Winged Casing Centralization for Zonal Cementing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Poorly executed cementing operations in subterranean wells can lead to high remedial costs and well damage due to inadequate cement distribution and centralization of casing within the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a float shoe with a float valve and wing members to centralize the casing and create separate sections in the annular space, allowing for targeted delivery of different cement slurries using internal separators and biasing members to ensure effective sealing and cement placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wing members are added to centralize casing and create separate sections, then cement distribution and zonal isolation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular space is divided into multiple separate sections using wing members that extend radially from the casing. Each wing member creates a sealed compartment, allowing independent cementing operations in different zones. This segmentation enables targeted cement delivery to specific radial segments while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing members are nested within or attached to the casing structure, with seals positioned between the wings and the wellbore wall. The internal separator is nested within the casing bore, creating a compact integrated system that achieves centralization and zonal isolation without requiring separate external components.
2Productivity
If multiple cement compositions are pumped simultaneously through separate sections, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cementing system is divided into multiple independent flow paths, each capable of receiving and delivering different cement compositions simultaneously. The internal separator divides the casing bore into separate channels that communicate with different sealed sections of the annular space, enabling parallel cementing operations that improve productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cement compositions can be delivered to different radial zones based on specific formation characteristics. Each sealed section can receive a customized cement slurry tailored to the local geological conditions, allowing optimized cementing performance in each zone while maintaining overall operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If float valve is used to control fluid flow direction, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve automatically controls the direction of cement flow based on the pressure differential and flow direction without requiring external control mechanisms. The float mechanism responds passively to flow conditions, opening or closing to allow or prevent cement entry into the annular space, simplifying operation while adding minimal structural complexity.
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
The system improves cement distribution and centralization, enhancing zonal isolation and reducing the risk of cement integrity issues by allowing for segmented cementing and simultaneous pumping of multiple cement compositions, thereby reducing the need for costly remedial operations.
Implementation Method 1
The float valve is a one way valve that is moveable from a closed position to an open position to allow fluid from within the bore of the casing to pass through the float shoe and into only one of the two or more axially oriented separately sealed sections of the annular space
Implementation Method 2
Each of the at least two wing members can include a seal member and a plurality of biasing members. The plurality of biasing members can bias the seal member in a radially outward direction.
Implementation Method 3
The downhole splitter sealingly engages an end surface of the subterranean well and defines a bottom seal of each of the two or more axially oriented separately sealed sections of the annular space
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for cementing an annular space radially outward of a casing of a subterranean well include a float shoe located at a downhole end of the casing. A float valve is located within the float shoe and within a fluid flow path extending through the float shoe from an internal bore of the casing to an exterior surface of the float shoe. At least two wing members are located on an outer diameter surface of the casing, each of the wing members extending from the float shoe to an uphole end of the casing. The wing members are sized to define two or more separate sections of the annular space. A downhole splitter is located on a downhole surface of the float shoe. The downhole splitter is sized to seal between the downhole surface of the float shoe and an end surface of the subterranean well.