High-Side Energy Transfer Connections for Debris-Free Well Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
During wellbore operations such as horizontal multistage hydraulic stimulation and multistage hydraulic fracturing, debris like frac sand can interfere with energy transfer mechanisms (e.g., wet mate connections) due to their orientation on the low side of the wellbore, preventing a reliable and sealed connection.
Innovation Solution
Orienting energy transfer mechanisms to the high side of the wellbore, ensuring no portion is below a certain angle relative to gravity, such as 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock, to prevent debris from settling and interfering with coupling and decoupling, using tools like the Halliburton's Workstring Orientation Tool (WOT) for precise orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If energy transfer mechanisms are oriented on the low side of the wellbore, then installation and operation are simplified, but debris interferes with the connection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional orientation approach by positioning the energy transfer mechanism coupling interface on the high side of the wellbore instead of the low side. This inversion ensures that debris settles away from the coupling interface due to gravity, preventing interference with connection reliability while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized installation procedures
2Reliability
If energy transfer mechanisms are reoriented to the high side of the wellbore, then debris interference is prevented, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-orienting the energy transfer mechanism coupling interface to face the high side of the wellbore during manufacturing or assembly. This preliminary orientation eliminates the need for complex realignment procedures during installation, as the coupling interface is already positioned to prevent debris interference, thereby maintaining installation simplicity while ensuring connection reliability
3Reliability
If energy transfer mechanisms are oriented to prevent debris settlement, then connection reliability improves, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the energy transfer mechanism coupling interface from conventional low-side positioning to high-side positioning. This parameter change exploits gravitational forces to naturally direct debris away from the coupling interface, ensuring connection reliability is maintained without requiring additional operational time for debris management or reorientation procedures
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
Ensures reliable and sealed connections by preventing debris from interfering with energy transfer mechanisms, providing a risk-free gravel-pack completion system and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Orienting energy transfer mechanisms to the high side of the wellbore, ensuring no portion is below a certain angle relative to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a well system and a method. The well system, in one aspect, includes a wellbore extending through one or more subterranean formations, and a tubular located within the wellbore. The well system, according to one aspect, further includes an energy transfer mechanism coupled to the tubular, wherein the energy transfer mechanism is located above 3 o'clock or above 9 o'clock relative to gravity.