Multi-function Completion Tool for Deviated Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well completion methods, such as wire-line and coiled tubing operations, are time-consuming and costly, often require specialized personnel, and are impractical for highly deviated wells, due to issues like plug sticking and pressure differentials, limiting efficient testing and production setup.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a moveable sleeve, plug, and retention assembly that allows self-filling, testing at various pressures, and formation of a positive plug, enabling unrestricted flow during production, and featuring an indicator assembly for surface confirmation of plugging configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire-line or coiled tubing operations are used for testing and completion, then the well can be tested and completed, but the operations are time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (testing, plugging, self-filling) into a single downhole tool assembly, eliminating the need for separate wire-line or coiled tubing operations. The tool integrates a packer, test valve, and plug release mechanism that can perform all necessary operations during a single tubing installation, reducing operational time from multiple specialized interventions to one continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole tool assembly serves multiple purposes: it acts as a packer to isolate the annulus, a test valve to control pressure testing, and a plug release mechanism to enable production flow. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate specialized tools and operations, allowing the same assembly to perform testing and completion functions that previously required multiple specialized interventions.
2Reliability
If wire-line or coiled tubing operations are used, then testing can be performed, but specialized personnel must be hired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (testing, plugging, self-filling) into a single downhole tool assembly, eliminating the need for separate wire-line or coiled tubing operations. The tool integrates a packer, test valve, and plug release mechanism that can perform all necessary operations during a single tubing installation, reducing operational time from multiple specialized interventions to one continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool assembly performs self-filling of the tubing string during installation by utilizing the displacement of completion fluid as the tubing is run into the well. This eliminates the need for separate manual filling operations or specialized equipment, allowing the system to service itself during the normal installation process.
3Reliability
If wire-line operations are used, then plugs can be set and retrieved, but plug sticking occurs in deviated wells
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is pre-positioned within the tool assembly during manufacturing, held in a retained position by retention elements. The plug is already in place and properly positioned before deployment, eliminating the need for separate wire-line plug setting operations that are prone to sticking in deviated wells. The preliminary positioning ensures the plug is correctly located and secured during the entire installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the wire-line mechanical retrieval system with a pressure-actuated plug release mechanism. Instead of using wire-line to mechanically retrieve the plug, the system uses pressure differentials across the plug to automatically release retention elements and enable plug discharge through the tool assembly, eliminating the mechanical retrieval operations that cause sticking in deviated wells.
4Reliability
If traditional completion methods are used, then testing can be performed, but repeated tool retrieval is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (testing, plugging, self-filling) into a single downhole tool assembly, eliminating the need for separate wire-line or coiled tubing operations. The tool integrates a packer, test valve, and plug release mechanism that can perform all necessary operations during a single tubing installation, reducing operational time from multiple specialized interventions to one continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool assembly remains in place throughout the entire completion process, performing testing operations and then transitioning to production mode without requiring retrieval. The continuous presence of the tool enables uninterrupted testing and immediate transition to production flow, eliminating the downtime and inefficiency associated with repeated tool retrieval and re-installation operations.
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
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective completion operations by reducing the need for repeated tool retrieval and specialist hiring, enabling reliable testing and production in both vertical and deviated wells, with improved pressure management and reduced operational time.
Implementation Method 1
A downhole tool is disclosed that comprises a housing having a sleeve moveably disposed therein... facilitating efficient and cost-effective completion operations by reducing the need for repeated tool retrieval and specialist hiring, enabling reliable testing and production in both vertical and deviated wells, with improved pressure management
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional completion tool which may be lowered into a wellbore coupled to a length of tubing, and then utilized to test various lengths of the tubing at pressure. The tool may also function as a positive plug and may also be used to set the packer, and is also useable as a tubing self-filling tool. Various retention elements are disposed within the tool and configured to release at predetermined pressures, or within predetermined ranges of pressure, thereby transforming the tool from a first configuration to a second configuration depending on the desired function. The tool may also contain a pressure-regulating assembly for regulating the differential pressure across the assembly. The tool may also include an indicator assembly for confirming that the tool has entered a plugging configuration, typically by altering a pressure within the tubing, such alteration being detectible at a surface location.