Subsurface Release Cementing Plug Segmented Mandrel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subsurface release plugs are limited in application due to their relatively large diameter, restricting their use in a wider range of wellbore cementing operations.
Innovation Solution
A subsurface release plug system featuring a mandrel with varying strength segments that fail at different fluid pressures, allowing for controlled release of cementing plugs, enabling efficient cement placement and setting within wellbores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional subsurface release plugs are used, then cementing operations can be performed, but the plug diameter is relatively large which limits application range
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is divided into multiple segments with different strength characteristics (first controlled strength segment and second controlled strength segment) that can be selectively released at different fluid pressures. This segmentation allows the plug system to be released in stages and adapted to different wellbore configurations, reducing the overall diameter limitation while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the mandrel are assigned different strength properties - the first controlled strength segment has lower burst strength than the second controlled strength segment. This local quality differentiation enables selective release of plug portions at different pressures, allowing the system to accommodate smaller diameter casing strings while maintaining the ability to perform various cementing operations.
2Reliability
If a single strength mandrel is used, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot achieve controlled release at different fluid pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is segmented into distinct controlled strength sections (first and second controlled strength segments) with different burst strengths. This segmentation provides reliable controlled release capability at different fluid pressures while keeping each individual segment relatively simple in design, allowing the complex functionality to emerge from the combination of simpler parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel design incorporates parameters (strength characteristics) that change along its length, with the first controlled strength segment having different burst strength than the second controlled strength segment. This parameter variation enables controlled release at different fluid pressures without requiring a completely complex overall structure, as each segment maintains a relatively simple design.
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 system allows for precise and efficient cement placement and setting in wellbores, overcoming the limitations of conventional plugs by accommodating smaller diameter casing strings and improving fluid flow, thereby enhancing wellbore servicing operations.
Implementation Method 1
the first release portion comprises a controlled strength segment configured to fail structurally and thereby release the bottom plug portion at a first fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
release the bottom plug portion at a first fluid pressure, and a second release portion between the top plug portion and the work string attachment portion, wherein the second release portion is configured to release the bottom plug portion at a second fluid pressure
Implementation Method 3
pumping a cementitious slurry via the flowbore of the casing, causing the second release portion to release the top plug portion, displacing the cementitious slurry from the flowbore of the casing into an annular space between the casing and a wellbore wall
Data Source
AI summary
A subsurface release plug release apparatus comprising a mandrel comprising a bottom plug portion, a top plug portion, a work string attachment portion, a first release portion between the bottom plug portion and the top plug portion, wherein the first release portion comprises a controlled strength segment configured to fail structurally and thereby release the bottom plug portion at a first fluid pressure, and a second release portion between the top plug portion and the work string attachment portion, wherein the second release portion is configured to release the bottom plug portion at a second fluid pressure, wherein the first fluid pressure is less than the second fluid pressure, a bottom plug body disposed about the bottom plug portion of the mandrel, and a top plug body disposed about the top plug portion of the mandrel.