Plug Bypass Tool Movable Sleeve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the resource recovery industry, the speed at which fluid flow is reestablished after a plug operation is often insufficient for operator needs, necessitating alternative means to restore fluid communication.
Innovation Solution
A plug bypass tool with a housing and bypass passageway extending between fluidly connected ports, featuring movable sleeves and seats that allow for the creation of a bypass flow path around objects, enabling rapid reestablishment of fluid flow by shifting sleeves to reveal and cover ports, facilitating faster fluid flow restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional plug removal methods are used, then the operation can be completed, but the speed at which fluid flow communication is reestablished is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tool divides the flow restoration function into two independent pathways: a main flow passage for initial operations and a bypass passageway for rapid flow restoration. This segmentation allows simultaneous plug removal through the main passage and immediate fluid flow through the bypass passage, eliminating the sequential time loss of traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass passageway acts as an intermediary pathway that enables fluid flow to bypass the plug removal location entirely. By providing this alternative route, the system restores fluid communication without waiting for complete plug removal, significantly accelerating the reestablishment of flow.
2Productivity
If a bypass passageway is created, then fluid flow communication is reestablished faster, but the device complexity increases with additional seats, sleeves, and ports
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass passageway is integrated within the same housing as the main flow passage, combining two flow pathways into a single unified tool structure. The seats and sleeves are merged into a coordinated system where the second seat and sleeve directly control access to the bypass passage, reducing overall structural complexity despite the dual-pathway functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sleeve serves multiple functions: it controls the bypass passage opening, manages fluid diversion, and can be positioned to reveal or cover the second port as needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug bypass tool including a housing defining a main flow passage and a bypass passageway, the bypass passageway extending between a first port and a second port, the first and second ports being fluidly connected to the main flow passage, a first seat and a first sleeve disposed within the passage between the first port and second port, and a second seat and a second sleeve disposed in the passage, the second sleeve movable between a position covering the second port and a position revealing the second port.