Actuatable Obstruction Member for Wellbore Control Line Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small diameter tubular control conduits in wellbore abandonment fail to be effectively sealed by cement, leading to potential environmental hazards due to fluid leakage through multiple barriers.
Innovation Solution
An actuatable obstruction apparatus is deployed, where an obstruction member is actuated to enter the inner bore of the tubular control conduit, forming a seal by retracting the upper segment and utilizing biasing members, deformable materials, or resin injection to block fluid flow, ensuring a robust seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cement is injected to seal the wellbore during abandonment, then the wellbore is isolated and fluid flow is prevented, but small diameter control lines fail to be plugged and fluid leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control line is divided into an abandoned segment (left in the wellbore) and a retractable segment (removed to surface). The obstruction member is deployed specifically in the abandoned segment to seal it, while the retractable segment is pulled out for reuse. This segmentation allows targeted sealing of the small diameter control line that cement cannot achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstruction member is deployed into the abandoned control line segment before the retractable segment is pulled out. This preliminary sealing action ensures that when the control line is severed and the upper segment is removed, the abandoned segment is already sealed and cannot leak fluids. The obstruction member is positioned in advance to prevent the harmful effect of leakage.
2Ease of manufacture
If the upper control line segment is retracted for abandonment, then the control line can be removed, but fluid flow may occur through the abandoned segment
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction member is deployed into the abandoned control line segment before the retractable segment is pulled out. This preliminary sealing action ensures that when the control line is severed and the upper segment is removed, the abandoned segment is already sealed and cannot leak fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable segment of the control line is extracted and removed from the wellbore for abandonment or reuse, while the obstruction member remains in the abandoned segment to prevent fluid flow. This extraction allows the control line to be removed while the harmful effect of leakage is eliminated through the obstruction member.
3Reliability
If an obstruction member is deployed to seal the control line, then fluid leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction member is designed to be self-deploying using a biasing member (spring) that automatically pushes the obstruction member into the sealed position when the control line is severed and tension is applied. The system uses the mechanical energy stored in the biasing member and the tension from the retractable segment to automatically deploy and seal the obstruction member without requiring additional complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member acts as an intermediary between the obstruction member and the sealing action. It stores mechanical energy and automatically translates the tension from the retractable segment into the force needed to push the obstruction member into the sealed position, simplifying the overall system by eliminating the need for complex motorized or hydraulic actuation systems.
4Extent of automation
If a biasing member is used to actuate the obstruction member, then automated sealing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is a simple spring mechanism that automatically deploys the obstruction member when tension is applied to the control line. It uses elastic potential energy storage and release to automate the sealing action without requiring complex control systems, motors, or hydraulics. The automation is achieved through a simple, reliable mechanical spring that requires minimal additional complexity.
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 solution effectively prevents fluid leakage from the tubular control conduits, ensuring environmental safety and compliance with regulatory requirements by forming a reliable seal within the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
an actuatable obstruction apparatus including an obstruction member, a biasing member and a flowbore. The biasing member is configured to urge the obstruction member against the distal end of the abandonable segment
Implementation Method 2
utilizing biasing members, deformable materials, or resin injection to block fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular control conduit is disposed in a wellbore having a retractable segment and an abandonable segment, each having an inner bore. Upon retraction of the retractable segment an obstruction member is actuated to form a seal thereby preventing the flow of fluid past the obstruction member in the inner bore of the abandoned segment. Cement is then poured into the wellbore thereby covering the abandoned segment of the tubular control conduit.