A smart release device and method for a rubber plug

Abstract

The application provides a rubber plug intelligent releasing device, which comprises a pipe body, branch pipes arranged on the side of the pipe body, driving mechanisms arranged in the branch pipes respectively, two safety flaps arranged in the pipe body in a diametrically opposite manner, the safety flaps being rotationally connected with the inner wall of the pipe body and being configured to be able to be adaptively docked, and a central shaft, the first end of the central shaft being in transmission connection with the driving mechanisms, the second end of the central shaft extending through the side wall of the pipe body and extending radially inward, and a dynamic seal being formed between the central shaft and the side wall of the pipe body; wherein in a first state, the second end of the central shaft passes through the adaptive docking parts of the two safety flaps to limit the safety flaps, so that the safety flaps are closed to limit the downward movement of the rubber plug; and in a second state, the central shaft is controlled to move radially outward by the driving mechanisms to release the limitation on the safety flaps, so that the safety flaps can be opened to release the rubber plug. The application also provides a rubber plug intelligent releasing method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of rubber plug release tools in cementing operations, and specifically relates to a smart rubber plug release device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, cement heads are generally used in routine cementing operations for valve switching and plug release. The conventional plug release structure inside a cement head typically consists of two threaded rods opposing each other, which restrict the plug. To release the plug, the rods are rotated to slowly open. When the distance the rods open exceeds the diameter of the plug, the restrictive effect is released, thus releasing the plug.

[0003] However, in common cementing heads, the aforementioned rubber plug release structure suffers from several drawbar issues. Because the opening degree of the two stoppers is manually controlled, if the distance between the stopper openings exceeds the rubber plug guide head, the immense suction force may cause the guide head to quickly pass through the stopper opening, preventing the rubber cup of the rubber plug from passing through. This results in the rubber plug being damaged by the stopper or remaining inside the cementing head, making the released plug incomplete. Consequently, precise slurry replacement and scraping cannot be achieved. The common cementing head rubber plug release structure fails to guarantee safety and precise release control, leading to inaccurate slurry replacement and reduced cementing quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the technical problems described above, this invention aims to provide an intelligent rubber plug release device. This device enables automated and intelligent control, ensuring safe, rapid, and accurate release of the rubber plug and preventing damage to the plug during release, which is highly beneficial for improving cementing quality.

[0005] The present invention also provides a method for intelligent release of rubber stoppers.

[0006] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a smart stopper release device is provided, comprising: a tube body; branch tubes disposed on the side of the tube body, each branch tube having a drive mechanism disposed therein; two safety baffles disposed radially opposite to each other within the tube body, the safety baffles being rotatably connected to the inner wall of the tube body and configured to be adapted for mating; a central shaft, a first end of the central shaft being connected to the drive mechanism for transmission, a second end of the central shaft passing through the side wall of the tube body and extending radially inward, and a dynamic seal being formed between the central shaft and the side wall of the tube body; wherein, in a first state, the second end of the central shaft passes through the adapted mating portions of the two safety baffles to limit the safety baffles, thereby closing the safety baffles and restricting the downward movement of the stopper; in a second state, the drive mechanism controls the central shaft to move radially outward to release the limitation on the safety baffles, thereby allowing the safety baffles to open and release the stopper.

[0007] In one embodiment, there are two branch pipes, and the two branch pipes are symmetrically arranged on both radial sides of the pipe body.

[0008] In one embodiment, the tube body is configured to include an upper main tube and a lower main tube fixedly connected to the upper main tube, the inner diameter of the lower main tube being larger than the inner diameter of the upper main tube, and the safety baffle being disposed inside the lower main tube and connected near the connection between the upper main tube and the lower main tube.

[0009] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the lower main tube is provided with a groove to provide space for the free opening and closing of the safety baffle.

[0010] In one embodiment, the safety baffle is configured as a semi-circular plate, and the arc-shaped edge of the semi-circular plate is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the lower main body tube by a sealing pin.

[0011] In one embodiment, the straight edge of the semi-circular plate is provided with a plurality of spaced protrusions, and the two safety baffles can be fitted together by the corresponding protrusions.

