Downhole Plug Abandonment System Pressure Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole plug and abandonment systems are inadequate in ensuring the cement plug can withstand pressure from below, as they rely on pressure testing from above and may have gaps or non-cemented areas, posing a risk of blowout.
Innovation Solution
A downhole plug and abandonment system with a wireless abandonment device in a confined space between two plugs, allowing pressure testing from below, equipped with a unit to increase space pressure, sensors for temperature and pressure measurement, and a communication module for signal transmission, ensuring the plug's integrity and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pressure testing is performed from above the plug, then the testing procedure is simple and can be conducted with existing equipment, but the plug cannot be properly tested for withstand capability against blowout pressure from below
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional pressure testing approach by introducing a second plug above the first plug to create a confined space, allowing pressure to be applied from below the first plug rather than from above. This inversion enables direct testing of the plug's ability to withstand blowout pressure from below, which was previously impossible with conventional top-down testing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the well tubular structure into distinct zones by placing two plugs at different positions, creating a confined space between them. This segmentation allows independent pressure testing of the first plug from below while maintaining a separate testing zone above the second plug, enabling comprehensive testing without interfering with existing well operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If cement plugs are set to seal the well, then the well can be abandoned, but gaps or non-cemented areas may occur that jeopardise the plug integrity under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary pressure testing of the cement plug from below before finalizing the abandonment process. By testing the plug integrity early in the process, any gaps or non-cemented areas can be identified and addressed before the well is permanently abandoned, ensuring reliable sealing without requiring complex post-testing corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors and communication modules that provide real-time feedback on pressure and temperature conditions within the confined space. This feedback mechanism allows continuous monitoring of plug integrity during pressure testing, enabling immediate detection of potential gaps or failures and allowing for corrective actions before final abandonment.
3Reliability
If a wireless abandonment device is placed in the confined space, then the plug can be tested from below with accurate pressure measurement, but the device requires power supply and communication capabilities that increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a wireless abandonment device with onboard power supply (such as a battery or fuel cell) that is self-powered, eliminating the need for external power connections through the plug or well structure. The device autonomously performs pressure testing and communicates results without requiring complex external power or data transmission systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining testing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wiring and power transmission systems with wireless communication and self-powered electronic components. By using wireless transmission for data communication and onboard power sources instead of external mechanical connections, the device complexity is reduced while maintaining the ability to perform accurate pressure testing from below the plug.
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 system effectively tests the plug's ability to withstand pressure from below, reducing the risk of blowout and ensuring the safety of abandoned wells by using a wireless device that increases pressure and measures conditions within the confined space, providing reliable communication and self-powered operation.
Implementation Method 1
a unit configured to increase the space pressure
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to measure a temperature and/or a pressure in the confined space
Implementation Method 3
a sensor configured to measure a temperature and/or a pressure in the confined space
Implementation Method 4
The unit may comprise a heating element for increasing the temperature in the confined space so that the pressure increases
Implementation Method 5
the transducer may be a piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a downhole plug and abandonment system comprising a well tubular structure having an inside and a wall and being arranged in a borehole, a first plug arranged in the well tubular structure for sealing off a lower part of the well tubular structure, a second plug arranged in the well tubular structure at a distance and above the first plug isolating a confined space having a space pressure between the first plug and the second plug, wherein an abandonment device is arranged in the confined space, the abandonment device comprising: a unit configured to increase the space pressure, a sensor configured to measure a temperature and/or a pressure in the confined space, and a device communication module configured to receive an input from the sensor and to communicate signals from the abandonment device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a downhole plug and abandonment method.