Controllable phase change metal bridge plug

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of bridge plugs, in particular to a controllable phase-change metal bridge plug which comprises a plugging agent cylinder, a shear connector, a shell cylinder, a bearing cylinder and a bottom plug, the shear connector, the shell cylinder, the bearing cylinder and the bottom plug are sequentially and fixedly installed together from top to bottom, and the plugging agent cylinder is arranged on the outer side of the shell cylinder; the bearing cylinder comprises an upper connector, a gland, a lower body, a rotary extension umbrella piece, a locking pin and a rotation assisting assembly, the upper connector is fixedly installed in the center of the upper side of the lower body, and the gland is arranged on the outer side of the upper connector. The rotary extension umbrella piece is reasonable and compact in structure and convenient to use, by arranging the rotating frame and the rotating assembly, after the locking pin relieves limitation on the rotary extension umbrella pieces, the rotating assembly drives the rotating frame to rotate, so that all the rotary extension umbrella pieces rotationally extend out, in the extending process of the rotary extension umbrella pieces, the guide columns located in the sliding long round holes guide and limit the rotary extension umbrella pieces, and the rotating extension umbrella pieces are more stable. Therefore, all the rotary extension umbrella pieces extend outwards in the radial direction to be in contact with the inner wall of the sleeve to form an annular bearing face, and the rotary extension umbrella piece has the advantages of being stable, reliable and efficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bridge plug technology, specifically a controllable phase change metal bridge plug. Background Technology

[0002] In the exploration and development of oil and gas fields, bridge plugs, as indispensable downhole sealing tools, are widely used in many fields such as well testing, gas testing, well workover, testing, reservoir stimulation, and reservoir plugging. Currently used casing and tubing plugs typically employ a structure combining upper and lower slips with a rubber sleeve. During setting, the slips open and interlock with the casing and tubing, while the rubber sleeve compresses and expands to adhere to the inner wall of the casing and tubing, forming a seal. Under the clamping action of the upper and lower slips, the rubber sleeve maintains a compressed and expanded sealing state, achieving the plugging of the casing and tubing. However, this type of bridge plug suffers from complex structural design and a wide variety of sizes and specifications. Sometimes, even with the same outer diameter of the casing and tubing, differences in wall thickness and steel grade necessitate the use of bridge plugs of different sizes, causing considerable inconvenience to field operations.

[0003] With the continuous growth of domestic demand for oil and gas, the development of oil and gas fields has entered a new stage, and some complex oil and gas reservoirs with high temperature, high pressure, and high sulfur content are gradually being explored and developed. This places more stringent requirements on downhole tools, requiring them to ensure reliable operation for a long time in extremely harsh environments. Currently, traditional bridge plugs use rubber as the material for their rubber sleeves, which is prone to aging under high temperature and high pressure conditions. They cannot maintain long-term reliability in the harsh environment of complex oil and gas reservoirs with high temperature, high pressure, and high sulfur content, leading to stress relaxation of the sealing rubber sleeve elements, causing the packer to lose its seal downhole, seriously affecting the performance and lifespan of the packer.

[0004] Against this backdrop, metal bridge plugs and soluble bridge plugs are gradually replacing traditional rubber sleeves. The former has the problem of not being able to expand and open during actual use, while the latter usually uses aluminum-magnesium alloy and soluble rubber materials. However, because the rubber sleeve will form flocculent material after dissolving and accumulate at the wellhead with the backflow fluid, it will cause wellbore blockage, long engineering treatment cycle and high operating costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a controllable phase change metal bridge plug, which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and can effectively solve the problem that existing rubber sleeves cannot meet the requirements of high temperature and high pressure operation.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is achieved through the following measures: A controllable phase change metal bridge plug includes a plugging cylinder and a shearing joint, an outer shell cylinder, a support cylinder, and a bottom plug, which are fixedly installed together from top to bottom. The plugging cylinder is provided on the outer side of the outer shell cylinder. The support cylinder includes an upper joint, a pressure cap, a lower body, a rotating umbrella blade, a locking pin, and a rotation assist assembly. The upper joint is fixedly installed in the center of the upper side of the lower body. A pressure cap is provided on the outer side of the upper joint. A plurality of rotating umbrella blades are provided on the upper side of the lower body below the pressure cap, which are staggered vertically along the circumference. A rotation assist assembly is provided on the upper side of the lower body, which enables all rotating umbrella blades to extend radially outward. A locking hole is provided on the pressure cap, which is through vertically. A locking pin is provided in the locking hole, which can prevent the rotating umbrella blades from extending radially outward. The plugging cylinder and the locking pin are both made of controllable phase change metal composite material.

