Retractable Pivoting Plug for Wellbore Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a continuing need for methods and apparatus to provide a plug inside a tubing string containing well fluid, preferably using a 2-step expansion mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a plug assembly with a retractable pivoting mechanism, including a locking ring, a hemispherical cup, and a back-pushing ring, which expands in two stages to securely isolate sections within the tubing string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug with retractable pivoting mechanism is used to provide seating surfaces for untethered objects, then the reliability of isolation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug incorporates a retractable pivoting mechanism that transitions between static and dynamic states. The mechanism remains retracted during conveyance to minimize complexity, then pivots to an extended position to provide seating surfaces for untethered objects, improving isolation reliability only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is divided into functional segments: a body portion, a retractable pivoting mechanism with multiple arms, and seating surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high isolation reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If a 2-step expansion mechanism is used to expand plug components, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug expansion occurs in two distinct periodic stages: first, the body portion expands to engage the tubing string; second, the pivoting mechanism expands to provide seating surfaces. This periodic expansion sequence improves manufacturing precision by allowing each stage to be optimized independently while managing complexity through temporal separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The body portion expands in advance to securely anchor the plug within the tubing string before the pivoting mechanism is deployed. This preliminary action ensures stable positioning and reduces complexity by preparing the foundation for subsequent mechanism deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the retractable pivoting mechanism is extended to provide seating surfaces, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time during deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable pivoting mechanism is designed to deploy automatically through self-service means, utilizing stored elastic energy or hydraulic pressure to extend the arms and create seating surfaces without requiring additional operational intervention, thereby reducing deployment time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting mechanism is pre-positioned in a retracted state during conveyance, ready for rapid deployment. This preliminary preparation allows the mechanism to transition quickly to its extended configuration when needed, improving adaptability without significant time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug assembly includes a retractable pivoting mechanism, offering temporarily one or more seating surfaces for an untethered object. The retractable pivoting mechanism has two or three pivoting positions, allowing the passage or the seating of an untethered object depending on the flow direction. The retractable pivoting mechanism can include a single retractable pivoting ring or multiple segments forming a ring after pivoting in their closed position. Another embodiment of the retractable pivoting mechanism includes a latching feature allowing to keep the mechanism in an opened position.