Retrievable Downhole Device in Completion String Side Pocket
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing completion strings in subterranean wells are costly to maintain due to the difficulty and expense of removing and replacing devices like sensors and valves, which are often damaged by extreme downhole environments and become outdated over time, necessitating a solution for retrievable and upgradable devices without the use of wirelines or coiled tubing.
Innovation Solution
Devices such as electronics modules, valve assemblies, and downhole power generators are positioned within side pockets of the completion string, allowing for retrieval and replacement using a tool that couples to the device for insertion and removal, enabling repair, replacement, or upgrading without removing the completion string, and can be self-powered or powered by a downhole generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices are permanently installed on the completion string for the life of the well, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates and loss of time increases due to costly removal and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a permanent portion (anchored to the completion string) and a removable portion (containing the retrievable component). This segmentation allows the permanent portion to remain installed for reliability while the removable portion can be exchanged for repair or upgrading, resolving the contradiction between permanent installation and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable portion is nested within or coupled to the permanent portion, allowing it to be stored and deployed within the completion string structure. This nesting enables the device to maintain a compact form factor while allowing selective removal and replacement of components without removing the entire completion string.
2Ease of repair
If the completion string is removed to replace or upgrade devices, then ease of repair is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The removable portion is extracted as a separate, independently retrievable component from the completion string. This extraction allows the device to be removed, upgraded, or repaired without removing the entire completion string, thereby maintaining well productivity while improving ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static, permanently installed configuration to a dynamic system where the removable portion can be selectively engaged and disengaged. This dynamic design enables quick replacement of components without the need for complete completion string removal, maintaining operational efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices are designed to be retrievable from the completion string, then ease of repair is improved and adaptability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism between the permanent and removable portions is designed to be universal, allowing different removable portions (sensors, valves, power generators) to be interchangeably mounted on the same completion string infrastructure. This universality provides adaptability and upgradability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same mounting interface serves multiple device types.
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore assembly can include a completion string having a side pocket. A downhole device can be positioned within the side pocket of the completion string. The downhole device can have a first end sized and shaped for coupling to a tool for inserting and removing the downhole device in the side pocket while the completion string is positioned downhole in a wellbore. The downhole device can be an electronic device.