Articulating Wellbore Leg Structure for Multilateral Junctions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multilateral wellbore systems face challenges with tubing collapse and bursting due to downhole forces, impeding fluid flow through wellbore legs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of articulating structures within the wellbore legs, which allow for flexure and provide resistance to collapse and bursting, enhancing the structural integrity and fluid passageway integrity of the wellbore legs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid tubing strings are used in multilateral wellbores, then structural strength is maintained, but the tubing cannot accommodate downhole forces and may collapse or burst

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetubing integrityVSAvoidcollapse and burst resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The tubing string is divided into multiple articulating segments that can rotate relative to each other about a common axis. These segmented sections allow the tubing to flex and accommodate downhole forces while maintaining overall structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tubing string transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure capable of rotation and movement. The articulating sections enable the tubing to adapt to changing downhole conditions and forces, improving reliability without sacrificing strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If articulated segments are added to the tubing string, then flexibility and resistance to downhole forces improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidtubing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the tubing into modular articulating sections, the patent achieves flexibility while keeping each individual segment relatively simple in design. The repetitive modular nature of the segments helps manage overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The articulating sections serve multiple functions: they provide flexibility, resist collapse and burst forces, and maintain fluid flow capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, helping to control device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11788384B2Multilateral junction including articulating structure

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Provided is a wellbore leg, a multilateral junction, and well system. The wellbore leg, in one aspect, includes a tubular having a fluid passageway extending there through, and an articulating structures located within the fluid passageway. In at least one aspect, the articulating structures includes a first portion, and a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are coupled to one another and operable to rotate relative to one another.