[0012] In one embodiment, the protrusion is provided with a through hole along the diameter direction of the semi-circular plate. In a first state, the corresponding through holes on each of the safety baffles are aligned, and the central axis passes through the through holes in sequence, thereby defining the two safety baffles.

[0013] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes an electric motor and a gear connected to the output shaft of the electric motor. A rack is provided at the first end of the central shaft, and the rack meshes with the gear, thereby forming a transmission connection between the central shaft and the drive mechanism.

[0014] In one embodiment, the electric motor is equipped with a travel limit switch, and the central shaft is equipped with a contact disc. The electric motor automatically shuts off when the travel limit switch contacts the contact disc.

[0015] In one embodiment, the outer wall surface of the central shaft is configured as a first sealing surface, and a second sealing surface is provided at the connection between the branch pipe and the outer wall of the pipe body. A seal is formed between the central shaft and the side wall of the pipe body through the cooperation of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface.

[0016] In one embodiment, a seal is provided inside the branch pipe, and the central shaft forms a seal with the branch pipe through the seal.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a smart release method for rubber stoppers is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0018] Provide the rubber stopper intelligent release device as described above, and set the rubber stopper intelligent release device to a first state;

[0019] The rubber stopper is placed inside the intelligent rubber stopper release device, and the safety baffle restricts the rubber stopper from moving downwards;

[0020] The drive mechanism is activated to move the central shaft radially outward to extract the central shaft until it is fully extracted. Once extracted, the central shaft releases its restriction on the safety baffle, and the safety baffle opens to release the rubber plug.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this application are:

[0022] The intelligent rubber plug release device and method of the present invention enable rapid opening and closing of the internal channel of the cement head tube body during cementing, thereby ensuring the safe, rapid, and accurate release of the rubber plug, greatly improving the accuracy of cementing displacement, and significantly enhancing cementing quality. The intelligent rubber plug release device ensures the channel is fully open during plug release, preventing damage to the rubber cup of the rubber plug by the retaining pin, thus achieving safe and rapid plug release. After the rubber plug is fully released, a travel limit switch enables emergency stop control of the electric motor, preventing excessive extraction of the central shaft and ensuring a seal during central shaft extraction. During control, the electric motor automatically shuts off via the travel limit switch and the contact disc, thereby achieving automated and intelligent control. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 The structure of the intelligent release device for rubber stoppers according to the present invention is schematically shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic top view of the intelligent release device for rubber stoppers according to the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 schematically shown Figure 1 The structure of the safety baffle in the intelligent release device for rubber stoppers.

[0027] Figure 4 The schematic diagram shows the transmission connection structure between the central shaft and the drive mechanism.

[0028] In this application, all drawings are schematic and are used only to illustrate the principles of the invention, and are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] In this application, it should be noted that the end of the intelligent rubber plug release device according to the present invention that is lowered into the wellbore near the wellhead is defined as the upper end or a similar term, and the end that is farther from the wellhead is defined as the lower end or a similar term. It should also be noted that the directional terms or limiting words such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" used in this application are all relative to the referenced drawings. They are not used to define the absolute position of the components involved, but can vary depending on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the rubber stopper smart release device 100 according to the present invention is schematically shown from different perspectives. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the intelligent rubber stopper release device 100 includes a tube body 1, a branch tube 2, a drive mechanism 3, safety baffles 4 disposed inside the tube body 1, and a central shaft 5. The branch tube 2 is disposed on the side of the tube body 1, and the drive mechanism 3 is disposed inside the branch tube 2. Two safety baffles 4 are provided, and the two safety baffles 4 are radially opposite to each other inside the tube body 1. The safety baffles 4 are rotatably connected to the inner wall of the tube body 1, and the safety baffles 4 are configured to be compatible for mating. The first end of the central shaft 5 ( Figure 1 The right end of the middle section forms a transmission connection with the drive mechanism 3, and the second end ( Figure 1 The left end of the tube passes through the side wall of tube 1 and extends radially inward.

