Glass Barrier Plug With Split Sleeve Crushing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing barrier plugs in hydrocarbon wells face challenges such as difficulty in removal, potential leakage, and safety concerns due to the use of explosives, as well as structural weaknesses under high pressures, which affect their reliability and production efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A glass plug design incorporating a split sleeve and locking ring mechanism that utilizes localized pressure loads and mechanical studs to crush the plug without explosives, ensuring strength from the reservoir side and minimizing leakage pathways, with a release mechanism that allows for reliable removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal plugs are used for well testing, then the plug can withstand high pressures, but the plug becomes difficult to remove and leaves residues in the well

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure resistanceVSAvoidremoval ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plug is divided into two functional parts: a strong outer housing that withstands pressure and a separate crushable barrier layer that can be easily removed. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function - the housing provides structural strength while the barrier layer enables easy removal through crushing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier plug's mechanical properties are changed by using materials with different crushability characteristics. The barrier layer is designed with specific material properties that allow it to be crushed at controlled pressures, transforming the removal process from mechanically difficult to pressure-controlled and simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If explosive charges are used to crush the plug, then the plug can be removed reliably, but safety risks increase and handling becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval reliabilityVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The explosive crushing mechanism is replaced with a purely mechanical crushing system. A crushing member with crushing elements is mechanically actuated to crush the barrier plug, eliminating the need for explosives while maintaining reliable removal capability through controlled mechanical force application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier plug is designed as a disposable component that can be reliably crushed and removed. The crushable barrier layer is intended to be destroyed during the crushing phase, allowing the housing to be retrieved while the barrier material is left behind as crushed residue, simplifying the overall removal process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the plug structure is weakened to enable easy crushing, then the plug becomes easier to remove, but the plug's strength under reservoir pressure is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrushing easeVSAvoidpressure resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The plug is segmented into a strong pressure-resistant housing and a separate crushable barrier layer. The housing maintains structural integrity under reservoir pressure while the barrier layer is specifically designed with weakened structures or material properties that enable easy crushing when actuated by the crushing member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the plug have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The housing has high strength properties for pressure containment, while the barrier layer has localized weakened areas or different material composition that facilitates crushing. The crushing member applies localized force to specific crush zones in the barrier layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances the plug's strength and reliability, reduces the risk of leakage, and simplifies the removal process, making it safer and more cost-effective by eliminating the need for explosives and ensuring effective pressure management.

Implementation Method 1

A solution which does not use explosives and is built in in a plug construction is to expose the plug to high localized pressure loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure load: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

A glass plug may be manufactured with a single layer of glass or may comprise several glass layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11365598B2Holding and crushing device for barrier plug

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 TCO AS

AI summary

Disclosed is a plug arrangement including glass arranged in one or more seats in a plug housing, the seat or seats forming support members supporting the glass or glasses in an axial direction. At least one of the support members includes an axially displaceable split sleeve which, in one direction, includes a support ring/face abutting against the glass, and in the other direction a number of split sleeve arms arranged to rest against an edge arranged in the plug housing.