Latch Collet Packer Assembly for One-Trip Multilateral Junctions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction of multilateral wells is costly due to the time-consuming number of trips required to drill and complete the well, particularly when forming multilateral junctions.
Innovation Solution
A new multilateral system incorporating a latch collet design with anti-preset features and a running tool that automatically releases upon correct engagement, allowing for a combined milling/running tool and reducing the number of trips needed to construct a multilateral junction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional multilateral well construction methods are used with separate running tools and deflector assemblies, then well construction can be performed, but the number of trips required increases significantly (4-5 trips for trilateral wells, 2+ trips for single bilateral wells)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the running tool and deflector assembly into a single integrated tool that performs both functions simultaneously. The running tool includes a body with a running portion that engages with the wellbore and a deflector portion that forms the lateral wellbore, eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing the number of trips required from 4-5 to just 1 trip for trilateral wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated running tool is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the running tool for positioning and the deflector assembly for lateral wellbore formation. The tool can be configured for different well types (trilateral, bilateral) and includes adjustable components to adapt to various wellbore conditions, making it a universal solution that reduces operational trips across different well construction scenarios.
2Reliability
If multiple separate tools are used for running and deflection operations, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall construction time and cost increase due to multiple trips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the running tool and deflector assembly into a single integrated tool that performs both functions simultaneously. The running tool includes a body with a running portion that engages with the wellbore and a deflector portion that forms the lateral wellbore, eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing the number of trips required from 4-5 to just 1 trip for trilateral wells.
3Loss of time
If a single integrated running tool is used for both running and deflection, then the number of trips is reduced to one, but the tool design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated running tool is segmented into distinct functional portions: a running portion for engaging with the wellbore and a deflector portion for forming the lateral wellbore. Each portion can be independently designed and optimized for its specific function while being integrated into a single tool body, reducing the number of trips from 4-5 to 1 trip for trilateral wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated running tool incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt during operation. The tool includes adjustable components and flexible engagement mechanisms that enable it to perform both running and deflection functions effectively, managing the complexity through dynamic adaptability rather than rigid fixed designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a downhole tool, a well system, and a method for forming a well system. The downhole tool, in one aspect, includes a latch collet including a collet body, the collet body having a plurality of collet fingers, and a mandrel positioned within the collet body. The downhole tool, according to this aspect, further includes a packer assembly positioned axially between the collet body and the mandrel, the packer assembly configured to move from a radially retracted state when the mandrel and collet body are being run-in-hole to a radially extended state when the collet body has engaged with a latching profile and weight is placed down upon the packer assembly.