Well Bore Plug Support Tool for Slurry Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for creating well bore plugs are inefficient as they often damage the plug integrity due to the mixing of drilling fluid with cement or polymer slurry when the tail pipe is raised, leading to compromised plug formation during the well bore cementing process.
Innovation Solution
A plug formation apparatus with a plug support tool that includes an elastically deformable member and a base, which supports the weight of the slurry and hardened plug, and a top-of-cement bypass sub to inject additional slurry, allowing for controlled cement or polymer slurry placement and hardening within the well bore, preventing mixing with drilling fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tail pipe is raised to permit slurry to flow out of the bottom, then the slurry can exit the work string and form a plug, but the drilling fluid mixes with the slurry which destroys the integrity of the plug
Solution Approach 1:
A plug support tool is introduced as an intermediary device between the work string and the slurry. This tool includes a base and an elastically deformable member that supports the slurry column, allowing the work string to be raised without the slurry mixing with drilling fluid. The intermediary device enables independent movement of the work string while maintaining slurry integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the work string for delivering slurry, the plug support tool for supporting the slurry column, and the tail pipe for controlled discharge. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, preventing the mixing problem while maintaining operational effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the tail pipe is raised slowly to prevent mixing, then plug integrity is maintained, but the operation becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The plug support tool acts as a mediator that decouples the movement of the work string from the position of the slurry column. This allows the work string to be raised at normal speeds while the slurry remains supported and isolated, eliminating the need for slow raising operations and significantly improving productivity without compromising plug integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable member in the plug support tool provides dynamic support to the slurry column. As the work string is raised, the deformable member flexes and adjusts, maintaining continuous support of the slurry while allowing rapid movement. This dynamic adaptation enables fast operations while preserving slurry integrity.
3Reliability
If a cement or polymer-based plug is set by pumping slurry through the work string, then the plug can be formed in the well bore, but the process causes damage to the plug due to mixing with drilling fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The plug support tool serves as a protective intermediary between the slurry and the drilling fluid. By supporting the slurry column throughout the well bore, it prevents contact between the slurry and drilling fluid during the raising operation, eliminating the harmful mixing effect that would otherwise damage the plug formation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug support tool is deployed beforehand to establish a protective support structure for the slurry column before the raising operation begins. This prior preparation creates a cushioning effect that prevents the slurry from mixing with drilling fluid during subsequent operations, protecting the plug integrity from damage.
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
This solution ensures the integrity of the well bore plug by preventing the mixing of drilling fluid with cement or polymer slurry, allowing for effective formation and testing of hardened plugs, and enabling the decoupling of the plug formation apparatus once the plugs are successfully placed.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable member configured to engage an inner surface of the well bore
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems and methods for plugging a well bore. A plug formation apparatus includes a plug support tool having a substantially cylindrical and hollow body having one or more ports for fluid communication between an interior of the plug formation apparatus and an annulus of a well bore, a base extending radially around an outer surface of the body, and an elastically deformable member extending radially around an outer surface of the body beyond the base and supported by the base; a top-of-cement bypass sub having one or more ports, actuatable between a closed position and an open position; a detachment member coupled with the top-of-cement bypass sub; and a length of tubing fluidically coupled with an upper portion of the plug support tool and a lower portion of the top-of cement bypass sub.