Pinching Mechanism for Intelligent Well Control Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the abandonment of reservoir zones in intelligent well completions, hydraulic control lines often spill fluid into the wellbore and experience zonal cross-flow when separated, complicating the plugging and removal process.
Innovation Solution
A control line pinching mechanism is employed within a splice sub to pinch the control lines during separation, preventing spillage and cross-flow by using a pinching sleeve and clamping sleeve mechanism that actuates upon tubing separation, allowing for controlled fluid management and abandonment without a rig.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If control lines are separated during abandonment, then tubing can be removed, but fluid spillage and zonal cross-flow occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pinching mechanism is pre-positioned on the control line before separation occurs. When tubing is removed, the pre-positioned pinching mechanism automatically activates to pinch the control line, preventing fluid spillage and cross-flow before these harmful effects can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinching mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the control line and the environment. It mediates the separation process by providing a controlled pinching action that allows tubing removal while simultaneously preventing harmful fluid leakage into the wellbore.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If control lines are pinched during separation, then fluid spillage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pinching mechanism is designed to be self-activating through the natural motion of tubing removal. As tubing is pulled away, the pinching mechanism automatically engages and pinches the control line without requiring external control systems, complex actuators, or additional operational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinching mechanism is designed as a simple, disposable component that is installed once and used for its entire service life during the abandonment process. After use, it remains on the control line as a permanent pinch, eliminating the need for complex retrieval mechanisms or repeated operations.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If pinching mechanism is installed before separation, then fluid management is controlled, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pinching mechanism installation is merged with the existing abandonment operation sequence. The mechanism is installed as part of the standard abandonment preparation process, combining multiple functions (fluid management, separation control) into a single integrated step rather than adding separate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinching mechanism is installed in advance during well preparation activities before abandonment begins. This preliminary installation allows the mechanism to be ready for immediate activation when tubing removal starts, eliminating the need for installation during the critical abandonment operation itself.
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 pinching mechanism effectively prevents fluid spillage and zonal cross-flow, enabling safe and efficient plugging and abandonment of reservoir zones without the need for a rig, ensuring reliable removal of control lines and tubing.
Implementation Method 1
the pinching sleeve contacts and radially compresses the pinching block against the control line to pinch the control line against the tubing
Data Source
AI summary
A control line pinching mechanism can include a pinching sleeve, a clamping sleeve, a tubing, a control line, and a pinching block. The clamping sleeve can have a slot. A control line can extend between the tubing and the slot of the clamping sleeve. A pinching block can be disposed within the slot of the clamping sleeve. The pinching sleeve can be movable relative to the slot from a released position to a pinching position in which the pinching sleeve contacts and radially compresses the pinching block against the control line to pinch the control line against the tubing.