Expandable Behind-Casing Cementing Tool for Annulus Displacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cementing tools face challenges in efficiently displacing fluid in the annulus between the casing and wellbore during cementing operations, leading to potential issues like stuck pipe due to debris accumulation and the need to navigate through deformed or narrower sections of casing.
Innovation Solution
A cementing tool with a variable outer diameter design, featuring an inner core of steel and an outer sleeve made of steel-reinforced elastomers, which can expand and contract to accommodate different casing diameters, ensuring effective cement displacement and minimizing the risk of getting stuck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the outer diameter of the cementing tool is increased, then the cement displacement efficiency is improved, but the risk of the tool getting stuck in the casing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cementing tool incorporates an expandable structure with an inner core and an outer sleeve made of steel-reinforced elastomers. The tool can dynamically change its outer diameter by expanding the outer sleeve relative to the inner core, allowing it to adapt between a smaller diameter for navigating casing restrictions and a larger diameter for effective cement displacement in the annulus.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the gap between the cementing tool and the annulus is reduced, then the energy of the cement flow is improved, but the tool cannot pass through deformed or narrower sections of casing
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable outer sleeve allows the tool to dynamically adjust its diameter. When passing through deformed or narrower casing sections, the tool maintains a smaller diameter profile. When positioned in the target annulus, the outer sleeve expands to reduce the gap between the tool and annulus, thereby increasing the energy of the cement flow for effective displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool changes its physical parameter (outer diameter) based on operational requirements. The steel-reinforced elastomer material enables controlled expansion and contraction, allowing the tool to transition between different diameter states to optimize both navigability and cementing performance.
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 tool enhances cement displacement efficiency and reduces the risk of getting stuck by adapting to varying casing diameters, resulting in better cement bonds and minimizing operational complications.
Implementation Method 1
an outer sleeve made of steel-reinforced elastomers, which can expand and contract to accommodate different casing diameters
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cementing tool for use in oil and gas well decommissioning operations, in particular so called perforate, wash and cement procedures. The tool (1) is designed for running in a well on drill string and for jetting cement through previously formed perforations in the casing (10) to fill the outer annulus (9) with cement. The tool (1) has a cylindrical wall (3) which is formed from steel (11) and elastomeric (5) elements, whereby it is expandable between a first diameter in which it may be run down the well and a second, larger diameter deployed during cementing operations. (FIG. 2).