Stage Tool Control Line Protector for Cementing Damage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control lines used to supply power to downhole devices are prone to damage when pinched between the outer surface of a drill or cementing string assembly and the inner surface of a wellbore, and can also be damaged during cement pumping.
Innovation Solution
A stage tool assembly with a control line protector comprising a first and second collar, a rib, and securing pin members that secure control lines between the rib and the assembly body, preventing axial and rotational movement, and port holes for fluid flow, allowing cementing while protecting the control lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control lines are lowered along the outer surface of the string assembly, then power can be supplied to downhole devices, but the control lines are damaged when pinched between the string assembly and wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
A control line protector is introduced as an intermediary component between the control lines and the damaging environment. The protector comprises a body with a bore that receives the control lines, and includes port holes that allow cement to pass through while protecting the control lines from pinching damage during wellbore operations
Solution Approach 2:
The control lines are nested within the control line protector body, which provides a protective enclosure. The protector is itself nested within the string assembly, allowing the control lines to be protected while maintaining their functional connection to downhole devices
2Reliability
If control lines are positioned near the string assembly for power supply, then downhole devices can be powered, but the control lines are damaged during cement pumping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The control line protector acts as a mediator that separates the control lines from the cement pumping environment. The port holes in the protector body allow cement to flow through while the control lines remain protected inside the bore, preventing damage during cementing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The control line protector is segmented with multiple port holes distributed around the body, allowing cement to pass through at multiple locations while maintaining continuous protection of the control lines within the bore
3Reliability
If the control line protector is secured to the body, then control lines are protected from movement, but additional securing components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The securing pin holes are integrated directly into the body structure, combining the securing function with the existing body design. This eliminates the need for separate securing components while still providing effective protection against axial and rotational movement of the control lines
Data Source
AI summary
A stage tool assembly comprises a stage tool and a control line protector. The stage tool comprises a plurality of port holes disposed through an outer surface of a body, and a plurality of securing pin holes disposed on the outer surface of the body. The control line protector comprises a first collar, a second collar, and a rib coupled to the first collar and the second collar. The stage tool assembly also comprises a plurality of control lines that are configured to supply power to one or more sensors disposed on the outer surface of the body, and the control lines are disposed between the rib and the outer surface of the body. The stage tool assembly also comprises a plurality of securing pin members disposed in the plurality of securing pin holes to prevent the control line protector from moving relative to the body.