Magnetically Coupled ICD Landing Nipple for Fast Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflow control devices (ICDs) in the oil and gas industry face issues such as premature failure, leakage, and the costly, time-consuming process of replacing them, which involves pulling out and replacing the entire tubing string.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable ICD system with a retrievable ICD insert that can be easily swapped with a replacement insert, utilizing magnetic coupling and hydraulic/electric actuation to control fluid flow, and incorporating a power spring for failsafe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ICDs are used, then flow control function is provided, but premature failure and leakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The ICD is divided into separate components: a landing nipple that remains in the tubing string and a retrievable insert that can be removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the insert to be changed without removing the entire ICD assembly, extending the overall system service life and improving reliability by isolating wear and failure to replaceable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrievable insert can be removed and replaced when worn or damaged, while the landing nipple remains in place. This allows selective replacement of only the failed component rather than the entire ICD system, maintaining operational reliability and extending the duration of action for the overall system.
2Ease of repair
If traditional ICD replacement is performed, then faulty ICD is replaced, but entire tubing string must be pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ICD into a permanent landing nipple and a removable insert, the system enables repair and replacement without manipulating the entire tubing string. The insert can be retrieved and replaced through the existing wellbore configuration, eliminating the need to pull out the complete tubing string for replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is designed to be extracted from the landing nipple through a retrieval mechanism, allowing the faulty component to be removed and replaced without extracting the entire ICD assembly from the wellbore. This extraction capability enables quick replacement while minimizing loss of time.
3Ease of repair
If traditional ICD replacement is performed, then faulty ICD is replaced, but costly workover unit is required
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design separates the expensive, complex landing nipple from the replaceable insert. This allows the insert to be manufactured as a simpler, more economical component that can be replaced without requiring complex workover operations, thereby reducing replacement costs while maintaining ease of repair capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is designed as a disposable or limited-life component that can be easily replaced, while the landing nipple serves as a durable, long-term element. This approach reduces overall system cost by allowing the cheaper insert to be replaced rather than the expensive landing nipple, making the repair process more economically viable.
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
The system allows for quick and cost-effective replacement of ICDs without the need for a workover unit, enhancing operational lifespan and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet in the ICD landing nipple magnetically couples to a magnet in the flow control valve, thereby moving the flow control valve to open or close a flow path through the ICD
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ICD landing nipple. The ICD landing nipple, in one aspect, includes a housing having a passageway extending from a first end to a second end thereof, one or more housing openings extending through a housing sidewall thickness for access to a subterranean formation, and an isolated chamber located in the housing. The ICD landing nipple, in accordance with this aspect, may further include an actuator positioned within the isolated chamber, and one or more landing nipple magnets coupled to the actuator within the isolated chamber, the one or more landing nipple magnets configured to move from a first landing nipple magnet state to a second landing nipple state when the actuator moves from a first actuator state to a second actuator state, the one or more landing nipple magnets configured to magnetically coupled to one or more ICD insert magnets located in the passageway.