Nested Drilling and Completion Deflector Tool Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore servicing methods are inefficient, requiring multiple trips and increasing operating costs, especially in challenging environments like offshore drilling, due to the complexity of cutting windows and setting completion devices in multilateral junctions.
Innovation Solution
A tool assembly comprising a drilling deflector and a completion deflector, where the drilling deflector is nested within the completion deflector, allowing for simultaneous deployment and retrieval, reducing the number of trips needed by shifting the completion deflector to a position proximate to the window, and utilizing a retrieval tool to apply forces that retain and release the drilling deflector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate trips are made to deploy drilling deflector, cut window, and set completion tool, then each operation can be performed with dedicated tools, but the number of trips increases and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drilling deflector tool and completion deflector tool into a single integrated tool assembly that can be deployed in one trip. The drilling deflector is nested within the completion deflector, allowing both tools to be run together on the same workstring, eliminating the need for separate trips to deploy each tool and thereby reducing operating costs and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling deflector tool is nested within the completion deflector tool in a telescoping arrangement. The drilling deflector can be retracted into the completion deflector during deployment and then extended outward when needed to perform window cutting operations, allowing both tools to occupy the same space during different phases of the operation.
2Reliability
If drilling deflector is left in place after window cutting, then it remains available for reference, but it occupies space and may interfere with completion tool deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling deflector is designed with movable and adjustable components that allow it to be dynamically repositioned after window cutting. It can be retracted into the completion deflector or adjusted to a non-interfering position, transforming from a static obstacle to a dynamic component that adapts to different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules - the drilling deflector section and the completion deflector section - that can operate independently yet remain connected. This segmentation allows the drilling deflector to be disengaged or repositioned relative to the completion deflector, eliminating interference while maintaining operational reference capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate tools are used for drilling deflection and completion deflection, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated tool assembly incorporates universal components and mechanisms that serve multiple functions. The workstring and housing structure support both drilling deflector operations and completion deflector operations, while the telescoping coupling mechanism provides both nesting capability and operational independence, reducing overall system complexity despite maintaining function optimization.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A tool assembly is provided. The tool assembly comprises a drilling deflector (152) and a completion deflector (154), the completion deflector (154) coupled to the drilling deflector (152).