Removable Core Wiper Plug for Cement Tagging Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wiper plugs in wellbore operations hinder the ability to determine the location and condition of cement, as existing methods require drilling through the plug, which is not feasible in all operations, leading to potential risks and regulatory issues if cement tagging is unsuccessful.
Innovation Solution
A wiper plug design featuring a removable core that can be accessed without drilling, allowing for the passage of tagging devices and tools by breaking or rupturing coverings or using compressible materials to create space, enabling cement location and strength verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid wiper plug is used to separate cement from fluids, then the wiper plug can effectively prevent contamination and control fluid flow, but the wiper plug blocks access to the cement downhole, making it impossible to determine cement location and condition without drilling through the plug
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper plug is segmented into an outer body and an inner removable core. The core can be extracted through the uphole opening after the wiper plug is set downhole, creating a passage for tagging devices to access the cement without requiring drilling operations. This segmentation maintains the plug's sealing function while enabling post-installation access.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable core is extracted from the wiper plug body after the plug is deployed downhole. This extraction creates an internal passage through the plug, allowing tagging devices and other tools to access the cement barrier for verification operations without removing the wiper plug itself or drilling through the wellbore.
2Measurement precision
If drilling through the wiper plug is performed to access the cement, then the tagging device can contact the cement for location and strength verification, but this requires drilling rigs, snubbing units, or coiled tubing which are not available in all operations
Solution Approach 1:
The core is extracted from the wiper plug body through the uphole opening using simple retrieval tools, eliminating the need for complex drilling equipment. This extraction creates a passage that allows tagging devices to access the cement using only basic pumping and wireline services.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable core acts as an intermediary element that can be selectively removed to create access. Its removal provides a passage for tagging devices without requiring the wiper plug itself to be drilled or removed, simplifying the equipment needed for cement verification operations.
3Measurement precision
If the wiper plug is removed to access the cement, then the cement can be tagged and tested, but the wiper plug must be completely removed from the wellbore which adds operational complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper plug is divided into a permanent outer body that remains in the wellbore and a removable inner core that can be extracted. This segmentation allows access to the cement for tagging operations without requiring removal of the entire wiper plug assembly, significantly reducing operational time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the core component is extracted from the wiper plug body, not the entire plug. This selective extraction creates the necessary passage for tagging devices while leaving the outer body in place to maintain wellbore isolation, avoiding the time-consuming process of complete plug removal and reinstallation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a removable core is added to the wiper plug design, then access to the cement can be enabled without drilling, but the wiper plug structure becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper plug is segmented into an outer body and an inner core, where the core is a simple cylindrical element that can be easily manufactured and removed. This segmentation adds minimal complexity while providing significant operational versatility for cement verification without requiring drilling operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are wiper plugs with removable cores and methods of using the wiper plugs with removable cores. An example wiper plug with a removable core comprises a molded body, a wiper, a cavity through the interior of the molded body, a support disposed in the cavity, and the removable core disposed in the cavity. An example method of use comprises removing the core of the wiper plug without drilling through the wiper plug, and leaving the remainder of the wiper plug in the wellbore.