IPacker Bridge Plug Minimizing Flow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracking processes are costly due to the need for multiple tools and high resistance to production flow when sealing well zones, requiring tools that can serve multiple purposes and allow for selective sealing and unsealing without removing the entire tool from the well bore.
Innovation Solution
A bridge plug packer with slips and a ball seat that can be set using expansion rings and packer elements, allowing for minimal flow resistance and selective sealing and unsealing by using a removable or dissolvable ball to enable production flow without tool removal, and enabling multiple zone isolation with sequential bridge plug setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a packer tool is used to seal a well bore zone, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but flow resistance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The packer tool is divided into distinct functional segments: sealing elements (packer elements) that contact the well bore wall, and a flow path through the mandrel that remains open. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be performed at the periphery while the central flow path maintains minimal resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
A ball seat with a ball mechanism serves as an intermediary control element. When a ball is pumped into the well, it seats on the ball seat to block the flow path, enabling selective sealing. When the ball is removed or dissolved, flow is restored through the mandrel, providing temporary sealing without permanent flow restriction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are used for different fracking operations, then functional versatility is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge plug packer is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform multiple operations: sealing well bore zones, isolating fracture stages, and allowing selective production flow. The tool can be set and unset in place, eliminating the need to retrieve and replace tools between operations, thereby reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates a self-service mechanism where a dissolvable ball or removable plug can be used to seal the flow path. After the fracking operation is complete, the ball dissolves or is easily removed, automatically restoring flow without requiring tool retrieval or additional intervention.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a tool is removed from the well bore to allow production flow, then flow resistance is reduced, but time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a disposable or dissolvable ball that temporarily blocks the flow path during fracking. After its purpose is served, the ball dissolves or is easily removed, restoring flow without requiring the entire tool to be retrieved. This disposable element eliminates the time and complexity of tool removal while maintaining low flow resistance during production.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is to a packer plug that can be tripped into a particular location in a well bore and set using slips or expansion rings and packer elements. The plug presents little flow resistance because of its wide inner diameter throat through the mandrel. A ball seat at an upper end allows for the sealing of the interior passage. The ball can be flowed upward or dissolved to remove the seal and allow flow through the plug.