Liner Top Diagnostic Tool for Sequential Packer Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for testing liner tops in oil and gas wells are time-consuming and require sequential use of different-sized test packers to diagnose leaks, making it difficult to accurately determine the location of leaks.
Innovation Solution
A single tool, the Liner Top Diagnostic Tool (LTDT), is used to test two liner tops in sequence without the need to pull out and run different-sized tools into the wellbore. The tool contains two packers with independent activation and de-activation mechanisms, allowing for simultaneous testing of both liner tops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If different-sized test packers are used sequentially to test liner tops, then the leak location can be diagnosed, but the process becomes time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test packers of different sizes into a single integrated tool that can test multiple liner tops simultaneously. The tool includes a first test packer for a first liner top and a second test packer for a second liner top, both contained within a single tool body that can be run into the wellbore once and configured to test both liner tops without requiring multiple separate tool runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tool is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple testing operations. It can activate and deactivate each packer independently, allowing the same tool to test different liner tops at different depths, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and reducing overall testing time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
2Productivity
If a single tool tests multiple liner tops, then testing time is reduced, but the tool complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into distinct functional modules, with each test packer being an independent component that can be activated and deactivated separately. This segmentation allows the complex multi-testing function to be broken down into manageable, independent units, making the overall tool design more systematic and easier to control despite the increased functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool employs dynamic activation and deactivation mechanisms for each packer, allowing the system to transition between different testing states. The packers can be independently set and released during the same tool run, providing flexible control over which liner tops are being tested at any given time, which manages the operational complexity through controlled dynamic behavior.
3Ease of operation
If conventional test packers are used, then the testing process is simple, but the ability to test both liner tops simultaneously is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tool enables continuous useful action by allowing both packers to be activated and tested during a single continuous tool run without requiring the tool to be pulled out and re-configured. The system maintains continuous downward movement through the wellbore while performing multiple testing functions, eliminating idle time between tests and maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically increasing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include a method for testing in a well. Inflow packers are run into a hole in locked position downhole. A liner top diagnostic tool is run on a drill pipe to a desired depth. A lower-packer-sized ball is dropped into the well to activate a lower inflow packer assembly. A back side of the lower inflow packer assembly is pressure-tested to ensure seal integrity. The lower inflow packer is unset by withdrawing string weight while rotating the string. The drill string is displaced to test fluid to the end of the string, and weight and rotation are applied again to set the lower inflow packer. A Homer plot is established based on an inflow test. A deactivation-sized ball is dropped to deactivate the lower include packer assembly. An upper inflow packer assembly is activated using upper-packer-sized ball. A leak is identified based on testing both liner tops.