Open-hole Multilateral Junction Anchor Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current open hole wellbore anchors have limited setting range and are sensitive to variations in wellbore diameter, relying on formation strength for axial and torsional loads, and lack the ability to provide superior contact area and communication between tubing and annulus.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore anchor with a setting range of 15% or more of the run-in-hole diameter, activated by pressurized fluid in two or more separate chambers, which conforms to irregularities and provides superior axial and torsional ratings, and allows communication between tubing and annulus for fluid circulation and cementing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional open hole wellbore anchors are used, then the anchoring mechanism is simple, but the setting range is limited and sensitivity to wellbore diameter variations is high
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into multiple expandable chambers that can independently adjust to wellbore diameter variations. Each chamber can expand or contract to accommodate different wellbore sizes, providing a setting range of 15% or more of the run-in-hole diameter while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one through the introduction of expandable chambers that can change volume. These chambers allow the anchor to adapt its outer diameter dynamically to match wellbore variations, reducing sensitivity to diameter changes while maintaining anchoring capability.
2Strength
If traditional anchors relying on formation strength are used, then the anchor structure is simple, but the ability to support weaker formations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor replaces reliance on formation strength with an active mechanical expansion system. The expandable chambers provide axial and torsional support through their own structural integrity rather than depending on the formation to bear these loads, enabling support of weaker formations while maintaining superior axial and torsional ratings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional anchors are used, then the device is simple, but the ability to provide communication between tubing and annulus is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical anchoring, supports weaker formations, enables fluid circulation between tubing and annulus, and allows for cementing operations. The expandable chambers can be configured to provide communication pathways while maintaining anchoring functionality, making the device universally applicable to multiple wellbore operations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If anchors with limited setting range are used, then the device complexity is low, but the conformability to irregularities in wellbore diameter is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the anchor's chambers can expand or contract independently to conform to local irregularities in the wellbore diameter. This localized adjustment capability ensures maximum contact area with the wellbore wall across varying diameters, providing stable anchoring while accommodating wellbore imperfections.
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 anchor achieves stable anchoring in varying wellbore diameters, supports weaker formations, and enables effective fluid circulation and cementing operations, offering superior axial and torsional ratings and communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
two or more hydraulic activation chambers disposed radially about the base pipe, the two or more hydraulic activation chambers configured to move from a first collapsed state to a second activated state
Implementation Method 2
the two or more hydraulic activation chambers configured to move from a first collapsed state to a second activated state to engage with a wall of a wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
Provided, in one aspect, is a well system and a method for forming a well system. The well system, in one aspect, includes a main wellbore, the main wellbore having a main wellbore open hole section, and a lateral wellbore extending from the main wellbore, the lateral wellbore having a lateral wellbore open hole section. The well system, according to this aspect, further includes a main bore completion located within the main wellbore and a lateral bore completion located within the lateral wellbore, and a multilateral junction positioned at an intersection between the main wellbore open hole section of the main wellbore and the lateral wellbore open hole section of the lateral wellbore, the multilateral junction including a main bore leg forming a first pressure tight seal with the main bore completion and a lateral bore leg forming a second pressure tight seal with the lateral bore completion such that the main bore completion and the lateral bore completion are hydraulically isolated from one another.