Torque Sleeve Enhances Milling System Torsional Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multilateral window milling systems face high torque loads due to uneven loading and twisting, leading to potential failure in extended reach well operations where surface torque does not match downhole torque, causing issues with orientation, anchoring, and maneuvering.

Innovation Solution

A milling system with a torque sleeve coupled to the elongate body, extending between the ends and occluding the mill window, provides enhanced torsional resistance by fully supporting the whipstock assembly, reducing the risk of torsion failure and allowing efficient milling through the sleeve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a milling system is supported only on one side, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to uneven loading and twisting on milling guide tracks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemilling system structureVSAvoidmilling operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The milling system is divided into multiple supported sections with guide tracks at both the head end and tail end, creating segmented support points that distribute loading and prevent uneven twisting on the guide tracks while maintaining operational reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure transitions from one-dimensional (single-side support) to two-dimensional (dual-side support with guide tracks at both ends), adding a dimensional aspect that distributes torque and loading more evenly across the milling system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the milling system is used in extended reach wells, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to high torque loads from surface torque not matching downhole torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell application rangeVSAvoidmilling system reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The milling system incorporates pre-positioned guide tracks and support structures at both ends before deployment, providing predetermined torque distribution paths that cushion against the high torque loads encountered in extended reach wells where surface and downhole torque differ

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system modifies the torque transmission parameters by introducing dual-side support with guide tracks, changing how torque is distributed and managed throughout the milling system to accommodate the varying torque conditions in extended reach well applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9447650B2Systems and methods of supporting a multilateral window

Publication Date: 2016.09.20 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A milling system includes an elongate body having a first end, a second end, and a mill window defined through a portion of the body between the first and second ends. A mill is movably arranged within the body, and a whipstock assembly is arranged at least partially within the body and configured to guide the mill out of the body through the mill window in order to mill a casing exit. A torque sleeve is coupled to the body and extends over a portion of the body between the first and second ends so as to increase a torsional resistance of the body.