Cement Head Flow Diverter for Tethered Plug Line Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integrity of communication lines tethered to cement plugs is compromised during cementing operations due to erosive and turbulent fluid flow, risking damage and impairing the ability to obtain real-time downhole measurements.
Innovation Solution
A cement head flow diverter with a flow diversion apparatus is used to protect the tethered cement plug by diverting fluid flow around the communication line, ensuring the plug's safe deployment and enabling data collection during cementing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cement is pumped through the casing during cementing operations, then the cementing operation can be completed, but the erosive and turbulent fluid flow damages the communication line tethered to the cement plug
Solution Approach 1:
The cement head is divided into two separate flow channels: an inner channel and an outer channel. The inner channel directs cement flow away from the communication line, while the outer channel allows cement to flow around the protection apparatus. This segmentation protects the communication line from erosive fluid flow while maintaining cementing operation productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection apparatus acts as an intermediary structure between the cement flow and the communication line. It includes a flow diverter with an inner wall and outer wall that creates a protected zone, allowing the communication line to pass through safely while cement flows through the annular space between the protection apparatus and the cement head wall.
2Productivity
If the communication line is exposed to turbulent cement flow, then the cement can be pumped efficiently, but the integrity of the communication line is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The communication line is protected beforehand by the flow diverter structure before the cement flow reaches it. The inner wall of the flow diverter creates a shield that prevents direct contact between the turbulent cement flow and the communication line, cushioning it from erosive forces while allowing efficient cement pumping to proceed.
3Reliability
If a flow diversion apparatus is added to protect the communication line, then the communication line is protected from erosion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it protects the communication line from erosion, directs cement flow through the inner channel, and allows cement to bypass through the outer channel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable communication line protection.
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
The flow diversion apparatus effectively protects the communication line from fluid erosion, allowing for reliable data collection and monitoring of cement plug position and downhole conditions, enhancing the efficiency and safety of cementing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the inner canister is configured to shield the cement plug from a cement composition flowing through the at least one inlet flow port
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for tethered plug deployment using a cement head flow diverter. In some aspects, the present technology may include a cement head comprising: an elongated housing having a top opening, a bottom opening, and an interior housing space; a cap coupled to the top opening of the elongated housing, wherein the cap includes an aperture for receiving a communication line; an inner canister disposed within the interior housing space of the elongated housing, wherein the inner canister has a top open end, a bottom open end, and an interior canister space; and a cement plug disposed within the interior canister space of the inner canister, wherein a top portion of the cement plug is configured to couple to the communication line through the top open end of the inner canister.