Self-setting Plug Fluid-triggered Expansion for Wellbore Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of downhole plugs in wellbore tubing is often not quick and easy, requiring complex operations and potentially lengthy procedures for well intervention and emergency shut-downs.
Innovation Solution
A plug design featuring an internal portion, a first external portion that surrounds the internal portion, and a second external portion that expands to engage the wellbore tubing, allowing fluid to pass and triggering the expansion of the first external portion for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a downhole plug is installed using conventional methods, then the plug can secure the wellbore tubing, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into two separate expandable portions: a first external portion that expands upon fluid contact to engage the tubing interior, and a second external portion that expands in response to a trigger to secure the plug in place. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first external portion is designed to expand automatically upon contact with fluid before the plug reaches its final position, preparing the engagement mechanism in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex manual setup operations during installation.
2Reliability
If a downhole plug is installed using conventional methods, then the plug can secure the wellbore tubing, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first external portion expands automatically upon contact with fluid without requiring external intervention or complex triggering mechanisms. This self-service capability significantly reduces installation time while ensuring reliable engagement with the tubing interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic expansion of the first external portion upon fluid contact prepares the plug for securement in advance, eliminating time-consuming manual operations and enabling rapid deployment during emergency situations.
3Reliability
If the second external portion expands to engage the tubing interior, then secure engagement is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The plug structure is segmented into two distinct expandable portions with separate functions: the first external portion for interior engagement and the second external portion for securement. This segmentation, while adding structural elements, simplifies the control mechanism by allowing independent activation of each portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The first external portion expands in advance upon fluid contact, preparing the engagement interface before the second portion is activated. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of coordinating multiple expansion events simultaneously.
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
The plug effectively and efficiently secures the wellbore tubing by expanding to engage the tubing interior, allowing for quick and reliable well control during emergency situations or well intervention operations.
Implementation Method 1
The second external portion expands to: engage an interior surface of the wellbore tubing in response to a trigger
Implementation Method 2
The first external portion expands to engage the wellbore tubing upon contact with the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A plug for wellbore tubing includes: an internal portion; a first external portion which surrounds the internal portion; and a second external portion disposed axially adjacent to the first external portion, with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the plug. The second external portion expands to: engage an interior surface of the wellbore tubing in response to a trigger as the plug displaces downhole through the wellbore tubing; and open a passage to permit a fluid to progress to the first external portion. The first external portion expands to engage the wellbore tubing in response to the expansion of the second external portion and upon contact with the fluid. A related method includes providing such a plug, and displacing the plug downhole in the wellbore tubing.