Operating Sleeve Plug Seat Rotation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operating sleeves in the oil and gas industry require time-consuming and costly drill-out processes due to the rotation of plug seats relative to the sleeve body during cementing operations, which complicates the removal of shut-off plugs and affects operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an internal thread on the sleeve body that anchors the plug seat, preventing rotation by engaging with a tapered shoulder, and using dissimilar materials where the plug seat is softer than the sleeve body, allowing it to deform and be securely fixed, reducing drill-out complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the plug seat is made rotatable for ease of operation during cementing, then the cementing operation can be performed, but the drill-out process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cementing operationVSAvoiddrill-out time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of allowing the plug seat to rotate freely during cementing operations, the invention inverts the approach by providing an internal thread that prevents rotation. The plug seat is designed to be non-rotatable while still enabling the cementing operation to proceed, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming drill-out procedures to remove rotated plug seats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The internal thread is provided in advance within the sleeve body during manufacturing, before the actual cementing operation. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when the plug seat is inserted, it automatically engages with the internal thread to prevent rotation, eliminating the need for subsequent drill-out operations to address rotational issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the plug seat is designed to rotate during cementing, then the cementing process can be completed, but the removal of shut-off plugs becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecementing operation completionVSAvoidremoval process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the conventional design by preventing the plug seat from rotating rather than allowing it to rotate. The internal thread engages with the plug seat to maintain it in a fixed position, thereby simplifying the removal process and eliminating the complexity associated with removing rotated plug seats after cementing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The internal thread structure provides self-aligning and self-locking functionality. When the plug seat is inserted into the sleeve body, the internal thread automatically engages to prevent rotation, and the tapered shoulder provides self-centering. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external locking mechanisms or additional removal procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If an internal thread is provided to prevent plug seat rotation, then drill-out time is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrill-out timeVSAvoidsleeve body manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve body is segmented into distinct functional features: the internal thread portion for preventing rotation, the tapered shoulder for positioning, and the cylindrical outer surface for insertion. This segmentation allows each feature to be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired rotational prevention function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The internal thread is provided only in the specific region where the plug seat engages, rather than throughout the entire sleeve body. This localized approach to manufacturing minimizes the complexity of the sleeve body while ensuring that the rotational prevention function is achieved at the critical interface between the plug seat and sleeve body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 design minimizes the drill-out time and cost by preventing plug seat rotation and ensuring a secure, efficient removal process, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for extensive drill-out procedures.

Implementation Method 1

an internal thread on the sleeve body that anchors the plug seat, preventing rotation by engaging with a tapered shoulder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

using dissimilar materials where the plug seat is softer than the sleeve body, allowing it to deform and be securely fixed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic Deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11965397B2Operating sleeve

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A downhole apparatus has a sleeve body sleeve body defining a sleeve body inner surface. The sleeve body has an internal thread on at least a portion thereof. The internal thread defining having a thread minor diameter. A plug seat is pressed into the threaded portion of the sleeve body. The plug seat has an unthreaded outer surface defining a plug seat outer diameter. The plug seat outer diameter is greater than the thread minor diameter.