Slanting Conductor Casing via Eccentric Casing Shoe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching conductor casings to the seabed during petroleum well establishment are unreliable and insufficient in resisting fatigue forces, particularly when the well pipes need to be diverted from a vertical direction.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that allow the conductor casing to be slanted by using a supporting pipe with an eccentric casing shoe and guide plate, enabling the casing to be inserted into the seabed at an angle, with the casing shoe forming a through opening eccentric relative to the supporting pipe and a guide plate providing additional directional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods of attachment are used between the conductor casing and the seabed, then the attachment process is simple, but the attachment reliability is insufficient and cannot reliably resist fatigue forces
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into multiple functional components: a supporting pipe inserted into the seabed, a conductor casing receiving the supporting pipe, and a valve arrangement connected above the seabed. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively providing reliable attachment and fatigue resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting pipe is pre-inserted into the seabed before the conductor casing is installed. This preliminary action prepares the foundation structure in advance, ensuring proper positioning and alignment before the main conductor casing is attached, thereby improving overall attachment reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conductor casing is inserted vertically into the seabed, then the insertion process is straightforward, but the well pipes cannot be diverted from the vertical direction for shallow reservoirs
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows for asymmetric positioning of the conductor casing relative to the supporting pipe by providing multiple laterally spaced positions where the conductor casing can be laterally offset from the supporting pipe. This asymmetry enables the well pipes to be diverted from the vertical direction while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor casing is designed to be movable relative to the supporting pipe, allowing it to be positioned at different lateral offsets and angles. This dynamic positioning capability enables adaptation to shallow reservoirs requiring diverted well paths while maintaining ease of installation through controlled movement
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conductor casing is slanted for shallow reservoirs, then the well pipes can be diverted from vertical direction, but the attachment reliability and structural integrity become compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the supporting pipe (fixed in seabed) from the conductor casing (movable and slantable), allowing the conductor casing to be slanted for shallow reservoirs while the supporting pipe remains vertically stable, maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting pipe acts as an intermediary element between the seabed and the conductor casing. It provides a stable anchor point in the seabed while allowing the conductor casing to be positioned at slanted angles, thereby maintaining structural integrity during diversion
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method are for slanting a conductor casing when establishing a petroleum well where a supporting pipe has been inserted into the seabed. The supporting pipe is arranged to receive the conductor casing. The supporting pipe is provided with a casing shoe at a vertical distance below it upper end portion, the casing shoe forming a through casing-shoe opening eccentric relative to the supporting pipe.