Expandable Completion Sleeve for Simpler Well Fluid Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packers or annular barriers in wells require complex and costly valve assemblies to shift fluid communication multiple times, necessitating costly design and testing for each borehole size, leading to high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A completion component with an expandable sleeve and a first connection part that is fixedly arranged and slidable along an axial extension, allowing for a simple shift in fluid communication, functioning as a port collar and plug, and utilizing a breakable element to create an aperture for cementing, reducing manufacturing costs without compromising reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex valve assemblies are used to shift fluid communication multiple times, then reliable fluid control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex valve assembly from the traditional packer system. Instead of using multiple valves to shift fluid communication, the invention uses a simplified design where the expandable sleeve itself, when expanded, directly establishes fluid communication between the annular space and the wellbore, removing the need for separate valve mechanisms and significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable sleeve is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides zonal isolation when deflated, establishes fluid communication when expanded, and eliminates the need for separate valve assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the system while maintaining reliable fluid control
2Adaptability or versatility
If valve assemblies are designed and tested for each borehole size, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses parameter changes in the expandable sleeve's physical state (deflated vs. expanded) to adapt to different borehole sizes and conditions. The sleeve can be deployed in a deflated state for installation and then expanded to the required diameter to establish fluid communication, allowing a single design to adapt to various borehole configurations without requiring custom valve assemblies for each size
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable sleeve transitions from a deflated state during installation to an expanded state during operation, dynamically adapting to the borehole environment. This dynamic capability allows the same component to serve multiple borehole sizes and conditions, eliminating the need for static, size-specific valve assemblies and reducing overall system complexity
3Device complexity
If the expandable sleeve is expanded without a slidable end part, then the structure is simpler, but the thinning effect during expansion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second end part is designed to slide along the axial extension during expansion, dynamically adjusting its position to reduce the thinning effect. As the sleeve expands radially, the slidable end part moves axially to maintain more uniform wall thickness distribution, preventing excessive thinning at specific locations while keeping the overall structure relatively simple
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
The solution provides a simpler and cost-effective method for shifting fluid communication, enabling efficient cementing with a single run, while minimizing thinning effects during expansion and ensuring reliable zone isolation with a permanent annular barrier.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion opening in the tubular metal part through which fluid may enter the annular space in order to expand the expandable sleeve
Implementation Method 2
the first connection part may be fixedly arranged by means of a breakable element which is breakable at predetermined differential pressure between the pressure in the annular space and the first zone
Data Source
AI summary
A completion component includes a tubular metal part, an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular metal part, an annular space between the expandable sleeve and the tubular metal part, and an expansion opening in the tubular metal part through which fluid may enter the annular space in order to expand the expandable sleeve. A first connection part is slidable along the axial extension, the second end part of the expandable sleeve abutting and being slidable in relation to the first connection part.