Lateral Tubing Support Structure for Stronger Multi-Lateral Junctions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-lateral junction assemblies with D-shaped tubing strings in subterranean wells face challenges in utilizing available cross-sectional area efficiently while maintaining sufficient burst and collapse strength, as D-shaped tubes have relatively low strength compared to circular tubes with equivalent cross-sectional area and wall thickness.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-lateral junction assembly with a lateral tubing support system that includes a plurality of lateral tubing supports, which are integrally formed solid bodies with passages that encircle tubing strings, increasing radial and axial compressive load ratings and allowing the use of D-shaped tubing while maintaining a smaller cross-sectional area, thereby enhancing burst and collapse strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If D-shaped tubing strings are used to reduce cross-sectional area, then the assembly can utilize more wellbore area for fluid flow, but the burst and collapse strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines D-shaped tubing with a support structure that provides additional mechanical reinforcement. The support structure acts as a composite element that compensates for the reduced strength of the D-shaped tubing, allowing the system to maintain both compact cross-sectional area and sufficient burst/collapse strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments or components that work together to reinforce the D-shaped tubing. This segmentation allows for optimized placement of reinforcement elements at critical stress points while maintaining the overall compact geometry.
2Strength
If conventional circular tubing strings are used, then the burst and collapse strength is maintained, but the cross-sectional area utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately uses asymmetric D-shaped tubing instead of conventional circular tubing. This asymmetric geometry reduces the cross-sectional area footprint while the added support structure compensates for the strength characteristics, achieving better space utilization without sacrificing structural integrity.
3Area of stationary object
If D-shaped tubing is positioned side-by-side in the wellbore, then the cross-sectional area is reduced, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the support structure with the D-shaped tubing assembly, combining multiple functions into a unified structure. The support structure serves both as reinforcement and as part of the overall assembly framework, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole apparatus can include a first lateral tubing support that comprises: a body; a first passage extending through the body; and a second passage extending through the body. The first and second passage are spaced in parallel arrangement, and the body extends continuously and uninterruptedly in a direction transverse to the parallel directions of extension of the first and second passages, from the first passage to the second passage. The lateral tubing string can also include a first tubular and a second tubular spaced in parallel arrangement. The first passage is configured to at least partially encircle the first tubular and the second passage is configured to at least partially encircle the second tubular, with the first lateral tubing support increasing a radial and/or axial compressive load rating of the lateral tubing string.