Downhole Deployment Assembly for Well Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for downhole deployment of well instrumentation in in situ hydrocarbon recovery operations are time-consuming and complicated, particularly when deploying heaters in the presence of a production pump, and fail to prevent formation fluids from entering coiled tubing, which can lead to serious consequences in high-temperature conditions.

Innovation Solution

An assembly and method that includes a split hanger to fix the cable assembly outside the coiled tubing, a seal to prevent formation fluid entry, and a set of connectors to connect the assembly to the coiled tubing, allowing the cable assembly to extend out and be strapped onto the production tubing, facilitating faster deployment and preventing fluid ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If MI cables are inserted into coiled tubing for heater deployment, then the deployment process becomes faster and smoother, but formation fluid can enter the coiled tubing causing serious consequences in high temperature conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidformation fluid ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A seal assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the coiled tubing and the formation fluid environment. The seal assembly includes a seal element that interfaces with the coiled tubing interior surface to create a barrier, preventing formation fluid from entering the coiled tubing while allowing the MI cables to be deployed through the coiled tubing for heater installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If heaters are deployed in presence of a production pump, then the well equipment can be installed, but the deployment process becomes time consuming and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheater installationVSAvoiddeployment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment system is segmented into distinct functional components: a seal assembly to prevent fluid ingress, a cable assembly containing MI cables for heating, and a production pump that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows the heater deployment to be performed without requiring the production pump to be removed or repositioned, simplifying the overall deployment process and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable assembly with MI cables is nested within the coiled tubing during deployment. The seal assembly is positioned within the coiled tubing interior, creating a nested configuration that allows multiple components to occupy the same spatial envelope. This nesting enables the heater system to be installed in the presence of the production pump without requiring sequential removal or repositioning of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If MI cables are allowed to move freely in coiled tubing, then thermal expansion can occur, but the cable movement can cause deployment complications and equipment hang-ups

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoiddeployment smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal assembly creates a localized sealed environment within the coiled tubing that accommodates thermal expansion of the MI cables. The seal element allows the cables to expand and contract radially while maintaining the seal integrity, preventing formation fluid ingress. This localized quality change enables thermal movement accommodation without causing deployment complications or equipment hang-ups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enables faster and safer deployment of well equipment by restricting MI cable movement due to thermal expansion, providing necessary crossovers, and preventing formation fluids from entering the coiled tubing, thus reducing the risk of equipment hang-ups and ensuring smooth operation.

Implementation Method 1

a seal connectable to the split hanger, configured to prevent formation fluid from entering the coiled tubing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

restricting movement of MI cables due to thermal expansion and/or contraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS10697249B2Method and assembly for downhole deployment of well equipment

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 SALAMANDER SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An assembly for downhole deployment of well equipment, the assembly being above a coiled tubing which receives a part of a cable assembly and below a production pump, the assembly including: a split hanger fixing the cable assembly coming out of the coiled tubing; a seal connectable to the split hanger, configured to prevent formation fluid from entering the coiled tubing. The set of connectors includes: a coiled tubing connector, configured to connect the assembly to the coiled tubing; a lower connector, an upper part of the lower connector being adapted to receive, at least in part, the split hanger and the seal; an upper connector arranged above the lower connector; an adjusting nut; the upper connector and the adjusting nut being connectable to each other, thereby fixing the assembly relative to the coiled tubing; a lower part of the upper connector having an exit enabling the cable assembly to extend out of the assembly.