Wellbore Perforating Tool Plunger Valve and Packer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore perforation tools require multiple trips down the wellbore and lack effective mechanisms to prevent ingress of detritus during the perforation process, leading to inefficiencies and tool sanding issues, which hinder quick and reliable perforation and subsequent fracking operations.
Innovation Solution
A jetting tool with a spring-biased plunger valve and a compressible packer that maintains jetting ports closed during tool insertion, allowing detritus to be flushed and preventing sanding, while also enabling the same ports to be used for fracking fluid injection, with internal pressure-actuated means to open the ports without mechanical motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If jetting ports are open during tool insertion, then tool insertion is simpler, but detritus enters the tool causing sanding issues
Solution Approach 1:
The jetting ports are pre-closed with plunger valves before tool insertion begins. This preliminary action prevents detritus from entering the tool during the run-in phase, eliminating sanding issues while maintaining simple tool insertion procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger valves are designed to automatically close the jetting ports during tool insertion and automatically open them when pressurized fluid is supplied. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate opening/closing operations while preventing detritus ingress.
2Device complexity
If multiple trips are required for perforation and fracking, then tool design is simpler, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The same jetting ports that are used for perforation are subsequently used for fracking fluid injection. The plunger valves control both functions sequentially, allowing a single tool to perform both perforation and fracking operations without requiring multiple trips or separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool enables continuous operation by maintaining the jetting ports in a controlled state throughout the entire process. After perforation, the ports remain accessible for immediate fracking fluid injection, eliminating idle time and multiple trips between operations.
3Reliability
If plunger valve springs are compressed, then jetting ports remain closed preventing detritus ingress, but fluid pressure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger valve springs are designed with moderate compression that provides sufficient sealing force to prevent detritus ingress during low-flow run-in conditions, but requires only moderate fluid pressure to overcome during the high-flow perforation phase. This partial action approach balances sealing reliability with energy efficiency.
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 quick and reliable perforation of wellbores with reduced fluid usage, minimizes tool sanding, and allows for immediate transition to fracking operations, enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk of tool failure.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased plunger valve, slidably moveable within said tubular mandrel, preventing fluid flow from uphole through said tubular mandrel in a downhole direction
Implementation Method 2
a compressible packer positioned on said tubular mandrel below said jetting port
Implementation Method 3
when pressurized jetting fluid is supplied to an upper end of said tubular mandrel sufficient to overcome said spring-bias, slidably moves in said tubular mandrel so as to uncover said jetting port
Implementation Method 4
An abrasive jetting fluid is supplied under high pressure to the jetting tool... The jetting tool directs the jetting fluid outwardly in a pressure jet which impinges against the steel casing. Due to the continued abrasion of the directed high pressure jet against the side of the casing, the casing is perforated
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool for perforating a wellbore. A slidable plunger valve is provided, biased to cover jetting ports during run-in of the tool. A compressible packer may be provided below the jetting ports, and a jaw member provided below the packer. A “J” slot and pin arrangement may allow a three-position configuration, namely a run-in position where the packer is uncompressed and jetting ports closed, a set position where the packer is uncompressed and the jaw member forcibly frictionally engaged with the wellbore casing, and a jetting position where the packer is compressed, the tool is supplied with pressurized abrasive fluid, and the plunger valve has uncovered the jetting ports. The plunger valve may be made dual-acting, where during run-in the jetting ports are closed and a bypass port is uncovered, and in the jetting position the jetting ports are open and the bypass port is closed.