Two-Part Drilling and Running Tool: One-Way Mechanism for Fewer Trips
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction of multilateral wells is costly due to the time-consuming number of trips required to drill and complete the well, particularly when forming multilateral junctions.
Innovation Solution
A new multilateral system incorporating a latch collet design with anti-preset features and a two-part drilling and running tool that automatically releases at the correct depth and orientation, allowing for a single trip to establish a multilateral junction, including a whipstock assembly that is retrievable and a latch mechanism ensuring secure anchoring and sealing without premature compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional multilateral well construction methods are used, then reliable well formation is achieved, but the number of trips required increases to 4-5 for trilateral wells and 2+ for single bilateral wells
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling and running tool is divided into two separate parts: a drilling assembly and a running assembly. The drilling assembly is used to drill the lateral wellbore, while the running assembly is used to run the whipstock and complete the well. This segmentation allows each assembly to be optimized for its specific function and enables more efficient trip utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool is designed to perform multiple functions: it can run the whipstock assembly, install the multilateral junction, and complete the wellbore in a single trip. The universal design of the running tool allows it to handle various operations that would traditionally require separate trips, thereby reducing the overall number of trips and rig time.
2Productivity
If a two-part drilling and running tool is used, then the number of trips is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into two distinct assemblies (drilling and running) that can be separately manufactured, tested, and optimized. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual assembly while maintaining the overall functionality of the complete tool system.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling assembly and running assembly are designed to nest within each other when not in use. The smaller drilling assembly can be positioned within the larger running assembly, creating a compact configuration that reduces handling complexity and storage requirements.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism with anti-preset features is used, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the running tool to the whipstock assembly at the correct depth and orientation without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems. The anti-preset features automatically prevent premature compression, providing secure anchoring through self-regulating mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism replaces complex electronic or hydraulic locking systems with a purely mechanical solution. The anti-preset features use geometric constraints and mechanical interlocking to provide secure anchoring, eliminating the need for additional sensors, actuators, or control electronics.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a retrievable whipstock assembly is used, then operational flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The whipstock assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be retrieved and repositioned. The assembly includes movable components and release mechanisms that enable it to transition between a deployed state (providing lateral wellbore formation) and a retrieved state (allowing for repositioning or replacement).
Solution Approach 2:
The whipstock assembly is designed to be easily recovered after use. The retrieval mechanism allows the assembly to be pulled back to the surface for inspection, maintenance, or replacement, while leaving the multilateral junction installed in the wellbore. This separating of functions (whipstock retrieval vs. junction retention) maintains operational flexibility without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a two-part drilling and running tool, a well system, and a method for forming a well system. The two-part drilling and running tool, in one aspect, includes a conveyance, a smaller assembly coupled to an end of the conveyance, and a larger bit assembly slidably coupled to the conveyance, the smaller assembly and larger bit assembly configured to slidingly engage one another downhole to form a combined bit assembly. The two-part drilling and running tool, according to this aspect, further includes a one way mechanism coupled between the smaller assembly and the larger bit assembly, the one way mechanism configured to allow the smaller assembly and larger bit assembly to axially slide in one direction relative to one another and prevent the smaller assembly and larger bit assembly from axially sliding in an opposite direction relative to one another.