Latch Coupling With Uniform Axial Slots for 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 with separate milling and running tools, then the well can be constructed with multiple trips, but the construction time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidnumber of trips

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the milling tool and running tool into a single integrated apparatus. The milling bit assembly is coupled to the running tool, allowing both milling operations and running operations to be performed in a single trip down the wellbore. This eliminates the need for separate trips for milling and running, significantly reducing construction time and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated tool serves multiple functions: it can mill windows in the wellbore wall, run equipment through the milled windows, and perform both operations sequentially or independently. This multi-functional design allows a single tool to replace what traditionally required multiple separate tools and multiple trips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of time

If a single integrated milling/running tool is used, then the number of trips is reduced, but the tool complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of tripsVSAvoidtool complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated tool is divided into distinct functional modules: a milling bit assembly with mill body and bit, a running tool body, and a coupling mechanism. Each module can be independently designed, manufactured, and maintained. The milling bit assembly can be detached or configured independently from the running tool body, allowing for modular complexity management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool incorporates dynamic elements including a movable mill body that can rotate independently, adjustable cutting elements, and a coupling mechanism that allows the milling and running functions to be activated independently or simultaneously. This dynamic design enables the tool to adapt to different operational requirements without permanently increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12448857B2Latch coupling including unique axial alignment slots

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

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.