One-Trip Liner Conveyed Screen System for Single-Well Completion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well completion methods in unconsolidated formations require multiple trips and equipment sets for liner placement, cementing, and gravel packing, leading to increased time, expense, and potential restrictions on well productivity due to smaller screen diameters.
Innovation Solution
A one-trip liner conveyed screen system that allows for selective flow path management through a single work string, enabling simultaneous screen positioning, liner placement, cementing, and annular barrier activation, using sliding seals, sleeves, or ports, and varying fluid pressure to facilitate larger diameter screen installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple trips are made into the well for liner placement, cementing, and gravel packing, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the total time and expense increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple well completion operations (liner placement, cementing, and gravel packing) into a single integrated system that can be performed in one trip. The work string integrates a liner conveyor, cementing equipment, and gravel packing equipment, allowing all operations to be completed sequentially without removing the work string from the well, thereby reducing rig time and operational costs
Solution Approach 2:
The work string is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations. It includes a liner conveyor for placing the liner, cementing equipment for cementing the liner annulus, and gravel packing equipment for packing the screen. This universal device eliminates the need for multiple separate equipment sets and trips
2Reliability
If multiple trips are made into the well for different operations, then each operation can be optimized with specialized equipment, but the overall expense and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated work string is divided into distinct functional segments or modules. The liner conveyor section, cementing section, and gravel packing section are separate functional units within the overall work string. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while maintaining the ability to perform all operations through a single integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple specialized equipment sets are merged into a single integrated work string. The liner conveyor, cementing equipment, and gravel packing equipment are combined in one device that can be run into the well once and used for all operations, reducing the overall complexity of managing multiple separate equipment sets
3Ease of operation
If a smaller screen diameter is used to fit through the liner, then the installation can be completed, but the well productivity is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is placed in the well first, creating a larger opening through which a larger diameter screen can be installed. This preliminary action of placing the liner before the screen allows the screen to have a larger diameter than would be possible if the screen had to be pulled through the liner after installation, thereby enhancing well productivity
4Reliability
If separate gravel packing and cementing operations are performed, then each operation can be optimized independently, but the total operational time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cementing and gravel packing operations are merged into a single integrated process. The work string includes both cementing equipment and gravel packing equipment that can be used sequentially without removing the work string from the well. This allows both operations to be performed in one trip, improving operational efficiency while maintaining the quality of each individual operation
Data Source
AI summary
A well completion assembly and method including apparatus for setting a liner hanger, screens and liner within a wellbore, performing an acid treatment and cementing a liner in a single trip.