Multi-stage Cementing Tool with Differential Pressure Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multi-stage cementing process for casing strings in well bores is inefficient as it requires multiple stages of cementing tools and plug management, leading to incomplete cementation and increased operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cementing tool with an opening sleeve and closing sleeve mechanism that utilizes differential pressure and hydraulic pressure to control cement flow through flow ports, allowing for efficient cement distribution and plug management, reducing the need for multiple plug removals and enhancing operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-stage cementing process is used with multiple cementing tools and plugs, then cement can be placed in separate stages, but the operational complexity increases and cementation may remain incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cementing stages into a single cementing tool by incorporating multiple opening sleeves (first opening sleeve, second opening sleeve) that can be sequentially activated. This merging approach eliminates the need for multiple separate cementing tools and plugs, reducing operational complexity while ensuring complete cementation through systematic stage-by-stage activation within one tool
Solution Approach 2:
The cementing tool is segmented into multiple independent but coordinated components including first and second opening sleeves, each controlling flow to different annular spaces. This segmentation allows independent activation of each stage while maintaining overall system integration, enabling complete cementation through coordinated operation of segmented components rather than requiring entirely separate tools
2Productivity
If multiple plugs are used for stage separation and plug management is required, then multi-stage cementing can be achieved, but the time required for plug removal and tool deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening sleeves are pre-positioned and pre-configured within the single cementing tool before deployment into the wellbore. The tool is lowered with all opening sleeves already in place, and stages are activated sequentially by selectively opening each sleeve. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for multiple tool deployments and plug removals, significantly reducing the time required for multi-stage cementing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the plug removal operation entirely from the process by using opening sleeves that can be hydraulically or mechanically actuated to open flow paths without requiring physical plug extraction. This elimination of plug removal operations removes a time-consuming step from each stage while maintaining effective stage separation and cement flow control
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 ensures complete cementation of the well bore by allowing controlled cement flow and efficient plug management, simplifying the multi-stage process and reducing operational complexity, thereby improving the effectiveness of the cementing process.
Implementation Method 1
the first opening sleeve face having a greater surface area than the second opening sleeve face exposed to housing pressure such that the housing pressure creates a pressure differential between the first opening sleeve face and the second opening sleeve face
Implementation Method 2
the opening sleeve also being movable from the first to the second position as a result of the engagement of the opening plug with the opening seat and an application of pressure thereabove
Data Source
AI summary
A cementing tool has an outer housing defining a central flow passage and a plurality of housing flow ports through a wall thereof. An opening sleeve has first and second opening sleeve faces exposed to housing pressure. The first opening sleeve face has a greater surface area than the second opening sleeve face. The pressure differential created is such that the sleeve will move from a first position to a second position in which flow through the plurality of housing flow ports is permitted. The cementing tool has an opening seat defined on the opening sleeve. The opening sleeve may also be moved from the first to the second position as a result of the engagement of the opening plug with the opening seat and an application of pressure thereabove.