Whipstock Assembly With DPU-Controlled Remote Packer Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional whipstock assemblies for multilateral sidetracks require tedious handling on the rig floor with mechanical or hydraulic systems, posing safety risks and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool equipped with a Downhole Power Unit (DPU) that remotely activates the packer assembly, eliminating the need for hydraulic connections and mechanical manipulation, allowing for orientation and setting of the whipstock assembly without premature packer activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical or hydraulic systems are used for whipstock assembly deployment, then the assembly can be deployed, but tedious handling on the rig floor is required which poses safety risks and operational inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical and hydraulic systems with a Downhole Power Unit (DPU) that uses electrical power and a cable-driven reel mechanism to deploy and retrieve the whipstock assembly. This substitution eliminates the need for tedious rig floor handling operations while maintaining deployment functionality, thereby improving ease of operation and operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable-driven reel system as an intermediary mechanism between the surface operation and the downhole whipstock assembly. The cable spools on the DPU act as a mediator to transmit force and control the assembly's deployment and retrieval, eliminating direct mechanical handling on the rig floor and improving both operational ease and safety.
2Device complexity
If hydraulic connections are required for packer assembly activation, then the packer can be activated, but the system complexity and potential for premature activation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic connection requirements with an electrical control system. The DPU uses an electric motor to drive the cable reel, and packer activation is controlled through electrical signals and mechanical coupling rather than hydraulic connections. This reduces system complexity and eliminates the risk of premature activation associated with hydraulic systems.
3Productivity
If conventional deployment methods are used, then the whipstock assembly can be deployed, but operational efficiency is reduced due to tedious handling procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service deployment system where the DPU automatically controls the whipstock assembly deployment and retrieval through the cable-driven reel mechanism. The system eliminates the need for manual handling procedures by providing automated winching and positioning capabilities, thereby improving deployment efficiency while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided, in one aspect, is a downhole tool, a well system, and a method. The downhole tool, in one aspect, includes a whipstock assembly, the whipstock assembly including a whipface. The downhole tool, in one aspect, further includes a packer assembly coupled to the whipstock assembly, the packer assembly including a packer element configured to move between a radially retracted state and a radially expanded state. The downhole tool, in one aspect, may further include a remote open/close valve positioned to allow fluid into the whipstock assembly.