Resettable Plug Flow-Through Valve Borehole Particulate Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downhole tools lack effective mechanisms for selectively isolating and repositioning within boreholes to manage fluid pressure and particulate accumulation during subterranean formation treatment processes, leading to potential damage and reduced tool longevity.

Innovation Solution

A resettable plug downhole tool equipped with a valve, pressure sensor, and actuator, which allows for controlled fluid flow and pressure management, along with a deployable sealing element and anchor for secure positioning, enabling isolation and repositioning within the borehole while preventing fluid and particulate accumulation on the sealing element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a resettable plug is used to seal off portions of the borehole during formation treatment, then isolation and repositioning capability is improved, but fluid pressure buildup and particulate accumulation on the sealing element occurs, potentially causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation and repositioning capabilityVSAvoidfluid pressure buildup and particulate accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful accumulation of fluid and particulates from the system by providing a flow-through passage that allows continuous removal of accumulated materials from around the sealing element, preventing pressure buildup and damage while maintaining the isolation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a valve as an intermediary component that controls fluid flow through the flow-through passage. This valve acts as a mediator between the isolated portion and the rest of the borehole, allowing selective pressure relief and particulate removal without compromising the sealing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the resettable plug remains deployed in the borehole for extended periods to facilitate multiple treatment operations, then productivity is improved, but the sealing element is exposed to prolonged pressure and particulate exposure, increasing damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple treatment operations without removalVSAvoidsealing element durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous protection of the sealing element by maintaining an open flow-through passage that continuously removes harmful particulates and relieves pressure buildup throughout the extended deployment period, allowing multiple treatment operations without compromising sealing element integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides preliminary protection by designing the flow-through passage and valve system to prevent particulate accumulation and pressure buildup before they can reach damaging levels, allowing the sealing element to remain deployed safely for extended periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11156057B2Downhole tool including a resettable plug with a flow-through valve

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 SW ENERGY TECH INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed that enable flushing the wellbore before, during and after a fracturing or treatment operation, such that a resettable plug is not trapped or buried by fluids and particulates in the hole and the sealing element of the resettable plug is not damaged. Systems and methods which mitigate and prevent accumulation of fluids and particulates above a resettable plug are also provided. A system and method for delivering pressurized fluid to a subterranean formation is also disclosed.