Latch Collet Prop Buttons 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 well construction methods are used, then well construction can be completed, but the number of trips required increases construction time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the milling operation and running tool functions into a single integrated tool assembly that can perform both operations during one trip. The milling bit is integrated with the running tool, allowing the tool to mill the wellbore and then run it out in a single operational sequence, eliminating the need for separate trips for milling and running operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is pre-configured with the running tool in a ready state, allowing immediate engagement and latching upon arrival at the target depth. The anti-preset features are pre-positioned to automatically prevent premature engagement, ensuring the latch only engages when the tool reaches the correct position, thereby eliminating the need for multiple trial trips to find the correct engagement point.
2Reliability
If multiple trips are used to construct multilateral junctions, then construction can be completed, but operational efficiency decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism features automatic engagement and latching without requiring manual intervention or multiple adjustment trips. The anti-preset features automatically prevent premature engagement and ensure reliable latching only at the correct depth and orientation, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for multiple trips to verify proper engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tool assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a milling bit for creating the wellbore and a running tool for completing the wellbore, while also incorporating the latch mechanism for secure engagement. This multi-functionality allows a single tool to complete operations that traditionally required multiple separate tools and multiple trips.
3Manufacturing precision
If a latch mechanism with anti-preset features is used, then engagement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism employs asymmetric geometry where the latch element and latch groove are designed with specific non-symmetric shapes that only engage when the tool is in the correct rotational orientation and depth. The anti-preset features utilize asymmetric protrusions and recesses that prevent engagement unless precise alignment is achieved, providing inherent engagement accuracy without complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-preset features act as intermediary elements between the latch element and the running tool body, serving as intermediate structures that must be aligned for engagement to occur. These intermediary features (protrusions and recesses) mediate the engagement process by ensuring only correct positioning allows the latch to engage, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a latch collet, a well system, and a method for forming a well system. The latch collet, in one aspect, includes a collet body, the collet body having a plurality of collet fingers. The latch collet, according to this aspect, further includes a collet prop button located on a radial interior of each of the plurality of collet fingers, the collet prop button configured to engage with a profile of a mandrel for running the latch collet downhole, and configured to be propped radially outward by the mandrel to cause torque buttons located on a radial exterior of each of the plurality of fingers to remain engaged with associated alignment profiles in a latch coupling when positioned at an acceptable position downhole.