Telescoping Wiper Plug for Off-Center Mandrel Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wiper plugs require longer lubricators to accommodate extended lengths for navigating off-center components like side pocket mandrels, leading to space and access issues, as well as stability challenges with very long and slender structures.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping wiper plug design that shortens within the lubricator for easier installation and extends for proper propulsion past off-center openings, featuring a locking mechanism to maintain the extended position and prevent collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the wiper plug is made longer to straddle the side opening and maintain downward momentum past off-center components, then the wiper plug can properly navigate side pocket mandrels, but the lubricator must be made significantly longer to accommodate the extended wiper plug
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper plug is divided into multiple wiper assemblies (upper and lower) spaced apart along the plug body, allowing the plug to be shorter overall while still spanning the side opening when in the extended configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper assemblies are nested within a telescoping structure that allows them to be collapsed into a compact configuration for storage in the lubricator, then extended when needed for operation
2Length of stationary object
If the lubricator is made longer to accommodate extended wiper plugs, then the wiper plug can be properly loaded and launched, but space availability and access to the top of the lubricator are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping wiper plug allows the lubricator to remain shorter and more manageable while still accommodating the extended wiper plug configuration needed for proper launch and operation
3Length of stationary object
If a very long and slender lubricator is used to accommodate extended wiper plugs, then the wiper plug can be loaded, but adequate bracing and stability become difficult to provide
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping wiper plug enables the use of a shorter, more stable lubricator that does not require excessive bracing, while still accommodating the extended wiper plug configuration when needed
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 effective navigation of off-center openings without the need for excessively long lubricators, improving operational feasibility and stability by allowing a shorter initial assembly to extend as needed, while maintaining position and preventing collapse.
Implementation Method 1
The telescoping wiper plug allows the wiper to extend when dropping or being pumped from a lubricator
Implementation Method 2
Once extended, it can lock in the extended position so that it doesn't collapse on the way down the string
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper plug has a telescoping feature to allow it to be shorter while in a lubricator so as to reduce lubricator length as compared to an extended length for proper propulsion past off center openings such as side pocket mandrels in the string. The wiper has a telescoping feature that allows it to extend when dropping or being pumped from a lubricator. Once extended, it can lock in the extended position so that it doesn't collapse on the way down the string. Centralizers can optionally be used between an upper and a lower wiping section.