Smart Drillable Cement Stinger for Loss Circulation Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drilling operations fail to simultaneously isolate loss circulation zones, expose cement slurry diversion ports, and disengage the work string effectively, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns during well cementing processes.
Innovation Solution
A smart drillable cement stinger tool is deployed with isolation packers and a stinger, which are inflated and positioned at the target depth to create a diversion flow path for cement slurry, allowing for controlled cement placement and safe disengagement, utilizing RFID or ball-drop technology for activation and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional drilling operations are used to cement across loss circulation zones, then the work string can be deployed to the target depth, but the operations cannot simultaneously isolate the loss circulation zones, expose circulation ports for cement slurry displacement, and disengage the work string after completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (isolation packers, circulation ports, cement displacement mechanisms, and work string disengagement systems) into a single integrated cementing tool assembly. This merging allows all operations to be performed simultaneously through one deployed tool rather than requiring separate operations or tools for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cementing tool is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform zonal isolation, cement slurry displacement, circulation port exposure, and work string disengagement all through a single tool deployment. The tool adapts to perform multiple operations that were previously requiring separate conventional procedures.
2Reliability
If isolation packers are inflated and circulation ports are opened to enable cement slurry displacement into loss circulation zones, then controlled cement placement is achieved, but the work string must be disengaged from the stinger after completion
Solution Approach 1:
The work string disengagement mechanism is pre-configured and ready to activate automatically after cementing completion. The system includes pre-positioned components that enable automatic or controlled disengagement of the work string from the stinger, providing a safety mechanism before potential flash setting occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The stinger acts as an intermediary component between the work string and the cementing tool. It provides a controlled interface that allows the work string to be easily disengaged after cement placement, while also serving as a safety mechanism to prevent direct connection issues during the cementing operation.
3Loss of substance
If cement slurry is pumped through the diversion flow path into the loss circulation zone, then the loss circulation zone is cured, but hydrostatic head losses occur above the loss zone
Solution Approach 1:
The loss circulation zone is isolated and segmented from the rest of the wellbore using inflatable packers positioned above and below the loss zone. This segmentation creates a separate, contained environment for cement placement, preventing hydrostatic head losses from affecting the overall wellbore pressure while allowing effective cement plug placement within the isolated zone.
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 solution enables precise and controlled cement placement across loss circulation zones, minimizing hydrostatic head losses, providing a safety mechanism, and optimizing cement volume control, thereby increasing the success rate of cementing operations and reducing risks associated with hole problems.
Implementation Method 1
The isolation packers are inflated, setting the isolation packers in place adjacent to the stinger at the target depth
Implementation Method 2
A cement slurry is pumped through the diversion flow path into a loss circulation zone
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for handling loss circulation zones in wells. A tool is deployed on a work string. The tool includes isolation packers in an un-inflated state and a stinger in a closed position. The tool is run to a target depth along the work string. The isolation packers are inflated, setting the isolation packers in place adjacent to the stinger at the target depth. Circulation ports are opened after the isolation packers are inflated, exposing a diversion flow path. A cement slurry is pumped through the diversion flow path into a loss circulation zone. The circulation ports are closed after the cement slurry is pumped. The work string is disengaged from the stinger.