Telescopic Fracturing Isolation Sleeve for Wellhead Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wellhead assembly systems face challenges in reliably removing fracturing isolation sleeves due to extreme pressures and varying stack heights, making manual removal difficult, especially when hydraulic pressure dissipates, and different wells require different sleeve sizes for different pressure ratings.
Innovation Solution
A fracturing isolation sleeve that telescopes to different lengths, coupled through threaded and non-threaded connections, with an anti-rotation mechanism and a sleeve retention system allowing independent rotation of the retaining nut, enabling secure engagement and easy removal without requiring sleeve rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic pressure is applied to push the isolation sleeve upward for removal, then the sleeve can be forced partially out of the wellhead assembly, but as soon as the seals extend beyond the sealed internal bore, the pressure dissipates and cannot continue pushing the sleeve out
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation sleeve is divided into an upper telescopic portion and a lower fixed portion. The upper portion can extend upward independently of the lower portion, allowing the sleeve to be removed in stages. This segmentation enables the upper portion to be pulled out first using chain blocks, while the lower portion remains secured by seals until pressure can be effectively applied.
Solution Approach 2:
Chain blocks are introduced as intermediary lifting devices to mechanically pull the upper telescopic portion of the sleeve upward. This intermediary mechanism provides controlled removal force without relying solely on hydraulic pressure, which dissipates when seals extend beyond the sealed bore.
2Manufacturing precision
If the isolation sleeve has a fixed length designed for specific stack heights, then it can be precisely fitted for that configuration, but different wells with different pressure ratings require different sleeve sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The upper portion of the isolation sleeve is designed to telescope dynamically, allowing it to extend or retract to accommodate different stack heights. This dynamic adjustment capability enables a single sleeve design to adapt to various wellhead assembly configurations and pressure ratings, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-length sleeve sizes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the isolation sleeve is held in place by lock down pins, then it can be securely positioned during fracturing operations, but removal becomes difficult when extreme pressures cause the sleeve to become lodged
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is segmented into upper and lower portions with different retention mechanisms. The lower fixed portion uses seals for secure positioning during operation, while the upper telescopic portion can be independently manipulated for removal. This segmentation allows the secured lower portion to remain in place while the upper portion is removed first, facilitating easier overall removal even under extreme pressures.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a fracturing isolation sleeve for a wellhead assembly including a fracturing adapter and tubing head. In at least one embodiment, the sleeve can telescopic to different lengths to fit different assemblies without necessitating switching the sleeve or portions thereof. The sleeve can be coupled to the wellhead assembly by threaded and non-threaded connections. The sleeve upper portion can be threadably engaged with the wellhead assembly, and/or the sleeve lower portion can be threadably engaged with a packoff bushing rotationally coupled to the wellhead assembly through an anti-rotation mechanism. Further, the sleeve can include a retaining nut to be threadably engaged with the wellhead assembly without necessarily rotating the sleeve upper or lower portions. The sleeve can be also coupled with the wellhead assembly through a mandrel coupled to the sleeve having an actuating cam surface to actuate a lock ring with the wellhead assembly.