Automatic setting tool suitable for steel wire delivery bridge plug

Abstract

The application provides an automatic setting tool for steel wire delivery bridge plug, which comprises a motor driving assembly, an oil storage nipple, a high-pressure pump assembly, a hydraulic cylinder and a push cylinder assembly for connecting the bridge plug, which are sequentially connected from top to bottom; the high-pressure pump assembly outputs high-pressure hydraulic oil, the high-pressure hydraulic oil drives the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder to move downward, and the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder drives the push cylinder assembly to move downward synchronously. The push cylinder assembly comprises a lock ring, a lock piece, a power push cylinder and a sleeve, which are sequentially connected from top to bottom; the lock ring is connected to the cylinder barrel of the hydraulic cylinder, and the lock ring and the lock piece are in a locked state or a disengaged state; the lock piece structure in the push cylinder assembly can convert the downward thrust of the piston rod into the downward thrust of the power push cylinder, and the bridge plug setting and releasing are realized under the action of the power push cylinder; the electro-hydraulic integration is realized during the pushing process; compared with the well logging cable delivery setting bridge plug tool or the oil pipe delivery setting bridge plug tool, the automatic setting tool can greatly reduce the ground cooperation personnel and equipment and reduce the construction cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of oil and gas field development equipment, specifically relating to an automated setting tool suitable for wire-feed bridge plugs. Background Technology

[0002] In oil and gas wells, it is common practice to use packers or bridge plugs to isolate or alter the fluid flow path within the well casing. Currently, packer or bridge plug setting technologies mainly include tubing hydraulic setting, cable-driven propellant setting, and cable-driven electric setting. However, these bridge plug setting tools have different advantages and disadvantages due to differences in power sources and supporting equipment, as detailed below:

[0003] (1) Oil pipe hydraulic setting tool

[0004] It has the advantages of simple operation, safety and reliability, and wide application range; however, it also has the disadvantages of high labor intensity, the need for large ground equipment, and low construction efficiency.

[0005] (2) Gunpowder propellant setting tool

[0006] It has the advantages of simple operation and low labor intensity; however, it also has the inconvenience of requiring the cooperation of cable logging vehicles, high construction costs, and many strict requirements for the transportation and use of explosives.

[0007] (3) Electric cable setting tool

[0008] It has the advantages of simple operation and low labor intensity, but it also has the disadvantages of requiring the cooperation of cable logging vehicles and high construction costs.

[0009] Publication No. CN 112145109 A discloses a valveless hydraulic setting tool for a bridge-type piston. Inside the cylinder, there is a bidirectional hydraulic pump, a flexible oil pipe, an oil reservoir, a push rod piston, and a retaining ring to stop the downward movement of the push rod piston. A sleeve is located inside the upper connector. The upper end of the bidirectional hydraulic pump is bolted to the end of the upper connector furthest from the forward and reverse motors. The lower end port of the bidirectional hydraulic pump is connected to the upper end of the flexible oil pipe. The inner ring of the lower end of the flexible oil pipe is connected to the upper end hole of the push rod piston. The push rod piston has a first hollow oil passage and a second hollow oil passage. The lower end of the push rod piston is connected to the bridge-type piston. The space between the outer wall of the bidirectional hydraulic pump, the outer wall of the flexible oil pipe, and the inner wall of the cylinder serves as an oil reservoir. An oil port communicating with the reservoir is located on the side wall of the bidirectional hydraulic pump. The push rod piston has three piston heads, all of which are sealed to the cylinder wall. Three sets of sealing cavities, each corresponding to one of the three piston heads, are formed between the push rod piston and the inner wall of the cylinder. Each set of sealing cavities includes a first sealing cavity and a second sealing cavity. A first hollow oil passage connects to the flexible oil pipe and the three first sealing cavities, while a second hollow oil passage connects to the oil reservoir and two second sealing cavities located near the reservoir. This valveless hydraulic setting tool for bridge plugs is shorter than existing hydraulic setting tools, reducing labor costs. It is also easier to transport and reusable, automatically switching between setting and resetting simply by rotating the bidirectional hydraulic pump in both directions. However, this valveless hydraulic setting tool for bridge plugs directly pushes the bridge plug through the cylinder and push rod piston. Although it can output sufficient setting force, both the cylinder and push rod piston will transmit the thrust when the thrust is applied, that is, both will be displaced. This causes the inner and outer cylinders of the bridge plug to receive the thrust, and the difference in thrust will affect the timing of the pin shearing, thus affecting the balance of the bridge plug setting. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated setting tool for wire-feed bridge plugs to overcome the above-mentioned technical defects.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an automated setting tool for wire-feed bridge plugs, comprising at least a motor drive assembly, an oil reservoir, a high-pressure pump assembly, a hydraulic cylinder, and a pusher assembly for connecting the bridge plugs, which are sequentially sealed from top to bottom.

