Velocity String Suspension Without Packer

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the oil and gas industry, installing a velocity string to enhance hydrocarbon production often requires a packer that reduces the flow area and may not be compatible with existing safety valves, leading to discontinuities in flow and potential safety valve functionality loss.

Innovation Solution

A velocity string system that uses a key and profile mechanism to engage with the wellbore without a packer, allowing for a larger diameter string and maintaining safety valve functionality by utilizing existing hydraulic systems and no-go engaging members to secure the string, while enabling fluid communication and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a packer is used to suspend the velocity string below the safety valve, then the velocity string can be installed and suspended, but the flow area is reduced and discontinuities in flow occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevelocity string installation and suspensionVSAvoidflow area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the packer from the system. Instead of using a packer to suspend the velocity string, the string is suspended directly from the safety valve assembly, removing the flow-restricting element while maintaining the suspension function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The safety valve assembly is given multiple functions: it serves both as a safety valve mechanism and as the suspension point for the velocity string. This eliminates the need for a separate packer and maintains full flow area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a velocity string is installed to increase flow velocity, then liquid transport capability is improved, but safety valve functionality may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid transport capabilityVSAvoidsafety valve functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the velocity string installation with the safety valve assembly. The velocity string is integrated through the safety valve structure, allowing both liquid transport enhancement and safety valve functionality to coexist without interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the velocity string terminates just below the safety valve, then safety valve functionality is retained, but flow discontinuity occurs causing liquid to drop out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety valve functionalityVSAvoidflow continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention ensures continuous flow action by extending the velocity string through the safety valve assembly and maintaining it at the upper end. This eliminates flow discontinuity and prevents liquid dropout while preserving safety valve operation through proper sealing arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2532830B1Velocity strings

Publication Date: 2018.07.18 WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D

AI summary

A velocity string installation method comprises the steps of: removing an existing safety valve from a production tubing safety valve nipple; running a velocity string into the production tubing to engage the safety valve nipple; and then running a velocity string safety valve into the velocity string and coupling the safety valve with a port at the safety valve nipple.