[0007] The following are further optimizations and / or improvements to the above-mentioned technical solution: The aforementioned rotation assist assembly may include a rotating frame, a fixed column, a guide column, and a rotating component. The upper side of the lower body is provided with a rotating annular groove, and the rotating frame is provided in the rotating annular groove. The upper side of the rotating frame is provided with several rotating umbrella blades that are staggered vertically along the circumference. The inner end of the rotating umbrella blade corresponding to the position of the rotating frame is provided with a fixed circular hole. Each fixed circular hole is provided with a fixed column whose lower end is fixedly installed on the upper side of the rotating frame. The outer end of the rotating umbrella blade is provided with a sliding elongated circular hole. The sliding elongated circular hole corresponding to the outer end position of each sliding elongated circular hole is provided with a guide column whose lower end is fixedly installed on the upper side of the lower body. The upper side of the lower body is provided with a rotating component that enables the rotating frame to rotate.

[0008] The aforementioned rotating assembly may include a front assist assembly and a rear assist assembly. The front assist assembly includes a pull rod, a spring seat, and a return spring. A pull rod is fixedly installed on the inner side of the front part of the rotating frame. A spring seat is provided on the upper side of the lower body corresponding to the right position of the pull rod. A return spring is fixedly installed between the pull rod and the spring seat. A rear assist assembly is provided on the upper side of the rear part of the lower body. The rear assist assembly has the same structure as the front assist assembly and is arranged in a centrally symmetrical manner.

[0009] The above may also include a locking ear, which is fixedly installed on the inner side of the rotating frame below the locking hole. The locking ear has a through-hole, and the lower end of the locking pin is located inside the through-hole.

[0010] The upper inner side of the aforementioned support cylinder may be provided with at least two slow-flow ring grooves spaced vertically, and the outer side of the outer shell cylinder corresponding to each slow-flow ring groove position is provided with a slow-flow ring platform located in the slow-flow ring groove.

[0011] The aforementioned controllable phase change metal composite material may include carbon-based metal catalysts, non-metallic special adhesives, and nanoscale metal powders. The controllable phase change metal composite material is manufactured by a combination of carbonyl method, high-pressure mixing method, and metal injection molding method.

[0012] This invention has a reasonable and compact structure and is easy to use. By setting up a rotating frame and a rotating assembly, after the locking pin releases the restriction on the rotating umbrella blades, the rotating assembly drives the rotating frame to rotate, thereby causing all the rotating umbrella blades to rotate and extend. During the extension process of the rotating umbrella blades, the guide post located in the sliding elongated hole guides and limits the rotating umbrella blades, thereby realizing that all the rotating umbrella blades extend radially outward and contact the inner wall of the sleeve to form an annular support surface, which has the characteristics of stability, reliability and high efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Appendix Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams of partial cross-sectional views of embodiments 1 to 6 of the present invention.

[0014] Appendix Figure 2 For the appendix Figure 1 Enlarged front view of the central support cylinder structure.

[0015] Appendix Figure 3 For the appendix Figure 2 A top-view structural diagram.

[0016] Appendix Figure 4 For the appendix Figure 2 A top-view structural diagram of the structure in use.

[0017] Appendix Figure 5 For the appendix Figure 2 Exploded view of the device in use.

[0018] Appendix Figure 6 For the appendix Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the lower part of the body.

[0019] Appendix Figure 7 For the appendix Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating frame.