[0012] A wire rope cap is installed at the opening of the outer cylinder near the motor drive assembly;

[0013] The high-pressure pump assembly outputs high-pressure hydraulic oil, which pushes the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder downward, and the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder drives the pusher assembly to move downward synchronously.

[0014] The high-pressure pump assembly includes a motor, the output end of which is connected to a coupling via a reducer. The coupling is connected to a swashplate piston pump, which is connected to a hydraulic cylinder.

[0015] The oil storage section consists of an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, with the annular space formed by the two cylinders serving as an oil storage chamber, which is equipped with a breather valve.

[0016] The oil reservoir delivers hydraulic oil to the suction port of the swashplate piston pump through the first pipeline;

[0017] The pressure port of the swashplate piston pump delivers high-pressure hydraulic oil to the inlet of the hydraulic cylinder through a second pipeline.

[0018] The hydraulic oil outlet of the hydraulic cylinder is returned to the oil storage chamber through a third pipeline.

[0019] The motor drive assembly includes a housing, within which are encapsulated a power supply for supplying power to the motor and a controller for controlling the start and stop of the motor.

[0020] A balance joint is provided between the motor drive assembly and the oil reservoir to isolate the two, and a center hole is provided in the center of the balance joint for the power line to pass through.

[0021] An intermediate joint is provided between the high-pressure pump assembly and the hydraulic cylinder. The intermediate joint has at least a central hydraulic oil passage for high-pressure hydraulic oil to pass through, and a one-way valve is installed in the central hydraulic oil passage.

[0022] The pusher assembly includes a locking ring, a locking plate, a power pusher, and a sleeve connected in sequence from top to bottom, wherein the locking ring is connected to the cylinder of the hydraulic cylinder;

[0023] The locking ring and locking plate are either locked or disengaged.

[0024] A hollow central tie rod is provided inside the cylinder consisting of a power pusher and a sleeve. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is inserted into the hollow cavity of the central tie rod. The central tie rod is connected to the bridge plug spindle, and a strip-shaped groove is provided on the rod wall of the central tie rod along its length.

[0025] The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder abuts against the locking plate, which is inserted into the slot. When the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder extends and pushes the locking plate away from the locking ring, the locking plate slides along the slot and pushes the power pusher and sleeve together to move down and push the bridge plug to set and release.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0027] The motor drive assembly drives the swashplate piston pump to reciprocate and output high-pressure hydraulic oil. The high-pressure hydraulic oil pushes the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder to extend, generating a continuous and stable thrust. The piston rod pushes the pusher assembly downward. The locking plate structure inside the pusher assembly can convert the downward thrust of the piston rod into the downward thrust of the power pusher. Under the action of the power pusher, the bridge plug is set and released. Electro-hydraulic integration is achieved during the pushing process. Compared with logging cable or tubing-deployed bridge plug setting tools, this method can greatly reduce the number of personnel and equipment on the ground and reduce construction costs.

[0028] To make the above description of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an automated setting tool suitable for wire-feed bridge plugs.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the pusher assembly (showing some hydraulic cylinders).

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 100. Wire rope cap;

[0033] 200. Motor drive assembly;

[0034] 300. Oil reservoir section; 310. Oil reservoir chamber;

[0035] 400. High-pressure pump assembly;

[0036] 500. Hydraulic cylinder; 510. Piston rod;

[0037] 600. Push cylinder assembly; 610. Locking ring; 620. Locking plate; 630. Power push cylinder; 640. Center tie rod; 650. Sleeve;

[0038] 700. Balance joint;

[0039] 800. Intermediate joint. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0041] It should be noted that, in this invention, the upper, lower, left, and right in the figure are regarded as the upper, lower, left, and right of the automated setting tool for wire feeding bridge plugs described in this specification.

[0042] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided to fully and completely disclose the invention and to fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings is not intended to limit the invention. In the drawings, the same units / elements are referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0043] Unless otherwise stated, the terms used herein (including technical terms) have their common meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, it is understood that terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be understood to have a meaning consistent with the context of their relevant field, and not to be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning.

