Single Trip Completion System with Multiple Fluid Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of well completion operations are increased due to the need for multiple trips into the borehole to install completion equipment, which complicates the process of extracting hydrocarbons or injecting water into subterranean formations.
Innovation Solution
A single trip completion system that includes a packer, washdown shoe, fluid loss control device, circulation valve, formation isolation valve, and barrier component, allowing for the installation of both upper and lower completion sections in a single trip by establishing multiple fluid barriers within the borehole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple trips are used to install completion equipment, then the completion process can be performed with simpler individual operations, but the overall complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple completion operations into a single integrated completion system that can be installed in one trip. The system merges the lower completion, upper completion, packer, valves, and barrier components into a single assembled unit that is run into the borehole once, eliminating the need for multiple separate trips while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion system is divided into distinct functional segments (lower completion with screen, packer assembly, circulation valve, formation isolation valve, and barrier components) that can be independently designed and assembled, then integrated into a single installable unit. This segmentation allows for simplified individual operations while achieving complex overall functionality in one trip.
2Ease of operation
If multiple trips are used to install completion equipment, then each trip can be simpler, but the time required for completion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple completion operations into a single integrated completion system that can be installed in one trip. The system combines the lower completion, upper completion, packer, valves, and barrier components into a single assembled unit that is run into the borehole once, eliminating the need for multiple separate trips while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple trips are used to install completion equipment, then installation can be performed with simpler equipment, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple completion operations into a single integrated completion system that can be installed in one trip. The system merges the lower completion, upper completion, packer, valves, and barrier components into a single assembled unit that is run into the borehole once, eliminating the need for multiple separate trips while maintaining operational simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the number of trips required, simplifying the completion process, lowering costs, and enhancing operational efficiency by enabling the establishment of multiple fluid barriers within the borehole during a single operation.
Implementation Method 1
setting the packer via fluid pressure communicated through the circulation valve to an annulus formed in part by the completion system where the packer establishes a barrier to fluid flow in the annulus
Implementation Method 2
a circulation valve that is actuatable to permit flow of fluid from the interior space to the exterior space
Implementation Method 3
a formation isolation valve that is actuatable to form a flow barrier in the interior space
Implementation Method 4
a barrier component that is actuatable to form a flow barrier in the interior space of the tubing
Implementation Method 5
a screen that permits flow from the exterior space to the interior space
Implementation Method 6
a fluid loss control device that permits, in the exterior space, flow of fluid in an uphole direction and that hinders flow of fluid in a downhole direction
Implementation Method 7
a washdown shoe that permits flow from an interior space defined by the tubing to an exterior space
Implementation Method 8
a plug seat configured to receive a plug that hinders flow through the washdown shoe
Data Source
AI summary
A completion assembly includes tubing that defines an axis that extends from a distal shoe end to a proximal uphole end where the tubing includes: a washdown shoe; a plug seat configured to receive a plug that hinders flow through the washdown shoe; a screen; a fluid loss control device that permits, in an exterior space, flow of fluid in an uphole direction and that hinders flow of fluid in a downhole direction; a circulation valve that is actuatable to permit flow of fluid from an interior space to the exterior space; a formation isolation valve that is actuatable to form a flow barrier in the interior space; a packer that is actuatable to extend radially outwardly from the tubing to form an annular flow barrier in the exterior space; and a barrier component that is actuatable to form a flow barrier in the interior space of the tubing.