Subsea Cementing Tool Diversion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cementing subsea well annuli to achieve a category 1 well status are inefficient, requiring multiple operations and potentially leaving leakage paths, which complicates the safe removal of wellhead systems.
Innovation Solution
A tool equipped with a mechanical lock and a diversion mechanism, such as a cross-over valve, that allows for single-trip operations to cement annuli by redirecting fluid between upper and lower seals, ensuring effective sealing and minimizing equipment deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple operations are used to cement annuli, then sealing reliability is improved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cementing operations into a single integrated tool that can cement multiple annuli during one deployment. The tool integrates upper and lower seals, diversion means, and cementing capability in one device, allowing sequential sealing of different annuli without requiring multiple separate operations or equipment changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cementing tool is designed with multi-functionality to perform various cementing operations. It can seal different annuli, divert fluid flow between different paths, and adapt to various well configurations, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized operations while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple operations are used to cement annuli, then sealing reliability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cementing operations into a single integrated tool that can cement multiple annuli during one deployment. The tool integrates upper and lower seals, diversion means, and cementing capability in one device, allowing sequential sealing of different annuli without requiring multiple separate operations or equipment changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is prepared in advance with all necessary components (seals, diversion means, cementing equipment) configured for multiple operations. The diversion means is pre-positioned to allow rapid switching between different cementing paths, eliminating setup time between operations and reducing overall time consumption.
3Manufacturing precision
If equipment is deployed multiple times, then cementing quality is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cementing operations into a single integrated tool that can cement multiple annuli during one deployment. The tool integrates upper and lower seals, diversion means, and cementing capability in one device, allowing sequential sealing of different annuli without requiring multiple separate operations or equipment changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates dynamic elements such as the diversion means that can switch fluid flow paths during operation. This dynamic capability allows the tool to adapt to different cementing requirements for various annuli while maintaining a single deployed configuration, ensuring quality without increasing operational complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If equipment is deployed multiple times, then cementing quality is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cementing operations into a single integrated tool that can cement multiple annuli during one deployment. The tool integrates upper and lower seals, diversion means, and cementing capability in one device, allowing sequential sealing of different annuli without requiring multiple separate operations or equipment changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is prepared in advance with all necessary components (seals, diversion means, cementing equipment) configured for multiple operations. The diversion means is pre-positioned to allow rapid switching between different cementing paths, eliminating setup time between operations and reducing overall time consumption.
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 tool enables efficient cementing of annuli in a single trip, reducing operational complexity and ensuring a permanent barrier is established, thereby facilitating the safe removal of subsea wellhead systems.
Implementation Method 1
the diversion means comprises a valve in the supply fluid flow path, operable to redirect fluid supplied to the supply fluid flow path to a space in-between the upper and lower seals
Implementation Method 2
The tool includes a mechanical lock formed and arranged to connect the tool into engagement with the well head
Implementation Method 3
The perforation and circulation module includes upper and lower seals each having two passive cup seal members
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A tool (1) for cementing an annulus in a subsea oil or gas well, and methods for using the tool are provided. The tool includes a safety module (2) providing fluid communication between an umbilical and a perforation and circulation module (4) mounted below it. The safety module (2) includes a mechanical lock for connection to a well head. The perforation and circulation module includes upper and lower seals (6, 8) for sealing to the inner surface of a casing; an upper perforating device (14) mounted between the seals; a lower perforating device (16) mounted below the lower seal (8); and supply (S) and return (R) fluid flow paths for circulating fluid from the safety module (2). A diversion means (20) is provided in the supply fluid flow path, operable to redirect fluid supplied to the supply fluid flow path to a space defined between the upper and lower seals (6, 8).