Junction Isolation Tool for Multilateral Well Fracturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic fracturing operations in multilateral wells require numerous trips into the well, leading to significant time and expense due to the complexity of connecting and isolating parent and lateral wellbores.

Innovation Solution

A junction isolation tool and junction support tool system that allows for the sealing and isolation of wellbores, enabling hydraulic fracturing operations in a single run by conveying and securing downhole equipment to facilitate fluid communication and pressure injection for fracturing, while also allowing for the retrieval of completion deflector tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional plug and perforation operations are used in multilateral wells, then hydrocarbon production can be achieved, but the number of trips into the well increases significantly (up to eighteen separate runs)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon productionVSAvoidnumber of trips into the well

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple operations (plug setting, perforation, isolation, and fracturing) into a single integrated tool assembly that can be deployed in one trip. The multi-functional tool integrates a packer for isolation, a perforating gun for creating flow paths, and a fracturing mechanism, allowing all these operations to be performed sequentially during a single well intervention rather than requiring multiple separate trips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The downhole tool assembly is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple operations. It includes components that can set plugs to isolate different zones, perform perforation operations, and conduct hydraulic fracturing, all within a single deployable unit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools and trips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate runs are performed for hydraulic fracturing and plug and perforation operations, then well completion can be achieved, but operational expense increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell completionVSAvoidoperational expense

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple completion operations into a single integrated tool string that performs isolation, perforation, and fracturing in one deployment. This consolidation reduces the cumulative cost of multiple trips, including equipment mobilization, personnel time, and operational overhead, while still achieving complete well preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool assembly performs preliminary actions by setting isolation plugs and creating perforations before the hydraulic fracturing operation. This sequencing allows the wellbore to be prepared and isolated in advance, enabling the fracturing operation to proceed efficiently without requiring additional trips for setup or isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conventional isolation methods are used to seal lateral wellbores, then fluid communication can be controlled, but the complexity of connecting parent and lateral wellbores increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing and isolationVSAvoidcomplexity of connecting wellbores

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where the completion tool assembly is inserted through the parent wellbore casing into the lateral wellbore. The tool string contains nested components including inner and outer seals, movable isolation elements, and perforating mechanisms that are housed within concentric tubular structures. This nested design allows complex functions to be achieved within a compact, manageable tool profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses intermediary elements such as movable isolation plugs and seal elements that are deployed from the tool assembly into the wellbore to create fluid barriers. These intermediary components mediate between the parent and lateral wellbores, allowing controlled fluid communication without requiring permanent complex infrastructure. The plugs can be set and retrieved, providing temporary but reliable isolation during operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10538994B2Modified junction isolation tool for multilateral well stimulation

Publication Date: 2020.01.21 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method includes conveying a junction isolation tool, a junction support tool, a lateral completion assembly, and a completion deflector into a parent wellbore lined with casing. The completion deflector is coupled to the casing and the lateral completion assembly is detached and advanced into a lateral wellbore. After fracturing the lateral wellbore, the junction isolation tool is detached from the junction support tool, retracted back into the parent wellbore, and coupled to the completion deflector by advancing a stinger into an inner bore of the completion deflector. After hydraulically fracturing a lower wellbore portion of the parent wellbore, the junction isolation tool removes the completion deflector from the parent wellbore.