Telemetry Cementing Plug Release System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cementing plug release mechanisms in wellbore operations are prone to premature release due to stresses and pressure waves, leading to unintended release of wiper plugs during well completion operations.

Innovation Solution

A telemetry-operated cementing plug release system that includes a wiper plug, a tubular housing, a latch, and an electronics package for controlled release via command signals, ensuring precise and stress-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sliding sleeve release mechanism is used, then the wiper plug can be released, but the mechanism is prone to premature release due to impact loads and pressure waves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidimpact load and pressure wave sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical sliding sleeve release mechanism with an electronically controlled system. The latch mechanism is actuated by an actuator (electronic/hydraulic) rather than relying solely on mechanical shearable devices. This substitution allows for more precise control and reduces sensitivity to impact loads and pressure waves that cause premature mechanical release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the release mechanism from passive mechanical response to active electronic control. The latch is held in a locked position by an actuator that can be controlled through telemetry, changing the release condition from mechanical stress-based to command-signal-based. This parameter change eliminates the premature release issue caused by mechanical stress sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a telemetry-operated latch system is used, then precise control of wiper plug release is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease timing control precisionVSAvoidelectronics package and actuator complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronics package serves multiple functions: it controls the actuator for latch operation, receives telemetry commands from the surface, and likely monitors system status. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated package, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise control capability. The actuator also serves dual purposes of locking and releasing the latch mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10221638B2Telemetry operated cementing plug release system

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A plug release system for cementing a tubular string into a wellbore includes: a wiper plug; a tubular housing; a latch for releasably connecting the wiper plug to the housing. The latch includes: a fastener engageable with one of the wiper plug and the housing; a lock movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock keeping the fastener engaged in the locked position; and an actuator connected to the lock and operable to at least move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position. The plug release system further includes an electronics package disposed in the housing and in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal.