Retrievable Modular ICD Wireline Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the drilling and completion industry, in-flow control devices (ICDs) often fail due to clogging or mechanical issues, requiring costly and time-consuming repairs or replacements that involve removing the entire completion system.
Innovation Solution
A retrievable ICD design featuring a device body with a wireline connector, latch mechanism, and an equalizer member with distinct flow paths for different fluids, allowing for selective pressure control and maintenance without removing the completion system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ICD is integrated into completion system, then flow control function is improved, but repairability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ICD is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently installed in the completion system. The device body with flow control mechanism is distinct from the completion tubulars, allowing it to be segmented for easy retrieval and replacement without affecting the entire completion system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ICD is designed to be extractable from the completion system. The retrieval mechanism allows the ICD to be taken out through the tubing using wireline tools, enabling repair or replacement without removing the entire completion, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining flow control function.
2Reliability
If ICD replacement requires completion removal, then flow control reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ICD is designed to be extractable through the existing tubing using wireline retrieval tools. This allows the device to be removed and replaced without time-consuming completion dismantling, significantly reducing downtime while maintaining the ability to ensure flow control reliability through proper device selection and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
A retrieval mechanism acts as an intermediary between the ICD and the surface equipment. This mechanism enables the ICD to be accessed, retrieved, and replaced through the tubing using wireline tools, eliminating the need for completion removal and thereby reducing downtime while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If ICD replacement requires completion removal, then flow control reliability is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ICD is designed as a separate, replaceable component rather than being permanently integrated into the completion system. This segmentation allows only the ICD to be replaced when needed, avoiding the costly disposal and replacement of entire completion systems, thus reducing material loss while maintaining flow control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ICD is designed to be recoverable through the tubing using wireline tools. When the ICD fails, it can be retrieved and replaced without discarding the entire completion system. This recovering approach significantly reduces material loss and associated costs while ensuring flow control reliability through proper device replacement.
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 efficient repair or replacement of ICDs without disassembling the completion, reducing downtime and costs by allowing access and maintenance through a wireline connection, ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
an equalizer member including a first flow path for passing a first fluid and a second flow path for resisting flow of a second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A retrievable in-flow control device (ICD) including a device body having a first end, a second end, an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, and an internal flow path. A wireline connector is arranged at the first end. A latch mechanism is provided on one of the wireline connector and the device body. A flow control port extends through the outer surface to the internal flow path. An equalizer member including a first flow path for passing a first fluid and a second flow path for resisting flow of a second fluid. The retrievable ICD also includes a flow control device establishes a selected pressure drop of the first fluid through the retrievable ICD.