Frangible Plug Height Adjuster for Glass Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frangible plug materials used in downhole applications are prone to premature breaking when contacting hard surfaces or under pressure fluctuations, leading to potential leakage and equipment damage, and existing solutions do not ensure a secure, fluid-tight seal or proper installation.
Innovation Solution
A plug assembly with a glass assembly and a height adjuster that includes a mechanical adjuster and a stabilizer, featuring rounded edges and a bearing ring to prevent premature breaking and ensure a secure, fluid-tight seal, where the height adjuster applies adjustable pressure to the glass assembly for secure installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a frangible plug material is used to block fluid flow, then the plug can be easily broken to restore flow, but the plug may prematurely break when contacting hard surfaces or under pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing ring made of resilient material is positioned between the frangible plug and the hard seat surface. This bearing ring cushions the plug from direct contact with the hard surface during installation and operation, absorbing impact forces and preventing premature breaking while allowing the plug to be broken when needed by applying sufficient force
2Reliability
If the plug is secured tightly to prevent movement and leakage, then fluid tight seal is improved, but the plug may break from fluctuating well pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing ring is positioned to cushion the plug from the seat surface, allowing the plug to be securely held in position and sealed against leakage while absorbing the effects of pressure fluctuations and minor movements without transmitting excessive force that would cause breaking
3Ease of manufacture
If the opening size is fixed for glass assembly installation, then manufacturing is simplified, but proper installation cannot be ensured for varying assembly sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjuster mechanism allows the opening size to be dynamically adjusted after manufacturing. The housing can be expanded or contracted to different heights to accommodate glass assemblies of varying sizes, enabling precise installation fit while maintaining a standardized manufacturing process for the base structure
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 plug assembly effectively prevents premature breaking and ensures a secure, fluid-tight seal during installation and operation, maintaining the integrity of the plug until it is safely opened, allowing for non-restricted fluid flow and tool passage without entering the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing ring will then compress and prevent the plug from coming in contact with a hard surface
Implementation Method 2
the height adjuster applies adjustable pressure to the glass assembly for secure installation and operation
Data Source
AI summary
A plug assembly including: a housing; glass assembly including a plug; a height adjuster including a mechanical adjuster; wherein: the glass assembly and the height adjuster are arranged in the housing; and the height adjuster is arranged to apply pressure to the glass assembly; and the height of the mechanical adjuster is adjustable.