Through Tubing Bridge Plug Actuation Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional through tubing bridge plugs are limited to wells with small expansion ratios and cannot anchor effectively for cement curing, restricting their use in wells requiring larger expansion ratios for pressure isolation.

Innovation Solution

A through tubing bridge plug with an actuation rod, anchor assembly, compression assemblies, and packing assembly that expands radially to establish a gripping and sealing engagement with the casing, allowing for larger expansion ratios and effective cement curing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional through tubing bridge plugs are used, then they can provide pressure isolation, but they are limited to small expansion ratios and cannot anchor effectively for cement curing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpansion ratio capabilityVSAvoidanchoring effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor assembly is divided into multiple individual anchors that can independently engage with the casing. Each anchor consists of arms with teeth that can grip the casing surface, allowing the system to achieve reliable anchoring even when expanded to larger diameters. The segmentation enables progressive engagement of multiple contact points with the casing wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor assembly transitions from a compressed low-profile configuration during insertion to an expanded gripping configuration once set. The arms are designed to flex and rotate, allowing them to adapt to the casing inner surface and maintain effective anchoring force. This dynamic behavior enables the anchors to remain effective across the full range of expansion ratios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bridge plug is expanded to accommodate larger expansion ratios, then adaptability improves, but anchoring stability for cement curing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpansion ratio capabilityVSAvoidanchoring stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Different components of the bridge plug are designed with specialized local properties: the anchor arms have teeth with specific geometries optimized for gripping, the packing elements have durometer values selected for sealing effectiveness, and the compression assembly has a progressive spring rate. These localized quality variations ensure that each component performs its specific function effectively across the expansion range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge plug incorporates composite construction with materials selected for specific properties: high-strength alloys for the actuation rod and anchor arms to withstand expansion forces, elastomeric materials for the packing elements to provide sealing, and corrosion-resistant coatings for casings. This composite approach maintains structural integrity and anchoring stability during expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If a larger expansion ratio is implemented, then the bridge plug can isolate pressure in more well configurations, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell configuration applicabilityVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are combined into integrated assemblies: the anchor assembly integrates multiple anchors, arms, and teeth into a single unit that expands and contracts as one system. The compression assembly combines springs, pistons, and linkages to simultaneously compress multiple packing elements. This merging reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge plug design incorporates universal features that enable it to function across diverse well configurations: the anchor assembly can engage with various casing inner diameters through its expansion capability, the packing elements can seal against different casing surfaces, and the actuation mechanism can be operated from the surface regardless of depth. This multi-functionality allows a single design to serve multiple well types without increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8555986B2Actuation assembly and method for actuating a downhole tool

Publication Date: 2013.10.15 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

An actuation assembly (100, 300) for actuating a downhole tool (200) having a tool housing (202) and an actuation member (208). The actuation assembly (100, 300) includes a downhole power unit (100) and a stroke extender (300). A power unit housing (150) is operably associated with an extender housing (302). A moveable shaft (130) of the power unit (100) is operably associated with an extender mandrel (304). The extender housing (302) is operably associated with the tool housing (202) and the actuation member (208). The extender mandrel (304) is operably associated with the actuation member (208) such that oscillatory movement of the moveable shaft (130) relative to the power unit housing (150) causes oscillatory movement of the extender mandrel (304) relative to the extender housing (302) which causes progressive movement in one direction of the actuation member (208) relative to the tool housing (202), thereby actuating the downhole tool (200).