Pressure Actuated Frack Ball Release Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
In plug and perforate systems, if perforating guns misfire, the replacement guns cannot be delivered through the isolation device using pressure or flow assist due to the obstruction by the frack plug object, leading to increased operational costs and delays, especially in horizontal wellbores.
Innovation Solution
A ball release tool is placed in close proximity to the isolation device, which retains the object until the guns fire, allowing it to be released only by the pressure spike created during firing, keeping the passage open for replacement gun delivery if the guns misfire, and enabling a larger object and passage size for efficient delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the frack plug object is delivered with the isolation device to close the passage quickly, then the passage closing time is improved, but the replacement guns cannot be delivered through the isolation device if the guns misfire
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: the isolation device with its passage and the frack plug object with the ball seat. The ball release tool is separated from the isolation device, allowing the object to be retained until needed. This segmentation enables the passage to remain open for replacement gun delivery while still allowing quick object deployment when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball release tool is pre-positioned above the isolation device with the object retained in a holding mechanism. The passage in the isolation device is pre-configured to remain open unless the object is deliberately released. This preliminary arrangement allows rapid object deployment when needed while maintaining the capability to deliver replacement guns if misfire occurs.
2Ease of operation
If a ball release device is placed above the guns to release the object into the annulus, then the object can be delivered to the isolation device, but the passage in the isolation device must be small to fit the ball, causing delays for replacement gun delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The ball release tool is segmented from the isolation device, allowing the object to be retained in the release tool until needed. This eliminates the need for the passage to be small to fit the ball, as the object is delivered directly to the isolation device when required, not pre-positioned in the annulus.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of delivering the ball through the annular space above the guns (vertical dimension), the object is retained in the ball release tool and delivered horizontally to the isolation device when needed. This dimensional change allows for a larger passage size while maintaining efficient object delivery.
3Productivity
If the object is released before the guns fire, then the passage can be closed for fracturing, but the replacement guns cannot be delivered if the guns misfire
Solution Approach 1:
The ball release tool is designed to respond to the pressure spike generated when the guns fire. This feedback mechanism ensures the object is released only after successful gun firing, confirming the passage should be closed for fracturing. If the guns misfire, the pressure spike is insufficient to trigger release, keeping the passage open for replacement gun delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism responds to changes in pressure parameters generated by gun firing. The pressure spike from successful firing exceeds the threshold required to release the object, while insufficient pressure from misfire keeps the object retained. This parameter-based control ensures reliable operation under different firing conditions.
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 allows for the efficient delivery of replacement guns using pressure or flow assist even if the original guns misfire, reducing operational costs and time by maintaining an open passage in the isolation device and enabling the use of larger objects and passages.
Implementation Method 1
The object is not released until the guns fire to create a pressure spike in the borehole that triggers the object retaining device to release the object
Data Source
AI summary
In a fracking context the object that will ultimately block a passage in an isolation device is introduced into the zone with the bottom hole assembly. The object is not released until the guns fire to create a pressure spike in the borehole that triggers the object retaining device to release the object. The retaining device is placed in close proximity to the isolation device and its setting tool to allow a larger object and passage in the isolation device to be used. If the guns misfire, the object is not released and comes out with the guns. The replacement guns can be pumped in because the passage in the isolation device has stayed open during the misfire. Direct and indirect object release in response to pressure created from the firing of the guns is contemplated.