Expandable Annular Barrier Completion Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Well completion operations are cost-intensive due to expensive drilling rigs and the need to minimize rental days, with existing completion methods being slow and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A completion assembly comprising a casing string with expandable annular barriers and a drill pipe connected by a pressure creating device, allowing simultaneous expansion of the barriers to speed up the completion process, thereby reducing the required rental days of the drilling rig.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional completion methods are used, then safety requirements are met, but the completion process is slow and requires expensive drilling rigs for many days
Solution Approach 1:
The completion assembly is divided into multiple tubular sections (first tubular section, second tubular section, third tubular section) that can be independently handled and assembled. This segmentation allows the barriers to be set independently without requiring the entire assembly to be manipulated as one unit, reducing completion time while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The barriers are pre-configured within the tubular sections before being run into the wellbore. The expandable sleeves and sealing elements are already in place, ready to be activated by pressurized fluid. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly operations, reducing the time expensive drilling rigs are required while ensuring safety requirements are met
2Reliability
If traditional completion methods are used, then proper barrier installation is achieved, but the number of rental days for expensive drilling rigs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barriers are expanded using pressurized fluid delivered through the drill pipe to the tubular sections. This hydraulic expansion mechanism allows for rapid, controlled deployment of sealing barriers without requiring complex mechanical assembly operations. The first and second barriers can be expanded independently through this method, significantly increasing completion speed while ensuring reliable barrier installation
Solution Approach 2:
The barriers transition from a compact, transportable state to an expanded, functional state through controlled pressurization. This dynamic deployment allows the barriers to adapt to the wellbore geometry and achieve proper sealing without requiring precise pre-positioning or complex installation procedures, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining installation reliability
3Reliability
If multiple barriers are installed sequentially, then safety is ensured, but the completion process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The completion assembly is divided into distinct tubular sections, each containing a barrier system. The first tubular section contains the first barrier, and the second tubular section contains the second barrier. This segmentation allows each barrier to be independently activated through the drill pipe without requiring complex coordinated operations, simplifying the overall procedure while ensuring well integrity through multiple barriers
Solution Approach 2:
The drill pipe serves multiple functions: it acts as the conduit for delivering pressurized fluid to expand both barriers, provides structural support during the operation, and enables the independent activation of multiple barriers through a single access point. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional equipment and simplifies the completion procedure while maintaining well integrity
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 solution enables quicker completion operations, allowing for the disconnection of expensive drilling rigs and replacement with less expensive ones, reducing well completion costs by at least 10-15% by minimizing the number of required rental days.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure creating device fluidly connected with the second end of the drill pipe generating a fluid pressure within the drill pipe and within the casing string which is substantially greater than a formation fluid pressure for expanding the expandable sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a completion assembly for running into a borehole in a formation through a well head or blowout preventer, comprising a casing string having a first end and a second end, and a drill pipe having a first end and a second end and extending through the well head or the blowout preventer and being releasably connected at the first end with the casing string. Furthermore, the invention relates to a completion method for completing a casing string. Moreover, the invention relates to a completion kit for making a completion assembly according to the present invention.