Shiftable Isolation Sleeve for Multilateral Wellbore Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multilateral well completions require multiple intervention trips to perform maintenance on secondary wellbores, which increases rig time and costs, and existing isolation sleeves need to be completely removed to access lower secondary wellbores, complicating operations.
Innovation Solution
A shiftable isolation sleeve that moves between open and closed positions to allow access to secondary wellbores and can be stacked without removing upper isolation sleeves, using a whipstock assembly with a helical slot to orient tools into the secondary wellbore and a unique latch key system to bypass non-matching isolation sleeves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If isolation sleeves are completely removed to access lower secondary wellbores, then access to secondary wellbores is achieved, but operational complexity increases and rig time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation sleeves are designed to be nested within the reentry window assembly, allowing them to be stacked one inside another. This nesting configuration enables multiple isolation sleeves to coexist in the primary wellbore without requiring removal of upper sleeves to access lower secondary wellbores, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation sleeves are made movable between a retracted position (occluding the window) and an extended position (exposing the window). This dynamic capability allows selective access to secondary wellbores by moving individual isolation sleeves independently, eliminating the need to remove sleeves and reducing operational complexity
2Ease of operation
If isolation sleeves are completely removed to access lower secondary wellbores, then access to secondary wellbores is achieved, but rig time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of isolation sleeves allows multiple sleeves to remain in place simultaneously, eliminating the need for repeated removal and re-installation operations. This significantly reduces rig time by allowing continuous access to different secondary wellbores without interrupting the workflow for sleeve management
Solution Approach 2:
The movable isolation sleeves enable rapid transition between isolated and accessible states without requiring complete removal. This dynamic mechanism reduces the time required for intervention operations by allowing quick positioning of individual sleeves rather than time-consuming removal and re-installation cycles
3Ease of operation
If upper isolation sleeves are removed to access lower secondary wellbores, then access to lower secondary wellbores is achieved, but the need to remove and re-install isolation sleeves complicates operations
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement allows upper isolation sleeves to remain in place while lower isolation sleeves can be independently manipulated. This eliminates the need to remove upper sleeves to access lower wellbores, and the unique latch key system enables selective engagement with specific isolation sleeves, further reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each isolation sleeve is equipped with a unique latch key configuration, segmenting the control mechanism for each sleeve. This allows individual isolation sleeves to be selectively engaged or disengaged without affecting others, enabling independent access to different secondary wellbores while maintaining the integrity of the overall system
Data Source
AI summary
A well system having primary and secondary wellbores wherein a completion sleeve is positioned in the primary wellbore and defines a window aligned with a primary wellbore casing exit and upper and lower couplings defined on opposing axial ends of the window. An isolation sleeve is positioned within the completion sleeve and defines a helical slot. The isolation sleeve is movable between a first position, where a engagement device engages the upper coupling and the isolation sleeve occludes the window, and a second position, where the isolation sleeve is moved axially within completion sleeve to expose the window and the engagement device engages the lower coupling. A whipstock assembly includes a latch key that selectively locates and engages an inner profile of the isolation sleeve to move the isolation sleeve to the second position. An orienting key mates with the helical slot to angularly orient the whipstock assembly.