Knock-Off Plug With Jettisonable Tortuous Pathway for Casing Exits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mills used for drilling lateral boreholes in subsurface formations are costly and have drawbacks that need to be addressed.
Innovation Solution
A knock-off plug system for mills that includes a body with a fluid pathway and a jettisonable tortuous pathway, allowing for the separation of the tortuous pathway upon knock-off, and a method involving a mill, knock-off plug, diverter, and anchor assembly for setting and removing the anchor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mills with fixed tortuous pathways are used, then casing exits can be oriented and located correctly, but the cost is high and the system is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into two separate components: a body that remains with the mill and a tortuous pathway section that can be jettisoned. This segmentation allows the mill to operate simply during milling operations while the tortuous pathway is only activated when needed for anchor deployment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tortuous pathway is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed - it can be inserted into or removed from the mill's fluid pathway as needed. This allows the system to transition between a simple open pathway configuration and a controlled tortuous pathway configuration, providing the necessary functionality only when required.
2Reliability
If traditional mills are used, then casing exits can be oriented correctly, but the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The tortuous pathway section is designed as a disposable component that is inserted only when anchor deployment is needed. After serving its purpose of guiding the anchor to the correct location, it is jettisoned and discarded. This eliminates the need for expensive permanent tortuous pathway features in the mill, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliability of casing exit positioning.
3Reliability
If a tortuous pathway is always present in the mill, then fluid flow can be controlled, but the fluid pathway is blocked and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tortuous pathway is implemented as a removable insert rather than a permanent feature. During milling operations, the pathway remains open and direct, allowing maximum fluid flow and milling productivity. When anchor deployment is required, the tortuous pathway insert is inserted to provide the necessary flow control and directional guidance, demonstrating dynamic adaptability to different operational 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
Reduces costs by eliminating the need for costly mills and ensures accurate orientation and location of casing exits in boreholes.
Implementation Method 1
a tortuous pathway fluidically associated with the fluid pathway, the plug configured to jettison the tortuous pathway upon knock off
Data Source
AI summary
A knock-off plug for a mill, including a body having a fluid pathway therein and configured for connection to a fluid conduit, a tortuous pathway fluidically associated with the fluid pathway, the plug configured to jettison the tortuous pathway upon knock off. A mill, including a knock off plug having a tortuous pathway therein. A method for beginning a casing exit, including running a mill, a knock-off plug, a diverter and an anchor as an assembly to depth in a borehole, passing a pressure signal through the knock-off plug to the anchor, the plug having a tortuous pathway therein, setting the anchor, knocking the knock-off plug off the mill and removing tortuous pathway. A wellbore system, including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string in the borehole, and a knock-off plug, disposed within or as a part of the string.