Movable Bore Cement Head for Controlled Object Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cement heads in the oil and gas industry are cumbersome, leading to delays and limitations in releasing balls, plugs, or darts into wellbore tubular strings, as they require dismantling or disconnection for loading and lack control over fluid flow during the process.
Innovation Solution
A mandrel-based apparatus with a movable member that aligns its bore with the outlet to allow controlled loading and release of objects, such as balls or darts, without disconnection from the tubular string, enabling sequential insertion and release of multiple objects while managing fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current cement heads are used, then cementing operations can be performed, but the apparatus is cumbersome and causes significant delays for rigging up
Solution Approach 1:
The cement head is divided into separate modular components: a body, a movable member with bore for receiving objects, and a mandrel. These segments can be assembled and disassembled independently, enabling rapid rigging up and teardown operations without handling a single cumbersome integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member is designed to move between different positions relative to the mandrel, dynamically changing the alignment between the bore and mandrel outlet. This dynamic configuration allows the apparatus to transition between operational modes (loading, releasing, flowing) without requiring complete disassembly, thus reducing rigging delays.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current cement heads are used, then balls and darts can be released, but there are limitations on the type and quantity of darts or balls that can be released
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple objects (balls, darts, plugs) can be pre-loaded into the bore of the movable member before the operational sequence begins. This preliminary loading capability allows a variety of objects to be staged and released in a predetermined sequence without requiring intermediate disassembly or reloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bore of the movable member is designed to accommodate multiple types of objects (balls, darts, plugs) with different functions. The same apparatus structure can release different types of objects in different sequences to meet various operational requirements, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Ease of operation
If current cement heads are used, then connection between cement pump and tubular string is established, but dismantling or disconnection is required for loading objects
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member can be positioned to align or misalign the bore with the mandrel outlet without requiring disconnection of the apparatus from the tubular string. This dynamic positioning allows objects to be loaded or released while the cement head remains connected and operational, eliminating time-consuming disconnection and reconnection cycles.
4Ease of operation
If current cement heads are used, then cement flow is controlled, but there is no control over fluid flow during loading of balls or darts
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member's position dynamically controls fluid flow paths. When the bore is misaligned with the mandrel outlet, fluid flow can be directed away from the loading area to prevent interference during object insertion. When aligned, fluid flow can be directed through the bore to assist in releasing objects. This dynamic flow control ensures reliable operation during both loading and releasing phases.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an apparatus for dropping at least one object into a wellbore tubular string. The tool comprises a mandrel having an inlet and an outlet. The tool also comprises a movable member comprising a bore for receiving the at least one object. The member is movable relative to the mandrel between a first condition in which the bore is not aligned with the mandrel outlet and a second condition in which the bore is aligned with the mandrel outlet.