Propellant Plug for Oil Well Sealing and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The recovery of plugs in oil wells can be time-consuming, especially when they are damaged during the setting or usage process, hindering efficient well operations.
Innovation Solution
A plug and tool system utilizing a propellant that disintegrates upon initiation, allowing for efficient removal by burning away and reducing material left in the tubular, with optional sensors and transmitters for monitoring and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional plug is used for sealing tubulars in oil wells, then the plug can effectively seal and contain pressure, but the recovery of the plug becomes time-consuming especially when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is designed with a propellant-based body that can be intentionally destroyed after use. Rather than attempting to recover and reuse the plug, the system accepts the plug as a single-use component that is disposed of by controlled deflagration, eliminating time-consuming recovery operations while maintaining reliable sealing during the operational period
Solution Approach 2:
The plug body material undergoes a parameter change from solid structural material to combustible propellant. This transformation allows the plug to transition from a permanent sealing component to a temporarily functional seal that can be rapidly destroyed on demand, solving the recovery time issue while maintaining sealing integrity during use
2Productivity
If the plug body is made entirely of propellant to enable complete disintegration, then removal efficiency is maximized, but structural integrity during use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The propellant is pre-configured within a housing structure that provides the necessary structural integrity during the plug's operational life. The propellant body is prepared in advance to maintain shape and sealing function, then intentionally ignited for controlled destruction when removal is desired, achieving both strength during use and complete removal efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A housing structure acts as an intermediary between the propellant material and the external environment. The housing provides mechanical strength and structural support during operation, while allowing the propellant interior to be ignited and consumed, enabling complete disintegration for efficient removal without compromising structural integrity during use
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
Facilitates quicker and more efficient plug removal, reducing operational time and enabling real-time monitoring of well conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an initiator adapted to initiate the propellant upon a signal; wherein upon initiation the propellant deflagrates causing the tool body to at least partially disintegrate
Implementation Method 2
the propellant burns away causing the plug body to disintegrate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
An improved plug for sealing a tubular as described. The improved plug comprises a plug body, the plug body comprising a propellant and an initiator adapted to initiate the propellant upon a signal. Upon initiation the propellant deflagrates causing the plug body to at least partially disintegrate.