[0032] According to the present invention, the side wall of the tube body 1 is provided with a through hole for the central shaft 5 to pass through. A dynamic seal is formed between the central shaft 5 and the through hole on the side wall of the tube body 1. Throughout the entire operation, the intelligent stopper release device 100 maintains a seal between the central shaft 5 and the side wall of the tube body 1 to ensure the sealing performance inside the tube body 1.

[0033] In actual use, before cementing, the second end of the central shaft 5 passes through the matching joint of the two safety baffles 4, restricting the safety baffles 4 and thus closing them to limit the downward movement of the rubber plug. This keeps the intelligent rubber plug release device 100 in a closed state. At this time, the intelligent rubber plug release device 100 is in the first state. When the rubber plug needs to be released after cement slurry injection, the central shaft 5 is controlled by the drive mechanism 3 to move radially outward to release the restriction on the safety baffles 4, allowing the safety baffles 4 to open and thus releasing the rubber plug. At this time, the intelligent rubber plug release device 100 is in the open state. At this time, the intelligent rubber plug release device 100 is in the second state.

[0034] According to the present invention, two branch pipes 3 may be provided, and the two branch pipes 3 are symmetrically arranged on both radial sides of the pipe body 1. The branch pipes 3 are configured to correspond to the safety baffle 4, and the branch pipes 3 and the safety baffle 4 are located at the same axial position of the pipe body 1. In one embodiment, the branch pipes 3 and the pipe body 1 are fixedly and sealed together by welding. Each branch pipe 3 is provided with a drive mechanism 3. Correspondingly, two central shafts 5 are also provided, and the two central shafts 5 are symmetrically distributed radially.

[0035] According to the present invention, the tube body 1 is a metal tube body with a certain wall thickness, for example, it can be a cement head body. Figure 2 As shown, the tube body 1 is constructed including an upper main tube 11 and a lower main tube 12 fixedly connected to the upper main tube 11. The inner diameter of the lower main tube 12 is larger than the inner diameter of the upper main tube 11. A safety baffle 4 is disposed inside the lower main tube 12, and the safety baffle 4 is connected near the connection between the upper main tube 11 and the lower main tube 12. This ensures that the passage diameter for the rubber stopper is maintained while the safety baffle 4 is open.

[0036] A groove (not shown) is provided on the inner wall of the lower main tube 12 to provide space for the free opening and closing of the safety baffle 4. This facilitates the free opening and closing of the two safety baffles 4.

[0037] According to the present invention, such as Figure 1 and 3 As shown, the safety baffle 4 is constructed as a semi-circular plate, and the arc-shaped edge 41 of the semi-circular plate is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the lower main tube 12 through the sealing pin 6.

[0038] In one embodiment, the arc-shaped edge 41 of the semi-circular plate is provided with a connecting portion 44, which is configured as parallel and outwardly extending lugs. Simultaneously, a mounting hole 121 is provided on the side wall of the lower main tube 1, the extending direction of which is parallel to the tangent direction of the arc-shaped edge 41. A sealing pin 6 passes through the connecting portion 44, and both ends of the sealing pin 6 are fixedly connected to the mounting holes 121 of the lower main tube 12, thereby forming a rotatable connection between the safety baffle 4 and the inner wall of the lower main tube 12 through the connecting portion 44. Thus, the safety baffle 4 can rotate around the sealing pin 6 to achieve free opening and closing. The two ends of the sealing pin 6 are threaded; in actual installation, nuts are screwed into both ends of the sealing pin 6 to seal the mounting holes 121.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the straight edge 42 of the semi-circular plate has multiple spaced protrusions 43, and the two safety baffles 4 can be fitted together through the corresponding protrusions 43. The protrusions 43 of the two safety baffles 4 are staggered to form a fitted engagement. When the two safety baffles 4 are fully engaged, they can seal the internal channel of the tube 1, thereby restricting the downward movement of the rubber stopper. The two safety baffles 4 will open simultaneously when the two central shafts 5 are withdrawn at the same time, thus ensuring the synchronicity of the safety baffles 4. This is beneficial to improving the accuracy of the control of the intelligent rubber stopper release device 100.

[0040] In this embodiment, the protrusion 43 is provided with a through hole (not shown) along the diameter direction of the semi-circular plate. In the first state, the corresponding through holes on each safety baffle 4 are aligned, and the central shaft 5 passes through the through holes in sequence, thereby defining the two safety baffles 4.

