Extendable Plug Assembly for Well Barrier Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well abandonment methods in the oil and gas industry face challenges in establishing robust and reliable barriers within wellbores, particularly in ensuring long-term integrity and multiple contingency barriers to meet regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a plug assembly with an extendable arrangement is deployed into the wellbore, where the assembly is set by extending the arrangement to engage the wellbore wall, and a settable medium is injected above it to create a barrier, providing multiple layers of obstruction to prevent fluid bypass and ensure long-term integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cement plug is used to provide a barrier, then long term integrity and low permeability are achieved, but multiple barriers are required to meet regulatory requirements and provide contingency
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is segmented into multiple functional components: an extendable plug assembly that provides mechanical obstruction, and a settable medium (cement or alternative) that provides chemical/structural barrier. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function while collectively meeting regulatory requirements for multiple barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite barrier system combining the extendable plug assembly (mechanical component) with a settable medium (chemical/component that hardens). This composite approach creates a multi-layered barrier system that leverages the strengths of different materials and mechanisms to achieve superior reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple barriers are established to provide contingency, then reliability is improved, but the complexity and volume of materials required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable plug assembly incorporates dynamic elements that can change state during deployment. The plug transitions from a compact configuration during running to an extended configuration when set, maximizing barrier effectiveness with minimal material volume during transport and deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The settable medium undergoes parameter changes during setting, transitioning from a flowable state during injection to a solidified state providing barrier function. This parameter change allows the material to be injected efficiently and then transform into a robust barrier component.
3Reliability
If the running string is released from the plug assembly after setting, then the plug assembly can be retained in place, but the settable medium must be injected through the running string above the plug
Solution Approach 1:
The running string is configured with injection capability before the plug assembly is set. This preliminary configuration allows the settable medium to be injected through the running string above the plug assembly, ensuring proper placement and distribution of the barrier material before the plug is fully retained in position.
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 establishes a robust barrier system within the wellbore, meeting regulatory requirements by creating multiple layers of containment, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of barrier failure, while allowing for efficient well abandonment and suspension operations.
Implementation Method 1
The settable medium may be originally provided in fluid or semi-fluid form, permitting said settable medium to be injected/flowed into the wellbore. Setting of the settable medium may prevent or minimise the capability of the settable medium to flow. Setting of the settable medium may comprise hardening of the settable medium.
Implementation Method 2
setting the first plug assembly within the wellbore by extending the extendable arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A method for setting a barrier within a wellbore comprises deploying a first plug assembly (16) into a wellbore on a running string, wherein the first plug assembly comprises an extendable arrangement (24), and then setting the first plug assembly within the wellbore by extending the extendable arrangement. A settable medium is injected via the running string into the wellbore above the first plug assembly. To be accompanied, when published, with FIG. 1F