Single-Assembly Drilling and Casing System for One-Trip Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oilfield operations require multiple trips of downhole components for drilling, casing, cementing, and perforating, which are time and resource intensive, necessitating methods that reduce the number of trips.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enable drilling, casing, cementing, and perforating to be performed in a single trip using a drillstring latched to a casing string, equipped with a drill bit, underreamer, logging tools, cement valve, perforation/stimulation tool, packers, and pressure-while-drilling tool, allowing for simultaneous operations and efficient well creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate downhole components are used for drilling, casing, cementing, and perforating operations, then each operation can be performed with specialized equipment, but the number of trips required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate downhole operations (drilling, casing, cementing, perforating) into a single integrated bottomhole assembly that can perform all functions during one trip. The BHA integrates a drill bit, casing string, cementing equipment, and perforating tools, eliminating the need for multiple separate trips and reducing time loss while maintaining operational reliability through specialized components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottomhole assembly is designed as a universal system capable of performing multiple functions simultaneously. The same BHA that drills the wellbore also installs casing, performs cementing, and conducts perforating operations. This multi-functional design allows a single assembly to replace what traditionally required four separate operations with different specialized equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple trips are conducted for different operations, then each operation can be optimized independently, but the overall productivity decreases due to repeated time investment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous productive action by performing drilling, casing, cementing, and perforating operations in an unbroken sequence during a single trip. Rather than stopping and returning to the surface between operations, the BHA maintains continuous downhole operation, eliminating non-productive trip time and significantly improving overall well creation productivity while allowing each operation to be optimized through specialized integrated components.
3Loss of time
If a single assembly performs multiple operations, then the number of trips is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex bottomhole assembly is divided into distinct functional segments or modules, each handling a specific operation (drilling segment with bit, casing segment, cementing segment with valve and packer, perforating segment). This segmentation allows the complex multi-functional system to be managed as separate manageable components that can be independently optimized and maintained, reducing the practical complexity despite the integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
Some system embodiments include: a casing string having a distal end with a latch assembly; and a drillstring latched within the casing string by the latch assembly, the drillstring having at least one tool for perforation and stimulation. A pressure while drilling tool and one or more packers may be provided in the drillstring to further enable the stimulation operation. Prior to perforation, the casing string is cemented in place via a cement valve, and the drillstring is unlatched and raised to the desired completion position. The perforation and stimulation process can be repeated to provide multiple completions. The drillstring can be removed from the borehole or seated in place to control production. Logging instruments can be included for steering and/or use in making completion decisions.