Extendible Whipstock for Hydraulic Jetting Hose Bend Radius
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole hydraulic jetting systems are limited by the inner diameter of the wellbore, restricting the arcuate path of the jetting hose and reducing the deliverable hydraulic horsepower and specific energy to the nozzle, which hampers the efficient generation of ultra-deep perforations in hydrocarbon-producing formations.
Innovation Solution
A retractable, telescoping whipstock with a curved and cylindrical sleeve that extends beyond the wellbore's inner diameter, dynamically forming an arcuate path for the jetting hose to increase the bend radius and accommodate larger diameter hoses, allowing for greater hydraulic horsepower and specific energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the jetting hose is confined within the wellbore inner diameter, then the whipstock can be translated up and down the casing, but the arc length and bend radius available for the jetting hose are proportionally limited
Solution Approach 1:
The whipstock incorporates an extendible sleeve that can dynamically change its length between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when guiding the jetting hose). This dynamic extension allows the whipstock to provide a longer arcuate path and larger bend radius when needed, while maintaining a compact size for translation within the casing during other operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The extendible sleeve is nested within the whipstock body when in the retracted position, allowing the whipstock to maintain a compact cross-sectional profile for movement through the casing. When extension is required, the sleeve protrudes from the whipstock body to provide the additional arc length needed for larger bend radii.
2Strength
If the minimum bend radius of the jetting hose is increased to accommodate higher pressure ratings, then more reinforcement layers are required, but the arc radius required to bend the hose 90 degrees becomes proportionately larger
Solution Approach 1:
The whipstock's extendible sleeve provides a dynamic bend radius that can be increased when high-pressure hoses with large minimum bend radius requirements need to be routed. The sleeve extends to create a larger arcuate path, allowing hoses with multiple reinforcement layers to be bent at the required larger radius while still achieving the necessary directional change.
3Power
If the arc length for the jetting hose is confined within the whipstock body, then the whipstock remains compact for translation, but the deliverable hydraulic horsepower and specific energy to the nozzle are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The extendible sleeve dynamically extends to provide a longer arcuate path when high power delivery is required. This extended path allows for reduced frictional losses over the bending section and enables the use of larger diameter hoses that can deliver greater hydraulic horsepower and specific energy to the nozzle, while the sleeve retracts when these enhanced capabilities are not needed.
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
This solution enables the efficient generation of ultra-deep perforations by reducing frictional losses and increasing the rate of penetration, thereby enhancing the economic viability and efficiency of well completion operations.
Implementation Method 1
alter the trajectory of the flexible conduit such that interference will preferably be initiated between the jetting slurry and the inner surface of the well casing (or, in an open hole application, the parent borehole wall). The ensuing jetting fluid contacts and erodes the well casing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and downhole method for dynamically establishing in situ an arcuate path of up to 90° or more for a jetting hose or other flexible conduit for forming a lateral bore. The apparatus includes a whipstock comprised of one or more arcuate, telescoping segments which enable the operator to avoid the friction pressure and HHP restrictions of smaller diameter hoses, imposed due to the minimum bend radius restrictions encountered when forming the bend radius solely inside the casing of a wellbore. The apparatus can also be used with a Custom Ported Casing Collar. The hose bending path is established immediately behind the jetting nozzle as the lateral borehole is excavated. Upon retrieval of the flexible conduit and excavation device, the arced extension retracts back into the whipstock body, so as not to impede the whipstock's reorientation and/or depth relocation for forming the next mini-lateral.