as a dynamic component that can change its restriction characteristics or position based on operational requirements. During advancement, the restrictor maintains a configuration that creates the pressure differential necessary for generating downward force. During retrieval, the restrictor is released or reconfigured to prevent swabbing effects, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to different operational phases without requiring permanently complex mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for the effective advancement of tubular strings and bottom hole assemblies into wellbores by applying large downward forces, enabling deeper penetration and facilitating operations like perforation and cutting, while the annular restrictor can be released to prevent swabbing during retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
An annular restrictor is used to create a pressure differential by restricting fluid flow through an annulus between the tubular string and the wellbore, generating a biasing force to displace the bottom hole assembly further into the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include an annular restrictor connected in a tubular string. The annular restrictor restricts flow through an annulus formed between the tubular string and a wellbore. Restriction to the flow through the annulus biases the tubular string into the wellbore, and fluid in the wellbore displaces into the tubular string and/or a formation penetrated by the wellbore. A method can include connecting an annular restrictor in a tubular string, and flowing a fluid through an annulus formed between the tubular string and a wellbore, thereby causing a differential pressure across the annular restrictor, the differential pressure biasing the tubular string into the wellbore. Another method can include connecting an annular restrictor in a tubular string, flowing a fluid through an annulus, thereby biasing the tubular string into a wellbore, and then causing the annular restrictor to no longer restrict flow through the annulus.