Wiper Barrier Plug Assembly with Expandable Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore cementing operations face challenges in ensuring accurate placement and mechanical integrity of wiper plugs, leading to potential contamination and increased rig time due to uncertainty in plug placement and the need for wireline operations to set temporary bridge plugs.
Innovation Solution
A wiper barrier plug assembly comprising a wiper plug with extendable wipers and an expandable plug, triggered by a mechanical device that automatically sets against the casing string, ensuring precise placement and sealing without the need for wireline tools, by using a trigger device that operates the expandable plug from a default to an expanded position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a float or temporary bridge plug is used to prevent mixing of drilling fluid and cement slurry, then contamination is prevented, but rig time and operational complexity increase due to wireline operations required to set and retrieve these plugs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic float or temporary bridge plug from the system by using a wiper plug design that eliminates the need for these separate components. The wiper plug with expandable wipers achieves the same contamination prevention function without requiring wireline operations to set or retrieve additional plugs, thereby reducing rig time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper plug assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a barrier to prevent mixing of drilling fluid and cement slurry, and as a self-contained unit that eliminates the need for separate floats or temporary bridge plugs. This multi-functionality integrates the contamination prevention capability directly into the wiper plug, removing the need for additional wireline operations
2Measurement precision
If volume calculations are used to verify displacement of the top plug, then cement placement accuracy is monitored, but uncertainty in plug placement remains leading to potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the indirect volume calculation method with a direct mechanical indication system. The expandable wipers provide tangible mechanical contact and visual confirmation of plug position and displacement, eliminating the uncertainty inherent in volume calculations and providing more reliable verification of proper plug placement
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper plug incorporates visual indicators such as colored bands or markers on the expandable wipers that change position or become visible when the plug reaches its target location. This provides immediate visual confirmation of accurate placement, eliminating the uncertainty associated with relying solely on volume calculations
3Reliability
If a solid wiper plug is used to separate cement from displacement fluid, then contamination is prevented, but the plug may not hold position requiring wireline bridge plug operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static solid wiper plug into a dynamic system with expandable wipers that can change their configuration. The wipers expand to engage with the casing wall to secure the plug position and prevent fluid mixing, then can be controlled to collapse for retrieval. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for wireline bridge plug operations while maintaining reliable fluid separation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the wiper plug by making the wipers expandable and controllable. The wipers can transition between collapsed and expanded states, allowing the plug to be held securely in position to prevent fluid mixing, then retrieved without requiring additional bridge plug operations, thereby reducing operational 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 solution enhances the accuracy and efficiency of cement placement, reduces rig time and costs by eliminating the need for wireline operations, and ensures mechanical integrity through automatic positioning and sealing of the expandable plug.
Implementation Method 1
the first housing part and the second housing part, when the trigger device is in the actuated state, are configured to move to a collapsed position relative to each other to operate the expandable plug from a default expandable plug position to an expanded position, and where the expandable plug, when in the expanded position, is configured to abut against an inner surface of the casing string
Implementation Method 2
the mechanical trigger is configured to break when the trigger device converts to an actuated state, where the first housing part and the second housing part, when the trigger device is in the actuated state, are configured to move to a collapsed position relative to each other
Implementation Method 3
a wiper plug having a wiper plug body and a plurality of wipers extending from the wiper plug body, where the plurality of wipers is configured to contact an inner surface of a casing string
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper barrier plug assembly can include a wiper plug, an expandable plug, and a trigger device that includes a first housing part, a second housing part, and a mechanical trigger, where the wiper plug, the expandable plug, and the trigger device are mechanically coupled together, where the mechanical trigger is disposed between and maintains a separated position of the first housing part and the second housing part relative to each other when the trigger device is in a default trigger device position, where the mechanical trigger is configured to break when the trigger device converts to an actuated state, where the first housing part and the second housing part, when the trigger device is in the actuated state, are configured to move to a collapsed position relative to each other to operate the expandable plug from a default expandable plug position to an expanded position.