Downhole Plug Shear Ring for Multi-Seat Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole plugs face challenges in being reused for subsequent wellbore operations due to restrictions within the casing, such as inner diameter limitations and coupling transitions, which hinder their effective dislodgment and repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function plug design featuring a detachable member that engages with at least two seats to perform separate downhole operations, utilizing a shear ring mechanism to reduce the plug's outer diameter and facilitate travel through the casing with minimal obstruction, allowing for continued use in subsequent operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the plug is designed to engage with a single seat for one downhole operation, then the operational simplicity is maintained, but the plug cannot be reused for subsequent operations
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is segmented into a body portion and a detachable member that can separate from the body. This segmentation allows the plug to engage with multiple seats sequentially - first as a complete unit, then with the detachable member separated to reduce diameter for travel through casing restrictions to subsequent operation locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug transitions from a static single-configuration design to a dynamic multi-configuration design. The detachable member can be in different states (attached or detached) depending on the operational phase, allowing the plug to adapt its form factor - larger diameter when engaged with the first seat, smaller diameter when traveling to subsequent locations.
2Ease of operation
If the plug maintains its full outer diameter after the first operation, then structural integrity is preserved, but the plug forms obstructions when traveling through casing restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the plug into separable components (body and detachable member), the system allows the detachable member to be removed after the first operation. This reduces the overall diameter for traveling through casing restrictions while the remaining body portion maintains sufficient structural integrity for subsequent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable member is extracted from the plug body after completing its function of engaging the first seat. This extraction reduces the plug's outer diameter, enabling it to pass through casing restrictions and coupling transitions that would otherwise be obstructed by the full-diameter plug.
3Ease of operation
If high pressure fluid is used to force the plug down for dislodgment, then the plug can be moved, but the plug and seats are subjected to excessive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable member is designed with a shear connection to the body portion that allows controlled separation at a predetermined location. This segmentation enables the detachable member to be released by applying force at a specific weak point (shear location) rather than requiring high-pressure fluid to force the entire plug down, significantly reducing the stress and pressure required for dislodgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear connection is pre-designed at a specific location on the detachable member to fail at a predetermined force level. This preliminary preparation of a weak point allows the plug to be dislodged by applying force to the proximal end, which then propagates through the shear location to separate the detachable member, avoiding the need for high-pressure fluid forcing.
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 the plug to perform multiple downhole functions with reduced likelihood of forming obstructions, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility by allowing the plug to be reused in subsequent wellbore operations.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-function plug design featuring a detachable member that engages with at least two seats to perform separate downhole operations, utilizing a shear ring mechanism to reduce the plug's outer diameter
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole plug and method of activating multiple downhole tools in a subterranean formation are disclosed. The plug includes a detachable ring that enables the plug to land in and engage at least two different seats, each seat having a different profile. This in turn enables the plug to activate at least two separate downhole devices, one in an upper downhole tool and one in a lower downhole tool. The ring separates from the plug once a certain pressure is reached in the wellbore enabling the plug to travel downhole from the upper tool to the lower tool to activate the device in the lower downhole tool.