Resettable Plug With Magnetic Closure Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug systems in borehole environments require large volumes of pumped fluid for operation and lack efficient mechanisms for resetting or reopening, especially during fracturing operations, leading to difficulties in replacing perf guns without fluid flow through the frac plug.
Innovation Solution
A resettable plug with a closure member assembly featuring a magnetic catch that holds the closure member in an open position, allowing it to close under a selected hydrodynamic load and automatically reset upon reversed fluid flow, enabling indefinite flow while allowing closure and reopening based on fluid flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional frac plug with ball seat is used, then the plug can effectively seal the borehole, but large volumes of pumped fluid are required to convey balls to their seats and recirculate them back out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ball-seat sealing system with a magnetic field-based closure mechanism. The magnetic catch assembly generates a magnetic field that directly actuates the closure member to seal the flow bore, eliminating the need for mechanical balls and seats. This substitution dramatically reduces the fluid volume required for operation while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydrodynamic forces generated by pumped fluid to actuate the magnetic catch assembly. The fluid flow creates hydrodynamic loading on the closure member that interacts with the magnetic field to open or close the plug. This hydraulic actuation mechanism allows precise control of the closure member position using minimal fluid volumes.
2Quantity of substance
If a flapper valve is used to reduce pumped fluid requirements, then fluid usage is reduced, but any component pumping after the flapper is seated becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic magnetic catch assembly that can be actuated in real-time during the pumping operation. The magnetic field strength and polarity can be dynamically adjusted to open or close the flow bore as needed. This dynamic control allows components to be pumped through the plug after initial seating by temporarily opening the closure member, then resealing it afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters (strength, polarity, distribution) to control the closure member position. By varying these magnetic parameters, the system can transition between open and closed states, enabling flexible operation for component pumping while maintaining the low fluid volume advantage of flapper valves.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the closure member is held open by a magnetic catch, then the plug can remain open for continuous flow, but the closure member must be reliably released under selected hydrodynamic load
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic catch assembly creates a magnetic holding force that counteracts the hydrodynamic forces trying to open the closure member. This magnetic counterforce reliably holds the closure member in the open position during continuous flow. When closure is needed, the magnetic field is reduced or reversed, allowing the hydrodynamic forces to reliably actuate the closure member to the sealed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback between the magnetic field application and the closure member position. Sensors detect the closure member position and fluid flow conditions, and this information feeds back to adjust the magnetic field strength and polarity. This closed-loop control ensures reliable opening and closing operations while maintaining stable continuous flow when open.
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
Enables the plug to remain open for continuous flow while being closable and reopenable without manual intervention, facilitating the replacement of perf guns during fracturing operations without the need for fluid circulation, thus reducing operational complexity and fluid usage.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic catch disposed to hold the closure member in an open position
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic catch being configured to release the closure member upon a selected hydrodynamic load upon the closure member
Data Source
AI summary
A plug with a resettable closure member including a body defining a flow bore and a closure member seat, a closure assembly connected to the body, the assembly includes a closure member and a magnetic catch disposed to hold the closure member in an open position, the magnetic catch being configured to release the closure member upon a selected hydrodynamic load upon the closure member.