Fiber Optic Completion Contraction Joint With Stroke Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contraction joints in well completions face challenges in maintaining the integrity of control lines and controlling functionality, particularly due to axial movement causing knots or tangling, and difficulty in accommodating production operations at desired depths.
Innovation Solution
A contraction joint with a stroke locking mechanism that remains locked until a desired depth is reached, featuring a shear mechanism and activation profile to ensure activation only via tension, allowing controlled expansion and contraction for production operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the contraction joint is allowed to move axially to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, then the completion string can adapt to temperature changes, but the control lines may knot or tangle due to the axial movement
Solution Approach 1:
The contraction joint is divided into separate segments (upper tubular member, mandrel, lower tubular member) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the joint to expand and contract axially while keeping control lines organized through dedicated channels, preventing knots and tangles during thermal cycling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as guide channels, fairleads, or cable management systems within the contraction joint structure. These intermediaries direct and constrain the movement of control lines during axial expansion and contraction, ensuring they remain properly routed and prevented from knotting or tangling.
2Ease of operation
If the contraction joint remains unlocked during deployment to allow movement, then installation is simplified, but unintended activation may occur before reaching the desired depth
Solution Approach 1:
The contraction joint is pre-configured with a locking mechanism that automatically engages during deployment. This preliminary locking action prevents unintended activation before the joint reaches the desired depth, while still allowing smooth installation. The lock is designed to release automatically or through a simple trigger mechanism once positioning is confirmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-activating or self-regulating based on deployment conditions. For example, the joint may automatically lock when a certain depth or tension condition is detected, eliminating the need for external control systems and reducing the risk of human error in activation timing.
3Ease of manufacture
If the contraction joint uses a simple structure to reduce complexity, then manufacturing and installation are easier, but it cannot provide sufficient control over the activation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The contraction joint employs a simple overall structure with localized complexity only where needed for the locking mechanism. The majority of the joint components remain simple and easy to manufacture, while the activation and locking zones incorporate more sophisticated features. This localized approach maintains ease of manufacture while providing sufficient control over activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A contraction joint includes an upper tubular member, an upper mandrel, a lower mandrel, a nipple housing connected to the upper tubular member, a support sleeve disposed around the upper mandrel, an activation dog disposed within the support sleeve, a lock housing disposed in an annular space between the nipple housing and the mandrel, the lock housing connecting the upper mandrel to the lower mandrel, and a stroke locking mechanism disposed within the lock housing. In the locked position, the lock housing is affixed to the support sleeve with a shear mechanism, the stroke locking mechanism is supported by the support sleeve, and a stroke locking mechanism profile and an activation profile of the activation dog prevent the nipple housing from moving.