Burst Disc Sub for Reverse Circulation Cementing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and inefficiency of using a rig for extended periods in wellbore cementing operations lead to increased costs and lost opportunities for developing other wells in a common drilling pad, as the rig is often required to remain at one wellbore for longer durations.
Innovation Solution
A burst disc sub is integrated into the casing string, allowing for reverse circulation and internal pressure relief, enabling the cementing process to proceed without continuous rig presence by breaking apart under pressure to facilitate fluid flow and cement slurry injection, thus reducing rig usage time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rig is used for extended periods in wellbore cementing operations, then the cementing process can be completed thoroughly, but the cost and time efficiency deteriorate due to prolonged rig allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The burst disc sub is pre-installed in the casing string before cementing operations begin. This preliminary placement of the pressure-activated device allows the system to automatically initiate reverse circulation when pressure thresholds are reached, eliminating the need for continuous rig presence and enabling faster operation completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The burst disc sub functions autonomously by automatically breaking apart when exposed to downward force exceeding a threshold value during cementing operations. This self-activating mechanism triggers reverse circulation without requiring external intervention or continuous rig operation, thereby reducing rig usage time while ensuring proper cementing completion.
2Productivity
If a rig is allocated to a single wellbore for an extended period, then cementing operations can be performed without interruption, but opportunity cost increases for other wells in the pad
Solution Approach 1:
The burst disc sub is pre-installed in the casing string before cementing operations begin. This preliminary placement of the pressure-activated device allows the system to automatically initiate reverse circulation when pressure thresholds are reached, eliminating the need for continuous rig presence and enabling faster operation completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The burst disc sub functions autonomously by automatically breaking apart when exposed to downward force exceeding a threshold value during cementing operations. This self-activating mechanism triggers reverse circulation without requiring external intervention or continuous rig operation, thereby reducing rig usage time while ensuring proper cementing completion.
3Ease of operation
If the burst disc breaks apart under pressure, then fluid flow is facilitated for reverse circulation, but the structural integrity of the casing string is temporarily compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The burst disc sub is designed as a segmented component within the casing string, with a burst disc that can break apart independently. This segmentation allows the burst disc to fail in a controlled manner to enable reverse circulation while the rest of the casing string maintains its structural integrity and continues to function.
Solution Approach 2:
The burst disc is designed to be extracted or removed from the system when it serves its purpose. When the burst disc breaks apart under pressure, it is effectively taken out of the flow path, allowing fluid to pass through the previously blocked section and enabling reverse circulation without compromising the overall casing structure.
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 solution reduces the time and cost associated with rig usage, allows for more efficient wellbore cementing operations, and enables faster development of multiple wellbores by minimizing the need for prolonged rig allocation at a single wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
the burst disc, when exposed to a downward force in the upper portion of the cavity exceeding a threshold value, is configured to break apart to allow flow of casing fluid under pressure from the upper portion to the lower portion of the cavity through the burst disc sub
Implementation Method 2
in what is called reverse circulation, the cement slurry is pumped down the annulus until the cement slurry accumulates at the bottom and begins to fill the cavity of the casing string
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cementing casing using reverse circulation, where the system can include a casing string having multiple casing pipes and a burst disc sub, where the burst disc sub includes a burst disc that is disposed within a cavity formed in the casing string and prevents unwanted flow up the cavity while running casing, where the burst disc, when exposed to a downward force in the cavity exceeding a threshold value, is configured to break apart to allow flow of casing fluid under pressure from the upper portion to the lower portion of the cavity through the burst disc sub, and where the burst disc sub is configured to allow for reverse flow of the casing fluid therethrough when a cement slurry is injected down an annulus formed between the casing string and a formation wall of a wellbore.