Guide Attachment for Top Drive Tubular Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional completion systems for wells with long lateral boreholes face challenges such as slow and unsafe insertion of production tubing, limited maximum horizontal insertion distance, and increased operational costs due to the need for larger and more complex rig setups, which hinder efficient hydrocarbon production, especially in densely spaced well regions.
Innovation Solution
A long lateral completion system featuring a compact mast assembly, catwalk-pipe arm, and automated control van that allows for precise alignment and automated operation of pipe handling mechanisms, enabling faster and safer insertion of tubing with reduced rig footprint, and enhanced pipe alignment and torqueing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional completion systems are used for long lateral boreholes, then the well can be completed with traditional equipment, but the insertion of production tubing becomes slow and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical tubular handling systems with a wireline-based deployment system. A deployment tool attached to production tubing is lowered into the wellbore on a wireline, allowing tubing to be inserted rapidly and safely without the hazards of conventional mechanical handling equipment in long lateral configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deployment tool as an intermediary device between the surface equipment and the production tubing. This deployment tool facilitates the controlled insertion and deployment of tubing into the long lateral borehole, enabling faster and safer operations by mediating the interaction between surface equipment and downhole components.
2Length of moving object
If conventional rig setups are used for long laterals, then the well can be completed, but the maximum horizontal insertion distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the completion system into modular components including a deployment tool, wireline system, and production tubing sections. This segmentation allows the system to achieve greater horizontal insertion distances by enabling staged deployment and reducing the complexity constraints of conventional integrated rig setups.
3Productivity
If conventional completion systems are used for long laterals, then the well can be completed, but operational costs increase due to larger and more complex rig setups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical rig setups with a wireline-based deployment system, significantly reducing the size and complexity of surface equipment required for long lateral completions. This substitution lowers operational costs while maintaining or improving productivity through faster, safer tubing insertion.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional pipe handling mechanisms are used, then the system can handle tubing, but alignment precision and torqueing capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical alignment and torqueing mechanisms with wireline-based deployment and controlled insertion methods. This allows for precise alignment through controlled lowering and positioning, reducing the need for complex mechanical alignment devices while achieving superior alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The mast assembly further includes a top drive system comprising a guide attachment for placing tubulars in axial alignment with said top drive system.