Casing Hanger Fluid Port for Reverse Circulation Cementing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well bore cementing methods face challenges such as high pressures causing formation damage and casing string 'floating', longer job durations, and exposure to high temperatures, which are not effectively addressed by existing reverse circulation cementing methods due to access and equipment complexities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus providing fluidic access to the outer annulus of a casing string within a well bore using a casing hanger with a fluid port, a landing sub, and an isolation device, allowing for reverse circulation cementing without the need for complex or expensive equipment, enabling efficient cement slurry introduction and setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cementing methods are used to pump cement slurry down the casing string and up the annulus, then cementing can be accomplished, but high pressures are required causing formation damage and casing string floating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional cementing approach by introducing cement slurry directly into the annulus from the surface through a fluid port in the casing hanger, rather than pumping it down the casing string and back up. This reverse circulation method eliminates the need for high delivery pressures that cause formation damage and casing floating, while still achieving reliable cementing completion
2Reliability
If conventional cementing methods are used to pump cement slurry all the way down the casing string, then cementing can be accomplished, but the job duration is much longer increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional cementing approach by introducing cement slurry directly into the annulus from the surface, eliminating the time-consuming process of pumping cement all the way down the casing string and back up. This reverse circulation method significantly reduces job duration and associated costs while maintaining reliable cementing completion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cement slurry introduction point from the deep interior of the well (bottom of casing string) and relocates it to the surface through a fluid port in the casing hanger. This extraction eliminates the need for long-duration pumping operations and reduces job time significantly
3Reliability
If conventional cementing methods are used to pump cement slurry to the bottom hole, then cementing can be accomplished, but the cement is exposed to higher temperatures causing premature setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the cement delivery path by introducing slurry directly into the annulus from the surface, avoiding the journey to the hot bottom hole environment. This eliminates exposure to high temperatures that would cause premature cement setting, while still achieving reliable cementing completion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cement slurry from the high-temperature environment at the bottom hole and introduces it directly into the annulus from the surface, where temperatures are much lower. This extraction prevents thermal exposure that would cause premature setting
4Object-affected harmful factors
If reverse circulation cementing is used to introduce cement directly into the annulus, then high pressures and long job durations are avoided, but fluidic access to the annulus is challenging requiring complex equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing casing hanger structure and its fluid port to provide direct access to the annulus, allowing the system to serve itself without requiring additional complex equipment. The casing hanger's fluid port becomes the introduction point for cement slurry, eliminating the need for specialized complex access equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the casing hanger multi-functional by using its fluid port not only for its original purpose but also as an introduction point for cement slurry. This universal use of existing structure eliminates the need for separate complex equipment designed solely for reverse circulation access
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 risk of formation damage, minimizes job duration, and prevents premature cement setting by allowing direct introduction of cement slurry into the annulus, while enabling efficient fluidic isolation and reducing the need for costly equipment and extended rig presence.
Implementation Method 1
reverse circulation cementing involves introducing the cement slurry directly from the surface into the annular space rather than introducing the cement slurry down the casing string itself
Implementation Method 2
allowing the cement slurry to set up in the outer annulus of the well bore
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for completion of well bores and more particularly, to reverse circulation cementing of casing strings in well bores are provided. One example of a method may comprise a method for providing fluidic access to an outer annulus of a casing string within a well bore. One example of a device may comprise a casing hanger, the casing hanger comprising a fluid port wherein the fluid port provides fluidic access to an outer annulus by allowing fluid to pass through the casing hanger; a landing sub attached to the casing hanger; and an isolation device attached to the landing sub wherein the isolation device is adapted to allow fluidic isolation of a portion of the landing sub from a portion of the outer annulus of the well bore.