Cement Retainer Milling Assembly Single Trip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore drilling systems require multiple trips to perform cementing and milling operations, which are time-consuming, costly, and prone to human error due to the need for separate tools and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A modified cement retainer with a milling assembly that allows for a single trip into the wellbore, where the tool retainer is activated to separate the wellbore milling tool from the well tool body, enabling simultaneous cementing and milling operations by using a shear pin mechanism and a packer for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate cementing and milling tools are used, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but multiple trips into the wellbore are required increasing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cement retainer and milling tool into a single integrated assembly that can be lowered into the wellbore in one trip. The milling tool is positioned within the hollow portion of the cement retainer body, allowing both cementing and milling operations to be performed with a single tool string, eliminating the need for separate trips and rig setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tool assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a cement retainer for cementing operations and a milling tool for removing cement or wellbore material. The tool body defines a flow pathway for cement while simultaneously housing the milling tool, enabling dual functionality in a single device.
2Ease of operation
If the milling tool remains attached to the well tool body, then the tool can be lowered and installed easily, but the milling tool cannot effectively mill the wellbore after cementing
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly is segmented into separable components: the cement retainer body and the milling tool. The retainer includes a tool retainer mechanism with a shear pin that initially holds the milling tool in place during lowering and installation, but can be activated to release the milling tool for effective milling operations after cementing is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The milling tool is preliminarily positioned within the hollow portion of the cement retainer body during assembly, allowing the entire assembly to be lowered and installed as one unit. The shear pin is pre-installed to secure the milling tool during the lowering and cementing phases, before activation for separation and milling.
3Loss of time
If a single integrated tool is used, then the number of trips is reduced, but the tool structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The milling tool is nested within the hollow portion of the cement retainer body. This nesting arrangement allows the milling tool to be contained within the retainer during lowering and installation, utilizing the existing hollow space of the retainer body without requiring additional external components or increasing overall tool string complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool retainer mechanism incorporates a shear pin that transitions from a locked state (holding the milling tool during lowering and cementing) to a released state (allowing milling tool separation for effective milling). This dynamic element enables the tool to adapt its configuration based on the operational phase, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining multiple functional states.
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 approach reduces the number of trips needed, decreases setup and equipment costs, and minimizes errors by allowing both cementing and milling to be performed in a single operation, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing rig setup time.
Implementation Method 1
the wellbore milling tool and the well tool body are moved axially relative to each other causing the shear pin to be sheared
Implementation Method 2
the packer is deployed at the downhole location to seal against the inner wall of the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A modified cement retainer with milling assembly includes an elongate body that includes a first hollow portion near a first end of the body and a second portion near a second end of the body. A wellbore milling tool is positioned within the first hollow portion. The wellbore milling tool can perform milling operations within a wellbore. A cement flow pathway is defined within the body and the wellbore milling tool. The cement flow pathway extends end to end through the body, and passes through the wellbore milling tool. The cement flow pathway can flow cement through the well tool. A tool retainer is attached to the body. The tool retainer is can retain the wellbore milling tool within the first hollow portion of the elongate body and allow lowering the wellbore milling tool attached to the body within the wellbore.