Well Plug Anchor Module Axial Displacement Resetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well plug technologies face challenges in achieving resettable and reliable anchoring to the casing without using drag blocks or gas-filled compartments, often requiring initial contact and irreversible mechanisms like shear pins, which complicate the setting and resetting processes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an anchor module with a slips device, spring device, and fluid actuation system that allows for relative axial movement to set and reset the anchor module by adjusting fluid flow, providing a continuous fluid channel for anchoring and sealing without the need for initial contact or irreversible mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shear studs are used to initiate setting of the plug, then the plug can be set from run state to set state, but the plug cannot be reset and requires irreversible mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the anchor device movable between run state and set state through axial displacement of the outer housing relative to the inner mandrel. The slips device can dynamically engage and disengage from the well pipe inner surface, allowing the plug to be set, reset, and re-set multiple times without irreversible mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action through drag blocks that create friction between the plug and casing inner surface during running. This friction provides an initial anchor that keeps parts of the plug stationary while allowing other parts to move, enabling controlled setting without shear studs and facilitating subsequent resetting operations.
2Reliability
If drag blocks are used to create friction for initial anchoring, then the plug can be anchored to the casing, but the system becomes more complex and may require shear pins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the irreversible shear pin mechanism from the system and replaces it with a purely mechanical friction-based drag block system. The drag blocks connected by coil springs provide sufficient friction for initial anchoring without requiring any shearable components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable anchoring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotation of drill pipe is used to actuate setting operation, then the plug can be set and reset, but it is difficult to ascertain rotation amount and risk of joint unscrewing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotational mechanical actuation system with an axial mechanical system. Instead of rotating the drill pipe to actuate setting, the system uses axial displacement of the outer housing relative to the inner mandrel. This substitution eliminates the problems of measuring rotation amount and preventing joint unscrewing while maintaining the ability to set and reset the plug.
4Adaptability or versatility
If shear studs are avoided for resettable capability, then the plug can be reset, but alternative mechanisms like drag blocks with friction may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the spring-connected drag blocks that automatically engage with the casing inner surface during running. The friction generated by these drag blocks self-adjusts to provide initial anchoring without requiring external actuation, making the setting operation straightforward while enabling subsequent resetting without shear studs.
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 approach enables reliable and repeatable anchoring and sealing of the well plug, allowing for multiple position settings and pressure testing without the limitations of prior art, ensuring effective well integrity and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device, which is biased to bring the slips device to its run state
Implementation Method 2
the fluid actuation system provides a relative axial movement of the first and second slips supports towards each other by increasing the fluid flow through the bore to a predetermined threshold value, thereby creating a fluid pressure counteracting the pressure applied by the spring device
Data Source
AI summary
A casing plug assembly and method for performing an operation in a well pipe includes a running tool for connection to a drill pipe, an equalizing module, a seal module, and an anchor module. A continuous fluid channel is formed through the casing plug assembly. The anchor module is set in the well pipe by pumping fluid through the continuous fluid channel. The anchor module is, in the set state, providing a support in the well pipe used by the running tool to operate the seal module.