Rigless Multi-Zone Sand Control Tool String
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gravel-packing techniques are inefficient in multi-zone wellbore arrangements, requiring time-consuming equipment repositioning for each zone, which hampers effective sand control and hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
A sand-control tool string with selectively activatable flow port assemblies and screen assemblies allows for simultaneous sand-control operations across multiple zones without moving the tool string, enabling rigless deployment and efficient gravel packing in both open and cased wellbores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gravel-packing techniques are used in multi-zone wellbores, then sand control can be performed in each zone, but equipment must be moved between zones which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tool string is divided into multiple independently controllable modules, each with its own flow port assembly and screen assembly for different zones. This segmentation allows each zone to be serviced independently without moving the entire tool string, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sand control effectiveness and reducing operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool string is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can perform gravel packing operations in multiple zones simultaneously. By integrating multiple flow port assemblies and screen assemblies into one tool string, it eliminates the need to reposition equipment between zones while maintaining comprehensive sand control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gravel packing equipment is moved between zones for sand control operations, then each zone can be treated individually, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires a workover rig
Solution Approach 1:
The tool string incorporates multiple independently controllable flow port assemblies, each assignable to different zones. This segmentation enables zone-specific sand control operations while maintaining high productivity, as all zones can be serviced simultaneously or sequentially without moving the tool string.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow port assemblies are selectively activatable, allowing dynamic control over which zones receive gravel packing treatment. This dynamic capability enables adaptability to different zone requirements while maintaining operational efficiency through simultaneous multi-zone treatment.
3Reliability
If conventional techniques are used requiring a workover rig, then sand control can be performed, but operational costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool string is designed as a universal device that can perform sand control operations in multiple zones without requiring a workover rig. By integrating all necessary components (flow port assemblies, screen assemblies, gravel delivery systems) into one tool string, it eliminates rig repositioning time while maintaining reliable sand control operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A rigless sand-control tool string is for use in a wellbore having plural zones. The tool string includes plural flow port assemblies, and plural screen assemblies connected to corresponding circulation port assemblies. Each set of one of the flow port assemblies and one of the screen assemblies is configured to perform sand control with respect to a corresponding zone of the wellbore. The flow port assemblies are selectively activatable to allow selective performance of sand control with respect to the corresponding zones.