Single Trip Well Completion System Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing well completion systems require multiple trips into the wellbore for installation, increasing complexity and cost, as they typically involve separate runs for lower and upper completions.
Innovation Solution
A single trip completion system that includes a packer, screen, isolation valves, and an annulus communication valve, designed to be run as a unit downhole, minimizing the number of trips by integrating upper and lower completion functions into a single unit with a selectably releasable anchor latch and polished bore receptacle for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple trips are used to install completion equipment, then reliable installation of upper and lower completions can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines upper completion equipment and lower completion equipment into a single integrated completion string that can be installed in one trip. The upper completion includes tubing, valves, and packers that are mechanically connected to the lower completion assembly, allowing both to be run downhole as one unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation trips while maintaining the functional reliability of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion system is designed as a multi-functional assembly where the upper completion components serve both as flow control mechanisms and as structural support for the lower completion. The tubing string acts as both a fluid conduit and a mechanical anchor for the lower assembly, while the packers provide both sealing and positioning functions. This universality allows a single trip installation to achieve what traditionally required multiple specialized trips.
2Reliability
If multiple trips are used for completion installation, then proper sequencing of upper and lower completions is ensured, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The completion system is pre-assembled on the surface with all upper and lower completion components mechanically connected in the correct sequence before being run downhole. The upper completion tubing, valves, and packers are attached to the lower completion assembly in advance, ensuring proper sequencing is maintained during installation. This preliminary assembly eliminates time-consuming on-site sequencing operations while guaranteeing correct installation order.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion installation process achieves continuity by running the entire completion string from the surface to the wellbottom in a single continuous trip, eliminating interruptions between upper and lower completion installations. The single trip operation maintains continuous drilling and completion activities without the downtime required for equipment retrieval and re-deployment between trips, significantly reducing overall completion time.
3Ease of operation
If traditional separate runs are used for upper and lower completions, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The completion system is segmented into distinct upper and lower completion assemblies that are mechanically connected but can be independently designed and operated. The upper completion includes tubing and surface valves while the lower completion includes packers and formation isolation valves. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while enabling single-trip installation, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion system incorporates dynamic elements including expandable packers that can be set or released as needed, and valves that can be opened or closed during operation. The packers can be dynamically positioned to seal different zones, and the valves can be actuated to control flow at various stages. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining the benefits of single-trip installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A completion system that is usable with a well may include a packer, a screen, an isolation valve and an annulus communication valve. The screen communicates well fluid between an annulus of the well and an interior passageway of the completion system. The isolation valve is radially disposed inside the screen to control communication through the screen between the annulus and the interior passageway. The annulus communication valve is located downhole of the packer and uphole of the screen to control communication with the annulus of the well. The packer, screen, isolation valve and the annulus communication valve are adapted to be run downhole as a unit into the well as a single trip completion.