Extensible Transition Joint for Control Lines at Wellbore Junctions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control lines are prone to damage when passing through junctions in wellbores due to rubbing and pinching, which can lead to cuts, abrasions, or pinching during the deployment process.
Innovation Solution
An extensible transition joint (ETJ) system is deployed using an ETJ deployment tool (ETJDT) and a completion deflector running tool (CDRT) to protect control lines by extending and retracting a telescopic member within a secondary wellbore, allowing safe passage through junctions and junctions in downhole environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control lines are positioned in lateral wellbores through junctions, then communications and control are enabled, but the control lines are prone to rubbing, pinching, cutting, and abrasion damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transition joint as an intermediary component between the primary wellbore and lateral wellbore. This transition joint includes a protective sleeve and guide features that mediate the passage of control lines, allowing them to transition smoothly from the primary wellbore into the lateral wellbore without direct contact with sharp edges or corners that would cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition joint is installed and positioned in advance before the control lines are run into the lateral wellbore. The protective sleeve and guide features are pre-positioned to create a safe pathway, eliminating the need for control lines to rub against sharp edges during installation. This preliminary preparation prevents damage before it can occur.
2Reliability
If control lines are fastened to completion string, then control line security is improved, but the control lines are pinched and crushed at the junction top edge
Solution Approach 1:
The transition joint serves as a protective intermediary between the completion string and the junction. The guide features and protective sleeve within the transition joint allow control lines to be securely fastened to the completion string without the fastening points contacting the sharp top edge of the junction, thereby preventing pinching and crushing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition joint creates an additional dimensional pathway that redirects the control lines away from the problematic top edge of the junction. By providing a three-dimensional route through the transition joint structure, the control lines can be secured without direct contact with the harmful edge, effectively adding a protective dimension to the installation process.
3Strength
If junction sides with milled edges are used, then junction structural integrity is improved, but the milled edges cut and abrade the control lines
Solution Approach 1:
The transition joint acts as a protective intermediary that shields the control lines from the harmful milled edges of the junction. The protective sleeve and guide features within the transition joint create a smooth transition pathway, allowing the junction to maintain its structural integrity with milled edges while preventing those edges from directly contacting and damaging the control lines.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to protecting a control line as it passes through a junction in a downhole environment. An ETJ deployment tool (ETJDT) comprises a tool body comprising a central bore; at least one first component and at least one second component, each component operable to extend and retract laterally from the tool body, wherein the at least one second component is disposed at an axial distance from the at least one first component along the tool body; a member disposed within the central bore and operable to move forward upon receiving fluid; and a spring disposed axially between a portion of the member and the at least one second component.