Downhole Straddle System Wireline Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole straddle systems for sealing off damaged zones in well tubular metal structures are costly and time-consuming, often requiring lengthy operations with coiled tubing or drill pipes.
Innovation Solution
A downhole straddle system featuring hydraulically expandable annular barriers and a wireline-operated deployment tool with a sealing device that expands to seal against the well tubular metal structure, allowing for rapid and cost-effective sealing of damaged zones using a hydraulic operated deployment tool and electrically operated sealing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coiled tubing or drill pipe is used to set the straddle, then the straddle can be deployed and set, but the operation becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical deployment system (coiled tubing or drill pipe) with a wireline-based deployment system. The straddle assembly is deployed using a wireline-operated deployment tool that can be quickly lowered and positioned, eliminating the need for lengthy mechanical tubing operations. The hydraulic setting mechanism is activated through the wireline, enabling rapid deployment while maintaining reliable well integrity sealing.
2Reliability
If coiled tubing or drill pipe is used to set the straddle, then the straddle can be deployed, but the operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive mechanical deployment equipment (coiled tubing units or drill pipe) with a more cost-effective wireline system. The wireline-operated deployment tool and hydraulic actuation mechanism reduce equipment rental costs, operational expenses, and mobilization costs while achieving the same well integrity sealing function.
3Productivity
If a wireline-operated deployment tool with sealing device is used, then deployment speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the sealing device is integrated within the deployment tool, which in turn is deployed via wireline. The sealing unit, hydraulic actuation mechanism, and deployment components are concentrically arranged, allowing the complex functionality to be packaged in a compact form that can be easily lowered and deployed through the wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment tool serves multiple functions: it transports the straddle assembly to the target location, positions it accurately, activates the hydraulic setting mechanism, and provides sealing against the wellbore. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate tools into a single integrated system, managing complexity while enhancing productivity.
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
Enables quicker and more economical sealing of damaged zones by reducing setup time and operational costs through wireline operation, allowing for faster well integrity maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulically expandable annular barrier and a second hydraulically expandable annular barrier
Implementation Method 2
the sealing device having an annular sealing element having a first outer diameter in a first condition and a second outer diameter being larger than the first outer diameter in a second condition
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a downhole straddle system for sealing off a damaged zone in a well tubular metal structure in a well having a top, comprising: a straddle assembly having a first end, a second end closest to the top, an inner face, a first hydraulic expandable annular barrier and a second hydraulic expandable annular barrier, a downhole tool assembly having a hydraulic operated deployment tool for releasable connecting the downhole tool assembly to the second end of the straddle assembly, the downhole tool assembly further comprising a first sealing unit arranged above the first hydraulic expandable annular barrier and the second hydraulic expandable annular barrier and configured to seal against the inner face of the straddle assembly, and a closing unit configured to close the first end of the straddle assembly, wherein the downhole tool assembly further comprising a sealing device arranged above the deployment tool and the first sealing unit, the sealing device has an annular sealing element having a first outer diameter in a first condition and a second outer diameter being larger than the first outer diameter in a second condition for sealing against an inner face of the well tubular metal structure, the sealing device comprises a fluid channel configured to fluidly connect an inside of the straddle assembly with the well tubular metal structure above the sealing device when being in the second condition for expanding the first hydraulic expandable annular barrier and the second hydraulic expandable annular barrier. Finally, the invention relates to a downhole well system and a repairing method.