[0041] According to the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the drive mechanism 3 includes an electric motor 31 and a gear 32 connected to the output shaft of the electric motor 31. Meanwhile, the first end of the central shaft 5 ( Figure 4 A rack 51 is provided at the right end of the tube 1. The rack 51 meshes with the gear 32, thereby forming a transmission connection between the central shaft 5 and the drive mechanism 3. By controlling the electric motor 31 to drive the gear 32 to rotate, the rack 51 is driven to translate, thereby controlling the central shaft 5 to move in the radial direction along the tube 1. Thus, the extraction action of the central shaft 5 is realized.

[0042] In this embodiment, the two electric motors 31 inside the branch pipe 2 are configured to operate synchronously, starting and stopping simultaneously at the same speed. This helps ensure the sealing performance of the entire intelligent plug release device 100 during the extraction of the central shaft 5.

[0043] In one embodiment, the electric motor 31 is equipped with a travel limit switch (not shown). Meanwhile, near the second end of the central shaft 5 ( Figure 4A contact disc 53 is installed at the left end of the shaft. In actual use, when the central shaft 5 is fully withdrawn from the safety baffle 4, the central shaft 5 moves until the travel limit switch contacts the contact disc 53. At this time, the electric motor 31 stops automatically. This achieves intelligent control. This effectively avoids excessive withdrawal of the central shaft 5 and prevents leakage during the cementing process.

[0044] According to the present invention, a seal (not shown) is provided inside the branch pipe 2, and the central shaft 5 forms a seal with the branch pipe 2 through the seal. The seal can be, for example, a sealing ring. This ensures a seal when the central shaft 5 is withdrawn.

[0045] According to the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the outer wall surface of the central shaft 5 is constructed as a first sealing surface 52. Simultaneously, a second sealing surface is provided at the connection between the branch pipe 2 and the outer wall of the lower main pipe 12. The central shaft 5 and the side wall of the lower main pipe 12 are sealed by the cooperation of the first sealing surface 52 and the second sealing surface. Therefore, throughout the entire working process, whether the central shaft 5 is in place or during normal extraction, the central shaft 5 maintains a constant seal with the side wall of the pipe body 1, effectively ensuring the sealing performance within the pipe body.

[0046] The present invention also provides a method for intelligent release of a rubber stopper, which uses a rubber stopper intelligent release device 100 according to the present invention. The method for intelligent release of a rubber stopper is described in detail below.

[0047] First, a rubber stopper intelligent release device 100 according to the present invention is provided, and the rubber stopper intelligent release device 100 is set in a first state;

[0048] Before cementing, the rubber plug is placed inside the rubber plug intelligent release device 100. The two safety baffles 4 are closed under the restriction of the central shaft 5, thereby closing the internal passage of the pipe body 1 and thus restricting the downward passage of the rubber plug.

[0049] When the cement slurry is injected and the rubber stopper needs to be released, the electric motor 31 is started. The electric motor 31 drives the gear 32 to rotate, the gear 32 drives the rack 51 to move, and in turn drives the central shaft 5 to move radially outward along the pipe body 1, realizing the extraction action of the central shaft 5. Among them, the two central shafts 5 are extracted outward simultaneously. When the contact disc 53 on the central shaft 5 contacts the contact of the travel limit switch installed on the electric motor 31, the travel limit switch automatically controls the electric motor 31 to stop suddenly, realizing the automatic shutdown of the electric motor 31. At this time, the central shaft 5 releases the restriction on the safety baffle 4, the safety baffle 4 is fully opened, and the rubber stopper moves downward, thus completing the safe and rapid release of the rubber stopper.

