Frangible Pressure Control Plug for Tunable Downhole Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools in the drilling and completion industry face challenges with limited actuation accuracy and non-tuneable pressure actuation, as methods like shear pins and burst disks offer limited repeatability and are not user-adjustable, making them unsuitable for wells with varying casing pressure ratings.
Innovation Solution
A frangible pressure control plug design that includes a body with a first and second portion, a groove, and a bore, which prevents fluid communication until a critical pressure fractures the plug, allowing precise actuation of downhole tools by enabling fluid access between the sleeve and the groove and bore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods like shear pins or burst disks are used to actuate downhole tools, then the device can be manufactured and deployed, but the actuation accuracy is limited within +/â5-10 of applied pressure and the pressure actuation is not tuneable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical dimensions of the frangible plug, specifically the groove depth and bore size, to precisely control the fracture pressure. By varying these parameters, the device can be tuned to operate at specific pressure points with high repeatability, resolving both the accuracy and adaptability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible plug is segmented into distinct functional zones including a groove and a bore, which creates controlled stress concentrations. This segmentation allows for predictable fracture behavior at specific pressure thresholds, enabling precise actuation while maintaining the ability to adjust operating parameters.
2Measurement precision
If a frangible plug with groove and bore is used to prevent fluid communication, then the device structure is more complex, but the actuation accuracy and pressure control are improved
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than adding complex mechanisms, the invention achieves precise pressure control by carefully controlling the parameters of simple geometric features (groove depth, bore diameter). This approach improves accuracy without significantly increasing structural complexity.
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 provides improved actuation accuracy and tunability, allowing the device to operate within specific pressure ranges, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by allowing adjustments to the groove's depth and size for precise pressure control.
Implementation Method 1
a critical pressure that fractures the first portion from the second portion in the second condition of the plug to provide fluid access from the sleeve to the groove and bore
Data Source
AI summary
A frangible pressure control plug includes a first portion of a body adjacent a first end of the plug. A second portion of the body adjacent a second end of the plug. The second portion attached to the first portion in a first condition. A groove in the body interposed between the first portion and the second portion. A bore within the body passing through the first end and the first portion and inaccessible from the second end and wherein, fluid communication between the bore and the groove is prevented in the first condition and allowed in a second condition. Also included is a method of actuating a tool.