Engaging Device for Sequential Lateral Access in Tubular Completions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industries like the downhole completion industry, running a tubular into laterals within a main tubular often requires full withdrawal of the tubular from the main, leading to economic penalties due to increased labor and time costs.
Innovation Solution
An engaging device with a body disposable around a first tubular, featuring a first collet and a second collet that allows the tubular to run unaltered in one direction while altering upon passage in another direction, enabling the tubular to be run into multiple laterals without full withdrawal from the main tubular.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the tubular is fully withdrawn from the main tubular before running into laterals, then the operation can be completed with existing equipment and methods, but labor time and operational time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging device is pre-configured with collets in specific positions before being run into the main tubular. The collets are preliminarily set to engage with profiles at predetermined locations, allowing the tubular to be directed into laterals without withdrawal. This preliminary positioning of the engaging device enables sequential access to multiple laterals during a single run-in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tubular and the laterals. It includes collets that selectively engage with profiles on the main tubular and lateral tubulars, facilitating the connection and direction change without requiring full withdrawal of the tubular. This intermediary device enables the tubular to be redirected into different laterals while remaining within the main tubular.
2Loss of time
If the tubular remains in the main tubular to access multiple laterals, then labor and time costs are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the engaging mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging device is segmented into multiple collets positioned at different locations along the tubular. Each collet can independently engage with profiles at specific locations, allowing selective engagement with different laterals. This segmentation enables the device to handle multiple laterals through a single run-in operation without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging device incorporates dynamic elements that allow the collets to move between engaged and disengaged states. The collets can selectively engage with profiles when passing specific locations and disengage to allow passage through other profiles, providing dynamic control over the tubular's path into different laterals without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the engaging device allows passage through all profiles, then the tubular can access any lateral, but the device cannot prevent unwanted passages or control the sequence of lateral access
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging device utilizes asymmetric profile geometry where profiles have different characteristics in different directions. The collets are designed to engage with these asymmetric profiles, allowing passage in one direction while preventing passage in the opposite direction. This asymmetry provides inherent control over the sequence of lateral access, ensuring that laterals are accessed in the intended order without requiring additional control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The collets are preliminarily positioned and biased to engage with profiles at specific locations. As the tubular is run into the main tubular, the collets automatically engage with profiles in a predetermined sequence based on their positions and the asymmetric profile design. This preliminary positioning ensures reliable control over which laterals are accessed and in what sequence, improving the reliability of the lateral access control.
Data Source
AI summary
An engaging device includes a body selectively slidably engagable about a first tubular runnable within a second tubular. The body is runnable past at least one profile on the second tubular in a first direction during a first running and is prevented from running past the at least one profile on subsequent runs subsequent to running by the at least one profile in a second direction.