Smart Cementing Wiper Plug Real-Time Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cementing operations in subterranean wells face challenges in accurately tracking the progress of wiper plugs, leading to potential misinterpretation of cement displacement and increased risk of requiring remedial operations due to unclear displacement within the casing string and annulus.
Innovation Solution
A wiper plug assembly equipped with an electronics package containing an accelerometer and magnetometer measures inclination and azimuth in real-time, allowing for the tracking of the wiper plug's location and movement through the casing string, confirming successful operation and preventing misinterpretation of cement displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time tracking equipment is added to the wiper plug assembly, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics package containing the accelerometer assembly, magnetometer, and other tracking components is nested within the wiper plug body. This integration allows the tracking system to be compact and self-contained, providing real-time location data without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper plug assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: cement displacement, wellbore cleaning, valve closure, and real-time location tracking. By combining these functions into a single multi-functional device, the patent reduces the need for separate tracking equipment, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of wiper plug progress is implemented, then reliability of cementing operations is improved, but loss of time for data transmission and processing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors wiper plug location using the accelerometer and magnetometer, and this location data is transmitted in real-time to surface equipment. The feedback loop allows operators to immediately detect the wiper plug's position and confirm cement displacement, improving reliability by enabling timely decision-making without significant time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper plug assembly is equipped with tracking equipment before the cementing operation begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that location data is available from the moment the wiper plug is deployed, eliminating delays that would occur if tracking were implemented during the operation, thus improving reliability without excessive time loss.
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 real-time monitoring and tracking of the wiper plug's progress, reducing the need for remedial cement operations by providing accurate location and movement data, ensuring successful cementing operations and optimizing cement distribution within the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
An inclination of the wiper plug assembly is measured in three dimensions with an accelerometer assembly of an electronics package of the wiper plug assembly
Implementation Method 2
An azimuth of the wiper plug assembly is measured in three dimensions with a magnetometer of the electronics package
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for completing cementing operations in a subterranean well with a wiper plug assembly includes delivering the wiper plug assembly into a casing, the wiper plug assembly having a wiper plug body with a circular cross section and a resilient wiper element that engages an inner diameter of the casing string. An inclination of the wiper plug assembly is measured in three dimensions with an accelerometer assembly and an azimuth of the wiper plug assembly is measured in three dimensions with a magnetometer. The inclination and the azimuth of the wiper plug assembly are delivered to a control unit in real time. An inclination of the wiper plug assembly is determined in real time. The inclination of the wiper plug assembly is delivered to an earth's surface in real time with a transmitter of the electronics package.