Inflatable Bridge Plug Using Hardening Resin for Small-Tubing Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bridge plugs face installation and removal challenges due to their large diameter, making them unsuitable for wells with small diameter tubing, and complex retrieval operations pose high risks and costs.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable bridge plug system using a deflatable bladder that can be run through small passages and inflated with a hardening resin to form a seal, allowing installation in larger sections, with a detachable deployment system for efficient deployment and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bridge plug is used to isolate a perforated casing section, then the casing section can be isolated for remedial work, but the bridge plug must be set deep in the hole where retrieval is difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge plug transitions from a static, permanently set device to a dynamic, retrievable device through the incorporation of a collapsible basket mechanism. The basket can be collapsed from an expanded isolation state to a compressed retrieval state, allowing the bridge plug to be pulled out of the wellbore after completing its isolation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge plug is divided into functional segments: the bridge plug body, the collapsible basket, and the retention members. This segmentation allows the basket to independently expand for isolation and collapse for retrieval, while the bridge plug body remains anchored in the wellbore.
2Ease of operation
If retrieval mechanisms like drag reduction cones or unsetting mechanisms are added to the bridge plug, then the bridge plug can be retrieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention members automatically engage with the borehole wall to anchor the bridge plug in place, and the collapsible basket automatically collapses when the retention members disengage, eliminating the need for complex unsetting mechanisms or drag reduction cones.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible basket uses hydraulic or pneumatic pressure differentials to collapse the basket structure for retrieval. Pressure applied through the drill string causes the basket to collapse from its expanded isolation configuration to a compact retrieval configuration.
3Reliability
If the bridge plug is set deep in the hole to ensure proper isolation, then isolation effectiveness is improved, but the time and difficulty of retrieval increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge plug is pre-configured with collapsible basket and retention members that are prepared in advance for automatic deployment. When the bridge plug is set, the retention members automatically engage with the borehole wall, and the basket automatically expands to provide isolation, eliminating the need for subsequent retrieval operations.
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 safe installation and removal of bridge plugs in wells with varying diameters, reducing the risk of damage and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the collapsible basket and retention members are configured to collapse to a compressed state to facilitate retrieval of the inflatable bridge plug from the borehole
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Provided is a well plugging technique that includes a downhole plug system to be disposed downhole in a well and including a plug bladder system including an inflatable bladder (to be inflated with a resin) and a check valve (to facilitate flow of the resin into, and inhibit back flow of the resin out of, the bladder), and a plug deployment system including a resin chamber to house the resin and a resin deployment system to urge the resin to flow from the resin chamber, through the check valve and into the inflatable bladder while the downhole plug system is disposed downhole in the well, to inflate the plug bladder system into sealing contact with a surrounding downhole portion of the well, The resin including a hardening resin adapted to harden inside of the inflatable bladder to form a hardened plug downhole in the well.