Wiper Plug Launching Tool Interlock System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper plug launching tools in the downhole industry often experience unintended pressure spike releases due to lack of a reliable interlock system, leading to incomplete cement removal from interior surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A wiper plug launching tool with an interlock system that includes a wiper plug, a retainer, and a release mechanism, where the retainer is only released upon satisfaction of specific preconditions, ensuring controlled release of the wiper plug through a combination of mechanical and hydraulic thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple launching tool is used to deploy wiper plugs, then the device complexity is reduced, but unintended pressure spike releases occur due to lack of reliable interlock system
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system is configured to require specific preconditions to be met before the wiper plug can be released. The retainer holds the wiper plug in a restrained position until the interlock system detects that all necessary conditions are satisfied, at which point the retainer automatically releases the plug. This preliminary action ensures controlled release while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If an interlock system is added to prevent unintended releases, then the reliability of wiper plug release control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the wiper plug and the interlock system. It provides a mechanical interface that translates the interlock system's detection of satisfied preconditions into controlled release of the wiper plug. This intermediary mechanism achieves reliable control while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the wiper plug is released without interlock system, then the ease of operation is improved, but pressure spikes occur leading to incomplete cement removal
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system is designed to automatically detect when the necessary preconditions for wiper plug release are met and triggers the release mechanism accordingly. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and making the release decision, eliminating the need for complex external control while preventing pressure spikes through controlled timing.
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper plug launching tool and a method of wiping a tubular after cementing, the wiper plug launching tool including a wiper plug; a retainer in operable communication with the wiper plug; and an interlock system operatively arranged for releasing the retainer only upon release of the interlock system.