Rotary Sleeve Annular Flow Control for Wiper Plug Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cementing operations in oil and gas exploration face challenges in effectively removing debris and preventing cement contamination during and after cementing processes, as existing methods lack efficient mechanisms for delivering and releasing wiper plugs downhole.
Innovation Solution
A subassembly that houses and controllably releases plugs or darts into a work string, utilizing a valve and flow diverter mechanism to divert fluid flow from an annular path to a main bore path, allowing for precise delivery and release of wiper plugs to prepare the wellbore and clear the casing of cement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a subassembly with valve and flow diverter mechanism is used to controllably release plugs, then the precision of plug delivery and release is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where an inner sleeve is positioned within an outer sleeve, forming an annulus between them. The inner sleeve can rotate relative to the outer sleeve to control flow paths. This nesting arrangement allows multiple control functions (plug retention, plug release, flow diversion) to be integrated within a compact subassembly, achieving precise plug delivery without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a dynamic rotation mechanism where the inner sleeve can rotate between different angular positions to control fluid flow paths. When the inner sleeve rotates to align annular apertures with diverter apertures, it diverts flow from the annular path to the main bore path, triggering plug release. This dynamic positional change enables precise control of plug delivery timing and location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow paths (annular and main bore) are controlled by sleeve rotation, then the versatility of flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable inner sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a flow diverter, a plug retention mechanism, and a release trigger. By rotating the inner sleeve to different positions, the system can control flow through the annular path, control flow through the main bore path, or both simultaneously. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single mechanical component rather than separate systems, enhancing versatility while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested arrangement of the inner sleeve within the outer sleeve allows the flow control mechanism to be compact yet versatile. The inner sleeve's rotation relative to the outer sleeve creates different flow configurations without requiring additional external components, enabling multiple flow control modes within a single integrated structure.
3Reliability
If wiper plugs are released to clear work string and casing, then the effectiveness of cementing operations is improved, but the time required for plug delivery and release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-positioning wiper plugs within the subassembly's inner sleeve before cementing operations begin. The plugs are retained in a ready-to-release state, controlled by the valve and flow diverter mechanism. When needed, the plugs can be rapidly deployed by rotating the inner sleeve to divert flow and trigger release, eliminating the need for complex real-time plug preparation during operations and reducing overall time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles where fluid flow through the annular path and main bore path is controlled by the rotatable inner sleeve. By diverting fluid flow from the annular path to the main bore path through sleeve rotation, the system creates the hydraulic conditions necessary for rapid plug release and delivery, enabling quick transition from plug retention to plug deployment without mechanical delays.
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 efficient removal of debris and prevention of cement contamination by ensuring accurate placement and operation of wiper plugs, enhancing the effectiveness of cementing operations and facilitating the transition between different stages of well formation and completion processes.
Implementation Method 1
A rotatable sleeve within the outer sleeve may be used to divert flow from the annular path to the main bore path
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore completion system includes a container for delivering plugs or other objects to a wellbore. The container includes a sleeve having a sealing surface at a first end and a geared interface at a second, opposing end. The sealing surface includes voids or apertures that align with or obstruct apertures in a diverter plate, depending on the position of the sleeve, to permit or obstruct annular flow around the sleeve, respectively. A ball valve is coupled to the second, opposing end of the sleeve, and has a valve-geared interface that engages the geared interface of the sleeve. A releasable object, such as a cement wiper plug, may be stored within the conduit of the sleeve. The geared interface relates movement of the ball valve to movement of the sleeve, resulting in simultaneous opening of the valve, closing of the annular flow path, and release of the releasable object.