Frangible Barrier Plug for Wellbore Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrier plugs in hydrocarbon wells are complex, prone to failure, and leak due to multiple parts and bypass channels, requiring an improved actuation mechanism and barrier material.
Innovation Solution
A disappearing barrier plug assembly with a tubular housing, frangible barrier element, locking sleeve, and retaining device, where the frangible barrier element breaks under concentrated force, allowing fluid flow and eliminating leakage paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical or hydraulic translation mechanism with bypass channels is used to open the plug, then the plug can be actuated, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to multiple parts and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex mechanical translation mechanism, seals, and bypass channels from the plug design. Instead, it uses a frangible barrier element that simply breaks under pressure, eliminating multiple potential failure points and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining actuation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible barrier element is designed as a disposable component that breaks after single use to open the plug. This eliminates the need for complex reusable mechanical components and reduces the overall device complexity while ensuring reliable one-time actuation.
2Reliability
If bypass channels and multiple seals are used in the plug design, then actuation is enabled, but fluid loss and pressure drops increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates bypass channels and multiple seals from the design. The frangible barrier element creates a simple blockage that breaks under pressure, removing the inherent leakage paths and pressure drop issues associated with complex sealing mechanisms and bypass channels.
3Ease of operation
If tight tolerances and multiple moving parts are used in the plug, then precise actuation is achieved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all moving parts and mechanical translation mechanisms from the plug design. The frangible barrier element is a static component that breaks under pressure, eliminating the need for tight tolerances and complex assembly while maintaining reliable actuation precision.
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 solution simplifies the plug arrangement, reduces leakage, and ensures reliable sealing by using a frangible barrier material that breaks under controlled force, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of wellbore sealing.
Implementation Method 1
a frangible barrier element disposed in the fluid passageway, such that fluid cannot flow through the fluid passageway while the frangible barrier element is disposed in the fluid passageway, the frangible barrier element comprised of a material that, when subjected to a concentrated force, will break
Implementation Method 2
a valve arranged on the closed fluid chamber and in pressure communication with the topside pressure, the valve configured to allow or prevent pressure communication between a topside pressure and the fluid chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier plug assembly for sealing a subterranean wellbore is located inside a tubing and can comprise a frangible barrier element stacked on a carrier ring, a locking sleeve located above the carrier ring and located in a closed fluid chamber, a valve located on the closed fluid chamber and in pressure communication with the tubing, a retaining device configured for locking the a carrier ring in place, a crushing element located a distance below the frangible barrier element and configured for crushing the frangible barrier element. The valve can be configured for allowing or preventing fluid communication in between the tubing and the fluid chamber.