IPacker Bridge Plug with Slips for Low 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, requiring tools that can serve multiple purposes and seal well zones without full tool retrieval.

Innovation Solution

A packer plug with slips and a ball seat that can be set in a well bore using expansion rings and packer elements, allowing for minimal flow resistance and selective sealing during the fracking process, using a dissolvable ball to enable production flow without tool removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tools are used for different purposes during fracking, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge plug is designed to perform multiple functions: it can seal the wellbore, support the weight of equipment above, and allow selective flow through its central passage. The ball seat mechanism enables the plug to transition between sealed and open states, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized tools in the fracking process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If tools are retrieved from well bore after use, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidtool retrieval time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge plug is designed as a disposable tool that remains in the wellbore after serving its purpose. Rather than retrieving and reusing expensive equipment, the invention allows the plug to stay permanently sealed in the wellbore, eliminating retrieval operations and enabling more efficient subsequent fracking operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If packer element is expanded to seal well zone, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but flow resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidflow resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented from the flow path function. The packer element provides radial sealing against the wellbore wall, while the central passage through the bridge plug body maintains an open axial flow path. This segmentation allows the seal to be effective without creating resistance to production flow through the plug

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 sealing and unsealing of well zones during fracking, reducing tool retrieval costs and maintaining low flow resistance, allowing for cost-effective and reliable isolation of well zones with minimal impact on production flow.

Implementation Method 1

using a dissolvable ball to enable production flow without tool removal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Data Source

PatentUS11649691B2IPacker bridge plug with slips

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 TARGET COMPLETIONS LLC

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.