Hyperelastic Plug Dislodging Tool for Stuck Tubular Strings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jarring tools are ineffective in dislodging tubular strings or components stuck in exceptionally deep or long horizontal wellbores due to insufficient impact generation.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool system that utilizes a hyperelastic plug and seat configuration, where pressure is applied to build stored energy in the tubular string, and the plug is ejected to release this energy as a jarring load, allowing for adjustable pressure differentials and time-dependent release to dislodge stuck equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional jarring tools are used to dislodge stuck tubular strings, then the tool structure remains simple, but the impact force generated is insufficient in exceptionally deep or long horizontal wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pumping a plug to seal the flow passage and building up stored energy in the compressed fluid and elastic strain of the tubular string before the actual dislodging action is needed. This preliminary energy storage enables the generation of sufficient impact force when the plug is suddenly ejected through the seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic and hydraulic principles by pumping fluid under pressure through the tubular string to displace the plug. The compressed fluid creates pressure differential that drives the plug through the seat, converting fluid pressure energy into mechanical impact force to dislodge the stuck tubular string.
2Force
If pressure is built up quickly to generate impact, then the jarring force is stronger, but the tubular string may not have sufficient time to store elastic strain energy
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows sufficient time for the tubular string to store elastic strain energy by maintaining the plug in position while pressure builds up gradually. This preliminary energy storage phase ensures that when the plug is ejected, both the compressed fluid energy and elastic strain energy are released simultaneously to create the required jarring force.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation involves periodic action with distinct phases: first building up pressure and storing energy, then suddenly releasing it when the plug is ejected. This periodic sequence of energy storage and release creates the intermittent high-impact jarring force needed to dislodge stuck equipment.
3Force
If the plug is ejected immediately after pressure application, then the impact is stronger, but the hyperelastic plug material cannot properly deform and pass through the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes parameter changes by applying pressure differential across the hyperelastic plug over time, allowing the plug material to deform and change its physical state. The hyperelastic properties enable the plug to deform under pressure, pass through the seat, and then recover its original shape, creating the impact force needed for dislodging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs hyperelastic plug material with special properties that combine flexibility for deformation with structural integrity for impact generation. This specialized material allows the plug to be ejected through the seat while maintaining the ability to generate sufficient impact force upon release.
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 system effectively generates a jarring force sufficient to dislodge stuck tubular strings or components, even in challenging wellbore conditions, by optimizing pressure differentials and time periods based on seat geometry, plug material, and temperature, allowing for precise control and increased efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the plug comprises a hyperelastic material. When a pressure differential is applied across the hyperelastic plug, a rate at which the plug will pass through the seat is both pressure and time dependent.
Implementation Method 2
Pressure is applied to the tubular string to build stored energy in both compressed fluid inside the tubular string, and elastic strain in the tubular string. The plug is pumped through the seat when a sufficient pressure differential has been applied across the plug
Implementation Method 3
Pressure is applied to the tubular string to build stored energy in both compressed fluid inside the tubular string, and elastic strain in the tubular string.
Implementation Method 4
Pressure is applied to the tubular string to build stored energy in both compressed fluid inside the tubular string, and elastic strain in the tubular string.
Implementation Method 5
When the plug is ejected from the seat, a resulting release of stored energy creates a jarring load on the tubular string. This jarring load can be sufficient to dislodge the stuck object, tool string, tubular or other well equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of dislodging a tubular string or well equipment connected to the tubular string can include connecting a dislodging tool in the tubular string, so that a flow passage of the dislodging tool extends through the tubular string, deploying a plug into the dislodging tool, applying a pressure differential across the plug, thereby displacing the plug through a seat of the dislodging tool, and dislodging the tubular string or the component in response to the displacing. A dislodging system can include a dislodging tool connected as part of a tubular string, the dislodging tool including a flow passage and a seat configured to sealingly engage a plug deployed into the tubular string, and at least one of a jarring force, load, impact, shock wave, elastic strain release and pressure pulse being generated in the tubular string in response to displacement of the plug through the seat.