Plug Dropping Head With Rotating Valves for Large Casing Cementing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cementing operations face challenges in efficiently pumping cement into larger diameter casings using conventional plug or ball dropping systems, particularly in oil and gas well drilling and production.
Innovation Solution
An improved interlocking dart and plug arrangement within a plug or ball dropping head configuration, allowing for the pumping of cement into larger diameter casings by utilizing multiple valving members and sliding sleeves to control the release of plugs, balls, and darts, ensuring efficient deployment and stabilization of the casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional plug or ball dropping systems are used for cementing operations, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot efficiently pump cement into larger diameter casings
Solution Approach 1:
The cementing system is divided into multiple independent components: a plug dropping head, multiple valving members (first, second, and third valving members), and sliding sleeves. Each component performs a specific function - the first valving member controls cement flow, the second valving member controls plug release, and the third valving member controls ball release. This segmentation allows the system to handle larger diameter casings while maintaining manageable complexity through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic valving members that can move between open and closed positions to control fluid and plug flow. The sliding sleeves provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the system to adapt to different cementing requirements. The valving members can be positioned to allow cement to pass through or to seal and release plugs at specific locations, providing versatile control for different casing diameters and cementing scenarios.
2Productivity
If multiple valving members and sliding sleeves are used to control plug release, then cementing efficiency in larger diameter casings is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions multiple valving members and sliding sleeves within the plug dropping head before cementing operations begin. The first valving member is preliminarily configured to control cement flow, the second valving member is prepared to release the plug, and the third valving member is positioned to release the ball. This preliminary configuration allows for rapid, efficient cementing operations in larger diameter casings without requiring complex real-time adjustments, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity through advance preparation.
3Quantity of substance
If deformable balls and darts are used for cement distribution, then complete cement distribution is achieved, but the reliability of maintaining system pressure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces the plug as an intermediary element between the cement source and the formation. The plug is released by the second valving member to allow cement to pass through, then subsequently released by the third valving member to maintain system pressure. This intermediary plug mechanism ensures complete cement distribution through deformable balls and darts while temporarily maintaining system pressure, resolving the contradiction between complete distribution and pressure maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.