[0020] The codes in the attached diagram are as follows: 1 is the plugging tube, 2 is the shearing joint, 3 is the outer shell tube, 4 is the bottom plug, 5 is the upper joint, 6 is the pressure cap, 7 is the lower body, 8 is the rotating umbrella blade, 9 is the locking pin, 10 is the rotating frame, 11 is the fixed column, 12 is the guide column, 13 is the rotating ring groove, 14 is the pull rod, 15 is the spring seat, 16 is the return spring, 17 is the locking ear, 18 is the insertion hole, 19 is the slow flow ring platform, and 20 is the sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and the specific implementation can be determined according to the technical solution of the present invention and the actual situation.

[0022] In this invention, for ease of description, the description of the relative positions of the components is based on the appendix to the specification. Figure 1The layout is described using a diagrammatic method, such as front, back, top, bottom, left, right, etc. The positional relationships are determined based on the layout direction of the attached diagram in the instruction manual.

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings: Example 1: As shown in the attached document Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, the controllable phase change metal bridge plug includes a plugging cylinder 1 and a shearing joint 2, an outer shell cylinder 3, a support cylinder, and a bottom plug 4, which are fixedly installed together from top to bottom. The plugging cylinder 1 is located on the outside of the outer shell cylinder 3. The support cylinder includes an upper joint 5, a pressure cap 6, a lower body 7, a rotating umbrella 8, a locking pin 9, and a rotation assist assembly. The upper joint 5 is fixedly installed in the center of the upper side of the lower body 7. The pressure cap 6 is located on the outside of the upper joint 5. Several rotating umbrellas 8 are arranged alternately in a circumferential direction on the upper side of the lower body 7, corresponding to the position below the pressure cap 6. A rotation assist assembly is provided on the upper side of the lower body 7, which enables all rotating umbrellas 8 to extend radially outward. The pressure cap 6 is provided with a locking hole that runs vertically through the upper and lower parts. The locking hole contains a locking pin 9 that prevents the rotating umbrellas 8 from extending radially outward. The plugging cylinder 1 and the locking pin 9 are both made of controllable phase change metal composite material. During use, when this embodiment receives a phase change excitation signal, the locking pin 9 first undergoes a phase change, transforming from a solid to a liquid state, and then releases the restriction on the rotating umbrella blades 8. Under the action of the rotation assist component, all the rotating umbrella blades 8 rotate radially and extend outward to contact the inner wall of the sleeve 20, forming an annular support surface. Then, the plugging agent cylinder 1 undergoes a phase change, transforming from a solid to a liquid state and flowing along the outer shell cylinder 3 towards the annular support surface formed by the rotating umbrella blades 8. Upon reaching the upper part of the annular support surface, it undergoes another phase change and solidifies, thus forming a solid metal plug between the sleeve 20 and the outer shell cylinder 3 above the annular support surface. This ensures stable support for the liquid metal during the phase change process, forming an ideal solid metal plug, thereby improving the effectiveness and reliability of the entire sealing operation. According to requirements, controllable phase change metal composite materials are existing known materials. It is possible to achieve a solid-liquid phase change through controllable means. Specifically, the controllable phase change can be achieved by transforming from a solid to a liquid state after energization and from a liquid to a solid state after de-energization.

[0024] The above-mentioned controllable phase change metal bridge plug can be further optimized and / or improved according to actual needs: Example 2: As shown in the attached document Figure 2 , 3As shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7, the rotation assist assembly includes a rotating frame 10, a fixed column 11, a guide column 12, and a rotation component. The upper side of the lower body 7 is provided with a rotating annular groove 13, and the rotating frame 10 is provided inside the rotating annular groove 13. The upper side of the rotating frame 10 is provided with several rotating umbrella blades 8 that are staggered vertically along the circumference. The inner end of the rotating umbrella blade 8 corresponding to the position of the rotating frame 10 is provided with a fixed circular hole. Each fixed circular hole is provided with a fixed column 11 whose lower end is fixedly installed on the upper side of the rotating frame 10. The outer end of the rotating umbrella blade 8 is provided with a sliding elongated circular hole. The sliding elongated circular hole corresponding to the outer end position of each sliding elongated circular hole is provided with a guide column 12 whose lower end is fixedly installed on the upper side of the lower body 7. The upper side of the lower body 7 is provided with a rotation component that enables the rotating frame 10 to rotate. During use, by setting up the rotating frame 10 and the rotating assembly, after the locking pin 9 releases the restriction on the rotating umbrella blades 8, the rotating assembly drives the rotating frame 10 to rotate, thereby causing all the rotating umbrella blades 8 to rotate and extend. During the extension of the rotating umbrella blades 8, the guide post 12 located in the sliding elongated hole guides and limits the rotating umbrella blades 8, thereby enabling all the rotating umbrella blades 8 to extend radially outward and contact the inner wall of the sleeve 20 to form an annular support surface.

