Multiple-Stage Cementing Tool With High-Pressure Seat for Larger Annuli
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cementing tools for wellbore operations struggle to effectively cement larger annular sections of the wellbore in a single stage, leading to increased complexity and cost due to the need for multiple tools along the casing length.
Innovation Solution
A multiple stage cementing tool with a high-pressure rated opening seat and opening seat collet retainer, which allows for greater annular sections to be cemented by withstanding higher pressure loads, thereby reducing the number of tools required for a well depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If existing cementing tools are used, then the tool structure is simpler, but the annular section that can be cemented in a single stage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The opening seat is designed with a high-pressure rating, changing the pressure parameter capacity from conventional levels to ultra-high pressure levels. This allows the opening seat to withstand the increased pressure loads generated when cementing larger annular sections in a single stage, directly resolving the contradiction between extended cementing length and pressure load capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The opening seat incorporates a collet retainer mechanism that functions as a composite structural system. The collet retainer works in conjunction with the opening seat body to create a reinforced structure capable of withstanding ultra-high pressures, enabling the seat to handle the increased loads from extended single-stage cementing operations
2Length of stationary object
If multiple tools are used along the casing length, then the annular section coverage is increased, but the operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation body is designed with multiple circulation ports that can be independently controlled through the opening/closing sleeve mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single tool to handle multiple circulation paths and larger annular sections, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools while maintaining the ability to control cement flow to different locations
3Productivity
If a high-pressure rated opening seat is used, then the single stage cementing capability is improved, but the tool complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening seat and closing seat are nested within the circulation body, with the opening/closing sleeves operating inside the main tool structure. The collet retainer is nested within the opening seat assembly. This nested configuration allows the high-pressure rated components to be integrated into the existing tool architecture without proportionally increasing overall tool complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is segmented into distinct functional modules: the opening seat assembly, closing seat assembly, opening sleeve, and closing sleeve. Each module can be independently analyzed and maintained. The opening seat is further segmented with the collet retainer as a separate component that can be replaced or serviced independently, managing the complexity of the high-pressure rating feature
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 enables improved cement slurry placement and reduces the overall number of tools needed along the casing length, thereby decreasing operational complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
applying a first pressure to the opening sleeve such that the opening sleeve disengages from the body and moves to a second opening sleeve position, thereby opening the one or more circulation ports
Implementation Method 2
applying a third pressure to the closing seat such that the closing seat disengages from the closing sleeve such that the closing seat, opening seat, and opening seat collet retainer all travel out of the tool to open the tool to fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A cementing tool for use in well drilling operations includes a body forming an inner bore, the body having circulation ports allowing flow from the inner bore to an exterior of the body; an opening sleeve mounted within the body to release from a first opening sleeve position to open the circulation ports when in a second position; an opening seat attached to the opening sleeve; an opening seat collet retainer engaged with the opening seat; a closing sleeve mounted within the body above the opening sleeve and to release from a first closing sleeve position to close the circulation ports; a closing seat attached to the closing sleeve; the closing seat is to apply pressure to the opening seat collet retainer; and the opening seat collet retainer is to release from the opening seat once a predetermined amount of pressure is applied from the closing seat.