Wellbore Plug Formation Using Rupture Element Marker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wellbore plug formation methods require substantial time for cement setting and verification, leading to prolonged wait times and increased operational duration.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a work string with a port and rupture element assembly to form and load test plugs, allowing for immediate plug formation and verification through axial force application, eliminating the need for physical tagging and optimizing top of cement determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cement slurry pumping method is used to form a plug, then the plug can be formed in the wellbore, but the verification process requires substantial wait time (12-24 hours) for cement setting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug verification reliabilityVSAvoidwait time for cement setting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The work string is equipped with a port and rupture element assembly before the cementing operation. The rupture element is pre-positioned at a known location to serve as a permanent marker. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for post-setting verification operations, as the rupture element already indicates the top of cement location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The rupture element acts as an intermediary marker between the cement plug and the work string. Instead of directly verifying the cement plug through physical contact after setting, the rupture element serves as an intermediate indicator that can be detected through the work string, enabling indirect verification of plug position and setting status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the work string is used to physically tag the plug by applying weight from above, then the plug presence and location can be verified, but the operational duration increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug location determination accuracyVSAvoidoperational duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rupture element is pre-installed on the work string at a predetermined location before the cementing operation begins. This preliminary placement of the marker eliminates the need for post-cementing physical tagging operations, as the marker is already in position to indicate the top of cement when the cement sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional mechanical verification method (applying weight through the work string to physically tag the plug) is replaced by a passive indicator system. The rupture element provides location information without requiring active mechanical interaction, substituting a complex mechanical verification system with a simpler indicator-based system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple plugs are set in a wellbore, then wellbore isolation and stability requirements are met, but the total time required increases with the number of plugs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore isolation reliabilityVSAvoidplug formation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The work string is prepared with the port and rupture element assembly before the cementing operation. This preliminary configuration allows for immediate plug formation and verification without requiring sequential wait times between multiple plugs, as each plug can be verified through the pre-positioned rupture element indicator system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Significantly reduces operational time by enabling rapid plug formation and verification, potentially saving 8-18 hours per plug, and allowing for efficient plug placement in various wellbore orientations.

Implementation Method 1

a rupture element assembly configured to indicate an upper extent of the plug in the wellbore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRupture detection: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 2

The work string may be configured to permit load testing the plug at least in part by applying an axial force on the plug with the work string to determine that the plug is set

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAxial force application: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a port providing fluid communication between an interior space of the first tool to an exterior space to permit placement of a plug in a wellbore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9038740B2Apparatus and method of forming a plug in a wellbore

Publication Date: 2015.05.26 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method of forming a plug in a wellbore includes disposing a work string in a wellbore. The work string includes a first tool comprising a port providing fluid communication between an interior space of the first tool to an exterior space to permit placement of a plug in a wellbore. The method includes introducing a first fluid volume via the work string to form a plug in the wellbore, and includes load testing the plug at least in part by applying an axial force on the plug with the work string to determine that the plug is set.