Lateral Orientation Device for Deviated Wellbore Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multilateral wellbore systems, existing methods face challenges in efficiently drilling new secondary wellbores while protecting existing equipment and maintaining production efficiency, especially as the number of secondary wellbores increases, due to the need for additional equipment and high-pressure operations that can damage existing casings.

Innovation Solution

A lateral orientation device is deployed in the primary wellbore, which allows for the cutting and severing of production strings, mounting a sleeve, and using a whipstock to guide cutting tools for drilling new secondary wellbores, while also enabling high-pressure pumping operations without subjecting the primary wellbore casing to excessive pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hydraulic fracturing operations are performed in multilateral wellbores with multiple secondary wellbores, then production enhancement is achieved, but the risk of damaging existing casings and equipment increases due to high pressures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction enhancementVSAvoidcasing damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wellbore system is divided into multiple isolated segments (individual secondary wellbores) using packers. This segmentation allows hydraulic fracturing to be performed in one secondary wellbore without transmitting high pressures to other secondary wellbores or the primary wellbore casing, thereby enhancing production while protecting existing casings from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Packers serve as intermediary elements that isolate different secondary wellbores from each other and from the primary wellbore. These packers prevent direct pressure transmission between wellbore segments, allowing controlled high-pressure operations in targeted zones while protecting surrounding casings and equipment from harmful pressure effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If additional equipment is installed to protect existing equipment during high-pressure operations, then equipment integrity is maintained, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment integrityVSAvoidequipment configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The work string is designed as a universal multi-functional tool that combines drilling capabilities, hydraulic fracturing capabilities, and equipment isolation functions. This single integrated device performs multiple operations without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining equipment integrity through its built-in isolation features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional elements (drilling tools, fracturing equipment, packers, and isolation mechanisms) are merged into a single integrated work string assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate equipment installations needed while providing comprehensive protection for existing casings through the integrated isolation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables the efficient drilling of new secondary wellbores while protecting existing equipment and enhancing production by allowing for controlled high-pressure operations, maintaining the integrity of the primary wellbore casing and facilitating hydraulic fracturing without damaging existing casings.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWhipstock guidance:

Implementation Method 2

facilitating hydraulic fracturing without damaging existing casings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fracturing:

Implementation Method 3

enabling high-pressure pumping operations without subjecting the primary wellbore casing to excessive pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure isolation:

Data Source

PatentUS10883313B2Apparatus and method for drilling deviated wellbores

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are described for drilling a new secondary wellbore from a primary wellbore in which a production string is already deployed. The production string is severed below a desired kick-off location for the new secondary wellbore and the upstream portion of the production string is withdrawn from the primary wellbore, thereby exposing an end of the remaining production string. A lateral orientation device (LOD) is mounted on the exposed end of the production string. The LOD includes a shoulder for seating on the exposed end, anchoring mechanism(s) to secure the LOD to adjacent tubular(s), and seals to sealingly engage adjacent tubulars. The LOD may include a contoured surface for orientation of a tool, such as a whipstock, which may be utilized to drill a new wellbore. Alternatively, a work string may be coupled with the LOD to perform pumping operations in the wellbore below the LOD.