Latch Coupling Axial Alignment Slots 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, then well construction can be achieved, but the number of trips required increases significantly
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 running tool is configured to engage with the latch coupling after milling the window, eliminating the need for separate trips for these operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch coupling is pre-installed in the wellbore at the desired location before the milling operation. This preliminary positioning allows the running tool to immediately engage with the latch coupling after milling, enabling rapid transition from milling to running operations without requiring additional trips.
2Productivity
If multiple separate operations are performed for milling and running, then each operation can be optimized, but the overall construction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the milling tool and running tool into a single integrated assembly. The running tool is positioned within the milling tool housing and is configured to engage with the latch coupling through the milled window, allowing both functions to be performed with one tool during one trip.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tool assembly performs multiple functions: it mills the window through the wellbore wall and subsequently runs the completion string through the same window. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate milling and running tools, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational optimization.
3Ease of operation
If a latch coupling with unique axial alignment slots is used, then automatic engagement is achieved, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch coupling incorporates unique axial alignment slots with specific geometric configurations that differ from conventional circular or symmetric slots. These asymmetric slots work with correspondingly shaped features on the running tool to provide automatic engagement and rotational alignment, ensuring proper positioning without complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The unique axial alignment slots are designed to automatically guide and align the running tool with the latch coupling during engagement. The geometry of the slots provides self-aligning characteristics that automatically position the components correctly without requiring external alignment tools or complex operational procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a latch coupling, a well system, and a method for forming a well system. The latch coupling, in one aspect, includes a housing having an outside diameter (OD) and an inside diameter (ID). The latch coupling, according to this aspect, further includes a plurality of axial alignment slots located along the inside diameter (ID) of the housing, wherein a width (WAS) of each of the plurality of axial alignment slots is within 10% of each other.