Single Trip Liner Assembly With Spring-Loaded Latch Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liner running methods require multiple trips into the wellbore, leading to drilling and completion costs, and potential losses in depleted intervals, necessitating more efficient approaches for drilling and completing new and sidetracking existing wells.
Innovation Solution
A single trip liner setting and drilling assembly that includes a drill string with a releasable liner assembly and a latch device, allowing the liner to be coupled and decoupled from the drill string using spring-loaded latch keys and shoulders, enabling the liner to be positioned and cemented in a single operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional liner running methods are used, then the liner can be installed in the wellbore, but multiple trips are required leading to increased time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liner running operation with the drilling operation into a single integrated process. The liner hanger is conveyed on the drill string, allowing both the drill string and liner to be positioned in the wellbore simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate trips to run the liner after drilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner hanger is prepared and positioned on the drill string before the drilling operation begins. This preliminary positioning allows the liner to be ready for installation as the drill string reaches the target depth, eliminating delays associated with subsequent liner running trips.
2Productivity
If conventional liner running methods are used, then the liner can be installed, but drilling and completion costs increase due to multiple operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drilling and liner installation operations into a single trip, reducing the number of separate drilling and completion operations required. This consolidation directly reduces the energy consumption and costs associated with multiple trips, equipment mobilization, and operational downtime.
3Productivity
If the liner assembly is releasably coupled to the drill string, then the liner can be positioned in a single trip, but a complex latch device is required
Solution Approach 1:
The latch device is designed to automatically engage and lock the liner hanger to the drill string at predetermined positions during the single trip operation. The spring-loaded latch keys automatically activate when the liner hanger reaches the correct position, eliminating the need for complex manual intervention or additional control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling systems with a simpler spring-loaded latch key mechanism. The latch keys use spring force to engage with corresponding features on the drill string, providing a reliable connection without requiring elaborate mechanical structures.
4Reliability
If spring-loaded latch keys are used, then the liner assembly can be securely coupled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latch keys are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the operational conditions. The spring force provides automatic engagement when the liner hanger reaches the correct position and automatic disengagement when released, providing reliable coupling without requiring complex control systems or additional components.
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 need for multiple trips, minimizes losses, and enhances production by allowing the liner to be efficiently positioned and cemented in a single operation, thereby decreasing costs and improving well completion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more latch keys are spring-loaded
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
A liner assembly includes a drill string to drill a borehole in a formation. The liner assembly further includes a liner assembly releasably coupled to the drill string to move with the drill string in the borehole while the drill string drills, and to be released from the drill string in the borehole after the drill string drills to a depth.