Wellbore Joint Assembly with Concentric Alternate Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sand control devices in wellbores face challenges such as damage from high stress, erosion, and incomplete gravel packing, leading to sand bridges and reduced well productivity, especially in deepwater and high-pressure environments, where existing alternate flowpath designs are complex, costly, and difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly with a load sleeve and torque sleeve assembly, including transport and packing conduits, and a coupling assembly with a manifold region, provides a concentric alternate flow path and simplified coupling interface for well tools, enabling efficient gravel packing and zonal isolation without the need for precise alignment of shunt tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sand control devices are used in deepwater and high-pressure environments, then sand control is provided, but the devices are susceptible to damage from high stress, erosion, and plugging
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components including a base pipe, screen assembly, and multiple shunt tube assemblies that can be independently replaced or maintained. The shunt tube assemblies are segmented and positioned at different locations to provide distributed flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The device parameters are optimized for harsh environments including high-pressure ratings, erosion-resistant material selection, and modified shunt tube configurations that change flow dynamics to reduce plugging susceptibility.
2Reliability
If gravel packing is performed to control sand production, then sand control is improved, but incomplete gravel packing may occur resulting in sand bridges and reduced well productivity
Solution Approach 1:
Shunt tubes act as intermediary flow paths that allow gravel slurry to bypass sand bridges and incomplete pack sections. The shunt tubes provide alternate routes for the slurry to reach underpacked zones, ensuring complete gravel packing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The shunt tubes provide dynamic flow path adjustment capabilities. When sand bridges form or packing is incomplete, the fluid naturally redirects through the shunt tubes to alternative routes, adapting the flow pattern to maintain effective gravel packing.
3Reliability
If alternate flowpath designs are implemented to prevent sand bridges, then gravel packing completeness is improved, but the designs become complex, costly, and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt tube assemblies serve multiple functions: they provide alternate flow paths during gravel packing, serve as structural support elements, and can be configured to provide additional sand control capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shunt tubes are nested within or alongside the main production string components. The shunt tube assemblies are integrated into the existing device structure rather than adding external complexity, with tubes positioned concentrically or adjacently to base pipe and screen assemblies.
4Reliability
If precise alignment of shunt tubes is required for proper operation, then flow path functionality is ensured, but installation time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt tube assemblies incorporate asymmetric alignment features such as offset positioning or non-circular cross-sections that provide self-aligning capabilities during installation. This asymmetric design ensures proper orientation without requiring precise manual alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features are pre-configured on the shunt tube assemblies during manufacturing, including pre-positioned connection interfaces and alignment pins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during field installation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4A
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described The apparatus comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. The joint assembly also includes a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the Main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection. The coupling assembly may also include a torque spacer to help control fluid flow relationships.