Frac Window Sleeve for Multilateral Well Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in multilateral well fracturing is the necessity of using a drilling rig, which complicates operations and increases costs, especially as the number of secondary wellbores increases, due to the need for protecting existing equipment and tools within the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
A frac window system with large internal diameters and high-expansion seals allows for high-pressure fracturing operations without a drilling rig, using coiled tubing and wireline tools, enabling pressures up to 12,500-psi and accommodating larger wellbore features, such as frac plugs and straddle stimulation tools, through a frac window system designed with high-strength materials and enlarged polished bore receptacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drilling rig is used for multilateral well fracturing to protect existing equipment, then equipment protection is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a workover rig as an intermediary device that provides equipment protection and operational control during multilateral well fracturing. The workover rig serves as a mediator between the fracturing operation and existing well equipment, allowing high-pressure fracturing to occur while protecting sensitive components through its structural framework and equipment isolation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fracturing operation into distinct phases and zones, allowing different equipment configurations for different wellbores. The system divides the multilateral well system into individual fracturable zones, enabling selective fracturing of secondary wellbores while maintaining protection of the primary wellbore equipment through spatial and operational segmentation.
2Reliability
If a drilling rig is used for multilateral well fracturing, then equipment protection is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic equipment configurations that can be adjusted based on the specific fracturing needs of each secondary wellbore. The workover rig provides a flexible platform that can be dynamically repositioned and reconfigured for different fracturing operations, allowing cost-effective protection of equipment while adapting to varying operational requirements across multiple wellbores.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in equipment deployment, transitioning between different operational modes and pressure configurations. By dynamically adjusting operational parameters such as pressure, flow rate, and equipment positioning, the system achieves effective equipment protection at reduced cost compared to static, overly robust drilling rig configurations.
3Device complexity
If high-pressure fracturing operations are conducted without a drilling rig, then operational complexity is reduced, but equipment protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The workover rig functions as a critical intermediary that enables high-pressure fracturing operations without requiring a full drilling rig. It provides the necessary structural support, equipment isolation, and operational control to protect existing well equipment while maintaining reduced operational complexity compared to traditional drilling rig operations.
4Ease of operation
If smaller internal diameter equipment is used to avoid drilling rig, then equipment portability is improved, but ability to accommodate large wellbore features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested doll principles by incorporating smaller, portable fracturing equipment within the larger workover rig structure. The system allows compact, transportable fracturing tools to be nested within the workover rig framework, enabling easy deployment and portability while maintaining the overall system's capability to accommodate large wellbore features through the expanded workover rig structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional portability concerns to multi-dimensional accommodation by utilizing the vertical and radial dimensions of the workover rig structure. This allows the system to accommodate large-diameter wellbore features and various well configurations while maintaining equipment portability through strategic dimensional utilization and spatial optimization.
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 efficient and cost-effective hydraulic fracturing of multilateral wells without the need for a drilling rig, allowing for high-pressure operations and minimizing equipment damage, thus reducing operational complexity and enhancing production capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first high-expansion seal located at least partially along an outer surface of the tubular proximate the first tubular end and a second high-expansion seal located at least partially along an outer surface of the tubular proximate the second tubular end
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a frac window system, a well system, and a method. The frac window system, in at least one aspect, includes an elongated tubular having a first end and a second end with an opening defined in a wall of the elongated tubular between the first end and the second end, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the opening in the wall is configured to align with a window of a first wellbore casing, and a spacer window sleeve positioned within the elongated tubular, the spacer window sleeve including a tubular having a first tubular end and a second tubular end with a second opening defined in a second wall of the tubular between the first tubular end and the second tubular end, the second wall having a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein the second opening in the second wall is configured to at least partially align with the opening in the wall of the elongated tubular.