Cup Packer Fluid Loss Control for Upper Completion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of an intermediate completion in wells is a costly and time-consuming process, doubling the likelihood of hardware mismatch or damage due to increased equipment mating applications, and poses a risk of well control loss, despite being necessary for reliable upper completion installation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid loss control system integrated into the upper completion, featuring a tubular mandrel with a cup packer assembly and flow regulation mechanism, allows for fluid bypass during advancement and secure sealing upon delivery, eliminating the need for an intermediate completion and ensuring reliable fluid control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an intermediate completion is installed to provide reliable fluid control during upper completion installation, then fluid control reliability is improved, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fluid control function from the intermediate completion and integrates it directly into the upper completion assembly. The cup packer assembly with flow regulation mechanism is built into the upper completion, eliminating the need for a separate intermediate completion to provide fluid control during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the fluid control function with the upper completion by integrating the cup packer assembly and flow regulation mechanism into a single unified device. This combination eliminates the need for separate intermediate completion hardware and reduces the number of installation steps.
2Reliability
If an intermediate completion is installed to ensure secure platform for upper completion, then installation safety is improved, but equipment mating applications double increasing risk of mismatch or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the intermediate completion from the system, eliminating the additional mating interfaces it creates. By integrating fluid control directly into the upper completion, the number of equipment mating applications is reduced, thereby decreasing the risk of mismatch or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the fluid control function with the upper completion assembly, eliminating the need for separate intermediate hardware. This merger reduces the total number of mating interfaces and simplifies the installation process, lowering the risk of equipment damage.
3Reliability
If an intermediate completion is installed to provide permanent fluid control, then fluid control security is improved, but installation cost increases due to dedicated time-related costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the permanent fluid control function from the intermediate completion and integrates it into the upper completion assembly. This eliminates the need for a dedicated intermediate completion installation trip, reducing time-related costs while maintaining fluid control security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the permanent fluid control function with the upper completion installation process. The cup packer assembly and flow regulation mechanism are installed simultaneously with the upper completion, eliminating the need for separate intermediate completion installation and reducing overall installation time and cost.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flow regulation mechanism is added to allow bypass during advancement and seal upon delivery, then fluid control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic flow regulation mechanism that automatically transitions from an open bypass state during advancement to a closed sealed state upon delivery. The mechanism responds to operational conditions (movement vs. stationary) to regulate fluid flow appropriately, providing flexibility without requiring complex external control systems.
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 solution reduces installation time and costs by avoiding the need for an intermediate completion, minimizing the risk of hardware mismatch, and maintaining reliable fluid control during upper completion installation, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a cup packer assembly (105) configured to seal the annular space of the well
Implementation Method 2
a flow regulation mechanism (120) coupled to an underside of the assembly... allowing annular fluid to bypass the assembly during advancement yet close off flow upon delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A completions fluid loss control system for incorporation into upper completion hardware. The system allows for the avoidance of a dedicated intermediate completion installation in advance of upper completion delivery to a lower completion at a formation interface. The system includes a unique cup packer and flow regulation arrangement such that annular fluid thereabove may be isolated away from space below the system while at the same time allowing annular fluid therebelow to bypass the system. As such, the upper completion may be advanced toward the installed lower completion while maintaining well control at the noted formation interface.