Mobile Rig System for Long Lateral Wellbore Completion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current completion systems for wells with long lateral boreholes face challenges such as slow and unsafe insertion of production tubing, limited maximum horizontal insertion distance, and increased operational costs due to the need for larger and more complex rigs, which hinder efficient hydraulic fracturing and well production in low permeability reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A long lateral completion system featuring a compact mast assembly, catwalk-pipe arm, and automated pipe handling mechanisms that allow for precise alignment and insertion of tubing with reduced rig footprint, enabling faster and safer operation, and extending the reach of wellbore access while minimizing surface disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional completion systems are used for long lateral boreholes, then the well can be completed, but the insertion of production tubing is slow and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical rig systems with a mobile drilling rig that utilizes top drive technology and automated pipe handling mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical systems enables faster and safer tubing insertion by reducing manual intervention and improving control precision during the completion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion system incorporates automated pipe handling mechanisms that can independently manage tubing insertion without requiring extensive manual operation. The system serves itself by integrating functions such as automatic pipe feeding, alignment, and connection, thereby improving both speed and safety.
2Length of stationary object
If conventional rigs are used to access long lateral boreholes, then the wellbore can be accessed, but the maximum horizontal insertion distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mobile drilling rig with a top drive system that provides dynamic positioning and flexible pipe handling capabilities. This dynamic system can adapt to varying well configurations and extend the maximum horizontal insertion distance by allowing continuous pipe feeding and adjustment during the completion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile drilling rig is designed with multi-functional capabilities that combine drilling, completion, and production functions in a single system. This universality eliminates the need for multiple specialized rigs, thereby reducing overall system complexity while extending the ability to access long lateral boreholes.
3Length of stationary object
If larger and more complex rigs are used to reach longer laterals, then the reach is extended, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile drilling rig integrates multiple functions including drilling, completion, and production operations into a single platform. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized rigs for each operation, thereby reducing the quantity of equipment required and lowering operational costs while maintaining extended lateral reach capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate operations (drilling, completion, and production) into a single integrated mobile rig system. By merging these functions, the system reduces the total number of rigs needed, decreases equipment transportation and setup requirements, and lowers overall operational costs while achieving the same or greater lateral reach.
4Productivity
If conventional pipe handling methods are used, then tubing can be inserted, but the process is unsafe and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual and conventional mechanical pipe handling methods with automated top drive technology and mechanical pipe handling systems. This substitution reduces human exposure to hazardous conditions, minimizes manual intervention, and provides more precise control over the tubing insertion process, thereby improving both safety and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated pipe handling mechanisms are designed to independently manage the tubing insertion process, including pipe feeding, alignment, and connection operations. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual operation, thereby improving safety by minimizing human exposure to risks while simultaneously increasing insertion efficiency through automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for deploying a mobile rig system to a well site includes transporting a control van to the well site. A rig carrier is utilized to transport the mast assembly and position the mast adjacent a wellhead. A skid mounted pipe moving member is transported to the well site and positioned on an opposite end of the wellhead from the mast assembly. The skid is interconnected to the rig carrier for maintaining a fixed distance between the mast assembly and the pipe moving member. A carrier support member is fastened at the interconnection point and extends outward to stabilize the mast assembly. Hydraulic actuators are utilized to level the mast assembly with a ground surface.