Intermediate Completion Assembly Barrier Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole fluid isolation systems, particularly in deepwater wells, are inefficient and unreliable for periodically replacing upper completion components, often requiring wireline intervention, hydraulic pressuring, or manipulation of designated tools.
Innovation Solution
A completion system with a lower completion, an intermediate completion assembly including a barrier valve and packer device that selectively impedes fluid flow and isolates the formation, allowing the barrier valve to transition between open and closed positions via an upper completion string, eliminating the need for expensive interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball-type fluid isolation valve is used to block fluid flow, then fluid isolation can be achieved, but the system requires wireline intervention, hydraulic pressuring, or manipulation of designated tools to control the valve, reducing ease of operation and increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier valve automatically closes when the upper completion string is pulled out of the borehole, eliminating the need for external wireline intervention or hydraulic pressuring. The valve self-regulates its position based on the presence or absence of the completion string, making the system self-sufficient and easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier valve transitions dynamically between open and closed positions based on the operational state. When the upper completion string is engaged, the valve opens to allow fluid flow; when the string is pulled out, the valve automatically closes to isolate the formation. This dynamic response simplifies operation compared to static ball valves requiring manual intervention.
2Reliability
If a ball-type fluid isolation valve is used, then fluid flow can be blocked, but the system is not efficient for periodically replacing portions of the upper completion, increasing loss of time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier valve automatically closes when the upper completion string is removed, enabling quick and simple replacement of completion components without requiring time-consuming wireline interventions or hydraulic operations. The self-acting mechanism eliminates the need for complex shutdown procedures during maintenance operations.
3Ease of operation
If wireline intervention or hydraulic pressuring is used to control the fluid isolation valve, then the valve can be operated, but operational costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier valve eliminates the need for wireline intervention tools, hydraulic pressing equipment, and complex control systems. The valve automatically responds to the presence or absence of the upper completion string, significantly reducing device complexity and operational costs while maintaining full valve control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A completion system includes a lower completion installed in a borehole proximate to a downhole formation. An intermediate completion assembly is included directly engaged with the lower completion. The intermediate completion assembly includes a barrier valve and packer device. The barrier valve is operatively arranged to selectively impede fluid flow through the lower completion and the packer device operatively arranged for isolating the formation. An upper completion string is included that is selectably engagable with the intermediate completion assembly. The barrier valve is operatively arranged to be transitionable to an open position when engaged with the upper completion string and transitions to a closed position via the upper completion string when the upper completion string is pulled out of the borehole. A method of completing a borehole is also included.