Wellbore Plug Retrieval Bag for Casing Integrity Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wellbore systems require significant time and resources for casing integrity testing, as it typically needs to be performed after the drilling rig has moved offsite, leading to inefficiency and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore shoe track assembly system that allows for immediate casing integrity testing at the conclusion of cementing by using a dissolvable ball within a top plug, eliminating the need to drop a ball from the surface and enabling pressure testing, thereby reducing prep time and expense.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dissolving ball is used for casing integrity testing, then the testing can be performed, but it requires waiting 12-100 hours for the ball to dissolve, causing loss of time and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the ball from the flow path by providing a dedicated ball seat and retrieval mechanism. The ball is caught in a retrieval bag attached to the plug, allowing it to be pulled out of the wellbore after seating, eliminating the need to wait for dissolution while maintaining the integrity test capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a retrieval bag as an intermediary component between the ball and the plug. This bag captures the ball after it seats in the ball seat, providing a mechanical means to retrieve the ball and eliminate the time-consuming dissolution waiting period
2Reliability
If a dissolving ball is used for casing integrity testing, then the testing can be performed, but it reduces overall productivity and increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is extracted from the wellbore through the plug using the retrieval bag mechanism, allowing immediate progression to completion operations without waiting for dissolution, thereby maintaining reliability while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval bag is attached to the plug before the ball is dropped. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the ball seats, it can be immediately retrieved without requiring dissolution, eliminating the productivity bottleneck
3Reliability
If the ball is dropped from the surface, then the integrity test can be performed, but it requires significant prep time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the ball retrieval function with the existing plug structure by attaching a retrieval bag to the plug. This integration allows the ball to be caught and retrieved as part of the normal plug operation, performing multiple functions (sealing, ball catching, ball retrieval) with a unified system
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 solution significantly reduces the time and cost associated with casing integrity testing by enabling immediate testing post-cementing, eliminating the need for prolonged waiting periods and allowing for a clear flow path for completions.
Implementation Method 1
the ball is dissolved over a period of several days when the flow path is again open
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore system includes a first plug and a second plug that latch independently within an elongated housing; at least one plug having an elongated channel with a ball therein for performing operation of a pressure test; and optionally including a ball seat for receiving a dissolving ball for contingency and supplementary casing tests.