Buoyancy Fluid Plug Assembly for Deviated Well Liner Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Longer deviated or horizontal sections in well systems increase friction, making it difficult to drive the completion liner to the toe of the wellbore due to excessive frictional forces exceeding the available driving force.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a plug assembly that allows buoyancy of the completion liner by trapping a fluid of lower density within the liner, reducing friction by lifting the liner off the wellbore bottom, and using a pressure-relieving sub to manage fluid pressure and assist in liner placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the length of deviated or horizontal sections in well systems is increased to reach more subterranean zone with a single well, then the productivity and reach of the well system is improved, but the frictional force increases making it difficult to drive the completion liner to the toe of the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies buoyancy principle to create an upward force that counteracts the downward frictional force. A buoyant element (such as a balloon or气囊) is introduced into the completion liner to generate upward buoyant force that reduces the net downward force required to drive the liner to the toe of the wellbore, effectively counteracting the harmful frictional force in long deviated wells
2Ease of operation
If buoyancy fluid is trapped within the completion liner to reduce friction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for plug assembly and pressure management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plug assembly as an intermediary device that manages the buoyancy fluid. The plug assembly includes a pressure-relieving sub that acts as a mediator between the buoyancy fluid and the wellbore environment, controlling fluid pressure and allowing safe operation of the buoyant completion liner while managing the complexity through a standardized intermediate component
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 the successful deployment of the completion liner to the specified depth by reducing frictional resistance, allowing for effective well completion and fracture treatment without interference with existing well components.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a plug assembly that allows buoyancy of the completion liner by trapping a fluid of lower density within the liner, reducing friction by lifting the liner off the wellbore bottom
Data Source
AI summary
A buoyancy fluid is sealed in an interior central bore of a completion liner with a plug assembly in the interior central bore. The buoyancy fluid has a lower density than the fluid contained in the wellbore. The buoyancy fluid reduces the force, and thus friction, at the interface between the liner and the bottom of the wellbore while the completion liner is being run to final depth. When the buoyancy fluid is no longer needed, the plug assembly can be withdrawn uphole from the completion liner and to the surface.