Downhole Tool Assembly for Seal Testing and Uncoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sealing tools in multilateral well systems face challenges in efficiently establishing and testing seals between downhole tools and receptacles, leading to inefficiencies in deployment and potential failures in maintaining the seal.
Innovation Solution
A tool assembly that couples with a downhole tool to latch into a receptacle and pressure test the seal, applying test pressure to determine seal integrity, and upon confirmation, uncouples using additional pressure to allow the tool assembly to return to the surface while the downhole tool remains sealed, or remains coupled for further investigation if the seal is not established.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tool assembly remains coupled to the downhole tool for seal testing, then seal integrity can be verified, but operational efficiency decreases due to extended downhole time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the seal test before final deployment. The tool assembly tests the seal between the downhole tool and receptacle while still coupled together, allowing verification of seal integrity before the downhole tool is permanently set in place. This prevents the need for additional trips if the seal is defective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the tool assembly from the downhole tool after successful seal verification. Once the seal is confirmed to be intact, the tool assembly can be uncoupled and returned to surface independently, while the downhole tool remains deployed. This divides the operations into distinct phases: testing together, then separating for different purposes.
2Reliability
If the tool assembly is designed to couple with downhole tools for seal testing, then seal reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple operations: it couples with the downhole tool for transport, establishes and tests the seal, and then can uncouple for return to surface. This universal design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate tools or operations into a single integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a movable piston that can be positioned in different locations within the housing. The piston moves in response to pressure changes, enabling automatic activation of the uncoupling mechanism. This dynamic behavior allows the assembly to adapt its configuration based on operational conditions rather than requiring complex manual 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 method enhances the efficiency of deploying and testing seals in multilateral well systems by ensuring reliable seal establishment and facilitating the return of the tool assembly to the surface, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
moveable in a first direction between a run-in-hole position and an actuated position in response to an application of a pre-set amount of pressure from a surface of the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
Assemblies and methods are provided for positioning a sealing tool within a receptacle and pressure testing a seal between the sealing tool and the receptacle. The assembly may be coupled to the sealing tool for latching the sealing tool into the receptacle. The assembly may include a projection that is movable between a coupled position and an uncoupled position. In the coupled position, the projection may couple the assembly to the sealing tool. In the uncoupled position, the projection may be positioned such that the assembly is not coupled to the sealing tool. The projection may move from the coupled position to the uncoupled position in response to determining a seal is established between the sealing tool and the receptacle.