Switchable Crossover Tool with Rotatable Chamber for Reverse Cementing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cementing methods in oil and gas wells require high pressures, making them unsuitable for wells with softer formations or those prone to fracture, and existing crossover tools for reverse cementing do not allow for switching between reverse and conventional circulation modes.
Innovation Solution
A crossover tool that is switchable between reverse and conventional circulation modes, enabling efficient cementing operations by separating and directing downhole and uphole flow paths, and applicable to various fluid circulation operations beyond cementing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cementing method is used, then cement can be pumped through the casing and up the annulus, but high pressure is required which makes it unsuitable for wells with softer formations or formations prone to fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse cementing where cement is pumped directly into the annulus between the liner casing and wellbore, rather than pumping through the casing and up the annulus. This inversion of the cementing direction reduces the pressure required for cement placement, making the process suitable for wells with softer formations or formations prone to fracture.
2Stress or pressure
If reverse cementing is used for liner casing, then pressure requirements are reduced, but the liner casing requires a liner hanger and crossover tool since it does not extend to the wellhead
Solution Approach 1:
The crossover tool is designed with a rotatable chamber that can switch between multiple flow paths, enabling it to perform both reverse cementing and conventional circulation functions. This multi-functionality allows the same tool to handle different cementing methods and circulation requirements, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools and simplifying the overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing crossover tools are used for reverse cementing, then cement can be delivered downhole and crossed into the annulus, but switching between reverse and conventional circulation modes is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The crossover tool incorporates a rotatable chamber that can dynamically change its orientation to switch between different flow paths. This dynamic mechanism allows the tool to transition between reverse circulation mode and conventional circulation mode as needed, providing operational flexibility without requiring multiple static tools or complex valve systems.
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 efficient cementing in wells with liner casing by reducing pressure requirements and accommodating different stages of cementing operations, while being versatile for other fluid placement or displacement tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable chamber located and rotatable within the auxiliary chamber and forming a first auxiliary flow path and a second auxiliary flow path through the auxiliary chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Switchable crossover tools can include a tool body and a rotatable chamber. The tool body includes a main tool path separable into uphole and downhole tool paths and an auxiliary chamber containing uphole and downhole annular ports. The rotatable chamber is located and rotatable within the auxiliary chamber and forming first and second auxiliary flow paths through the auxiliary chamber. The rotatable chamber is positionable between a conventional circulation mode and a reverse circulation mode. In the conventional circulation mode, the uphole and downhole tool paths are in fluid communication and the uphole and downhole annular ports are in fluid communication through the auxiliary chamber. In the reverse circulation mode, the uphole tool path is in fluid communication with the downhole annular port via the first auxiliary flow path, and the downhole tool path is in fluid communication with the uphole annular port via the second auxiliary flow path.