Compact Wellbore Setting Tool Self-Bleeding Bridge Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for setting bridge plugs in subterranean wells are costly and time-consuming, requiring large forces and energetic materials, and pose safety concerns due to the need for explosive tools and potential failures of shear bolts, leading to regulatory and transportation issues.
Innovation Solution
A setting tool with a powercharge chamber, piston, and o-ring seals that uses a chemical power charge to expand a bridge plug radially and self-bleeds pressure, allowing for efficient deployment and retrieval without leaving explosive materials in the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If explosive tools and shear bolts are used to set bridge plugs, then the bridge plug can be set effectively, but safety concerns arise and regulatory issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes explosive materials from the wellbore environment by using a setting tool that inflates a bridge plug using only chemical foam and compressed gas. The bridge plug is set without leaving explosive materials behind, eliminating the harmful factors while maintaining the reliable setting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/explosive shear bolt system with a pneumatic/hydraulic inflation system. The bridge plug is set by inflating it with foam and gas through a setting tool, eliminating the need for explosive shear bolts and associated safety concerns.
2Reliability
If large forces and energetic materials are used to set bridge plugs, then the bridge plug can be set reliably, but operational costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the setting process by using compressed gas and chemical foam instead of large mechanical forces and explosive materials. This reduces the energy requirements and operational complexity while maintaining reliable bridge plug setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting tool is designed to self-bleed pressure through a bleed hole in the bridge plug, eliminating the need for complex pressure relief mechanisms. The system automatically equalizes pressure between the wellbore and the setting tool, improving operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If explosive tools are used for bridge plug setting, then the setting function is achieved, but regulatory and transportation issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates explosive materials from the wellbore environment by using an alternative chemical foam and gas-based setting mechanism. This removes the regulatory and transportation compliance burden while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the explosive mechanical system with a pneumatic and chemical system that does not require special regulatory approvals for explosive materials, simplifying transportation and compliance requirements while maintaining operational effectiveness.
4Ease of operation
If traditional setting tools are used, then bridge plugs can be set, but the retrieval process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The setting tool incorporates a self-bleeding mechanism where a bleed hole in the bridge plug automatically equalizes pressure with the wellbore when the tool is pulled. This eliminates complex manual pressure relief steps and accelerates the retrieval process.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting tool maintains continuous pressure equalization throughout the retrieval operation through the self-bleeding mechanism, eliminating interruptions and reducing the overall time required for tool retrieval compared to traditional methods requiring separate pressure relief steps.
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
Enables efficient and safe setting of bridge plugs with reduced pressure and force requirements, minimizing the risk of tool loss and regulatory issues, and simplifies the retrieval process by self-bleeding gases, thus reducing operational costs and time.
Implementation Method 1
a powercharge chamber piston slideably disposed within the long cylinder thru bore, being located proximate to the top adaptor, and having a bore
Implementation Method 2
at least one o-ring seal slideably circumferentially engaged with the thru bore
Implementation Method 3
the linear downhole movement of the powercharge piston, bottom metering piston, and piston rod can set a radially expandable seal
Data Source
AI summary
A compact setting tool that sets a packer or bridge plug in a wellbore and then self bleeds the gas pressure prior to pulling the string out of the wellbore.