Sub-surface Release Plug System with Recoverable Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sub-surface release plug systems are limited to two cement plugs and lack a mechanism for recovering release members after cement plugs are released, necessitating an improved system capable of handling multiple cement plugs and enabling recoverable release members.
Innovation Solution
A sub-surface release plug system featuring a plug mandrel body with adjustable sleeves and detachable inserts, allowing for sequential release and recovery of multiple plugs, where each sleeve is individually adjustable to permit fluid flow and enable hydrostatic pressure for plug release, and includes a mechanism for retrieving release members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional plug mandrel system is used with a single rupture membrane, then only one cement plug can be released, but the system lacks the capability to handle multiple cement plugs sequentially
Solution Approach 1:
The plug mandrel is divided into multiple segments or zones, each capable of independently releasing a cement plug. Each segment contains its own rupture membrane and flow port configuration, allowing sequential release of multiple plugs through controlled fluid flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple rupture membranes are nested within the same mandrel structure at different positions along the flow path. The membranes are arranged sequentially so that fluid must pass through or rupture each membrane in order, enabling sequential plug release without requiring separate mandrels for each plug.
2Productivity
If release members are discarded after use, then the system is simpler, but there is no mechanism for recovering and reusing release members
Solution Approach 1:
The release members are designed to be recoverable through the same wellbore after plug release. The mandrel structure includes retrieval features such as external gripping surfaces or connection points that allow the release members to be pulled back up through the casing after they have served their function, enabling reuse in subsequent operations.
3Reliability
If the sleeve is fixed in position, then the structure is simpler, but fluid flow cannot be controlled to enable hydrostatic pressure for plug release
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned at different locations along the mandrel. This dynamic positioning enables control over which flow ports are open or closed, thereby controlling hydrostatic pressure buildup in specific zones to trigger sequential plug release at desired locations.
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
Enables the efficient and sequential release of multiple cement plugs, ensuring effective cement placement and retrieval of release members, enhancing the operational efficiency and versatility of the plug system.
Implementation Method 1
The rupture membrane prevents the fluid below the first cement plug from comingling with the cement slurry above the first cement plug
Implementation Method 2
Once the first cement plug reaches the float assembly, hydrostatic pressure builds on the upper side of the rupture membrane. Once a rupture pressure is reached within the casing, the rupture membrane of the first release member ruptures
Implementation Method 3
The check valve within the float assembly prevents the drilling fluid from moving back into the casing
Data Source
AI summary
A subsurface release plug system includes a plug mandrel body and a plug. The plug mandrel body includes a bore, a flow port fluidly connected to the bore, and a sleeve adjustable from a first position to a second position. The sleeve prevents fluid flow through the flow port when in the first position and allows fluid flow through the flow port when in the second position. The plug is releasably connected to the plug mandrel body, wherein the plug is configured to be released from the plug mandrel body by fluid flowing through the flow port.