[0044] This embodiment relates to an automated setting tool for wire-feed bridge plugs. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The automated setting tool has a slender cylindrical structure. It includes at least a motor drive assembly 200, an oil reservoir 300, a high-pressure pump assembly 400, a hydraulic cylinder 500, and a push cylinder assembly 600 for connecting the bridge plug, which are connected in series from top to bottom.

[0045] according to Figure 1 As can be seen, a wire rope cap 100 is installed at the opening of the outer cylinder near the motor drive assembly 200. The wire rope cap 100 can be used to connect the well test wire and can also be used as a retrieval head after the automated setting tool is lowered into the well to facilitate the retrieval of the tool if it is accidentally lowered into the well.

[0046] The working process of the automated setting tool: The high-pressure pump assembly 400 outputs high-pressure hydraulic oil, which pushes the piston rod 510 of the hydraulic cylinder 500 downward. The piston rod 510 of the hydraulic cylinder 500 drives the push cylinder assembly 600 to move downward synchronously. The push cylinder assembly 600 pushes the outer cylinder of the bridge plug to achieve the setting and release of the bridge plug.

[0047] The high-pressure pump assembly 400 includes a motor. The output end of the motor is connected to a coupling through a reducer (such as a multi-stage planetary reducer). The coupling is connected to a swashplate piston pump. The swashplate piston pump converts the rotational motion of the motor and the reducer into the reciprocating motion of the swashplate piston pump.

[0048] Continue reading Figure 1The oil storage section 300 includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, and the annular space formed by the two cylinders serves as the oil storage chamber 310. The oil storage chamber 310 is equipped with a breather valve, such as a floating piston structure or a rubber liquid bladder structure. The specific structure is not limited. The function of the breather valve is to balance the internal and external pressures of the oil storage chamber 310 by using the downhole pressure of the oil and gas well. Under the conditions of high temperature and high pressure downhole, it acts as a breather valve for the hydraulic oil tank, ensuring a stable supply of hydraulic oil and preventing the occurrence of vacuum in the hydraulic oil tank.

[0049] The oil storage chamber 310 is used to store hydraulic oil. The breather valve structure of the oil storage tank can achieve sealing of the oil storage chamber, automatic pressure balancing, and isolation of well fluid from contamination of the hydraulic oil.

[0050] The hydraulic oil circuit inside the automated setting tool is as follows:

[0051] The oil reservoir 310 delivers hydraulic oil to the suction port of the swashplate piston pump through the first pipeline. The pressure port of the swashplate piston pump delivers high-pressure hydraulic oil to the inlet of the hydraulic cylinder 500 through the second pipeline. The outlet of the hydraulic cylinder 500 delivers hydraulic oil back to the oil reservoir 310 through the third pipeline, thus forming a circulation of hydraulic oil.

[0052] The hydraulic oil outlet of hydraulic cylinder 500 is fed back to the oil storage chamber 310 through the third pipeline. This means that after the bridge plug is set and released and the setting tool is pulled out of the wellhead, the hydraulic oil can be returned to the oil storage chamber 310 by adjusting the check valve, which facilitates the inspection and maintenance of the tool.

[0053] The motor drive assembly 200 includes a housing, within which are encapsulated a power supply for powering the motor and a controller for controlling the motor's start and stop. The power supply can be a battery pack, providing power for the motor's switching and operation. As a DC power source, the battery pack eliminates the need for power supplies such as cables for surface logging equipment, reducing the need for large surface equipment and significantly lowering operating costs. The power cable can pass through the inner cylinder of the oil storage section 300 and connect to the motor within the high-pressure pump assembly 400. The controller (such as a PLC) is used for programming the motor driver, setting the time, and starting and stopping the motor.

[0054] In other words, after the tool and bridge plug are delivered to the predetermined position, the bridge plug setting tool can be started, set, and released according to the set program. For example, based on the designed bridge plug insertion depth and the time that may be required, the start time of the control system is set to be greater than the time that the tool may need to be inserted into position. Then, the automated setting tool and bridge plug setting tool are inserted into the designed depth through the test wireline, and the setting tool is waited for to start automatically.

[0055] It adopts a time-set start method and stops when the bridge plug is released. It can automatically terminate in case of an accident. It can be set on the ground using mobile devices (such as mobile phones) or dedicated devices and other software and hardware tools. It has a high degree of automation and is convenient and fast.

[0056] Please continue reading. Figure 1 A balance joint 700 is provided between the motor drive assembly 200 and the oil reservoir 300 to isolate the two. The balance joint 700 has a central hole for the power line to pass through, and the balance joint 700 is filled with high-pressure resistant sealing resin to ensure isolation between the power supply assembly and the oil reservoir.

