Downhole Plug Delivery Tool for Single-Trip Pressure Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for setting plugs in oil and gas wells require multiple trips, increasing costs and inefficiency due to the need for separate operations to deliver the plug and perform pressure testing.
Innovation Solution
A plug delivery and pressure test tool that allows for the delivery and pressure testing of a plug in a single trip by using a sealing element to create an isolated volume and adjusting pressure within that volume to test the plug's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate operations are used to deliver the plug and perform pressure testing, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the number of trips increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the plug delivery function and pressure testing function into a single integrated tool assembly. The delivery tool carries the plug to the target depth, releases it, and then performs pressure testing by isolating the annular space above the plug and applying pressure differentials. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate trips to deliver the plug and separate trips to perform pressure testing, directly resolving the contradiction between operational reliability and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a plug carrier and a pressure testing device. It includes a plug release mechanism for delivery and a pressure control system with isolation valves and pressure sources for testing. This universal tool performs multiple functions that previously required separate specialized equipment, reducing the number of trips while maintaining the reliability of both plug setting and integrity verification.
2Reliability
If multiple trips are made for plug delivery and pressure testing, then each operation can be optimized independently, but operational costs and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges plug delivery and integrity verification into a single operational sequence. The tool delivers the plug, releases it at the target depth, and immediately performs pressure testing without requiring tool retrieval or replacement. This combining of operations maintains reliable integrity verification while significantly improving productivity by eliminating multiple trips and reducing overall operation time.
3Productivity
If a single trip tool is used for both delivery and pressure testing, then efficiency and cost-effectiveness improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into distinct functional modules: a plug attachment mechanism for delivery, an isolation system with valves to seal the annular space, a pressure control system with sources and sensors, and a control unit. This segmentation allows each subsystem to perform its specific function while working together in an integrated manner, managing device complexity through modular design while achieving the productivity benefit of single-trip operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary fluid (such as drilling fluid or gas) as the medium to transmit pressure during the pressure testing phase. The pressure control system manipulates this intermediary fluid to create pressure differentials across the plug, allowing indirect verification of plug integrity without requiring direct mechanical interaction with the plug itself. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system complexity while enabling effective pressure testing.
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 plug setting and testing by reducing the number of trips required, ensuring the plug forms a pressure-tight seal and identifying any seal failures in a single operation.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure adjustment means is configured to decrease the pressure in the isolated volume by moving fluid from the isolated volume to an upper fluid volume above the sealing element to create an underbalance in the isolated volume, thereby negatively pressure testing the plug in use
Implementation Method 2
the sealing element is configured to seal against an internal surface of the wellbore or tubular in use, thereby creating an isolated volume in use, between the sealing element and the plug
Data Source
AI summary
A plug delivery and pressure test tool are for delivering a plug to a wellbore or tubular and pressure testing the plug in a single trip. The tool has an uphole end and a downhole end; a sealing element; a pressure adjustment means; and a plug attachment means. The plug attachment means is configured to carry a selectively expandable plug to a desired location and selectively release the plug. The sealing element is configured to seal against an internal surface of the wellbore or tubular, thereby creating an isolated volume between the sealing element and the plug. The pressure adjustment means is configured to decrease the pressure in the isolated volume by moving fluid from the isolated volume to an upper fluid volume above the sealing element to create an underbalance in the isolated volume, thereby negatively pressure testing the plug in use.