Downhole Release Joint Radial Expansion Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for separating expanded tubing from unexpanded tubing and associated tools in hydrocarbon exploration and production are time-consuming and cause collateral damage to the casing, particularly due to the use of cutters.
Innovation Solution
A releasable joint assembly that utilizes a collet connection and expansion device to radially expand and plastically deform tubular members, allowing for the separation of unexpanded and expanded tubing strings without the need for cutters, by employing a mechanism that releases the upper tubular member as the expansion device is displaced, enabling the removal of unexpanded tubing and tools to the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cutter is used to separate the unexpanded tubular string from the expanded tubular string, then the separation can be achieved, but the operation is time-consuming and creates collateral damage to the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable connection mechanism is pre-installed at the joint between upper and lower tubular members before expansion. During the expansion process, the connection automatically releases when the lower member expands, eliminating the need for subsequent cutting operations and reducing operational time while ensuring complete separation
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular string is divided into upper and lower segments connected by a releasable connection mechanism. This segmentation allows the lower expanded tubular to separate from the upper unexpanded tubular through controlled release of the connection, avoiding the need for destructive cutting and reducing operational time
2Reliability
If a cutter is used to separate the unexpanded tubular string from the expanded tubular string, then the separation can be achieved, but collateral damage is created to the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable connection mechanism is pre-installed at the joint between upper and lower tubular members before expansion. During the expansion process, the connection automatically releases when the lower member expands, eliminating the need for subsequent cutting operations and preventing collateral damage to the casing
Solution Approach 2:
The separation function is extracted from the expansion process itself. The releasable connection mechanism enables automatic separation during expansion, removing the need for separate cutting operations that cause harmful effects to the casing
3Ease of operation
If a separate trip is made to retrieve the expansion tools using a retrieval tool, then the tools can be removed to the surface, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the upper tubular string from the lower expanded tubular string is merged with the expansion process itself. As the expansion device expands the lower tubular, the releasable connection automatically releases, allowing the upper string and expansion tools to be simultaneously removed in one operation, eliminating separate retrieval trips and reducing operational time
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 facilitates efficient separation of expanded and unexpanded tubing without collateral damage, reducing operational time and improving the efficiency of well bore operations by using a radially expandable connection that releases the upper tubular member during the expansion process.
Implementation Method 1
the tubular member plastically deforms, thereby permanently increasing both its inner and outer diameters
Implementation Method 2
the collet fingers radially expand in response to the radial expansion forces
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole releasable tubing connection includes a joint between two tubing strings, wherein one of the two tubing strings is radially expanded and plastically deformed by an expansion device. When the expansion device is moved adjacent to the joint, a mechanism in the joint reacts to the radially outward forces of the expansion device and releasably expands, separates, breaks, or otherwise provides a release between the two tubing strings. One tubing string and the expansion device can then be removed to the surface of the well bore while the expanded tubing remains installed in the well bore.