Latch Collet Torque 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

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional multilateral well construction methods are used, then well construction can be achieved, but the number of trips required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of tripsVSAvoidtime required for well construction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the milling operation and running tool functions into a single integrated tool assembly. The milling bit is coupled to the running tool, allowing both functions to be performed in one operational sequence, thereby reducing the number of trips required for multilateral well construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch collet is designed with pre-configured engagement features that automatically latch onto the wellbore casing upon insertion. This preliminary engagement setup eliminates the need for separate positioning and securing operations, reducing overall construction time and trips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If multiple separate operations are used for multilateral junction construction, then operational flexibility is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of separate operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The running tool is designed as a multi-functional device that performs milling, running, and latching operations simultaneously. The tool can engage with different wellbore configurations and perform multiple functions in a single operation, reducing the number of separate operations required while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automatic release mechanism is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidlatch mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch collet incorporates an automatic release mechanism that self-activates when the running tool engages with the wellbore casing. The mechanism uses the tool's own movement and engagement forces to automatically latch and release without requiring external control systems, thereby improving operational efficiency while keeping the complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12473786B2Latch collet including unique torque buttons

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

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 torque button located on a radial exterior of each of the plurality of collet fingers, wherein a width (WTB) of each of the torque buttons is within 10% of each other.