Self-orienting Selective Lockable Latch for Downhole Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsurface operations lack efficient control over depth and azimuthal positioning of downhole devices without requiring rotation of downhole tubing, which limits the precision and flexibility in wellbore operations.
Innovation Solution
A self-orienting selective lockable latch assembly that allows for precise depth and azimuthal positioning of devices without surface rotation, utilizing a universal latch coupling system that can be locked into various orientation housings along the wellbore, enabling both upward and downward movement resistance without torque application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional anchoring devices are used in subsurface operations, then depth positioning can be controlled, but azimuthal positioning precision and operational flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly incorporates movable components including a movable wall that can shift between locked and unlocked positions, and a dog segment with movable latch keys that can engage or disengage from orientation profiles. This dynamic mechanism enables precise azimuthal positioning while maintaining operational flexibility for both setting and releasing the tool at the desired location.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation tool is divided into distinct functional segments: an orientation key for engaging with the orientation housing, a latch assembly with separate movable and stationary walls, and a dog segment with multiple latch keys. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving precise positioning control while maintaining system flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If surface rotation is used to position downhole devices, then azimuthal orientation can be achieved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly automatically orients itself by engaging the orientation key with the orientation profile in the housing. The movable wall shifts under axial load to engage the dog segment, and the latch keys automatically engage with the orientation profile features without requiring surface rotation or complex manual positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation housing and latch coupling are pre-configured with specific orientation profiles and key geometries before deployment. This preliminary configuration enables the tool to self-orient at the target depth without requiring time-consuming surface rotation operations, significantly reducing positioning time and operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal latch coupling system is implemented, then adaptability to various orientation housings is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed as a universal coupling system where the dog segment can engage with multiple different orientation profile configurations in various housing designs. The standardized interface with movable wall, dog segment, and latch key mechanism provides broad compatibility across different tool configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A well tool to be oriented and secured in a wellbore without the external application of torque, and a well system incorporating the same. After installation of orientation casing and universal latch coupling casing, the self-orienting selective lockable latch well tool is run downhole to the target depth, picked up to free the internal locking mechanism, and then loaded with downhole stress to engage the locking mechanism.