Liner Conveyed Screen System for Single-Trip Well Completion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current well completion methods in unconsolidated formations require multiple trips and equipment sets for sand control and cementing operations, leading to increased time, expense, and potential restrictions on well productivity due to smaller screen diameters needed for liner installation.

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 activation of annular barriers, using sliding seals, sleeves, and fluid pressure control to facilitate a larger diameter screen installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple trips and equipment sets are used for sand control and cementing operations, then operational reliability is improved, but loss of time and operational cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidrig time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines sand control operations and cementing operations into a single trip into the wellbore. The work string is configured to perform both functions simultaneously by integrating sand control equipment and cementing equipment into one assembly, eliminating the need for multiple separate trips and reducing overall operational time while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The work string is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform sand control, cementing, and other well completion operations. By making the work string universal and capable of performing multiple functions, the system reduces the number of trips needed while ensuring all operations are completed reliably in one intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple equipment sets are used for sand control and cementing operations, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity and expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate equipment sets for sand control and cementing are merged into a single integrated work string. The patent shows how different functional components (sand control equipment, cementing equipment, and support structures) are combined into one unified assembly that can be run into the wellbore as a single unit, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining operational reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The work string is designed as a universal, multi-functional piece of equipment that can perform sand control, cementing, and other well completion tasks. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized equipment sets, reducing overall device complexity and expense while ensuring reliable completion of all operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If smaller diameter screen is installed to accommodate liner, then liner installation is enabled, but well productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliner installation capabilityVSAvoidwell productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The well completion system is segmented into different operational phases: first the liner is installed with a smaller diameter screen, then the screen is replaced with a larger diameter screen after the liner is cemented in place. This segmentation allows the liner to be installed without requiring a large screen diameter, and subsequently enables the use of a larger screen for improved productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The liner is installed and cemented in place as a preliminary action before installing the final screen. By completing the liner installation and cementing beforehand, the system creates a stable structure that can support a larger diameter screen, thereby enabling improved well productivity without compromising liner installation feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach reduces operational risks and costs by completing sand control and cementing operations in a single trip, allowing for a larger bore screen that enhances well productivity and reduces rig time, while minimizing the need for multiple equipment sets and trips.

Implementation Method 1

A compliant screen assembly can then be run below the liner into the open hole zone to provide a flow path for produced fluids from the producing formation, through the screen and liner and to the cased portion of the well

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic expansion: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A length of blank pipe may be run to provide a second casing (often referred to as a liner) in the wellbore below the existing casing to a location just above the productive formation. At least a portion of the annulus between the liner and the open hole below the casing is normally filled with cement to hold the liner in place and block annular flow of fluids around the liner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow under pressure: Pressure Gradient