Hydraulic Lateral Locating Assembly for One-Trip Wellbore Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multilateral well systems require multiple trips and the use of additional downhole tools for accessing lateral wellbores, which are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A lateral locating assembly that includes a housing with a piston and a mandrel, allowing for angular translation and rotation of a deflection tip without the need for traditional deflectors, and a detachable whipstock with sealing capabilities that allows for a single trip to install a multilateral junction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional deflectors and multiple trips are used to access lateral wellbores, then the well system can access lateral wellbores, but the operational time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the deflector assembly and lateral locating assembly into a single integrated tool that can be deployed in one trip. The deflector assembly includes a body with a deflected portion that directly engages the lateral wellbore, eliminating the need for separate deflector and lateral locating operations. This merging of functions directly reduces operational time while maintaining the capability to access lateral wellbores.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a deflector to redirect the tool string and a lateral locating assembly to precisely position the tool in the lateral wellbore. The integrated design includes features for both deflection and lateral positioning, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and trips.
2Productivity
If multiple trips and deflectors are used, then lateral wellbores can be accessed, but the number of trips and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector assembly is pre-configured with a deflected portion at a specific angle before deployment. This preliminary configuration allows the tool to automatically engage and deflect into the lateral wellbore upon reaching the junction, eliminating the need for multiple trips to adjust or reposition tools. The preliminary action of setting the deflection angle ensures efficient one-trip access to the lateral wellbore.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional multilateral well systems are used, then lateral wellbores can be formed, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a body portion, a deflected portion, and an integrated lateral locating assembly. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of each component while maintaining the overall functionality. The modular design reduces manufacturing complexity compared to traditional multi-component systems, while the integrated design reduces operational time by eliminating the need for multiple separate tools.
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
Enables efficient access to lateral wellbores with reduced trips and costs by eliminating the need for additional downhole tools and simplifying the installation process of multilateral junctions.
Implementation Method 1
a bendable deflection tip coupled to the tubular, the bendable deflection tip configured to move between a straight position and a bent position upon the application of fluid pressure thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a lateral locating assembly, a well system, and a method. The lateral locating assembly, in at least one aspect, includes a tubular, as well as a bendable deflection tip coupled to the tubular, the bendable deflection tip configured to move between a straight position and a bent position upon the application of fluid pressure thereto. The lateral locating assembly, according to one or more aspects, further includes one or more production ports coupling an interior of the tubular and an exterior of the tubular, as well as a sliding sleeve positioned about the one or more production ports, the sliding sleeve configured to seal the one or more production ports when in a first position and expose the one or more production ports when in a second position.