Grooved Expandable Recess Shoe for Casing Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing expandable casing systems require an extra trip into the wellbore to create a recess in the upper casing member, leading to increased time and cost, and conventional locating devices are insufficient for accurately positioning lower casing members relative to upper casing members, often resulting in restricted diameters or breaks in the casing string.

Innovation Solution

The system involves initially forming a recess and locating profile on the first expandable casing member, which is then expanded and secured in the wellbore, allowing a second casing member to be accurately located and expanded within the recess using a running tool with a locating member, eliminating the need for additional trips and improving positioning accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If an extra trip is made to create a recess in the upper casing member, then the recess can be formed, but time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecess formationVSAvoidnumber of trips

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The recess is formed in the upper casing member before the member is expanded and installed in the wellbore. By preparing the recess in advance during the initial casing installation, the need for a separate subsequent trip to create the recess is eliminated, thus reducing time and operational costs while maintaining the required manufacturing precision for proper lower casing positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If conventional locating devices are used, then the lower casing member can be run in, but positioning accuracy is insufficient leading to restricted diameters or breaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecasing installationVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A locating profile is formed in the upper casing member that creates a precise geometric copy or template for positioning the lower casing member. This profile serves as a physical guide that ensures accurate alignment and positioning, eliminating the imprecision of conventional locating devices and preventing restricted diameters or breaks in the casing string

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 method reduces the number of trips required and enhances the accuracy of casing member positioning, thereby minimizing time and cost while ensuring a continuous and properly expanded casing string without restrictions or breaks.

Implementation Method 1

processes have been developed for the use of casing members that are radially plastically-expandable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial plastic expansion: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

A suitable locating member on the running tool string will engage the locating profile within the first casing member, thereby locating the upper end of the second casing member within the recess

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS7730955B2Grooved expandable recess shoe and pipe for deployment of mechanical positioning devices

Publication Date: 2010.06.08 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A first, expandable casing member, in an unexpanded state, is provided with a lower axial end that has a radially expanded upset or recess shoe and a locating profile. The first casing member is run into a wellbore, expanded, and secured in place within the wellbore. A second expandable casing member is then provided in an unexpanded state and disposed into the wellbore through the first casing member using a running tool. The second casing member is located with respect to the first casing member and expanded using an expansion member carried by the running tool.