Slidable Sand Screen Assembly for Downhole Compaction Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sand screens in downhole completions are vulnerable to formation compaction-induced deformation, leading to costly remediation.

Innovation Solution

A downhole completion design featuring a perforated base pipe surrounded by a slidable sand screen with helical ribs and wires, allowing for longitudinal compliance and reduced stress, combined with compaction compliance sections in the base pipe to absorb strain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sand screen is installed in a downhole completion to filter solids, then sand control is achieved, but the sand screen becomes vulnerable to formation compaction-induced deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesand control effectivenessVSAvoidsand screen structural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sand screen is designed with sliding extremities that allow dynamic adjustment of the screen length in response to formation compaction. The upper and lower extremities can slide relative to the base pipe, enabling the screen to dynamically adapt its position and maintain structural integrity under varying downhole conditions without compromising sand control effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state of the sand screen from a fixed rigid structure to a variable configuration where the screen length can change. By allowing the extremities to slide, the system transforms the static parameter of screen length into a dynamic parameter that can adjust to formation compaction, thereby maintaining both filtration effectiveness and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the sand screen is fixed to the base pipe to ensure proper positioning, then positioning stability is improved, but the screen cannot accommodate formation compaction deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesand screen positioning stabilityVSAvoidcompaction deformation accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sand screen transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system where extremities can slide along the base pipe. This dynamic capability allows the screen to maintain stable positioning through controlled sliding movement, accommodating formation compaction while preventing uncontrolled displacement or buckling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sand screen is divided into segments with sliding extremities that can move independently relative to the base pipe. This segmentation allows different parts of the screen to respond differently to formation compaction, with the sliding sections absorbing deformation while maintaining overall positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the sand screen is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but the screen is more susceptible to buckling under compaction forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesand screen structural strengthVSAvoidbuckling susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the mechanical properties of the sand screen system from completely rigid to semi-flexible by introducing sliding extremities. This parameter change allows the screen to maintain sufficient structural strength for sand control while gaining the flexibility to accommodate compaction forces without buckling through controlled movement of the extremities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding extremity mechanism acts as a pre-designed cushioning system that absorbs compaction forces before they can cause buckling. By allowing controlled movement at the extremities, the system preemptively dissipates the energy from formation compaction, protecting the main body of the sand screen from buckling while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The design enhances compaction resistance by up to 50%, preventing buckling and maintaining functionality under reservoir compaction deformation.

Implementation Method 1

shrink-fit wrapping at least one screen wire on the plurality of ribs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShrink-fit: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS20260022623A1Downhole completion and method of manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 SHELL USA INC

AI summary

In a downhole completion, a perforated base pipe, having a central longitudinal axis, is concentrically surrounded by a sand screen. The sand screen is bound by an upper extremity and a lower extremity. At least one of the upper extremity and the lower extremity is slidable. The downhole completion may be manufactured by providing a perforated base pipe having a central longitudinal axis; providing an assembly with a plurality of ribs extending between the upper extremity and the lower extremity along a helical rib path; and shrink-fit wrapping at least one screen wire on the plurality of ribs while the assembly is concentrically arranged on the perforated base pipe whereby at least one, preferably both, of the upper extremity and the lower extremity are slidable on the perforated base pipe.