Tubing String Orientation Without Control Line Breakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for orienting a tubing string with respect to a casing string in a bore often require substantial rotation, which can cause stress and breakage of control lines associated with the tubing string.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mule shoe tool and a latch coupling mechanism that directs the tubing string to a position adjacent to the casing string window without requiring substantial rotation, using a latch key and recesses to prevent rotation and maintain alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If substantial rotation of the tubing string is performed to orient it with respect to the casing string, then the tubing string can be positioned at the desired orientation, but the control lines associated with the tubing string experience stress and may break
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the orientation function into two independent components: (1) a mule shoe tool that directs the tubing string to the correct depth and angular position, and (2) a latch coupling mechanism that prevents rotation once positioned. This segmentation allows the tubing string to be oriented without requiring substantial rotation, thereby protecting the control lines while achieving precise orientation through coordinated action of the directing tool and locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The latch coupling mechanism is designed to engage with the latch key on the tubing string before substantial rotation can occur. By establishing this preliminary mechanical constraint, the system prevents the tubing string from rotating more than necessary, thereby protecting the control lines from stress while still allowing the mule shoe tool to perform the necessary directing action to achieve proper orientation
2Manufacturing precision
If the tubing string is rotated substantially to align windows with the casing string, then proper alignment is achieved, but the complexity of the operation increases and control lines are at risk
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation system is segmented into a directing function (mule shoe tool) and a locking function (latch coupling). The mule shoe tool handles the complex task of directing the tubing string to the correct position, while the latch coupling simply prevents rotation. This segmentation simplifies the overall operation by separating the complex directing task from the simple locking task, reducing operational complexity while maintaining precise window alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The latch coupling acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tubing string and the casing string. Rather than requiring complex rotation maneuvers to achieve alignment, the latch coupling mediates the orientation process by engaging with the latch key and preventing excessive rotation, thereby simplifying the operation while ensuring proper window alignment through the coordinated action of the mule shoe tool
Data Source
AI summary
Assemblies that can be disposed in a subterranean bore are described. Certain assemblies can be used to orient a second pipe with respect to a first pipe in a bore. A second pipe can be rotationally oriented without breaking one or more control lines that may be associated or included with the second pipe by using a tool that orients the second pipe as the second pipe is moved toward a surface of the bore. In some embodiments, assemblies can be used to orient multiple portions of the second pipe with respect to multiple windows of the first pipe. The first pipe may be a casing string and the second pipe may be a tubing string.