Disintegratable Plug Reception Assembly Borehole Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole devices for receiving plugs in tubulars, such as in hydrocarbon and carbon sequestration industries, are costly and time-consuming to remove once they are no longer needed, often requiring specialized tools and additional runs in the hole.
Innovation Solution
A plug reception assembly with a mandrel and an elastic member, featuring a single set of slips for anchoring and at least one disintegratable or dissolvable component, which can be exposed to waves, target fluids, or temperatures to facilitate removal without mechanical disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional plug reception devices are used to receive plugs in tubulars, then the devices can maintain fixed positions and block flow effectively, but they create restrictions in the borehole that are difficult and costly to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The plug reception assembly incorporates components with changing properties - the elastic member can deform under pressure to allow plug passage, and the disintegratable component breaks down after serving its function, transforming the device from a permanent restriction to a temporary one that self-removes
Solution Approach 2:
The disintegratable component is designed to be temporary and sacrificial, breaking down after the plug reception function is completed. This disposable approach eliminates the need for complex removal operations, as the component naturally degrades and is removed from the borehole
2Reliability
If multiple sets of slips are used to maintain the plug reception assembly in anchored relation, then the anchoring is more secure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring function is segmented between the elastic member and the single set of slips. The elastic member provides radial anchoring through expansion against the borehole wall, while the slips provide longitudinal positioning, dividing the anchoring task to reduce overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member provides dynamic anchoring capability, expanding radially to engage the borehole wall and providing secure positioning without requiring multiple static slip sets. This dynamic element adapts to borehole conditions while maintaining reliable anchoring
3Reliability
If specialized tools and additional runs are used to remove the plug reception assembly, then complete removal is achieved, but time and monetary costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disintegratable component performs self-removal through natural degradation processes. After serving its anchoring and plug reception function, the component breaks down on its own through exposure to downhole conditions, eliminating the need for external removal tools and 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
Enables efficient and cost-effective removal of the plug reception assembly as a restriction in the borehole by disintegration or dissolution, reducing the need for additional runs and tools, thereby minimizing delays and costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one component of the plug reception assembly being disintegratable or dissolvable by at least one of a wave, a target fluid and a target temperature
Implementation Method 2
at least one component of the plug reception assembly being disintegratable or dissolvable by at least one of a wave, a target fluid and a target temperature
Implementation Method 3
an elastic member forming a portion of a radially exterior surface of the plug reception assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A plug reception assembly having one longitudinal end and another longitudinal end includes a mandrel providing a flowpath configured to receive a plug to block flow therethrough; an elastic member forming a portion of a radially exterior surface of the assembly and having one longitudinal end and another longitudinal end; only a single set of slips arranged to maintain the assembly in anchored relation to a borehole, the slips disposed between the one longitudinal end of the assembly and the one longitudinal end of the elastic member, and the assembly being free of slips between the other longitudinal end of the assembly and the other longitudinal end of the elastic member; and at least one component of the assembly being disintegratable or dissolvable by a wave, a target fluid and/or a target temperature to facilitate removal of the assembly as a restriction in the borehole.