One Trip Perforating and Washing Tool for Well Plugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for plugging petroleum wells face challenges in reliably displacing fluids during cementing operations, leading to potential leaks and uneven cement distribution, as existing technologies struggle to ensure a secure and controlled placement of sealing fluids in the annulus.
Innovation Solution
A multitask tool is used for controlled displacement of fluids, featuring radial holes for fluid circulation and sealing arrangements to ensure proper placement and distribution of sealing fluids, allowing for perforation, washing, and cementing in a single trip, with a bypass system to manage excess fluids and maintain pressure consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cementing methods are used to place sealing fluid in the annulus, then the operation can be performed with simple equipment, but the fluid displacement is unreliable and cement distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The tool divides the annulus into multiple zones using upper and lower packers, allowing independent control of fluid displacement in each section. The cementing process is segmented into controlled stages with dedicated flow paths for washing fluid and sealing fluid, ensuring reliable displacement without requiring overly complex single-stage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A multi-channel flow control system acts as an intermediary between the pumping system and the annulus, directing washing fluid and sealing fluid through separate controlled paths. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable fluid displacement by preventing mixing and maintaining proper pressure differentials throughout the operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If simple pumping methods are used, then the operation is easier to perform, but cement distribution across the annulus is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The tool provides localized control of cement placement through radially oriented nozzles distributed around the circumference of the tubing. Each nozzle delivers cement to a specific location in the annulus, ensuring uniform distribution across the entire cross-section. The packers create localized sealed zones that can be independently managed for optimal cement placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fluid flow rates and pressures during the cementing operation. The flow control valves and pressure monitoring systems enable real-time modifications to maintain uniform cement distribution as the operation progresses, accommodating changes in annulus pressure and cement viscosity.
3Reliability
If washing fluid is not properly displaced, then the cementing operation is simpler, but leaks may occur reducing sealing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary displacement of washing fluid through the annulus before introducing sealing fluid. The upper and lower packers establish sealed zones that contain and control the washing fluid displacement process, ensuring complete removal of washing fluid before cement placement to prevent future leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors and flow monitoring systems provide feedback on the displacement process, allowing the control system to adjust pumping rates and detect when washing fluid has been completely displaced. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable sealing by confirming proper fluid displacement before proceeding with cement placement.
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
This method ensures a safe, controlled, and confirmed placement of sealing fluids, meeting governmental standards, and allows for reliable annular sealing, reducing the risk of leaks and ensuring consistent cement distribution across the well's cross-sectional area.
Implementation Method 1
a perforating lance comprising a number of explosive charges to form by detonation a row of holes in the pipe and out into the surrounding layer of concrete
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning unit for mechanical cleaning of the inner wall of the pipe in the perforated area
Implementation Method 3
a flushing unit to loosen, dissolve and flush away the hardened cement material between the outer wall of the pipe and the wall of the bore hole
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Method of performing a plug and abandonment operation in a well by the use of a combined perforate and wash tool (1), the tool (1) comprising a perforation tool at a lower end, at least one lower set of sealing arrangement (2) arranged below a fluid displacement arrangement comprising a plurality of radial holes (4), and at least one upper set of sealing arrangement (3) arranged above the plurality of radial holes (4), wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) lowering the tool (1) to the desired location in the well, b) perforating at least a section of the well, if the section is not already perforated c) washing said perforated section (10) by pumping washing and/or cleaning fluid through the radial holes (4) in the displacement arrangement, d) sealing off a lower portion of the well at a location below the perforated section (10) by the use of the at least one lower set of sealing arrangement (2), e) sealing off the well in a lower portion of the perforated section (10) by using the at least one upper set of sealing arrangement (3), f) pumping sealing fluid through the plurality of radial holes (4) in the displacement arrangement, g) lifting the tool (1) through, and above, the perforated section (10), while continuing pumping of the sealing fluid.