Toothed Coupling for Multilateral Junction Axial Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current borehole operations, particularly horizontal multistage hydraulic stimulation and multistage hydraulic fracturing in multilateral wells, face challenges in achieving efficient and selective access to multiple lateral wellbores, as existing technologies struggle to securely and reliably connect and engage with lateral bore legs, especially where threaded connections are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multilateral junction system featuring a housing with a bore coupling profile and a tubular with a corresponding tubular coupling profile, utilizing arced or toothed couplings to axially fix the housing and tubular components relative to each other, ensuring secure engagement and fluid-tight seals, even in situations where threaded connections are not possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections are used to connect housing and tubular components, then the connection can be securely fixed, but threaded connections are not feasible in certain borehole conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a friction-based mechanical interference fit system. The tubular coupling profile includes an outer diameter that frictionally engages with the inner diameter of the housing coupling profile, eliminating the need for threaded connections while maintaining secure fixation under various borehole conditions.
2Reliability
If a secure connection system is implemented to maintain fluid integrity, then fluid-tight seals are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the coupling profiles themselves. The same friction-based mechanical interference fit that provides secure axial and radial fixation also creates the fluid-tight seal when combined with the seal element. This integration reduces overall system complexity compared to separate threading and sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a seal element in the form of a flexible ring or O-ring that deforms to create a fluid-tight barrier between the housing and tubular components. This flexible sealing approach achieves reliable fluid integrity without requiring complex rigid sealing structures.
3Reliability
If arced or toothed couplings are used to axially fix components, then secure engagement is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the engagement mechanism from interlocking toothed profiles requiring precise alignment to a friction-based system where the critical parameter is the radial interference fit between the tubular outer diameter and housing inner diameter. This parameter change reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining engagement security.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a multilateral junction and a well system. The multilateral junction, in one aspect, includes a housing, the housing including a first housing end and a second housing end, a bore extending through the housing from the first housing end to the second housing end, and a toothed coupling profile located along an inside surface of the bore proximate the second housing end. The multilateral junction, according to this aspect, further includes a multilateral bore leg extending into the bore, the multilateral bore leg including a tubular having a first tubular end and a second tubular end. The multilateral junction, according to this aspect, further includes a toothed coupling located between the bore and the tubular and engaged with the toothed coupling profile and the tubular to axially fix the housing and the multilateral bore leg relative to one another.