Multilateral Well Orienting Interface Without Custom Threading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The precise and costly process of securing an orienting device to a tubular in multilateral wells requires custom threading, limiting flexibility and increasing installation time and cost.
Innovation Solution
An orienting interface with strategically aligned openings on the anchoring segment and orienting device, allowing secure coupling without precision threading, enabling the use of off-the-shelf components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precision threading is used to secure the orienting device to the tubular, then alignment accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface is segmented into discrete openings on the anchoring segment that can be selectively aligned with corresponding openings on the orienting device. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of each component while maintaining alignment accuracy through the selective engagement of specific opening pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring segment is designed with multiple openings that can accommodate different alignment configurations. This universal design allows the same anchoring segment to work with different orienting devices and tubular combinations, eliminating the need for custom-threaded solutions for each specific application.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom threading is used for each alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The openings are pre-positioned on both the anchoring segment and orienting device during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming field threading operations, as the alignment features are already prepared and ready for quick assembly by simply selecting and engaging the appropriate opening pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system allows for dynamic selection of which openings to engage, providing flexibility in alignment configuration. This dynamic capability enables installers to quickly adapt to different installation scenarios without being constrained by fixed threading patterns, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining precision.
3Reliability
If precision threading is required for the orienting device, then alignment reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex custom-threaded interfaces, the patent uses a simplified copying approach where standardized openings are replicated on both the anchoring segment and orienting device. This copying of simple geometric features maintains alignment reliability while dramatically reducing device complexity and allowing for off-the-shelf component usage.
4Manufacturing precision
If custom threading is used for each tubular-orienting device pair, then alignment accuracy is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring segment is designed as a universal component with multiple openings that can interface with various orienting devices and tubular combinations. This universal design maintains alignment accuracy through the selective engagement of specific opening pairs while significantly enhancing adaptability, allowing the same anchoring segment to work with different device configurations without requiring custom threading for each pair.
Data Source
AI summary
An orienting interface for alignment of a profile feature with a window of a tubular for installation at a junction of a multilateral well. The interface includes the coupling of an orienting device that accommodates the profile with an anchoring segment of the tubular. This coupling takes place with fasteners through selectively aligned openings in each of the device and the segment. More specifically, the openings in the anchoring segment differ in number from that of the orienting device so as to prevent a tailored resolution for alignment between the profile and the window.