Rotating Valving Member for Controlled Plug Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cementing operations in oil and gas well drilling face inefficiencies in dropping and deploying plugs, balls, or darts effectively downhole, particularly in controlling the flow of cement and ensuring proper placement and sealing around the production casing.
Innovation Solution
An improved plug or ball dropping head apparatus with multiple sections connected by threaded connections, featuring valving members that can be rotated to open or close flow channels, allowing controlled release of plugs, balls, or darts to facilitate efficient cement placement and sealing by managing fluid flow and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional plug dropping methods are used, then the operation is simpler, but the precision and control of plug deployment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dropping head is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be independently controlled. Each section has its own valving member (first valving member, second valving member, third valving member) that can be independently rotated to control flow channels, allowing precise sequential deployment of multiple plugs at different locations
Solution Approach 2:
The valving members are designed to be rotatable between different positions (open and closed). By rotating the valving members to different angular positions, the flow channels can be dynamically controlled to direct cement flow and plug deployment to specific sections, enabling precise control of the deployment process
2Productivity
If multiple plugs are deployed simultaneously, then the cementing operation is faster, but the control over placement and sealing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple plugs are pre-positioned in different sections of the dropping head before deployment. The valving members are configured to control the release of each plug in a predetermined sequence, ensuring that each plug is deployed at the optimal time to achieve proper sealing at different locations along the wellbore
Solution Approach 2:
The dropping head is segmented into multiple independent sections, each capable of holding and deploying a plug. This segmentation allows multiple plugs to be prepared and deployed in a coordinated manner, maintaining both speed and reliability by controlling each section's deployment independently
3Productivity
If flow channels are always open for efficient cement flow, then the cementing speed increases, but the control over cement placement and pressure management is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The valving members are designed to be rotatable between open and closed positions. When a valving member is rotated to the open position, the corresponding flow channel allows efficient cement flow. When rotated to the closed position, the flow channel is blocked, allowing pressure control and precise placement. This dynamic control enables operators to optimize both flow rate and placement control as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The valving members act as intermediary control elements between the cement pump and the wellbore. By rotating the valving members to different positions, operators can control the flow of cement through different sections, managing both the rate of flow and the pressure buildup to ensure proper cement placement and plug deployment
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 precise and efficient deployment of plugs, balls, or darts during cementing operations, ensuring effective sealing and stabilization of the production casing while preventing erosion of the surrounding formation, thereby enhancing the integrity of the well construction.
Implementation Method 1
allowing controlled release of plugs, balls, or darts to facilitate efficient cement placement and sealing by managing fluid flow and pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member or around the periphery of the valving member.