Mechanical Release Packer Plug Debris Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing expendable plug mechanisms for downhole packers face issues such as debris interference, premature expansion, and hydrostatic pressure exceeding equipment ratings, which hinder effective wellbore operations.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical release packer plug assembly with a debris chamber and a collet engagement mechanism, where the inner sleeve is releasably engaged with the collet and secured by shear pins, allowing controlled release and debris collection, preventing premature expansion and ensuring compatibility with heavy mud completion fluids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior art expendable plug mechanisms are used, then the plug can be expended to allow debris removal, but debris within the wellbore may inhibit the function of the plug mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug mechanism functionVSAvoiddebris interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful debris from the operational area by providing a dedicated debris collection chamber that captures and isolates debris away from the plug mechanism's functional components, preventing debris interference while maintaining reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The plug assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones including a debris collection chamber separated from the mechanism chamber, allowing debris to be contained in one segment while the mechanism operates independently in another segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If high shear pin rating is used to expend the plug mechanism, then the plug can be reliably held in place, but hydrostatic pressures may exceed the pressure rating of other equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug retentionVSAvoidhydrostatic pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure containment system is segmented with a debris chamber that can withstand high pressures independently, allowing the shear pins to be rated for high shear strength while the overall system manages pressure through distributed containment structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates a debris chamber that serves as a pressure buffer, capturing debris and managing pressure spikes before they can affect the main mechanism and other equipment, preventing pressure exceedance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the plug mechanism is designed for easy release, then the plug can be expended when needed, but the plug may expend prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug releaseVSAvoidpremature expending

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A mechanical key serves as an intermediary between the external release mechanism and the internal shear pins, providing a controlled interface that prevents premature activation while enabling reliable release when the key is intentionally inserted and rotated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical key is designed to be inserted and rotated in advance to prepare the release mechanism, ensuring that the plug is ready for controlled expenditure at the desired time without expending prematurely during normal operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9091134B2Expendable mechanical release packer plug for heavy mud

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for plugging a well during subterranean operations is disclosed. Specifically, a mechanical release packer plug assembly is disclosed. The mechanical release packer plug assembly includes a debris chamber and is releasably engaged with a packer of a suitable packer assembly.