Hydraulic Internal Seal Receptacle Single Trip Completion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well completion systems face challenges with premature or accidental activation of spacing devices, leading to increased stress on long production tubing strings due to temperature changes, and require multiple trips for completion operations, which are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The Hydraulic Internal Seal Receptacle (HISR) assembly provides a spacing mechanism that maintains its length during deployment and can be hydraulically actuated to relieve stress, allowing relative movement between components, while also enabling multiple completion operations in a single trip without requiring rotation, using a shearable anchor latch and indexing mule shoe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spacing device is provided using shear pins to activate the spacing function, then the spacing device can be activated, but it may be accidentally actuated by contacting unanticipated debris or obstruction downhole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the piston and seal assembly) between the external environment and the shear pins. Hydraulic pressure must be applied through this intermediary system to transfer force to the shear pins, preventing direct contact activation by debris. The seal assembly acts as a gatekeeper that only allows controlled hydraulic pressure transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical connection (debris contacting shear pins) with a hydraulic system. Instead of mechanical force from debris directly acting on the shear pins, hydraulic pressure is used as an intermediary medium to transmit force in a controlled manner, substituting uncontrolled mechanical interaction with controlled hydraulic actuation.
2Productivity
If multiple completion operations are performed in separate trips into the wellbore, then each function can be performed thoroughly, but it adds significant cost and time to the completion project
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple completion operations (spacing function, aligning production tubing in packer, and locking production string into packer) into a single integrated tool assembly that can perform all functions during one trip into the wellbore. The tool combines the spacing device, alignment mechanism, and locking mechanism into one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal completion tool that performs multiple functions: it provides the spacing function through shear pin activation, aligns the production tubing within the packer using the indexing mule shoe, and locks the production string into the packer using the shearable anchor latch. This multi-functional tool eliminates the need for separate specialized tools for each operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the HISR assembly is run in with constant length, then it maintains stability during deployment, but it cannot compensate for expansion and contraction of long tubing strings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the assembly from a static constant-length structure to a dynamic system that can change length. The piston and seal assembly enables the HISR to extend or contract by allowing relative movement between its components when hydraulic pressure is applied, transforming it from a rigid structure to an adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the length parameter of the HISR assembly from fixed to variable. By introducing the hydraulic piston mechanism, the assembly's length can be adjusted in response to temperature-induced expansion or contraction of the tubing strings, allowing the parameter to adapt to changing conditions.
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
The HISR assembly effectively reduces stress on production tubing by compensating for length changes and allows for single-trip completion operations, reducing costs and time, and can be used in deepwater wells and installations where rotation is not possible.
Implementation Method 1
Upon the application of hydraulic pressure, the piston is moved relative to the mandrel assembly
Implementation Method 2
the temperature of the strings increases. This increase in temperature leads to concomitant increase in the length of the string
Data Source
AI summary
An upper-completion single trip system is described which includes a hydraulic internal seal receptacle assemble. The HISR assembly includes an overshot assembly selectively connected to a mandrel assembly. Once fully actuated, relative axial motion therebetween is allowed, which provides a spacer apparatus for the tubing above and below the HISR assembly. A shearable anchor latch as well as an indexing mule shoe are also provided in the HISR system, which allow multiple completion steps to be performed in a single trip. The HISR system is particularly well-suited for installation of permanent downhole gauges or intelligent systems—installations where rotation of pipe is prohibited. The system is also particularly well-suited for submersible pumps. A method of performing multiple completion activities in a single trip is also described.