Wiper Plug Tracer Release for Real-Time Top of Cement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the top of cement (TOC) in an annular region during cementing operations require separate wireline tools, are time-consuming, costly, and potentially hazardous due to the use of large amounts of tracer materials mixed with the cement slurry.
Innovation Solution
A frangible compartment in a wiper plug containing a small amount of detectable material is used to release the tracer upon impact, allowing real-time detection by sensors mounted within the casing without the need for additional tools, ensuring precise and safe detection of the TOC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate wireline tools are used to detect the top of cement, then detection capability is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the TOC detection function with the wiper plug by integrating a detectable material and sensor system into the plug itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate wireline tools and reduces rig time while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper plug is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical wiper to separate cement slurry and a detection device through its integrated sensor system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized tools.
2Measurement precision
If tracer material is mixed with the entire cement slurry, then TOC detection is enabled, but the cost and environmental impact increase due to large amounts of tracer material
Solution Approach 1:
The detectable material is placed only in the leading portion of the cement slurry within the wiper plug rather than being mixed throughout the entire slurry volume. This localized placement maintains detection capability while minimizing the quantity of tracer material required.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is extracted from the bulk cement slurry and concentrated into the wiper plug. This extraction allows the detectable material to be contained in a small, localized package rather than dispersed throughout the entire cement volume.
3Measurement precision
If tracer material is mixed with cement slurry, then detection is possible, but safety hazards arise for personnel and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The detectable material is extracted from the bulk cement slurry and confined to the wiper plug. This containment eliminates safety hazards associated with handling large amounts of tracer material while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper plug with its contained detectable material serves as a disposable component that carries the tracer function. This approach replaces the need for safe handling and environmental management of large quantities of persistent tracer materials.
4Measurement precision
If additional wireline tools are deployed for TOC detection, then detection accuracy is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is merged into the wiper plug, combining the mechanical wiper function with the sensing function in a single integrated device. This reduces system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper plug is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both mechanical wiping and TOC detection. This universality eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and reduces overall system 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
This method reduces rig time, cost, and environmental impact while providing accurate and safe detection of the TOC, eliminating the need for separate wireline tools and minimizing the use of hazardous tracer materials.
Implementation Method 1
A frangible compartment in a wiper plug containing a small amount of detectable material is used to release the tracer upon impact
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a top of cement (TOC) within an annulus of a subterranean wellbore includes providing a frangible compartment in a wiper plug, frangible compartment containing a detectable material, launching the wiper plug into the wellbore ahead of a cement slurry, causing the wiper plug to strike or land on a casing shoe withing a casing thereby creating an impact that causes the frangible compartment within the wiper plug to be ruptured to release the detectable material into the casing, pumping the cement slurry to pass through the wiper plug such that the released detectable material forms a leading portion of the cement slurry and rises up in an annulus of the wellbore, and detecting the detectable material at a top of cement (TOC) when the detectable material in the annulus passes by a plurality of sensors.