Resettable Telescoping Plug Retrieval Tool Debris Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plug retrieval tools face difficulties in removing debris accumulated on top of packer plugs in wellbores, which prevents successful retrieval due to interference and requires manual intervention or multiple trips, increasing time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A resettable telescoping plug retrieval tool with a shroud that moves between extended and retracted positions to displace debris and a resistance mechanism using fluid flow control, allowing multiple attempts without manual intervention, enabling efficient debris removal and plug retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional plug retrieval tool is used, then the tool structure is simple, but the tool cannot effectively remove debris accumulated on the plug, resulting in retrieval failure
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a shroud for debris removal, a retrieval head for plug engagement, and a mandrel for structural support. The shroud can be extended to displace debris and then retracted to allow the retrieval head to access the plug, enabling sequential performance of different functions without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions relative to the retrieval head. This dynamic configuration allows the shroud to clear debris first, then retract to permit the retrieval head to engage the plug, resolving the contradiction between debris removal capability and retrieval functionality
2Productivity
If manual intervention or multiple trips are required to remove debris, then the retrieval process can be completed, but operational time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool performs debris removal autonomously using the shroud mechanism that can be extended to displace debris and then retracted without requiring the tool to be pulled out of the wellbore. The resettable mechanism allows the shroud to return to its initial position automatically, enabling multiple retrieval attempts in a single deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The tool maintains continuous operational capability by allowing multiple extension-retraction cycles of the shroud without requiring removal from the wellbore. This enables continuous attempts at plug retrieval after debris clearance, eliminating the need for multiple trips and reducing operational time
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shroud is moved repeatedly between extended and retracted positions, then multiple retrieval attempts are enabled, but resistance to movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid pressure system is used to actuate the shroud between extended and retracted positions. Fluid pressure overcomes the resistance mechanism, enabling smooth and controlled movement of the shroud for multiple retrieval attempts without requiring excessive force
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 effectively displaces and removes debris, allowing multiple attempts at plug retrieval without manual intervention, reducing operational time and costs by maintaining the tool's position within the wellbore and utilizing controlled fluid resistance mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance mechanism using fluid flow control, allowing multiple attempts without manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
A plug retrieval tool includes a mandrel lowerable into a wellbore. A retrieval head is coupled to the mandrel for selectively latching onto a plug. A shroud is telescopically coupled to the mandrel about the retrieval head and moveable repeatedly between an extended position below the retrieval head for displacing debris on the plug and a retracted position for moving the retrieval head closer to the plug to latch onto the plug. A resistance mechanism provides a resistance to moving the shroud each time the shroud is moved toward the retracted position.