Single Sleeve Multi-Stage Cementer for Horizontal Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-stage cementing tools require two sleeves, two seats, and a longer tool body, increasing costs and time, and are not suitable for horizontal wellbore portions due to the need for gravity-assisted plug placement.
Innovation Solution
A cementing tool with a single sliding sleeve and port plug, where the port plug is releasably connected within a flow port, allowing pressure to expel it and open a fluid flow path for subsequent stages, and the sleeve shifts to close the port after completion, reducing material and time costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two sleeves and two seats are used for multi-stage cementing, then the cementing operation can be completed, but the material volume and tool complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate sleeves into a single sliding sleeve. The single sleeve integrates both the first sleeve and second sleeve functionalities, allowing it to control flow paths for multiple cementing stages through different positions (first position for first stage, second position for second stage). This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining multi-stage cementing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sliding sleeve is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the flow path during first stage cementing, controls the flow path during second stage cementing, and can be positioned in multiple locations within the tool body. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sleeves and seats for each stage.
2Reliability
If two sleeves and two seats are used for multi-stage cementing, then the cementing operation can be completed, but the tool body length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spatial requirements of two separate sleeves and their associated seats into a single sliding sleeve mechanism. This consolidation significantly reduces the axial length required in the tool body, as there is no need to accommodate two separate sleeve assemblies and their respective seating locations.
3Reliability
If two sleeves and two seats are used for multi-stage cementing, then the cementing operation can be completed, but the material volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the material resources required for two separate sleeves, two seats, and associated components into a single sliding sleeve and port plug assembly. This merging reduces the total material volume by eliminating redundant components while preserving the essential multi-stage cementing functionality.
4Reliability
If dual sleeves and seats are used for multi-stage cementing, then the cementing operation can be completed, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operational sequences of two separate sleeve actuations into a single sliding sleeve mechanism. The single sleeve can be positioned in different locations to control flow paths for both stages, reducing the number of mechanical operations required and thereby reducing the overall operation time.
5Ease of operation
If gravity-assisted plug placement is required, then the cementing tool can function, but it cannot be used in horizontal wellbore portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional gravity-assisted plug placement mechanism. Instead of relying on gravity to move plugs downward, the design uses pressure-driven expulsion where increased internal pressure expels the port plug from the flow port. This inversion eliminates the dependency on gravitational force, enabling the tool to function effectively in horizontal wellbore portions where gravity cannot assist plug placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic pressure mechanisms to replace gravity-based plug placement. By using increased internal pressure to expel the port plug and control flow paths, the system achieves plug placement and stage transitions without relying on gravitational force, thereby enabling operation in horizontal and other non-vertical wellbore configurations.
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 solution reduces material volume by up to 80% and allows for faster and more cost-effective multi-stage cementing operations, including in horizontal wellbores, by eliminating the need for dual sleeves and seats.
Implementation Method 1
a port plug, wherein the port plug is releasably connected to the outer mandrel by a frangible device... releasing the port plug from connection with the outer mandrel
Implementation Method 2
Pressure can be increased within a casing string to expel the port plug from the flow port; thereby opening a fluid flow path
Implementation Method 3
the sliding sleeve can then be caused to shift to close the flow port after all stages have been completed
Data Source
AI summary
A single sleeve, multi-stage cementing tool for cementing in a wellbore can include a tool body, an outer mandrel, a flow port for providing fluid communication transversely from the inside of a tubing string into an annulus, and a port plug. The port plug is located within the flow port during first stage cementing such that the cement flows into the annulus from a bottom of the tubing string. The bottom of the tubing string can be closed after the first stage, and the port plug can be released from the flow port by increasing pressure within the tubing string. Second stage cementing can then be performed such that the cement flows into the annulus directly through the opened flow port. After all cement stages have been completed, a closing sleeve can be shifted to close the flow port.