Wellbore Plug Segmentation for Reusable Setting Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bridge or frac plugs in well bore operations often experience premature setting, and previous solutions require complex designs with collets that necessitate shearing of tool components, making them difficult to reuse without replacement.
Innovation Solution
A bridge or frac plug design with two longitudinally spaced portions that connect to a setting tool, allowing these portions to shear during setting, preventing premature setting and eliminating the need for collets, enabling the setting tool to be reused without replacing sheared components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug design with collets is used to prevent premature setting, then premature setting is prevented, but the device complexity increases and the setting tool requires shearing components that must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The plug body is divided into two separate portions: a setting portion with external threads that engages the setting tool, and a bridge portion that remains in the wellbore. This segmentation allows the setting tool to connect securely to the plug without requiring complex collet mechanisms, thereby preventing premature setting while simplifying the overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection mechanism is extracted from the traditional collet-based system. By using a simple external thread on the plug that engages with a corresponding internal thread in the setting tool, the design eliminates the need for complex collets and shearing components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If a collet-based connection is used between setting tool and plug, then secure connection is achieved, but the setting tool requires shearing elements that must be replaced before reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The shearing elements and collets are completely removed from the connection mechanism. A simple threaded engagement provides sufficient connection strength for setting operations, and since no portions are designed to shear, the setting tool can be reused indefinitely without replacement of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design eliminates the need to discard or replace any components of the setting tool. The threaded connection allows for clean disengagement after setting, enabling full recovery and reuse of the setting tool without any sheared portions requiring replacement.
3Device complexity
If a simple threaded connection is used between plug and setting tool, then device complexity is reduced and reusability is improved, but the risk of premature setting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is segmented into a setting portion with external threads for tool engagement and a bridge portion for wellbore isolation. This segmentation, combined with the threaded connection geometry, provides mechanical engagement that prevents premature setting while maintaining design simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is simplified to a direct threaded engagement without additional locking or preventing features. The threaded connection itself, when properly designed and engaged, provides sufficient protection against premature setting while eliminating the need for complex preventive mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An isolation tool that is installed in a well by a setting tool to isolate at least a portion of the well. Preferably, the isolation tool is a plug and the plug and setting tool are configured to prevent premature setting of the plug. Preferably, the plug includes one or more portions that directly connect the plug to a setting tool wherein the one or more portions of the plug shear during setting of the plug in an operating position. In a most preferred form, the plug includes first and second longitudinally spaced portions that directly connect the plug to a setting tool wherein the first and second portions shear during setting of the plug in an operating position. In a most preferred form, the plug and setting tool are configured so that no portion of the setting tool shears during the installation of the plug, separation of the plug from the setting tool and removal of the setting tool.