[0057] Similar to the balance joint 700, an intermediate joint 800 is provided between the high-pressure pump assembly 400 and the hydraulic cylinder 500. The intermediate joint 800 has at least a central hydraulic oil passage for high-pressure hydraulic oil to pass through, and a one-way valve is installed in the central hydraulic oil passage to prevent the hydraulic oil entering the hydraulic cylinder assembly from flowing back.

[0058] The swashplate piston pump is connected to the hydraulic cylinder 500. Its purpose is to convert the high-pressure hydraulic oil output by the swashplate piston pump into the thrust of the cylinder piston. After the hydraulic oil enters the piston chamber of the cylinder, it can generate a continuous and stable thrust, which has the characteristics of large setting force and reliable setting.

[0059] See Figure 2 The pusher assembly 600 includes a locking ring 610, a locking plate 620, a power pusher 630, and a sleeve 650 connected in sequence from top to bottom. The locking ring 610 is connected to the cylinder of the hydraulic cylinder 500. When the piston rod 510 of the hydraulic cylinder 500 extends, the locking ring 610 is displaced.

[0060] Depending on the environment of the automated setting tool, the locking ring 610 and the locking plate 620 are either locked or disengaged. Specifically, when the automated setting tool is lowered into the well, the locking ring 610 and the locking plate 620 are initially locked. However, when the piston rod 510 of the hydraulic cylinder 500 extends, the locking plate 620 disengages from the locking ring 610. Please refer to [further details]. Figure 2 The details are as follows:

[0061] (1) A hollow central tie rod 640 is provided in the cylinder formed by the power push cylinder 630 and the sleeve 650. That is, the central tie rod 640 is in the shape of a hollow cylinder. The piston rod 510 of the hydraulic cylinder 500 is inserted into the hollow cavity of the central tie rod 640. That is, the piston rod 510 is displaced (elongated) in the hollow cavity of the central tie rod 640. The tail end of the central tie rod 640 is connected to the bridge piston spindle. A strip-shaped groove (through groove) is provided on the rod wall of the central tie rod 640 along its length direction. There are at least two strip-shaped grooves. The two strip-shaped grooves are symmetrical about the center line of the central tie rod 640. The purpose is that the same locking piece 620 can be inserted into the two strip-shaped grooves at the same time to ensure smooth forward movement during sliding.

[0062] (2) The piston rod 510 of the hydraulic cylinder 500 abuts against the locking plate 620. The locking plate 620 is inserted into the strip groove. When the piston rod 510 of the hydraulic cylinder 500 extends and pushes the locking plate 620 to disengage from the locking ring 610, the locking plate 620 slides along the strip groove and pushes the power push cylinder 630 and the sleeve 650 to move down together to push the bridge plug to set and release.

[0063] The central tie rod 640 is connected to the bridge plug spindle, meaning the bridge plug spindle does not move. Meanwhile, the locking plate 620, the power push cylinder 630, and the sleeve 650 move downwards together. During the downward movement, the locking plate 620 slides along the strip groove, which serves to limit and guide movement, and transmits the thrust of the piston rod 510 to the power push cylinder 630. The power push cylinder 630 then transmits the thrust to the sleeve 650, which in turn pushes the outer cylinder of the bridge plug to move and achieve bridge plug setting.

[0064] The locking plate structure inside the pusher assembly 600 can convert the thrust of the hydraulic cylinder piston into the downward thrust of the power pusher 630. Its central tie rod 640 is connected to the bridge plug spindle. Under the combined action of the power pusher 630 (moving) and the central tie rod 640 (stationary), the bridge plug is set and released.

[0065] Before assembling the automated setting tool, charge the power supply or use dry batteries and ensure sufficient power. Connect the controller via mobile or dedicated equipment. Based on the designed bridge plug insertion depth and the possible time, set the start time to be longer than the possible tool insertion time. Fill the oil storage section 300 with hydraulic oil using a hydraulic pump. After the setting tool is assembled, connect the bridge plug. Use the well test wireline to lower the automated setting tool and bridge plug to the designed depth and wait for the setting tool to start automatically.

[0066] After the motor starts, it drives the swashplate piston pump, which injects high-pressure hydraulic oil into the hydraulic cylinder assembly. The piston of the hydraulic cylinder assembly transmits power to the push cylinder assembly 600. The push cylinder assembly 600, the weak point of the bridge plug center rod, and the bridge plug compression ring generate action and reaction forces (push-pull forces) to carry out the bridge plug setting process until the weak point breaks. Once the bridge plug is confirmed to have released, the bridge plug setting work in the oil and gas pipe is considered to be automatically completed.

