Expandable Downhole Seat Assembly for Untethered Tool Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well stimulation operations face challenges in efficiently deploying and securing downhole tools without the use of conveyance lines, particularly in forming effective fluid barriers and performing operations across multiple well zones.
Innovation Solution
A segmented, expandable seat assembly is deployed into a tubing string, which radially expands to form a seat that can receive untethered objects, creating a fluid barrier or obstruction to direct fluids or perform downhole operations, and can be axially contracted to facilitate its placement and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional downhole tool is deployed using a conveyance line, then the tool can be securely positioned and operated, but the system complexity and operational time increase due to the need for line management and retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the conveyance line from the downhole tool deployment system. The seat assembly is deployed as a standalone unit that can be set and operated without requiring a conveyance line for positioning or retrieval, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly is designed to be self-sufficient in the downhole environment. Once deployed, it can be actuated and positioned using downhole actuation mechanisms without requiring external control through a conveyance line, enabling the tool to serve itself and reducing the need for complex surface-controlled systems
2Productivity
If a conventional downhole tool is deployed using a conveyance line, then the tool can be retrieved after operation, but the operational time and productivity decrease due to retrieval operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the retrieval operation from the workflow by eliminating the conveyance line dependency. The seat assembly remains deployed in the wellbore and can be actuated multiple times for multiple zones without requiring retrieval, thereby eliminating retrieval time and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly is designed with dynamic actuation capability, allowing it to be activated and deactivated multiple times for different well zones. This dynamic operation eliminates the need for physical retrieval and redeployment, saving time and improving operational efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If a seat assembly is designed to receive untethered objects for downhole operations, then the versatility and adaptability increase, but the device complexity increases due to the expandable segmented structure
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is divided into multiple segments that can radially expand from a compact configuration to a deployed configuration. This segmentation allows the assembly to be transported in a compact form and then expanded at the target location to provide the necessary operational versatility without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly transitions from a radially compact configuration during transport to a radially expanded configuration during operation. This dimensional change allows the same structure to serve dual purposes: compact transport and expanded operational functionality, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining versatility
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
Enables efficient downhole operations by securing the seat assembly to the tubing string, forming a reliable fluid barrier without the need for conveyance lines, allowing for targeted stimulation and treatment of multiple well zones with untethered objects.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of segments is adapted to expand radially outwardly from a compact configuration to a deployed configuration to form a seat in the tubing string
Implementation Method 2
A dissolvable plug may be disposed within the tubing string to prevent passage of objects through the tubing string or to prevent passage of fluids through the tubing string
Data Source
AI summary
A technique includes deploying a seat assembly having a plurality of segments into a tubing string installed in a well and expanding the seat assembly at a downhole location in the well to secure the assembly to the tubing string and form a seat that is adapted to receive an untethered object. The technique includes receiving the untethered object in the seat of the seat assembly and using the received untethered object in the seat assembly to perform a downhole operation in the well.