[0025] Example 3: As shown in the attached document Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figure 5, the rotating assembly includes a front assist assembly and a rear assist assembly. The front assist assembly includes a pull rod 14, a spring seat 15, and a return spring 16. The pull rod 14 is fixedly installed on the inner front side of the rotating frame 10. A spring seat 15 is provided on the upper side of the lower body 7 corresponding to the right position of the pull rod 14. A return spring 16 is fixedly installed between the pull rod 14 and the spring seat 15. A rear assist assembly is provided on the upper rear side of the lower body 7. The rear assist assembly has the same structure as the front assist assembly and is centrally symmetrically arranged. During use, by setting the return spring 16, after the locking pin 9 releases the restriction on the rotating umbrella blade 8, the pull rod 14 is pulled under the action of its restoring force, so that the rotating frame 10 rotates in the rotating ring groove 13.

[0026] Example 4: As shown in the appendix Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figure 5, it also includes a locking ear 17. The locking ear 17 is fixedly installed on the inner side of the rotating frame 10 corresponding to the position below the locking hole. The locking ear 17 is provided with a through hole 18, and the lower end of the locking pin 9 is located in the through hole 18. In use, this setting can limit the locking pin 9 to the rotating frame 10, and prevent the rotating umbrella blade 8 from extending radially outward after the rotating frame 10 rotates.

[0027] Example 5: As shown in the attached document Figure 1As shown, at least two slow-flow annular grooves are provided at intervals on the upper inner side of the support cylinder, and a slow-flow annular platform 19 located within the slow-flow annular groove is provided on the outer side of the outer shell cylinder 3 corresponding to each slow-flow annular groove. During use, this arrangement allows the plugging agent cylinder 1, after changing from solid to liquid state, to flow slowly along the outer shell cylinder 3 towards the annular support surface formed by the rotating umbrella blade 8, thereby forming a more stable solid metal plug.

[0028] Example 6: As shown in the appendix Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, the controllable phase change metal composite material includes a carbon-based metal catalyst, a non-metallic special adhesive, and nanoscale metal powder. The controllable phase change metal composite material is manufactured by a combination of carbonyl method, high-pressure mixing method, and metal injection molding method.

[0029] During use, the plugging agent cartridge 1 is the core component and sealing element of the entire bridge plug. Unlike traditional slip-type bridge plugs, this tool body has neither slips nor a rubber sleeve; the key to its sealing function is the plugging agent cartridge 1. The plugging agent cartridge 1 is designed as a cylindrical tube for easy delivery into the well. After the tool is in place, under the action of the activation tool, the plugging agent cartridge 1 will change from a solid to a liquid state, filling the annular space between the outer casing 3 and the inner wall of the tubing. The solidified metal plugging agent will achieve a seal in this annular space. The plugging agent cartridge 1 has no buckle design at both ends; during assembly, the plugging agent cartridge 1 is simply placed onto the outer casing 3. Furthermore, the plugging agent cartridge 1... The main material of the agent cylinder 1 is a controllable phase change metal composite material. This material is a carbon-based composite metal material made by carbon-based metal catalysts, non-metallic special adhesives, and nano-sized metal powders through carbonyl method, high-pressure mixing method and metal injection molding method. By controlling a certain property of the material and using a specific excitation control tool, it is possible to realize its transformation between solid and liquid phases. When the material changes from solid to liquid, its fluidity is very good and it can enter tiny gaps. After the excitation is stopped, the material quickly changes back from liquid to solid, that is, it is solidified, thereby achieving high-strength sealing of pores and gaps.

[0030] The above technical features constitute the embodiments of the present invention, which have strong adaptability and implementation effect. Unnecessary technical features can be added or removed according to actual needs to meet the needs of different situations.

