Well Plug Shear Ring for Debris-Free Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well plug technologies face challenges in providing a consistent and economical method for isolating sections of a wellbore, with issues related to debris left behind and the complexity of retrieval processes.
Innovation Solution
A well plug system utilizing a releasable attachment mechanism, such as an annular shear ring or a bond between a sleeve and a surface, allows for consistent setting and retrieval of the plug by applying a predetermined shear force, minimizing debris and facilitating easy retrieval of the setting tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a well plug is set to isolate sections of the wellbore, then sealing and gripping engagement are achieved, but debris may be left behind and retrieval becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The well plug is divided into separate components: a plug body, a setting rod, and a releasable attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows the setting rod to be independently retrieved after setting the plug, minimizing debris and simplifying retrieval operations while maintaining reliable sealing and gripping engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
A releasable attachment mechanism serves as an intermediary between the setting rod and the plug body. This intermediary component enables controlled separation during retrieval, allowing the setting rod to be released and removed without compromising the integrity of the set plug or creating harmful debris in the wellbore.
2Ease of operation
If a releasable attachment mechanism is used for consistent setting, then retrieval is facilitated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable attachment mechanism is extracted as a distinct functional component from the main plug body. This extraction allows the attachment mechanism to be optimized specifically for its retrieval function, facilitating easy operation while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting rod is designed to be discarded or recovered independently from the plug body through the releasable attachment mechanism. This approach simplifies retrieval operations by allowing the setting rod to be easily removed after setting the plug, while the attachment mechanism's design ensures this separation does not create excessive complexity.
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 solution ensures a consistent setting force is applied to the well plug, ensuring reliable sealing and gripping engagement while minimizing debris in the wellbore, thus simplifying subsequent operations and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A well plug (20) for use in a subterranean well includes a generally tubular mandrel (32), a seal element (30) positioned on the mandrel (32), and a setting rod (26) releasably secured relative to the mandrel (32) by an annular shear ring (42). The setting rod (26) is releasable for longitudinal displacement relative to the mandrel (32) in response to a predetermined shear force (SF) applied to the shear ring (42).
Implementation Method 2
Application of the setting force SF is applied as a longitudinally compressive force to the well plug (20). A seal element (30) is positioned on an inner generally tubular mandrel (32) of the well plug (20). Application of the setting force SF to the seal element (30) causes it to extend radially outward into sealing contact with the casing (16).
Implementation Method 3
The slips (36) extend radially outward into gripping engagement with the casing (16) in response to application of the compressive setting force SF to the well plug (20).
Data Source
AI summary
A well plug for use in a subterranean well can include a generally tubular mandrel, a seal element positioned on the mandrel, and a setting rod releasably secured relative to the mandrel by an annular shaped shear ring or a bonded sleeve. The setting rod is releasable for longitudinal displacement relative to the mandrel in response to a predetermined shear force applied to the shear ring or bonded sleeve. A method of setting a well plug in a subterranean well can include displacing a generally tubular mandrel with a setting rod relative to an outer housing of the well plug, outwardly extending a seal element of the well plug in response to the displacing, and shearing a releasable attachment securing the setting rod relative to the mandrel, the releasable attachment comprising an annular shaped shear ring, or a bond between a sleeve and a surface.