Dissolvable Wiper Plug Assembly for Tool-Less Casing Pressure Tests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for conducting casing integrity pressure tests and closing/re-opening fluid flow through the lower end of a casing string are time-consuming and require additional tools.
Innovation Solution
A plug assembly comprising a mandrel with a wiper, plug member, ring member, and dissolvable member, which temporarily closes and then opens fluid flow through the casing string using releasable members and dissolvable materials to conduct pressure tests efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods are used to conduct casing integrity pressure tests and close/re-open fluid flow, then the casing can be tested for integrity, but the process is time-consuming and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single plug assembly: the dissolvable member closes fluid flow, the releasable members provide mechanical retention, and the protective coating preserves the dissolvable member during transport. This integration eliminates the need for separate tools to close, test, and reopen fluid flow, reducing time consumption while maintaining casing integrity testing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The dissolvable member is designed as a disposable component that temporarily closes fluid flow during the pressure test, then dissolves to reopen flow without requiring retrieval or replacement. This disposable approach eliminates the need for additional tools to reopen flow and reduces overall operation time, while the protective coating ensures it remains intact during pumping to the test location
2Ease of operation
If a dissolvable member is used to close fluid flow, then tool-less reopening is achieved, but the member must be protected during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The protective coating is applied to the dissolvable member before assembly, creating a pre-protective barrier that prevents premature dissolution during pumping and assembly operations. This preliminary protective action ensures the dissolvable member remains intact until the desired location is reached, enabling reliable tool-less reopening after the pressure test
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 rapid and tool-less closure and reopening of fluid flow for casing integrity pressure tests, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing time consumption.
Implementation Method 1
fluid flow through the ring member and into contact with the dissolvable member, wherein the fluid begins to dissolve the dissolvable member
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to wellbore plugs, and specifically to pump down wiper plug assemblies used for conducting casing integrity pressure tests and completing wellbores. A plug assembly comprises one or more of a mandrel, a wiper, a plug member, a ring member, and dissolvable member. The dissolvable member, and the plug member and the ring member are configured to temporarily close fluid flow through an inner bore of the mandrel. The entire or only a portion of the outer surface of the dissolvable member comprises a protective coating.