Retrievable Bridge Plug With Motorized Wheel Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wellbore sealing methods require secondary motive devices or wireline tractors, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in highly deviated wells, limiting the ability to seal wellbores independently and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool system with a tool body, wheels, motor assembly, and wellbore seal, controlled by a controller that measures forces and depth, allowing the tool to move independently on wheels and activate the seal at a pre-programmed depth, decoupling from the conveyance and sealing the wellbore without additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wellbore sealing methods use wireline tractors or secondary motive devices, then the sealing function can be achieved, but the device complexity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge plug is equipped with its own motor assembly and wheel system that enable it to move independently through the wellbore without requiring external wireline tractors or secondary motive devices. The plug autonomously propels itself to the target depth and activates its sealing elements to seal the wellbore, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex auxiliary equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the wireline tractor and secondary motive devices from the wellbore sealing system. By integrating the propulsion function directly into the bridge plug itself through onboard motors and wheels, the system eliminates the need for separate traction devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If wireline tractors are used to deploy wellbore seals, then the seal can be installed, but operational efficiency and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge plug independently propels itself through the wellbore using its integrated motor assembly and wheel system, eliminating the time-consuming processes of deploying and retrieving wireline tractors. The plug autonomously navigates to the target depth, activates its sealing elements, and can be retrieved independently, significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing non-productive time.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge plug is pre-equipped with all necessary components including motors, wheels, and sealing elements before entering the wellbore. This preliminary configuration allows the plug to immediately begin its independent journey and sealing operation without requiring auxiliary equipment during the process, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tool moves independently on wheels, then operational flexibility improves, but the force required to drive the tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge plug transitions from moving along a single-dimensional wireline conveyance to rolling on wheels that contact the wellbore tubular wall, adding a rotational dimension to the motion. This wheel-based propulsion system distributes the driving force across multiple contact points and leverages the rotational mechanics of wheels to reduce the linear force requirement while enhancing operational flexibility in deviated wells.
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
Enables efficient and independent sealing of wellbores, including highly deviated ones, without the need for wireline tractors or secondary motive devices, improving operational efficiency and flexibility in hydrocarbon production operations.
Implementation Method 1
a motor assembly coupled to the at least one set of wheels and configured to drive the at least one set of wheels in the extended position
Implementation Method 2
a wellbore seal coupled to the tool body and configured to activate to contact the wellbore tubular
Data Source
AI summary
A retrievable bridge plug includes a housing that includes a slickline connector; a plurality of wheels coupled to the housing, each wheel adjustable from a retracted position within the housing to an extended position from the housing; a motor assembly within the housing and driveably coupled to the plurality of wheels; a seal coupled to the housing; and a controller configured to operate the motor assembly to move the housing through a wellbore on the plurality of wheels in the extended position in response to a particular force on the housing; and activate the seal to seal the wellbore from fluid circulation there through.