Plugging Device Deployment Tool for Wellbore Perforations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for deploying plugging devices in wells lack efficient control over the dispensing process, leading to ineffective engagement with perforations and inadequate blocking of fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A plug deployment tool that includes a fluid metering device and a piston system, allowing for controlled dispensing of plugging devices into the wellbore, ensuring effective engagement with perforations and blocking of fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If plugging devices are deployed simultaneously at the surface, then deployment speed is improved, but engagement effectiveness with perforations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging devices are segmented into individually deployable units that can be released separately through the deployment tool. Each plug can be dispensed independently to engage with specific perforations at different depths, ensuring reliable engagement while maintaining efficient deployment through sequential activation from a single tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment tool is prepared with multiple plugging devices loaded and positioned before deployment. The tool establishes preliminary positioning and readiness, allowing for controlled sequential release of plugs as it is conveyed through the wellbore, combining preparation efficiency with targeted engagement effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If plugging devices are deployed without controlled dispensing, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow blocking effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment tool utilizes fluid pressure (hydraulic or pneumatic) to control the dispensing of plugging devices. Fluid pressure acts on a piston or diaphragm mechanism to sequentially push plugs out of the tool in a controlled manner, providing reliable dispensing control through well-established fluid pressure mechanisms without excessive mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment tool controls plug dispensing by changing fluid pressure parameters. By modulating the pressure level and timing of fluid injection, the tool achieves controlled sequential release of plugs, transforming a static loading state into a controlled dynamic dispensing process through parameter variation.
3Ease of operation
If plugging devices are not effectively engaged with perforations, then deployment simplicity is improved, but fluid flow blocking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging devices are designed to self-engineer their engagement with perforations. As the deployment tool conveys plugs through the wellbore, the plugs automatically orient and engage with available perforations through their own structural features (such as expandable elements or gripping mechanisms), eliminating the need for complex positioning systems while ensuring reliable flow blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The plugging devices incorporate dynamic engagement features that adapt to the wellbore environment. Expandable elements, flexible structures, or actuated mechanisms allow the plugs to dynamically adjust their configuration to match perforation geometry, ensuring effective engagement without requiring precise pre-positioning or complex deployment procedures.
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 controlled dispensing of plugging devices results in more effective engagement with perforations, thereby efficiently blocking fluid flow into the formation, allowing for subsequent fracturing operations without fluid loss.
Implementation Method 1
a piston system, allowing for controlled dispensing of plugging devices into the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A method of deploying plugging devices into a subterranean well can include conveying a bottom hole assembly into the well, the bottom hole assembly including a plug deployment tool, and actuating the plug deployment tool, thereby gradually dispensing the plugging devices from an interior of the plug deployment tool into the well. The plugging devices may be dispensed from the plug deployment tool all at once, or in discrete intervals.