Top Down Liner Cementing Tool With Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional liner cementing methods face challenges in achieving effective cement distribution and placement, particularly in weak formations, leading to fluid losses and inadequate cement distribution, with existing top-down cementing techniques lacking reliable tools for successful implementation.
Innovation Solution
A dual bore mandrel system that allows internal flow in both directions during cementing, enabling rotation of the liner and transitioning between conventional and crossover flow patterns, with hydraulic or mechanical actuation to set and release the cement packer, allowing for even cement application and tool detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional bottom-up cementing is used, then cement can be delivered through the liner, but operating pressures are high which causes significant fluid losses in weak formations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional cementing approach by delivering cement from the top of the liner down to the shoe, rather than from the bottom up. This top-down delivery method reduces operating pressures on weak formations while still achieving effective cement placement and distribution through the liner and into the annulus.
2Reliability
If top-down cementing is implemented, then operating pressures are reduced and fluid losses minimized, but there are no reliable tools available to accomplish the method
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into functional modules including a dual-bore mandrel with separate flow paths for cement delivery and return fluid, a packer system for isolating zones, and a hanger setting mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable components that allow the liner to rotate during cementing for even cement distribution, movable packers that can be set and released, and adjustable flow paths that adapt during different stages of the cementing process. These dynamic features enable the tool to accomplish top-down cementing reliably while managing complexity through controlled movement rather than fixed rigid structures.
3Manufacturing precision
If cement is delivered through the liner with fluid displacement, then cement placement is achieved, but cement distribution may be inadequate particularly in weak formations
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the cement delivery direction to flow from top to bottom, the cement is delivered under reduced pressures that prevent formation damage while still achieving adequate distribution. The top-down approach allows cement to be pumped through the liner and exit at the shoe with better control over placement and distribution in weak formations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable components enable the liner to rotate during cementing operations, which promotes even distribution of cement around the annulus. This rotational capability ensures uniform cement placement without requiring excessive pressures, thereby protecting weak formations while achieving precise cement distribution.
4Reliability
If a dual bore mandrel system is used to enable rotation and flow control, then cementing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-bore mandrel system is designed with multi-functional components where the same structural elements serve multiple purposes. The separate bores handle different fluid flows (cement delivery and return fluid), the packer system both isolates zones and provides a sealing mechanism, and the rotatable components enable both rotation during cementing and positioning functions. This universality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 reliable top-down cementing with improved cement distribution and reduced formation impact, facilitating higher production rates by minimizing operating pressures and ensuring effective cement placement and tool retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
pressuring up on a dropped ball in the first bore opens cement packer setting ports and aligns crossover ports from the first bore to the annulus below the cementing packer
Implementation Method 2
Fluid is displaced by the advancing cement through the liner hanger
Implementation Method 3
pressuring up on a trailing wiper plug in the first bore opens the second bore so that pressuring on a seated ball in the second bore opens access to unsetting the cementing packer
Data Source
AI summary
A top down cementing tool operates with either mechanical manipulation or hydraulically. Rotation of the liner during cementing is enabled. A first bore is open for circulation during running in of the liner. In the hydraulic version, pressuring up on a dropped ball in the first bore opens cement packer setting ports and aligns crossover ports from the first bore to the annulus below the cementing packer and displaced fluid return ports to the annulus above the cementing packer. Pressuring up on a trailing wiper plug in the first bore opens the second bore so that pressuring on a seated ball in the second bore opens access to unsetting the cementing packer and launching the ball in the second bore for liner hanger setting and release of the running tool. The alternative embodiment gets the same result but with string manipulation for some of the realignments.