[0067] This invention relates to a bridge plug setting tool for well testing wireline operations, relying on the well testing wireline for insertion. It uses a battery pack as a DC power source, eliminating the need for power supplies such as cables for surface logging equipment, thus reducing the need for large surface equipment and significantly lowering operating costs. A motor drives a hydraulic plunger pump, converting the rotational motion of the motor shaft into the reciprocating motion of a swashplate plunger pump. Hydraulic oil entering the piston chamber of the cylinder generates a continuous and stable thrust, characterized by high setting force and reliable setting. The pusher assembly features a locking plate structure that converts the thrust of the cylinder piston into the downward thrust of the pusher. Its central tie rod is connected to the bridge plug spindle, and the combined action of the pusher and the central tie rod achieves bridge plug setting and release. The use of different functional components connected in series offers advantages such as simple and quick on-site assembly, easy maintenance, reusability, low cost, and suitability for field applications.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific examples of implementing the present invention, and in practical applications, various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated setting tool for wire-feed bridge plugs, characterized in that, It includes at least a motor drive assembly (200), an oil reservoir (300), a high-pressure pump assembly (400), a hydraulic cylinder (500), and a pusher assembly (600) for connecting the bridge plug, which are sealed and connected from top to bottom. A wire rope cap (100) is installed at the opening of the housing near the motor drive assembly (200); The high-pressure pump assembly (400) outputs high-pressure hydraulic oil, which pushes the piston rod (510) of the hydraulic cylinder (500) downward, and the piston rod (510) of the hydraulic cylinder (500) drives the pusher assembly (600) to move downward synchronously. The pusher assembly (600) includes a locking ring (610), a locking plate (620), a power pusher (630), and a sleeve (650) connected sequentially from top to bottom, wherein the locking ring (610) is connected to the cylinder of the hydraulic cylinder (500); The locking ring (610) and the locking piece (620) are in a locked state or a disengaged state; The piston rod (510) of the hydraulic cylinder (500) abuts against the locking plate (620).

2. The automated setting tool for wire-feed bridge plugs as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The high-pressure pump assembly (400) includes a motor, the output end of which is connected to a coupling via a reducer, and the coupling is connected to a swashplate piston pump, which is connected to the hydraulic cylinder (500).

3. The automated setting tool for wire-feed bridge plugs as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The oil storage section (300) includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, and the annular space formed by the two cylinders serves as an oil storage chamber (310), which is equipped with a breather valve. The oil storage chamber (310) delivers hydraulic oil to the suction port of the swashplate piston pump through the first pipeline; The pressure port of the swashplate piston pump delivers high-pressure hydraulic oil to the inlet of the hydraulic cylinder (500) through a second pipeline; The hydraulic cylinder (500) outlet delivers hydraulic oil back to the oil storage chamber (310) through a third pipeline.

4. The automated setting tool for wire-feed bridge plugs as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The motor drive assembly (200) includes a housing, within which are encapsulated a power supply for supplying power to the motor and a controller for controlling the start and stop of the motor.

5. The automated setting tool for wire-feed bridge plugs as described in claim 4, characterized in that: A balance joint (700) is provided between the motor drive assembly (200) and the oil reservoir (300) to isolate the two, and the balance joint (700) has a central hole for the power line to pass through.

6. The automated setting tool for wire-feed bridge plugs as described in claim 2, characterized in that: An intermediate joint (800) is provided between the high-pressure pump assembly (400) and the hydraulic cylinder (500). The intermediate joint (800) has at least a central hydraulic oil passage for high-pressure hydraulic oil to pass through, and a one-way valve is installed in the central hydraulic oil passage.

7. The automated setting tool for wire-feed bridge plugs as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A hollow central pull rod (640) is provided inside the cylinder formed by the power push cylinder (630) and the sleeve (650). The piston rod (510) of the hydraulic cylinder (500) is inserted into the hollow cavity of the central pull rod (640). The central pull rod (640) is connected to the bridge plug spindle, and a strip-shaped groove is provided on the rod wall of the central pull rod (640) along its length direction. The locking plate (620) is inserted into the strip groove. When the piston rod (510) of the hydraulic cylinder (500) extends and pushes the locking plate (620) to disengage from the locking ring (610), the locking plate (620) slides along the strip groove and pushes the power pusher (630) and the sleeve (650) to move down together to push the bridge plug to set and release.

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