Junction Assembly Load Transfer Device for Single-Trip Lateral Liner Setting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The introduction and setting of a lateral liner and a transition joint in multilateral well systems often require multiple trips due to the limited axial and torsional strength of the transition joint, which is compromised by the material removal for the transition joint window, making it difficult to withstand the forces needed to set the lateral liner to the desired depth.
Innovation Solution
A junction assembly is designed with a releasably coupled running tool to an anchor above the transition joint and a load transfer device below it, allowing the lateral liner and transition joint to be introduced and set in a single trip by diverting forces away from the transition joint through the load transfer device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transition joint is designed with a window for lateral access, then connectivity and functionality are improved, but axial and torsional strength deteriorate due to material removal
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into segments: the transition joint with window for lateral access, and a separate load transfer device that carries the lateral liner. This segmentation allows the transition joint to maintain its window opening without bearing the full axial and torsional loads, which are instead transferred through the dedicated load transfer device.
Solution Approach 2:
The load transfer device acts as an intermediary between the running tool and the lateral liner, mediating the transfer of axial and torsional forces. This intermediary component protects the transition joint from excessive loads while enabling the lateral liner to be advanced through the window.
2Manufacturing precision
If the lateral liner is set to desired depth using conventional methods, then positioning accuracy is improved, but multiple trips are required increasing time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The method combines multiple operations into a single trip: the running tool simultaneously advances both the transition joint with window and the lateral liner through the window to the desired depth. This merging of operations eliminates the need for multiple separate trips while maintaining positioning accuracy through controlled force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool is pre-configured with mechanisms to advance both the transition joint and lateral liner together before deployment. The load transfer device is preliminarily positioned to ensure proper force distribution, allowing both components to be set to the correct depth in a single operation.
3Reliability
If higher forces are applied to set the lateral liner, then setting reliability is improved, but the transition joint may be damaged due to its limited strength
Solution Approach 1:
The load transfer device serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs and transfers high axial and torsional forces away from the transition joint. This allows reliable setting of the lateral liner through controlled force application via the load transfer device, preventing damage to the weaker transition joint structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-bearing function is extracted from the transition joint and assigned to a dedicated load transfer device. This extraction allows the transition joint to focus on providing lateral access connectivity without being subjected to damaging forces, while the load transfer device handles the high forces needed for reliable liner setting.
Data Source
AI summary
A junction system to line a lateral wellbore can include a junction assembly and a running tool. The junction assembly can include an anchor, a transition joint, a load transfer device, and a lateral liner. The running tool assembly can be configured to extend within a central bore of the junction assembly. The running tool assembly can include a setting tool to set the anchor and a locking device to permit transfer of axial or rotational force between the lateral liner and a work string.