[0050] The intelligent plug release device 100 and intelligent plug release method of the present invention can quickly open and close the internal channel of the cement head pipe body during cementing, thereby ensuring the safe, rapid, and accurate release of the plug, greatly improving the accuracy of cementing displacement, and significantly contributing to improved cementing quality. It also ensures a constant seal between the central shaft 5 and the side wall of the pipe body 1 throughout the entire working process. When releasing the plug, the intelligent plug release device 100 ensures the channel is fully open, preventing damage to the plug's rubber cup by the retaining pin, thus achieving safe and rapid plug release. After the plug is fully released, the travel limit switch enables emergency stop control of the electric motor 31, preventing excessive withdrawal of the central shaft 5 and ensuring a seal during central shaft 5 withdrawal. During control, the electric motor 31 automatically shuts down via the travel limit switch and the touch disc 53, thereby achieving automated and intelligent control.

[0051] In this invention, it should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0052] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0053] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0054] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation on the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart release device for rubber stoppers, comprising: tube body(1); A branch pipe (2) is provided on the side of the pipe body, and a drive mechanism (3) is provided in each branch pipe. Two safety baffles (4) are radially oppositely disposed inside the tube. The safety baffles are rotatably connected to the inner wall of the tube, and the safety baffles are configured to be compatible with each other. The central shaft (5) has a first end connected to the drive mechanism, and a second end that passes through the side wall of the tube and extends radially inward. A dynamic seal is formed between the central shaft and the side wall of the tube. The drive mechanism includes an electric motor (31) and a gear (32) connected to the output shaft of the electric motor, and a rack (51) is provided at the first end of the central shaft. The rack meshes with the gear, thereby forming a transmission connection between the central shaft and the drive mechanism. The electric motor is equipped with a travel limit switch, and the central shaft is equipped with a contact disc (53). The electric motor automatically shuts off when the travel limit switch contacts the contact disc. The outer wall surface of the central shaft is configured as a first sealing surface (52), and a second sealing surface is provided at the connection between the branch pipe and the outer wall of the pipe body. A seal is formed between the central shaft and the side wall of the pipe body through the cooperation of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. In the first state, the second end of the central shaft passes through the matching mating portion of the two safety baffles to limit the safety baffles, thereby closing the safety baffles and restricting the downward movement of the rubber plug; In the second state, the central shaft is controlled to move radially outward by the drive mechanism to release the restriction on the safety baffle, thereby allowing the safety baffle to open and release the rubber plug.

2. The intelligent release device for rubber stoppers according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two branch pipes, and the two branch pipes are symmetrically arranged on both radial sides of the pipe body.

3. The intelligent release device for rubber stoppers according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tube body is configured to include an upper main tube (11) and a lower main tube (12) fixedly connected to the upper main tube. The inner diameter of the lower main tube is larger than the inner diameter of the upper main tube. The safety baffle is disposed inside the lower main tube and connected near the connection between the upper main tube and the lower main tube.

4. The intelligent release device for rubber stoppers according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall of the lower main tube is provided with a groove to provide space for the free opening and closing of the safety baffle.

5. The intelligent release device for rubber stoppers according to claim 4, characterized in that, The safety baffle is constructed as a semi-circular plate, and the arc-shaped edge (41) of the semi-circular plate is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the lower main tube through a sealing pin (6).

6. The intelligent release device for rubber stoppers according to claim 5, characterized in that, The straight edge (42) of the semi-circular plate is provided with a plurality of spaced protrusions (43), and the two safety baffles can be fitted together by the corresponding protrusions.

7. The intelligent release device for rubber stoppers according to claim 6, characterized in that, The protrusion is provided with a through hole along the diameter direction of the semi-circular plate. In the first state, the corresponding through holes on each of the safety baffles are aligned, and the central axis passes through the through holes in sequence, thereby defining the two safety baffles.

8. The intelligent release device for rubber stoppers according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing element is provided inside the branch pipe, and the central shaft forms a seal with the branch pipe through the sealing element.

9. A method for intelligent release of a rubber stopper, comprising the following steps: A smart release device for rubber stoppers according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is provided, and the smart release device for rubber stoppers is set in a first state; The rubber stopper is placed inside the intelligent rubber stopper release device, and the safety baffle restricts the rubber stopper from moving downwards; The drive mechanism is activated to move the central shaft radially outward to extract the central shaft until it is fully extracted. Once extracted, the central shaft releases its restriction on the safety baffle, and the safety baffle opens to release the rubber plug.

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