Bridge Plug Barrier Sleeve Shape Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bridge plugs and slickline arrangements for oil and gas wells lack efficiency in isolating upper and lower wellbore portions effectively, requiring improved methods for fluid flow control within wellbores.
Innovation Solution
A through-tubing bridge plug with a splayable assembly and an elastic barrier sleeve that changes shape from cylindrical to frusto-conical upon displacement, compressing against the wellbore casing to form a separation barrier, utilizing a matrix impregnated with elastomeric material for effective fluid isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional e-line cables with steel wires and armored insulators are used to convey and fix barrier plugs, then tensile strength and electrical communication are provided, but the weight and size of the cable arrangement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heavy steel wire armor and complex insulator structure from the cable assembly. By using a slickline (simple wire line) without armored protection, the design removes unnecessary structural elements while retaining the essential function of conveying and positioning the bridge plug through the wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable, single-use slickline arrangement that is sacrificed or replaced after a single deployment operation. This eliminates the need for durable, heavy-duty reusable cables with complex protective structures, as the simple wire line only needs to perform its function once during bridge plug installation.
2Strength
If conventional e-line cables with armored insulators are used to convey and fix barrier plugs, then tensile strength and electrical communication are provided, but the overall size of the cable arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heavy steel wire armor and complex insulator structure from the cable assembly. By using a slickline (simple wire line) without armored protection, the design removes unnecessary structural elements while retaining the essential function of conveying and positioning the bridge plug through the wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable, single-use slickline arrangement that is sacrificed or replaced after a single deployment operation. This eliminates the need for durable, heavy-duty reusable cables with complex protective structures, as the simple wire line only needs to perform its function once during bridge plug installation.
3Ease of operation
If barrier plugs are conveyed via cable arrangements, then the barrier plug can be positioned and fixed within the wellbore, but the complexity of the deployment system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heavy steel wire armor and complex insulator structure from the cable assembly. By using a slickline (simple wire line) without armored protection, the design removes unnecessary structural elements while retaining the essential function of conveying and positioning the bridge plug through the wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable, single-use slickline arrangement that is sacrificed or replaced after a single deployment operation. This eliminates the need for durable, heavy-duty reusable cables with complex protective structures, as the simple wire line only needs to perform its function once during bridge plug installation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides superior fluid flow control by creating a reliable separation/isolation barrier within the wellbore, tolerant of high temperatures and hostile chemistries, and allows for simpler construction and deployment with reduced size and weight, enhancing the durability and effectiveness of the bridge plug.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic barrier sleeve that changes shape from cylindrical to frusto-conical upon displacement of the lower annulus relative to the upper annulus
Implementation Method 2
the splayable assembly includes an upper annulus, a lower annulus, and a plurality of linkages. Displacement of the lower annulus relative to the upper annulus expands the elastic barrier sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A bridge plug includes a splayable assembly. The splayable assembly includes an upper annulus with upper extensions, a lower annulus with lower extensions opposing the upper annulus along an axis extending through the upper annulus and the lower annulus, and a linkage connecting the lower annulus to the upper annulus. The linkage has an upper link pivotably connected to a lower link, the upper link pivotably connected between circumferentially adjacent upper extensions and the lower link pivotably connected between circumferentially adjacent lower extensions. The elastic barrier sleeve extends circumferentially about the splayable assembly such that movement of the lower annulus towards the upper annulus expands the elastic barrier sleeve to form a barrier within a wellbore. Bridge plug arrangements and methods of emplacing bridge plugs in wellbores are also described.