Plug Deployment Tool With Piston Control for Well Perforation Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in deploying plugging devices in subterranean wells to effectively block fluid flow through openings, necessitating improvements in the control and dispersion of these devices during well operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a plug deployment tool that utilizes controlled dispensing mechanisms, including fluid metering devices and pistons, to regulate the release of plugging devices into the wellbore, ensuring precise engagement with perforations and effective fluid blockage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If plugging devices are deployed simultaneously at the surface, then deployment speed is improved, but control precision and engagement accuracy with perforations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging devices are segmented into individually controllable units that can be deployed sequentially rather than simultaneously. Each plugging device is equipped with its own deployment mechanism allowing independent timing and positioning control, enabling precise engagement with specific perforations while maintaining efficient deployment rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment system transitions from a static simultaneous release mechanism to a dynamic sequential deployment system. The system can adjust deployment timing, spacing, and positioning based on real-time wellbore conditions and perforation locations, optimizing both deployment speed and engagement accuracy through adaptive control.
2Device complexity
If plugging devices are deployed without controlled dispensing, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid loss and operational efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A controlled dispensing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the plugging devices and the wellbore environment. This intermediary system regulates the release timing, rate, and positioning of plugging devices, ensuring they are deployed only when and where needed to prevent fluid loss, while the complexity is managed through standardized modular components.
3Ease of operation
If plugging devices are released without precise control, then ease of operation is improved, but effectiveness in blocking fluid flow deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor wellbore conditions, perforation locations, and plugging device positions. This feedback enables automatic adjustments to deployment timing and positioning, ensuring reliable fluid blockage while maintaining ease of operation through automated control systems that reduce manual intervention requirements.
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 tool enables controlled and efficient deployment of plugging devices, effectively blocking fluid flow into the formation, allowing for targeted well operations without substantial fluid loss, and facilitating subsequent fracturing in other zones.
Implementation Method 1
a piston configured to displace at least one of the plugging devices out of the outer housing in response to the valve being opened
Data Source
AI summary
A method of deploying plugging devices can include conveying a bottom hole assembly into a well, the bottom hole assembly comprising a plug deployment tool, and actuating the plug deployment tool, thereby dispensing at least one of the plugging devices from an interior of the plug deployment tool. A plug deployment tool can include a first chamber, a valve that isolates the first chamber from a second chamber, multiple plugging devices contained in an outer housing, and a piston that displaces one or more of the plugging devices out of the outer housing in response to the valve being opened. The second chamber can be disposed in the piston and can displace with the piston in response to the valve being opened.