Sand Screen Assembly Alternate Path Tubes

Solution Overview

Problem

The alignment and connection of sequential alternate path tubes in sand screen assembly strings pose significant challenges, including alignment issues and high costs due to rig time requirements during assembly and deployment in wellbores.

Innovation Solution

The system facilitates the assembly and deployment of sand screen assembly strings by joining sequential base pipe joints in a way that brings corresponding alternate path tubes into close proximity, allowing for easy alignment and connection using a movably mounted connector, which simplifies the assembly process and reduces the need for conventional jumper tubes and leak-off tubes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional methods are used to connect sequential alternate path tubes during base pipe joint assembly, then the sand screen assembly string can be constructed, but alignment challenges and high rig time costs occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidrig time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The alternate path tubes are pre-positioned and pre-aligned on the base pipe joints before the joints are connected. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the base pipe joints are assembled, the alternate path tubes are already in close proximity and proper alignment, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment operations during rig assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A connector is introduced as an intermediary component to join the sequential alternate path tubes. The connector simplifies the connection process by providing a standardized interface that automatically aligns the tubes when the base pipe joints are connected, eliminating complex alignment procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sequential base pipe joints are connected to form the sand screen assembly string, then the assembly can be deployed, but alignment of alternate path tubes becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment capabilityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The alternate path tubes are pre-positioned and pre-aligned on the base pipe joints before the joints are connected. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the base pipe joints are assembled, the alternate path tubes are already in close proximity and proper alignment, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment operations during rig assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A connector is introduced as an intermediary component to join the sequential alternate path tubes. The connector simplifies the connection process by providing a standardized interface that automatically aligns the tubes when the base pipe joints are connected, eliminating complex alignment procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If alternate path tubes are connected with conventional methods, then the system functions, but erosion susceptibility increases due to flow disturbances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoiderosion susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The alternate path tubes are pre-positioned and pre-aligned on the base pipe joints before the joints are connected. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the base pipe joints are assembled, the alternate path tubes are already in close proximity and proper alignment, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment operations during rig assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A connector is introduced as an intermediary component to join the sequential alternate path tubes. The connector simplifies the connection process by providing a standardized interface that automatically aligns the tubes when the base pipe joints are connected, eliminating complex alignment procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10480293B2Tubing system having alternate path

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A technique facilitates assembly and deployment of a sand screen assembly string. The sand screen assembly string is constructed by providing sequential base pipe joints combined with corresponding alternate path tubes. The sequential base pipe joints are joined together in a manner which brings sequential, corresponding alternate path tubes into close proximity with each other at a location external to the sequential base pipe joints. The sequential, corresponding alternate path tubes are readily coupled together by a connector which is movably mounted along at least one of the alternate path tubes for movement into engagement with the other alternate path tube.