Wellbore Completion Plug for Drift, Wipe, and Pressure Test
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for completing wellbore operations are limited by the capabilities of slick lines, which restrict the ability to perform single drifting, wiping, and pressure testing operations along the entire completion tubing, necessitating multiple operations and increasing the complexity and cost of the process.
Innovation Solution
A plug designed to perform multiple completion operations such as drifting, wiping, and pressure testing in a single operational effort, utilizing a cylindrical body with a rupture disk that opens a channel upon reaching a platform within the wellbore, allowing fluid flow and enabling simultaneous or sequential execution of these tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional slick line methods are used for completion operations, then the equipment and procedures are simple, but multiple separate operations (drifting, wiping, pressure testing) are required for the entire completion tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines drifting, wiping, and pressure testing operations into a single integrated plug device. The plug includes a body with an internal channel for drifting and wiping operations, and a rupture disk that seals the channel for pressure testing. This merging of multiple functions into one device allows all operations to be performed in a single deployment, eliminating the need for multiple separate operations required by conventional slick line methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple completion operations simultaneously. The cylindrical body with internal channel serves for drifting and wiping, while the rupture disk mechanism enables pressure testing. This multi-functional design allows a single plug to replace multiple specialized tools, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity through integrated design.
2Loss of time
If multiple separate operations are performed on completion tubing, then each operation can be performed with simple equipment, but the total time and number of operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging drifting, wiping, and pressure testing into a single plug deployment, the patent eliminates the time required for multiple separate operations. The plug performs all three functions during one continuous operation from surface to bottom hole and back, significantly reducing the total time compared to conventional methods that require separate deployments for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is designed with the rupture disk already in place, sealing the internal channel before deployment. This preliminary configuration allows pressure testing to be performed immediately upon landing at the bottom hole, without requiring additional setup time. The rupture disk remains sealed during the drift and wipe operations, and only bursts when pressure testing is initiated, streamlining the entire process.
3Reliability
If the plug lands on the platform and closes the pipe, then pressure testing can be performed, but the rupture disk must withstand significant fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture disk is designed with specific local properties to withstand the required pressure. The disk is positioned at a specific location in the plug body and is engineered with appropriate thickness and material properties to resist the fluid pressure during pressure testing. The localized reinforcement at the disk area provides the necessary strength without requiring the entire plug structure to be overly robust.
Solution Approach 2:
The rupture disk is designed to fail at a specific pressure threshold through careful selection of material properties and geometric parameters. By controlling the disk's thickness, material strength, and diameter, the engineers can set the burst pressure parameter to match the maximum expected test pressure, ensuring reliable pressure testing capability while using the minimum necessary strength.
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 efficient identification and remediation of pipe damage during wellbore operations, reducing the need for extensive retrieval and redeployment of the completion tubing, thereby streamlining the completion process and minimizing costs.
Implementation Method 1
rupturing a disk of the plug with a pressure of the fluid to open the pipe to fluid flow through a channel of the plug
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing a completion operation at a wellbore includes flowing a plug downhole within fluid through a pipe disposed within the wellbore, landing the plug on a platform carried on the pipe to close the pipe to fluid flow, flowing fluid downhole through the pipe against the plug positioned on the platform, and rupturing a disk of the plug with a pressure of the fluid to open the pipe to fluid flow through a channel of the plug.