Weighted Swivel Port-and-Slot Alignment for Downhole Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole orientation devices suffer from a 'dead zone' where alignment keys fail to orient correctly, leading to misalignment issues and difficulties in locating the collet latch system, particularly in multistage hydraulic stimulation and fracturing operations in multilateral wells.
Innovation Solution
An axial and rotational alignment system utilizing an orientation port and slot, which provides pressure indications to ensure proper alignment by sealing or not sealing when aligned within the dead zone, and includes a collet latch that can unsnap to indicate correct alignment, allowing for precise positioning of the inner string within the outer string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an orientation port and slot alignment system is implemented, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an orientation port and orientation slot as intermediary alignment features between the inner string and outer string. These features serve as mediators that provide visual and mechanical guidance for achieving precise alignment without requiring complex alignment mechanisms. The orientation port in the inner string aligns with the orientation slot in the outer string to indicate proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pressure-induced visual changes (pressure-induced color changes or pressure-induced sealing) to indicate alignment status. When the inner string is properly aligned with the outer string, the orientation port aligns with the orientation slot, allowing pressure to equalize or seal, which provides a visible indication of correct alignment.
2Ease of operation
If alignment indication features are added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation port and orientation slot serve as intermediary indication features that simplify operation by providing clear visual feedback on alignment status. The operator can easily determine when the inner string is properly aligned by observing the alignment of these features or the pressure indication they provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through pressure indications that inform the operator about alignment status. When the orientation port aligns with the orientation slot, pressure equalization or sealing occurs, providing immediate feedback to the operator that correct alignment has been achieved, thus improving ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If pressure indication system is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation port and orientation slot act as intermediaries that transmit pressure information from the annular space to the operator. When aligned, they allow pressure equalization; when misaligned, they create pressure differential, providing precise measurement of alignment status through pressure indication without requiring complex sensing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by employing pressure differential across the orientation port and slot to indicate alignment status. The pressure indication system leverages fluid pressure (pneumatics/hydraulics) to provide measurement feedback, where pressure equalization or sealing through the orientation features indicates proper alignment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures accurate alignment of the inner string within the outer string, avoiding misalignment and facilitating successful pressure stimulation treatments by providing reliable pressure readings to confirm proper positioning and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the orientation port configured to align with an orientation slot in the outer tubular to provide a pressure indication of a relative location of the inner tubular to the outer tubular
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an inner string and a well system. The inner string, in one aspect, includes an inner tubular including a sidewall having a thickness (t3), the inner tubular having an orientation port extending entirely through the sidewall to provide fluid access from an interior of the inner tubular to an exterior of the inner tubular. The inner string, according to one aspect, further includes a weighted swivel located around the inner tubular, the weighted swivel including an orientation slot, the orientation slot configured to align with the orientation port to provide a pressure reading indicative of a relative location of the inner tubular to the weighted swivel.