Interlocking Fracture Plug for Tubing Isolation and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore perforation techniques require extensive time and resources for retrieving or milling out isolation plugs, which increases operational costs and complexity in wellbore construction and completion operations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole apparatus comprising slip segments, wedge segments, and seal elements that form an annular seal, allowing for removable mandrels and cones, enabling self-removing or dissolvable materials for plug-and-perf operations, reducing the need for milling and enhancing operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If retrievable isolation plugs are used, then production can commence after retrieval, but retrieval operations take considerable time and increase operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs expendable isolation plugs made of dissolvable composite materials that automatically dissolve after serving their isolation function. This eliminates the need for time-consuming retrieval operations while maintaining production capability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss.
2Loss of time
If expendable composite plugs are used, then retrieval time is reduced, but milling operations are still required and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dissolvable composite plugs that automatically break down in the downhole environment without requiring milling operations. This eliminates complex removal equipment and procedures, reducing both time and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plugs are designed with materials that change their physical properties over time, transitioning from a solid structural state during isolation to a dissolvable state after treatment completion. This parameter change enables automatic removal without additional equipment or operations.
3Device complexity
If dissolvable plugs are used, then milling operations are eliminated, but the plugs must be engineered to dissolve under specific temperature and pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials specifically engineered to dissolve at predetermined temperature and pressure conditions encountered in downhole environments. This allows the plugs to maintain structural integrity during isolation while automatically dissolving after treatment, eliminating complex removal operations despite increased material engineering requirements.
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 apparatus facilitates efficient setting and removal of plugs, reducing operational time and costs by allowing self-removal or dissolving of materials, thus streamlining wellbore perforation and treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second seal elements fit between one another and form an annular seal sealing off fluid communication in an annular space between the first and second exterior surfaces and the tubular
Implementation Method 2
The slip segments are moveable outward to engage toward the tubular... The wedge segments are movable outward to engage toward the tubular
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole apparatus for use in a tubular includes a mandrel, a slip, a wedge, a cone, and seal elements. The mandrel, which can be permanent or temporary, has an end shoulder. The slip is disposed on the mandrel adjacent the first end shoulder, and the wedge is disposed on the mandrel between the cone and the slip. The cone is movable relative to the end shoulder to engage the slip toward the tubular. The seal elements are disposed on the wedge and slip and fit between each other. The fit seal elements seal against the tubular and seas off fluid communication in the annular space between the plug and the tubular.