Shallow-Set Well Plug Instrumentation for Safe Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for suspending well flow in the oil and gas industry require heavy and costly equipment, pose safety risks, and are time-consuming due to the need for deep-set plugs and complex pressure equalization procedures, often resulting in equipment damage and potential gas hazards.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a shallow-set plug with instrumentation to measure and transmit fluid characteristics in the upper wellhead region, eliminating the need for deep-set plugs and specialized equipment, allowing for safer and more predictable operations using a lubricator tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deep-set mechanical bridge plug is used for well suspension, then barrier protection is improved, but equipment complexity and handling difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The well suspension system is divided into multiple barriers: a primary barrier (deep-set mechanical bridge plug or inflow-tested downhole safety valve) and a secondary barrier (shallow-set mechanical bridge plug or tubing hanger plug). This segmentation allows each component to be simpler while collectively providing robust barrier protection, reducing the complexity of individual equipment pieces.
2Reliability
If a deep-set mechanical bridge plug is used for well suspension, then barrier protection is improved, but operation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inflow-tested downhole safety valve is installed and tested before well suspension is needed. This preliminary action ensures the primary barrier is already in place and verified, eliminating the need for deep intervention equipment and time-consuming operations when suspension is required. The shallow-set plug can also be pre-positioned using simpler equipment.
3Ease of operation
If pressure equalization is performed by trial and manipulation before plug retrieval, then plug release is achieved, but risk of equipment damage and gas hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors are installed to monitor pressure differentials across the plug in real-time. This feedback allows operators to precisely control pressure equalization, detecting when the differential is sufficiently reduced to safely retrieve the plug. This eliminates trial-and-error manipulation and provides precise control, preventing equipment damage and gas hazards.
4Reliability
If multiple plugs are set for acceptable barrier protection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is segmented into a primary barrier (deep-set plug or downhole safety valve) and a secondary barrier (shallow-set plug). The shallow-set plug can be installed and retrieved using simpler, more manageable equipment compared to deep intervention tools, improving handling ease while maintaining dual-barrier reliability.
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
This approach reduces equipment handling risks, shortens operation time, and enhances safety by providing real-time fluid data for controlled plug retrieval, avoiding the need for heavy equipment and minimizing the risk of gas hazards.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining information by measuring a fluid characteristic of a fluid in a chamber in the well
Implementation Method 2
measuring physical characteristics below the plug, such as pressure, temperature or fluid composition
Implementation Method 3
measuring physical characteristics below the plug, such as pressure, temperature or fluid composition
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for suspending flow in a well. The method includes placing a first plug in a production tubular in an upper wellhead section, above a downhole safety valve. The first plug is adapted to fit into the production tubular to form a fluid seal in the production tubular to form a barrier for containing well fluid; equipped with instrumentation for obtaining information by measuring physical characteristics below the plug; and equipped with means for transmitting said obtained information to an operator. There is also described an apparatus for suspending flow in the well.