Wellbore Plug Design for Pressure Resistance and Milling Ease
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore setting tools and plugs are complex, time-consuming, and costly to install and remove, with traditional plugs requiring substantial time for milling due to high pressure resistance and complex structures.
Innovation Solution
A simplified setting tool-plug system with a rod extending through the plug, featuring shear elements and a chamber for a restriction element, allowing for easy installation and removal without needing to retrieve the setting tool, and a plug design with minimal milling resistance using a central hole as a check valve and wedged slips for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional plugs are designed to withstand high pressure, then pressure resistance is improved, but milling time increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into two distinct parts: a first part made from high-pressure resistant material and a second part made from easily millable material. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally - the first part withstands wellbore pressure while the second part enables quick milling removal after operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the plug have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The first part uses high-strength material for pressure resistance, while the second part uses soft, easily removable material for rapid milling. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between durability and ease of removal.
2Ease of operation
If setting tool structure is simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The setting tool is separated into an independent retrieval mechanism and the plug setting mechanism. The retrieval mechanism uses a simple ball and trap system that operates independently, simplifying the overall tool structure while maintaining reliable plug setting functionality through the dedicated setting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball retrieval function is integrated into the setting tool structure through a trap mechanism, combining two functions (plug setting and ball retrieval) into a single device without significantly increasing complexity. This merging maintains functional reliability while improving ease of operation.
3Loss of time
If setting tool is left in the well, then time for retrieval is reduced, but risk of loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is extracted from the setting tool chamber and trapped in a separate location within the wellbore. This extraction allows the setting tool to be retrieved without the ball, eliminating the risk of losing both components together while maintaining a controlled retrieval process through the trap mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap mechanism acts as an intermediary that holds the ball in a controlled position. This intermediary structure enables the ball to be separated from the setting tool while maintaining system control, allowing safe retrieval of the setting tool without risking loss of critical components.
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
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective plugging and milling operations by eliminating the need for complex mechanisms and reducing the time required for plug installation and removal, while maintaining high pressure resistance and fluid control capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The first material is to resist compression forces applied by wellbore fluids
Implementation Method 2
The second material is different from the first material and is to resist less to being milled than the first material
Data Source
AI summary
A setting tool (402) for setting a plug in a well, the setting tool (402) including a body (404) extending along a longitudinal axis X; a rod (408) extending along the longitudinal axis of the body (404), from an upstream end (402B) to a downstream end (402A) of the body (404); a chamber (406) formed at the downstream end (402A) of the body; and a restriction element (450) located in the chamber (406). The rod (408) extends through the entire chamber (406) and the restriction element (450) is located between the rod (408) and a wall (404A) of the chamber (406).