Electronic Rupture Discs for Barrier Plug Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative actuating methods to remove degradable barrier plugs from wellbores, as existing methods rely heavily on hydraulic pressure pulses and rupture discs, limiting the versatility in well operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrically powered electronic rupture disc assemblies to sequentially open fluid pathways, allow fluid contact with the plug, and facilitate the sliding sleeve to cover remnants of non-degradable covers, ensuring effective degradation and clearance of the plug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic pressure pulses or conventional rupture discs are used to actuate barrier plug removal, then the plug can be removed, but the method lacks versatility and adaptability for different well operation scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional hydraulic pressure pulse actuation with an electronic actuation system. Electronic rupture disc assemblies are used that can be actuated by electrical signals, substituting the mechanical/hydraulic actuation mechanism with an electronic one, thereby increasing versatility while maintaining controlled complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic rupture disc assemblies serve multiple functions: they can be actuated electrically for on-demand plug removal, and they integrate with various well operation scenarios including setting packers, testing tubing strings, and other operations requiring temporary barrier plugs, providing universal applicability across different well operation contexts
2Reliability
If degradable plugs are isolated from tubular fluids using rupture discs, then the plugs remain intact during transport and initial operations, but additional actuating mechanisms are required to initiate degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The degradable barrier plug is pre-positioned and isolated from tubular fluids using solid non-degradable covers before well operations begin. This preliminary isolation action ensures the plug maintains its structural integrity during transport and initial operations, and only initiates degradation when the isolation is deliberately removed through electronic actuation of the rupture disc assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
Solid non-degradable covers act as intermediary barriers between the degradable plug and tubular fluids. These covers temporarily prevent fluid contact with the plug, maintaining plug integrity, while the electronic rupture disc assemblies serve as intermediary actuation mechanisms that control when and how the isolation is removed to initiate plug degradation
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple rupture disc assemblies are used for sequential actuation, then controlled fluid pathway opening and plug degradation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into multiple electronic rupture disc assemblies positioned at different locations within the tool string. Each assembly independently controls specific fluid pathways, allowing sequential and controlled opening of pathways to regulate the plug degradation process. This segmentation enables precise control over when and how fluids contact the plug, achieving manufacturing precision in the degradation process
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static isolation state to a dynamic controlled degradation state through sequential actuation of multiple rupture disc assemblies. The dynamic control allows the system to progress through distinct phases: initial isolation maintenance, controlled pathway opening, regulated fluid contact with the plug, and final degradation completion, with each phase managed by specific rupture disc assemblies actuated in sequence
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
This method enables reliable and controlled removal of degradable plugs, ensuring the axial passageway is cleared for subsequent tool operations while protecting later-run tools from debris and fluid isolation.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic rupture disc assemblies are electrically powered, by wire or battery, are rugged enough for downhole environments, and operable to pierce or otherwise rupture an associated rupture disc. For example, a commercially available electronic rupture disc assembly is available from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., and drives a pin through the rupture disc.
Implementation Method 2
The plug is then substantially degraded by the fluid, preferably water from an annular chamber on the tubular.
Implementation Method 3
When the third ERD assembly is actuated, the fluid flows through a flow restrictor and into a low-pressure chamber, thereby allowing the sliding sleeve to move.
Implementation Method 4
the fluid flows through a flow restrictor and into a low-pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are presented for removing a degradable barrier plug positioned in a downhole axial passageway. The degradable plug is initially isolated from fluid by at least one solid, non-degradable cover. A first electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to open a passageway to the degradable plug. A second electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to allow a fluid, such as water from a supply chamber, to flow into contact with the plug. The plug is substantially degraded, although the cover remains. A third electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to bend and then cover the remaining solid cover, thereby opening the axial passageway and protecting later-introduced tools.