Cementing Tool Shear Plug Activation for Plugged Shoe

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Solution Overview

Problem

The cementing process of a casing string in a well is often delayed and costly due to the casing shoe becoming plugged, requiring the casing string to be pulled back to the surface and accessories to be replaced, which results in additional steps and increased expenses.

Innovation Solution

A cementing tool with circumferentially arranged ports and shear plugs is attached to the casing string, allowing for the release of pressure to create alternative passages when the casing shoe becomes plugged, enabling the cementing process to continue without removing the casing string from the well.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the casing string is pulled back to the surface when the casing shoe becomes plugged, then the plugged condition can be addressed and accessories replaced, but the cementing process is delayed and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecementing process completionVSAvoidcementing process delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cementing tool is pre-installed on the casing string with shear plugs blocking the ports before cementing begins. This preliminary configuration allows the alternative passage to be activated immediately when plugging occurs, eliminating the need to pull the casing back to surface and significantly reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cementing tool acts as an intermediary device between the plugged casing shoe and the cementing process. By providing alternative ports that can be activated through pressure activation, it mediates the flow of cement around the obstruction, allowing the process to continue without interruption to casing retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the casing string is pulled back to the surface for accessory replacement, then damaged parts can be replaced, but additional steps and expenses are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecasing string functionalityVSAvoidcementing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cementing tool is designed to be self-activating through pressure differential. When the casing shoe becomes plugged, the pressure buildup automatically triggers the shear plugs to fail and open the alternative ports, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex replacement procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes pressure as a controlling parameter to activate the alternative passage. By monitoring pressure differential across the cementing tool, the system transitions from a blocked state to an alternative flow state without mechanical intervention, simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If alternative passages are created by activating the cementing tool, then the cementing process can continue without removing the casing string, but pressure must be trapped and released to release the shear plugs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecementing process efficiencyVSAvoidpressure buildup in cementing tool

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The system exploits pressure differential as a controllable parameter to activate the alternative passage. By trapping pressure upstream of the shear plugs and releasing it when activation is needed, the system transitions the cementing tool from a closed to an open state, enabling continuous operation while managing pressure within safe limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for the completion of the cementing process without pulling the casing string back to the surface, reducing delays and costs by bypassing the plugged casing shoe and maintaining the integrity of the casing string.

Implementation Method 1

activation of the cementing tool releases pressure trapped at a predetermined level in the cementing tool, thereby releasing the shear plugs from the ports

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Implementation Method 2

The step of activating the cementing tool comprises applying pressure in the casing string via a surface pumping unit, wherein the application of pressure causes a buildup of pressure in the cementing tool, which causes the shear plugs of the cementing tool to be released

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure increase: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11661817B2Alternative casing cementing tool and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A cementing tool and a method for cementing a casing string using the cementing tool is provided. The cementing tool comprises threaded top and bottom openings for attaching to a casing string, a plurality of ports, and a plurality of shear plugs shaped to fit within the ports. In the method, a casing string comprising the cementing tool is run into a well and the cementing process of the casing string is initiated. When the casing shoe of the casing string becomes plugged, the cementing tool is activated without removing the casing string from the well. Activation of the cementing tool releases pressure trapped in the cementing tool, thereby releasing the shear plugs from the ports and opening the ports to create alternative passages for the cement to complete the cementing process.