Isolation Tool Plug Seat Radial Contraction for Zone Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well plugging tools face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively isolating multiple formation zones in a subterranean well, as existing solutions often require complex positioning and may restrict flow when plugs are set, and lack efficient methods for retrieving or degrading plugs after use.
Innovation Solution
The development of an isolation tool with a plug seat that radially contracts to seal a plug in place, using a piston and closure mechanism to allow for efficient isolation and subsequent retrieval or degradation of plugs, enabling reliable and cost-effective isolation and flow management across multiple zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug is set in the flow passage to isolate zones, then zone isolation reliability is improved, but flow restriction occurs when the plug is in place
Solution Approach 1:
The plug seat is designed to be dynamically changeable between an open state (allowing free flow) and a contracted state (sealing the plug). The setting mechanism activates the plug seat to contract radially inward, creating sealing engagement with the plug only when needed for isolation, while maintaining an open flow path during treatment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage is segmented into isolated zones by the plug, allowing independent treatment of different formation zones. The plug seat provides a controllable segmentation point that can be activated to separate zones when required, while maintaining continuous flow when zones need to communicate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple zones are isolated using conventional plugging tools, then zone isolation capability is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation tool is designed as a universal device that can isolate multiple different zones along the flow passage. A single tool configuration with multiple plug seats allows different zones to be isolated independently, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and simplifying the overall system while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug seats are positioned within the isolation tool housing in a nested arrangement, with each plug seat capable of independent activation. This nested configuration allows multiple isolation points to be integrated into a single compact tool, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to isolate multiple zones.
3Reliability
If plugs are set to isolate zones during fracturing, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but retrieval or degradation of plugs becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The plug retention mechanism is dynamically controllable through the setting mechanism. During fracturing treatment, the plug seat contracts to securely retain the plug and maintain zone isolation. After treatment, the setting mechanism can be activated to expand the plug seat, releasing the plug for retrieval or allowing it to degrade, thereby facilitating easy post-treatment plug removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to facilitate both retrieval and degradation of plugs after use. The controllable plug seat allows plugs to be securely held during treatment, then released afterward for either mechanical retrieval or controlled degradation in the well environment, eliminating the need for complex 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
The tool allows for reliable and efficient isolation of zones during fracturing operations and subsequent unobstructed flow, with minimal restriction, facilitating the treatment of multiple zones in a single well operation while enabling easy retrieval or degradation of plugs.
Implementation Method 1
a plug seat (40) configured for sealingly engaging the plug to block flow through the passage
Implementation Method 2
a piston (42) configured, when longitudinally displaced, to displace and compress the plug seat thereby contracting the plug seat radially inward
Implementation Method 3
a closure (44) configured, when opened, to allow the piston to displace
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of plugging a flow passage in a well can include conveying a plug into an isolation tool in the well, and then contracting a plug seat of the isolation tool. An isolation tool for plugging a flow passage in a subterranean well can include a piston, and a longitudinally displaceable plug seat. The plug seat longitudinally displaces in response to displacement of the piston. Another method of plugging a flow passage can include conveying a plug into an isolation tool in the well, and then longitudinally displacing a plug seat of the isolation tool, thereby radially contracting the plug seat.