Inflatable Wellbore Support Device for Cement Slurry Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore support devices lack sufficient strength and reliability for effectively blocking wellbores and sealing against cement slurry, leading to high failure rates during deployment and inefficiencies in the cementing process.
Innovation Solution
A downhole support device with an inflatable element that can be selectively connected to a workstring, featuring an inflation mechanism and disconnect mechanism, ensuring reliable inflation and disconnection, and a burst prevention outer sheath to prevent overinflation, allowing for secure sealing and support of cement slurry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wire arrangement support tool is used to block the wellbore, then the device can be delivered through the drill pipe string, but the gripping force is insufficient and the barrier strength is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The support device transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded operational state. The device is delivered in a compressed configuration through the drill pipe, then expanded at the target location to provide sufficient barrier strength. This dynamic transformation allows the device to satisfy both deliverability requirements and strength requirements at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is nested within a delivery system (drill pipe or deployment device) during transportation. The expandable structure is contained in a compact form factor that fits through the drill pipe, then deployed outward at the target location to achieve the required barrier dimensions and strength.
2Reliability
If cement is delivered after installation of the support tool, then the support tool can be properly positioned, but major time losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment of the support device and the cement delivery process are merged into a single continuous operation. The support device is deployed through the drill pipe, positioned at the target location, and cement is delivered through the same drill pipe without withdrawing the pipe. This combines two separate operations (deployment and cementing) into one continuous process, eliminating time losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is preliminarily deployed and positioned through the drill pipe before cement delivery begins. This preliminary positioning action is performed while the drill pipe is still in place, enabling subsequent cement delivery through the same conduit without requiring pipe withdrawal or repositioning operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a barrier is provided to hold cement in place, then slumping prevention is achieved, but the device must withstand significant pushing force from cement weight
Solution Approach 1:
The support device utilizes dynamic expansion to generate sufficient holding force. When expanded, the device creates radial outward force against the wellbore wall, generating friction and mechanical interlocking that enables it to withstand the axial pushing force from the cement column weight while maintaining cement column stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device employs composite construction combining materials with high compressive strength and high friction characteristics. This composite material approach enables the device to withstand the significant axial loads from cement weight while maintaining its expanded configuration and providing stable cement column support.
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole support device for use in a wellbore is provided, where the device (200) is adapted to be run into the wellbore (202) through or on a workstring (204). The device (200) comprises an inflatable element (206) adapted to be selectively connectable to the workstring (204). The inflatable element (206) selectively applies a biasing force to an external structure such, for example, a wall (214) of the wellbore (202) when in an inflated state. The inflatable element (206) has an inlet (208) for receiving and being inflated by a flowing substance. The device (200) also comprises an inflation mechanism (210) and a disconnect mechanism (222) adapted to be selectively disconnectable from the workstring (204). A method of deploying a barrier in a wellbore which makes use of the support device is also provided.