Disconnectable Tubular Sub with Weak Point for Packer Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The current methods for retrieving smart completions from well laterals are time-consuming and costly, often requiring coiled tubing or specialized wireline tools due to the difficulty in uphole retrieval tension transferring to packers, which can be corroded or have rigid elastomers.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for disconnecting tubulars in a downhole environment using a weak point connection that can be released by applying uphole force, allowing for safe and quick retrieval of smart completions by exposing an extending portion for fishing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coiled tubing or specialized wireline tools are used to retrieve packers, then the retrieval can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular string is divided into segments using disconnectable subs with weak point connections. Each packer assembly can be independently disconnected and retrieved from the wellbore without requiring specialized coiled tubing or wireline tools, thereby reducing retrieval time and costs while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If coiled tubing or specialized wireline tools are used to retrieve packers, then the retrieval can be performed, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular string is divided into segments using disconnectable subs with weak point connections. Each packer assembly can be independently disconnected and retrieved from the wellbore without requiring specialized coiled tubing or wireline tools, thereby reducing retrieval time and costs while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If uphole retrieval tension is applied to packers, then the packers can be retrieved, but the tension cannot be effectively transferred due to corrosion, rigid elastomers, or difficulty in force transmission
Solution Approach 1:
Weak point connections are pre-installed in the tubular string at strategic locations. When retrieval is needed, these pre-positioned weak points allow easy disconnection without requiring forceful tension application to corroded or rigid packers, eliminating the force transmission problem while maintaining operational ease.
4Productivity
If the weak point connection is designed to release easily, then retrieval becomes quick and simple, but the connection may release unintentionally under normal operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The weak point connection incorporates a shear pin with a specific cross-sectional area and material strength that is locally weaker than the surrounding tubular components. This localized weakness allows controlled release under retrieval tension while the overall connection remains stable during normal operations, balancing retrieval speed with connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, which is for connecting a first tubular and a second tubular in a downhole environment, includes a first component having a first component uphole end and a first component downhole end. The first component uphole end includes an uphole connection configured to connect to the first tubular. The apparatus includes a second component having a second component uphole end and a second component downhole end. The second component uphole end includes an extending portion and the second component downhole end includes a downhole connection configured to connect to the second tubular. The apparatus includes a weak point connection releasably connecting the first component downhole end to the second component uphole end. The weak point connection is releasable by applying uphole force on the first tubular, and the extending portion of the second component is exposed uphole by release of the weak point connection.