Dual Isolation Well Assembly Single-Trip Valve Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing well completion systems require multiple trips into the well to actuate valves for sealing and isolation, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially when performing operations like washdown and pressure testing.

Innovation Solution

A working string is used to actuate both a valve to seal the float shoe and a reservoir isolation valve without withdrawing from the well, allowing for simultaneous operation and multiple actuations in a single trip, utilizing a combination of inner and outer tubular strings with shifting profiles to control the valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple trips into the well are made to actuate valves for sealing and isolation, then each valve can be properly actuated, but operational efficiency is reduced and time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve actuationVSAvoidoperational trips

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple valve actuation functions into a single operational trip by using a dual tubular string system where the inner tubular string can actuate both the float shoe isolation valve and the reservoir isolation valve without requiring separate trips into the well

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The working string is segmented into inner and outer tubular strings with distinct functions - the outer tubular string provides structural support and fluid flow path, while the inner tubular string carries the shifting tool for actuating both isolation valves, allowing independent control of each valve in a single trip

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a single working string is used to actuate both valves, then operational efficiency improves, but the complexity of the working string increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidworking string structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The working string is divided into functionally distinct inner and outer tubular strings. The outer string maintains structural integrity and provides fluid flow, while the inner string houses the shifting tool mechanism, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together in a single trip operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner tubular string is nested within the outer tubular string, with the shifting tool positioned on the inner string to actuate both valves. This nested configuration allows the complex actuation mechanism to be contained within the simpler outer structural string, managing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10041332B2Dual isolation well assembly

Publication Date: 2018.08.07 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A working string is used to actuate a first valve of a completion string in a well to seal a float shoe of the completion string from a remainder of the completion string. The working string is also used to actuate a second valve of the completion string to seal the center bore of the completion string. Actuating the first valve and the second valve is performed without withdrawing the working string from the well. In certain instances, the working string is a washpipe that includes a shifting profile for each valve.