Direct-Attach Plugging Assemblies for Compact Cased-Wellbore Toolstrings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The length limitations of wireline-deployed toolstrings for wellbore plugging and perforating operations restrict the inclusion of additional tools, necessitating longer and more complex processes, increasing operational costs and duration.
Innovation Solution
A toolstring design that integrates a perforating gun with a plugging assembly, including a setting tool and plug, where the plug is directly attached to the setting tool without an adapter kit, allowing for a compact configuration that reduces overall length and enhances tool inclusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional plugging assembly with adapter kit is used, then the plug can be securely attached to the setting tool, but the overall toolstring length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adapter kit functionality directly into the setting tool by integrating a compression fitting with internal threads that directly receive the plug's external threads. This eliminates the need for a separate adapter kit while maintaining secure plug attachment, thereby reducing the overall toolstring length without compromising reliability.
2Productivity
If the toolstring length is reduced, then more tools can be included and operational efficiency improves, but the complexity of integrating multiple functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The setting tool is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating the compression fitting with internal threads directly into its structure. This universal design allows the same setting tool to both set the plug and provide secure attachment without requiring additional specialized components, thereby reducing toolstring length and improving operational efficiency while managing complexity through integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional tools are added to the toolstring, then more wellbore operations can be performed, but the wireline lubricator space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adapter kit function from the toolstring assembly and integrates it directly into the setting tool. This removal of the separate adapter kit component reduces the total volume occupied by the plugging assembly, allowing more tools to be included in the toolstring within the wireline lubricator space limits while maintaining the capability to perform various wellbore operations.
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 compact toolstring design minimizes the length constraints, enabling more efficient wellbore operations by allowing for additional tools, reducing operational complexity and duration, and lowering costs.
Implementation Method 1
The setting tool is powered by an energetic charge to axially compress the plug into a wider and axially shorter shape that drives slips into the casing to bite and lock the plug in place
Data Source
AI summary
A toolstring for plugging and perforating a wellbore includes a perforating gun extending between an uphole end and a downhole end longitudinally opposed to the uphole end, a plugging assembly extending between an uphole end and a downhole end longitudinally opposed to the uphole end of the plugging assembly, the plug assembly including a setting tool physically attached directly to the perforating gun, the setting tool including an elongate housing extending between an uphole end and a downhole end opposite the uphole end of the housing, an open passageway extending from the uphole end to the downhole end of the housing, and wherein the setting tool further includes an elongate mandrel positioned in the open passageway and having an uphole end and a downhole end opposite the uphole end of the mandrel, and a combustion chamber located within the elongate housing for receiving an energetic charge.