Downhole Tool Joint Positioning for Single-Trip Section Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools require multiple trips to set multiple sections, increasing operational complexity and costs in multilateral operations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a first section and a second section connected by a joint providing at least two degrees of freedom, allowing for the tool to be anchored and sealed in place with a single trip, enabling independent setting of the second section without hydraulic connections to the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple trips are used to set multiple sections, then each section can be properly anchored and sealed, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple section-setting operations into a single trip by providing a tool with a first section and a second section that can both be set during one continuous operation. The tool integrates seal and seal anchor mechanisms for both sections, eliminating the need for separate trips to set each section individually, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable setting of both sections.
2Reliability
If multiple trips are used to set multiple sections, then each section can be properly positioned, but time and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tool merges the positioning and setting operations for both the first section and the second section into a single trip. By integrating the positioning mechanisms and setting operations for both sections within one tool assembly, the patent enables simultaneous or sequential setting of both sections during one continuous operation, significantly improving operational efficiency while ensuring accurate positioning of each section.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed with preliminary positioning capabilities that allow both sections to be positioned and set during a single trip. The first section is positioned and set first, followed by the positioning and setting of the second section, all within one continuous operation. This preliminary action approach eliminates the need for multiple trips, thereby improving productivity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Productivity
If a single trip is used to set both sections, then operational efficiency improves, but the tool requires complex joint mechanisms with multiple degrees of freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic joint mechanism connecting the first section and the second section, allowing the joint to provide at least two degrees of freedom. This dynamic capability enables the tool to navigate and position both sections effectively during a single trip, accommodating various wellbore configurations while maintaining operational efficiency. The joint mechanism's ability to move in multiple directions compensates for the increased device complexity by enabling versatile positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is segmented into a first section and a second section connected by a joint, allowing each section to be independently positioned and set. The joint mechanism provides the necessary degrees of freedom to accommodate the segmented structure, enabling the tool to navigate complex wellbore paths while maintaining the ability to set both sections during a single trip, thus improving operational efficiency despite the increased structural complexity.
4Device complexity
If hydraulic connections to surface are eliminated, then tool simplicity and cost are reduced, but the ability to set sections independently is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with self-service capabilities that eliminate the need for hydraulic connections to the surface for setting both sections. The tool integrates all necessary setting mechanisms, including seals and seal anchors, within the tool assembly itself, allowing both sections to be set autonomously during a single trip. This self-service design reduces device complexity by eliminating external hydraulic connections while maintaining the adaptability to set both sections independently through integrated positioning and setting mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A borehole tool, including a first section having a seal and a seal anchor, a second section attached to the first section by a joint having at least two degrees of freedom. A method for positioning and setting a downhole tool, including running a tool to a target location, setting the seal anchor, setting the seal packer, and positioning the second section by manipulating the joint. A wellbore system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string in the borehole, and a downhole tool, disposed within or as a part of the string.