Retrievable Downhole Heating Assembly with Annular Connection Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole heating systems for heavy oil wells face challenges in accessing the wellbore for maintenance and installation due to the reliance on surface-powered coiled tubing deployment, which limits access after heater installation.
Innovation Solution
A heated downhole permanent completion system with upper and lower annular connection ports (ACPs) and a retrievable heating assembly conveyed via coil tubing, allowing for electrical and mechanical connection to the lower ACP, using a mineral insulated heater cable for efficient heat distribution while maintaining access for ESP system installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a downhole heating system is deployed via coiled tubing through a permanent completion, then heating capability is achieved, but access to the wellbore for maintenance and installation of other equipment (such as ESP systems) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: the permanent completion with ACPs remains fixed in the wellbore, while the heating assembly is a separate retrievable unit that can be deployed and removed independently via coiled tubing. This segmentation allows the permanent completion to remain accessible while providing heating functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating assembly transitions from a static permanently installed system to a dynamic retrievable system. The heating assembly can be deployed when heating is needed and retrieved when maintenance or ESP installation is required, making the system adaptable to different operational requirements.
2Productivity
If a retrievable ESP system is installed in a permanent completion, then production capability is improved, but installation of downhole heating systems becomes difficult without limiting well access
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into a fixed permanent completion portion and a movable heating assembly portion. This allows the ESP system to be installed in the permanent completion while the heating assembly can be independently deployed below the ESP without interfering with ESP installation or retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating assembly is positioned in a different spatial dimension (below the ESP system in the wellbore) rather than competing for the same installation space. This vertical stacking arrangement allows both the ESP system and heating assembly to coexist without interfering with each other's installation or operation.
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 effective downhole heating that increases oil production by up to five times while allowing for retrievable ESP assembly connection and maintenance access, overcoming the limitations of traditional surface-powered systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical heating element within the section of coil tubing inner bore, the electrical heating element electrically connected to the lower ACP
Data Source
AI summary
A permanent completion system is disclosed comprising: an upper ACP installed in the wellbore powered by a first power cable from the surface; a lower ACP installed in the wellbore below the upper ACP, and being powered by a second power cable from the surface and being connected to the upper APC by a spacer tube; and a heating assembly connected to the lower ACP in the wellbore and receiving power from the second power cable, the heating assembly, such as a mineral insulated heater cable, providing heat to the wellbore. The heating assembly preferably is retrievable and can be conveyed to the lower ACP by coil tubing. The coil tubing can be removed after conveying the heating assembly into place to permit further access to the upper ACP, e.g., to permit mechanical and electrical connection of a retrievable ESP assembly to the upper ACP.