Claims

1. A controllable phase change metal bridge plug, characterized in that... The device includes a plugging cartridge and, from top to bottom, a shearing joint, an outer shell, a support tube, and a bottom plug, all fixedly installed together. The plugging cartridge is located on the outer side of the outer shell. The support tube includes an upper connector, a pressure cap, a lower body, rotating umbrella blades, a locking pin, and a rotation assist assembly. The upper connector is fixedly installed at the center of the upper side of the lower body, and a pressure cap is located on the outer side of the upper connector. Corresponding to the position below the pressure cap, the upper side of the lower body has several rotating umbrella blades that are staggered vertically along the circumference. The upper side of the lower body has a rotation assist assembly that enables all rotating umbrella blades to extend radially outward. The pressure cap has a vertically penetrating locking hole, and the locking hole contains a locking pin that prevents the rotating umbrella blades from extending radially outward. Both the plugging cartridge and the locking pin are made of controllable phase change metal composite material.

2. The controllable phase change metal bridge plug according to claim 1, characterized in that... The rotation assist assembly includes a rotating frame, a fixed column, a guide column, and a rotating component. The upper side of the lower body is provided with a rotating annular groove, and the rotating frame is located in the rotating annular groove. The upper side of the rotating frame is provided with several rotating umbrella blades that are staggered vertically along the circumference. The inner end of the rotating umbrella blade corresponding to the position of the rotating frame is provided with a fixed circular hole. Each fixed circular hole is provided with a fixed column whose lower end is fixedly installed on the upper side of the rotating frame. The outer end of the rotating umbrella blade is provided with a sliding elongated circular hole. The sliding elongated circular hole corresponding to the outer end position of each sliding elongated circular hole is provided with a guide column whose lower end is fixedly installed on the upper side of the lower body. The upper side of the lower body is provided with a rotating component that enables the rotating frame to rotate.

3. The controllable phase change metal bridge plug according to claim 2, characterized in that... The rotating assembly includes a front assist assembly and a rear assist assembly. The front assist assembly includes a pull rod, a spring seat, and a return spring. A pull rod is fixedly installed on the inner side of the front of the rotating frame. A spring seat is provided on the upper side of the lower body corresponding to the right position of the pull rod. A return spring is fixedly installed between the pull rod and the spring seat. A rear assist assembly is provided on the upper side of the rear of the lower body. The rear assist assembly has the same structure as the front assist assembly and is arranged in a centrally symmetrical manner.

4. The controllable phase change metal bridge plug according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that... It also includes a locking ear, which is fixedly installed on the inner side of the rotating bracket below the locking hole. The locking ear has a through hole, and the lower end of the locking pin is located inside the hole.

5. The controllable phase change metal bridge plug according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that... The upper inner side of the support cylinder is provided with at least two slow-flow ring grooves spaced vertically, and the outer side of the outer shell cylinder corresponding to each slow-flow ring groove is provided with a slow-flow ring platform located in the slow-flow ring groove.

6. The controllable phase change metal bridge plug according to claim 4, characterized in that... The upper inner side of the support cylinder is provided with at least two slow-flow ring grooves spaced vertically, and the outer side of the outer shell cylinder corresponding to each slow-flow ring groove is provided with a slow-flow ring platform located in the slow-flow ring groove.

7. The controllable phase change metal bridge plug according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 6, characterized in that... Controllable phase change metal composites include carbon-based metal catalysts, non-metallic special adhesives, and nanoscale metal powders. These composites are manufactured through a combination of carbonylation, high-pressure mixing, and metal injection molding.

8. The controllable phase change metal bridge plug according to claim 4, characterized in that... Controllable phase change metal composites include carbon-based metal catalysts, non-metallic special adhesives, and nanoscale metal powders. These composites are manufactured through a combination of carbonylation, high-pressure mixing, and metal injection molding.

9. The controllable phase change metal bridge plug according to claim 5, characterized in that... Controllable phase change metal composites include carbon-based metal catalysts, non-metallic special adhesives, and nanoscale metal powders. These composites are manufactured through a combination of carbonylation, high-pressure mixing, and metal injection molding.

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