Sequential Plug Dropping Head for Cementing Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cementing operations in oil and gas well exploration and production face challenges in efficiently and effectively dropping plugs, balls, or darts downhole, which is crucial for cementing and stabilization processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of an improved plug or ball dropping head with a novel configuration that includes multiple valving members and a tool body with threaded connections, allowing for precise control and sequential release of plugs, balls, or darts during cementing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing cementing operations use conventional plug or ball dropping methods, then the basic cementing function is achieved, but the efficiency and control precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dropping head is divided into multiple independent valve members (first valve member, second valve member, third valve member) that can operate separately to drop different plugs or balls sequentially. Each valve member controls a specific passage, allowing independent operation and precise control over the timing and sequence of dropping operations, thereby improving both efficiency and control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The valve members are designed to be movable between open and closed positions, enabling dynamic control of fluid flow and plug/ball release. The ability to transition valve members between states allows for precise timing control of dropping operations, improving operational efficiency while maintaining accurate control
2Reliability
If multiple plugs or balls are dropped sequentially, then the stabilization effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve members and their control mechanisms are merged into a single integrated dropping head assembly that can be operated as one unit. The valve members share common structural elements and can be controlled through a coordinated system, reducing overall device complexity while still enabling sequential dropping of multiple plugs or balls for improved stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The dropping head is designed with multiple valve members that can perform different functions - each valve member can control the release of different plugs or balls through different passages. This multi-functional design allows a single device to handle complex sequential dropping operations, improving stabilization reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.