Production Inlet Assembly With Telescoping Joint Fill Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Particulates produced from a subterranean formation fill the wellbore, restricting or preventing further resource production and causing equipment damage, and existing sand catcher systems require costly and unnecessary workover operations due to uncertain fill levels.

Innovation Solution

A production inlet assembly with a telescoping joint and marker antennas allows in-situ determination of sand catcher fill levels by detecting axial translation, eliminating the need to pull the sand catcher to the surface for assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sand catcher is installed to capture particulates, then equipment damage is reduced, but workover operations become necessary when fill level is uncertain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment protectionVSAvoidworkover operation frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by installing marker antennas on the telescoping joint and using a detection device to monitor the fill level of the sand catcher. This continuous feedback allows operators to determine when the sand catcher is actually full, preventing unnecessary workover operations while ensuring equipment protection is maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of pulling out the sand catcher to check fill level with an electromagnetic detection system. The marker antenna (ferromagnetic material) interacts with the detection device (casing collar locator) to provide non-intrusive measurement, eliminating the need for mechanical retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If the sand catcher is retrieved for assessment, then fill level can be determined, but operational expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefill level informationVSAvoidoperational expenses

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection system consisting of marker antennas attached to the telescoping joint and a detection device (casing collar locator). This intermediary provides indirect measurement of fill level by detecting the position of the telescoping joint, eliminating the need for direct physical retrieval of the sand catcher.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the energy-intensive mechanical operation of pulling out the sand catcher with an electromagnetic detection system. The marker antenna (ferromagnetic material) interacts with the detection device to provide fill level information without requiring physical retrieval, significantly reducing operational expenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the telescoping joint translates axially to indicate fill level, then in-situ measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefill level monitoringVSAvoidproduction inlet assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping joint serves multiple functions: it allows the sand catcher to expand as particulates are captured, provides a mechanical indication of fill level through axial translation, and serves as a mounting structure for the marker antenna. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the magnetic properties (analogous to color changes in optical detection) of the ferromagnetic marker antenna to provide detectable signal changes. As the telescoping joint translates, the marker antenna's position changes, creating a detectable electromagnetic signal variation that indicates fill level without requiring visual inspection or complex sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

Enables cost-effective workover operations by avoiding unnecessary retrieval of partially full sand catchers, reducing operational expenses and maintaining efficient wellbore production.

Implementation Method 1

the telescoping joint is permitted to translate axially along the landing sub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAxial translation: Displacement

Implementation Method 2

the biasing member biases the telescoping joint axially uphole relative to the landing sub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiasing force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the marker antenna comprises a ferromagnetic material, and wherein (c) comprises detecting the ferromagnetic material of the marker antenna with a downhole detection device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetic detection: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12435607B2Production inlet assemblies for a subterranean wellbore

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 EOG RESOURCES

AI summary

A production inlet assembly for use within a subterranean wellbore. The production inlet assembly includes a landing sub that affixable within the wellbore, and a sand catcher including a chamber that is configured to receive particulates separated from formation fluids that enter the production inlet assembly. The production inlet assembly also includes a telescoping joint coupled between the landing sub and the sand catcher that is permitted to translate axially along the landing sub.