Pump Down Assist Sub for Frac Plug Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional frac plug setting tools and sleeves add substantial length, weight, and complexity to wireline tool strings, which can lead to deployment issues, variable outer diameters, and increased risk of hang-ups during retrieval.

Innovation Solution

A pump down assist sub with a universal thread pattern, directly coupled to a setting tool firing head at the bottom of a perforating gun system, is used to replace conventional frac plug setting tools and sleeves, optimizing performance while reducing tool string length and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional frac plug setting tools and sleeves are used, then the frac plug can be set and perforation guns can be fired, but the tool string length and weight increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrac plug setting capabilityVSAvoidtool string length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump down assist sub integrates the setting tool firing head, universal thread pattern, and pump down functionality into a single unified component. This merging eliminates the need for separate setting tools and sleeves, thereby reducing overall tool string length and weight while maintaining frac plug setting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal thread pattern on the pump down assist sub is designed to be compatible with multiple types of firing heads and perforating gun systems. This multi-functionality allows a single component to serve various purposes across different well configurations, reducing the need for specialized long tool strings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional frac plug setting tools and sleeves are used, then the frac plug can be set, but the tool string weight increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrac plug setting capabilityVSAvoidtool string weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump down assist sub combines the setting tool firing head and pump down functionality into one integrated component. This consolidation eliminates redundant materials and structural elements, significantly reducing tool string weight while preserving frac plug setting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional setting tools with setting sleeve are used, then the frac plug can be set, but the outer diameter becomes variable creating deployment issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrac plug setting capabilityVSAvoidouter diameter consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the setting tool firing head with the pump down assist sub creates a unified structure with consistent outer diameter characteristics. This eliminates the variable outer diameter problem associated with separate setting sleeves, improving deployment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If conventional setting tools are used, then the frac plug can be set, but the risk of hang-ups during retrieval increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrac plug setting capabilityVSAvoidretrieval ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pump down assist sub integrates all setting and pump down functions into a single streamlined component without external sleeves or attachments. This simplified structure eliminates potential hang-up points, making retrieval easier while maintaining frac plug setting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12281549B2Methods and systems for fracing

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 GREENWELL ENG LLC

AI summary

A pump down assist sub that utilizes a universal thread pattern that is directly coupled to a setting tool firing head that is coupled to the bottom of a conventional perforating gun system, wherein the pump down assist sub eliminates the need for a setting tool and setting sleeve which reduces the length and weight of the overall tool string.