Frangible Plug for Casing Float Sub Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing casing float subs from wellbores require costly drilling operations, as they typically involve mechanical disassembly which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A casing float sub with a frangible member that can be selectively removed by applying fluid pressure, allowing for the creation of a buoyant force using low-density fluids or gases and subsequent rupture of the frangible member without the need for drilling, facilitating easy removal and maintaining fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional mechanical disassembly methods are used to remove casing float subs, then the float sub can be removed from the wellbore, but the operation becomes costly and inefficient requiring additional drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical disassembly methods with a fluid-pressure-based rupture mechanism. The frangible member is designed to break when a predetermined fluid pressure is applied, eliminating the need for complex mechanical drilling operations to remove the float sub, thereby reducing costs and improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the removal mechanism from mechanical force to fluid pressure parameter. By controlling the fluid pressure to reach a predetermined threshold, the frangible member ruptures and releases the float sub, providing a simpler and more efficient removal process compared to traditional mechanical methods
2Ease of operation
If a frangible member is used that can break under fluid pressure, then removal becomes simpler and less costly, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The float sub is divided into separable components including the frangible member and the main body. The frangible member is designed as a separate, breakable element that can be ruptured by fluid pressure, allowing the main body to be removed from the wellbore without requiring complex mechanical disassembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible member acts as an intermediary element between the fluid pressure source and the float sub removal. When fluid pressure reaches the predetermined threshold, it ruptures the frangible member, which then allows the float sub to be released and removed, simplifying the overall removal process
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective placement and removal of casing float subs in wellbores by utilizing fluid pressure to break the frangible member, reducing operational costs and simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
The isolated portion of the casing string may be filed with a low-density fluid or air to create a buoyant force when the casing string is lowered into the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
applying a fluid pressure in the string of tubulars to break the frangible member of the float sub
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in a string of tubulars includes a first sub having a bore, a second sub attached to the first sub, the second sub having a bore in fluid communication with the bore of the first sub, and a barrier assembly having a frangible member that is configured to break by applying a fluid pressure to the barrier.