Wellbore Completion Union for Rotational Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing completion assemblies in wellbore applications face difficulties in easily and reliably engaging and disengaging control lines, particularly in orienting components for coupling, which complicates communication line connections and disconnections.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for mechanically latching an upper completion with a lower completion, using a union to couple communication lines regardless of rotational orientation, facilitated by a shiftable power sleeve and collet mechanism that allows for repeatable engagement and disengagement, enabling easy connection and disconnection of communication lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If completion assemblies are deployed separately or subsequently disconnected, then flexibility in wellbore operations is improved, but the complexity of connecting and disconnecting control lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical connection of completion assemblies with the connection of control lines into a single integrated operation. The collar structure provides both mechanical support and guides the control lines, so that when completions are connected mechanically, the control lines are simultaneously connected without requiring separate orientation and connection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between upper and lower completions. It provides a structured interface that automatically aligns and connects control lines during the mechanical engagement process, eliminating the need for separate control line connection operations.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical structure of completion assemblies is engaged and disengaged, then wellbore operations can be performed, but the process becomes difficult due to orientation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The collar features asymmetric threading directions (left-hand and right-hand threads) on different sides, which automatically guide the engagement process. This asymmetric design ensures proper orientation during connection while simplifying the operation, as the threads self-align during the engagement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, guides control lines, enables engagement/disengagement, and ensures proper orientation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the engagement process by consolidating multiple requirements into a single component.
3Reliability
If control lines are routed through completion assemblies, then communication with well tools is enabled, but difficulties arise in providing a dependable engagement system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical engagement structure with the control line routing system. The collar's internal structure provides both mechanical support and protected pathways for control lines, ensuring that both the mechanical connection and communication line connection are established simultaneously and reliably in a single operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is pre-configured with threaded bores and control line pathways before engagement. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the completion assemblies are engaged, the control lines are automatically and dependably connected without requiring additional alignment or connection steps during the engagement process.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is provided for engaging and disengaging an upper completion with a lower completion positioned in a wellbore. The upper completion comprises an upper communication line, and the lower completion comprises a lower communication line. The upper completion is mechanically latched with the lower completion and the communication lines are coupled in a manner that enables selective engagement and disengagement. A communication line union is used to connect the upper communication line and the lower communication line in a plurality of rotational orientations of the upper completion relative to the lower completion.