Expandable Wellbore Anchor Resisting Torque and Axial Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multilateral well systems face challenges in efficiently forming and maintaining lateral wellbores, particularly in resisting torque and axial forces, which can lead to instability and reduced effectiveness in wellbore operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of an anchor system comprising a base pipe and expandable chambers, which can transition from a collapsed state to an activated state upon fluid pressure application, to securely engage the wellbore wall and support downhole tools, thereby enhancing the stability and effectiveness of lateral wellbore operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If whipstock assemblies are positioned in the casing string to form lateral wellbores, then lateral wellbore formation is enabled, but torque and axial forces cause instability and reduced effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system transitions from a collapsed state during insertion to an expanded state upon activation, dynamically adapting its structural properties to resist downhole forces. The expandable chambers inflate to increase the anchor's outer diameter, creating friction engagement with the wellbore wall that stabilizes the whipstock assembly against torque and axial forces during lateral wellbore operations.
2Productivity
If traditional anchoring systems are used, then lateral wellbores can be formed, but multiple trips are required for drilling, fracturing, and servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides anchoring, support, and stabilization functions for various wellbore operations including drilling, fracturing, and servicing. This universal application eliminates the need for multiple trips by enabling all operations to be performed from a single anchored position.
3Reliability
If expandable chambers are used to engage the wellbore wall, then stability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable chambers are nested within the anchor body structure, with chambers positioned inside the hollow interior space. This nested configuration allows the complex expandable mechanism to be integrated within a relatively simple outer structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the stability benefits of wellbore wall engagement.
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
The anchor system effectively resists significant torque and axial forces, ensuring the stability and integrity of lateral wellbores, allowing for efficient drilling, fracturing, and servicing of these wellbores in a single trip.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more expandable chambers are configured to move from a first collapsed state to a second activated state upon application of fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
the one or more expandable chambers are configured to move from a first collapsed state to a second activated state upon application of fluid pressure, the one or more expandable chambers operable to handle at least 20.7 Bar of internal pressure in the second activated state
Data Source
AI summary
Provided, in one aspect, is an anchor for use with a downhole tool in a wellbore. The anchor, according to this aspect, may include a base pipe; and one or more expandable chambers positioned radially about the base pipe. The one or more expandable chambers may, in some aspects, be configured to move from a first collapsed state to a second activated state; and the one or more expandable chambers may be operable to handle at least 20.7 Bar of internal pressure in the second activated state to engage a wall of a wellbore.