Multi-zone Well Completion System Single Trip Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Completing multiple production zones in a subterranean hydrocarbon well typically requires multiple trips, increasing completion costs and time, as each zone must be completed separately, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A well completion system that allows for the completion of two or more production zones in a single downhole trip using a completion assembly with production zone assemblies, a service tool assembly, and automatic position locating systems, enabling formation fracturing, gravel packing, and real-time pressure monitoring without the need for multiple trips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple production zones are completed separately using conventional methods, then each zone can be completed individually with standard equipment, but the number of trips increases and completion time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The completion system is divided into multiple independently operable zone assemblies, each capable of being completed separately. The system includes a first zone assembly with first production zones and a second zone assembly with second production zones, allowing each zone to be addressed individually while maintaining a single integrated tool string that eliminates the need for multiple trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool string is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform various completion operations across multiple zones simultaneously. The system can perform perforation, gravel packing, and production isolation operations in different zones using the same deployed tool string, eliminating the need to retrieve and re-deploy equipment for each zone.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple trips are made to complete each zone separately, then standard completion equipment can be used, but rig time and completion costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The completion system employs a nested structure where multiple zone assemblies are integrated within a single tool string. The first and second zone assemblies are positioned sequentially along the tool string, with each assembly containing its own production zones and completion equipment. This nested configuration allows the system to complete multiple zones without requiring multiple trips or complex equipment changes.
3Reliability
If zones are completed in separate trips, then each zone can be isolated and treated individually, but the overall completion time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes production isolation between zones using packers positioned within the zone assemblies before completion operations begin. The packers are pre-positioned to create isolated compartments for each production zone, allowing individual treatment and completion operations to proceed simultaneously or sequentially without interference between zones, all within a single trip.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved well completion system for completing two or more separate production zones in a well bore during a single downhole trip is disclosed. The improved completion system comprises a completion assembly comprising two or more production zone assemblies and a completion tool assembly. Each production zone assembly may comprise an automatic system locating assembly and at least two inverted seal systems for sealing against the tool assembly.