Integrated Well Abandonment Tool for Single-Trip Cementing and Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well abandonment processes require multiple trips downhole with different tools to set a bridge plug, direct cement slurry, and pressure test the cement plug, making the process inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A single downhole abandonment tool that integrates a cement tool, a setting tool, and a bridge plug, allowing for the controlled placement and setting of a cement plug, as well as pressure testing, within a single operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple trips downhole with different tools are used to set bridge plug, direct cement slurry, and pressure test, then each operation can be performed with dedicated tools, but the process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate downhole operations into a single integrated abandonment tool assembly. The bridge plug setting tool, cement slurry directing tool, and pressure testing tool are merged into one assembly that can be deployed in a single trip, eliminating the need for multiple separate trips while maintaining the dedicated functionality of each operation through specialized components within the integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The abandonment tool assembly is designed with multi-functionality to perform bridge plug setting, cement slurry directing, and pressure testing operations. The tool includes a universal body that can accommodate different functional components and adapt to perform multiple operations sequentially or simultaneously, allowing a single tool assembly to replace multiple specialized tools.
2Productivity
If a single integrated abandonment tool is used to set bridge plug, direct cement slurry, and pressure test, then operational efficiency is improved, but the tool complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated abandonment tool is segmented into distinct functional modules including a bridge plug setting module, a cement slurry directing module, and a pressure testing module. Each module can be independently activated or deactivated based on operational requirements, allowing the complex tool to be managed through modular components rather than as a monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool assembly employs a nested structure where smaller functional components are housed within larger structural elements. The cement slurry directing tool is nested within the abandonment tool body, and the pressure testing components are nested within the same assembly, allowing compact integration of multiple functions while maintaining accessibility to each subsystem.
3Manufacturing precision
If cement slurry is held in place on top of bridge plug until setting, then proper cement placement is achieved, but additional tools and operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cement slurry holding mechanism utilizes the bridge plug itself as the containment structure. Once the bridge plug is set in place, it automatically serves as the barrier to hold the cement slurry on top of it without requiring separate holding devices. The system is self-sufficient, using the installed bridge plug to perform the dual function of both barrier and cement support structure.
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 enables efficient placement and testing of cement plugs, reducing the number of trips required and improving operational efficiency while ensuring effective well sealing.
Implementation Method 1
When the cement piston is in the initial top position, the cement drain sleeve covers the at least one cement port and when the cement position is displaced to the bottom position, the at least one cement port aligns with the at least one cement drain, placing the inner passage of the cement tool in fluid communication with the annulus
Implementation Method 2
at least one exhaust port in an inner passage in the abandonment tool to place the inner passage in fluid communication with an annulus between the abandonment tool and a wall of the well after the bridge plug has plugged the well
Implementation Method 3
an upper shear joint connected below the cement tool and above the setting tool, the upper shear joint shearing at a first force to separate the cement tool and the setting tool
Implementation Method 4
a shear stud connecting the bridge plug to a bottom end of the setting tool, the shear stud shearing at a second force to separate the bridge plug from the setting tool
Data Source
AI summary
An abandonment tool for abandoning a well is provided. The tool can have a cement tool connectable to coiled tubing for controlling a flow of a cement slurry through the tool, a setting tool provided below the cement tool for setting a bridge plug, an upper shear joint connected between the cement tool and the setting tool, a shear stud connecting the bridge plug to the setting tool, and at least one exhaust port in an inner passage to place the inner passage in fluid communication with an annulus between the abandonment tool and a wall of the well after the bridge plug has plugged the well. The upper shear joint shearing at a first force to separate the cement tool and the setting tool and the shear stud shearing at a second force to separate the bridge plug from the setting tool.