Integrated Bridge Plug and Section Mill Single-Trip Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for installing bridge plugs in wellbore environments often require multiple trips, increasing rig time and operational complexity, as they separate the bridge plug installation from subsequent operations like section milling and cementing.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool system that integrates a bridge plug with a section mill and reamer, allowing for the bridge plug to be set and additional operations to be performed in a single trip, using a connector with shear elements to couple and decouple the tools, enabling simultaneous bridge plug anchoring and section milling or reaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple trips are used for bridge plug installation and subsequent operations, then operational reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased rig time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bridge plug installation, section milling, and cementing operations into a single integrated tool string that can be deployed in one trip. The tool string includes the bridge plug, connector with shear elements, and section mill, allowing all operations to be performed sequentially without tripping the rig, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge plug is installed and set in advance within the same tool string before the section milling operation. This preliminary action ensures that the plug is securely in place to contain cement before the milling begins, allowing subsequent operations to proceed without additional trips while maintaining operational reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tool string deployments are performed, then operational completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (bridge plug, connector, section mill) are merged into a single deployable tool string. This integration achieves operational completeness by performing all required functions in one deployment while managing complexity through modular design where each component has a specific, well-defined role.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool string is designed as a universal assembly that can perform multiple functions: the bridge plug provides flow restriction, the connector enables tool coupling and decoupling, and the section mill performs casing removal. This multi-functionality achieves operational completeness without requiring separate specialized tools for each operation.
3Ease of operation
If bridge plug installation is separated from section milling, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Bridge plug installation and section milling are merged into a single sequential operation within the same tool string deployment. The bridge plug is set first, then the connector decouples, allowing the section mill to operate independently. This merging eliminates tripping time while maintaining operational simplicity through clear sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary between the bridge plug and section mill, enabling their coordinated operation. The connector with shear elements allows the tools to work together during deployment, then automatically decouples to allow independent operation, reducing overall operation time while maintaining ease of operation for each function.
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
This approach reduces operational time and complexity by allowing for the completion of bridge plug installation, section milling, and cementing in a single trip, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for multiple tool string deployments.
Implementation Method 1
The connector may releasably couple the casing cutting tool to the bridge plug with a shear element
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool may include a bridge plug releasably coupled to a casing cutting tool. The bridge plug may be set within a wellbore and the casing cutting tool may be used in a milling or perforating operation during a single downhole trip of the downhole tool. A method for using a downhole tool may include setting the bridge plug in a wellbore and performing a casing cutting operation during a same downhole trip. The casing cutting tool may be a section mill and a section milling operation may be performed before or after uncoupling the bridge plug from the section mill while downhole. The section milling operation may remove an entire portion of casing within a region of the wellbore for receiving a cement plug. The casing cutting too may be a perforation tool and perforating may be used to remove portions of casing.