Wireline Bailer Pressure Control for Precise Well Plugging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plugging operations in wellbores are time-consuming and costly, requiring extensive use of drilling rigs and equipment, and lack precise control over the release of sealant materials.

Innovation Solution

A wireline-conveyed tool with a pressure-controlled mechanism for releasing plugging material, allowing remote operation and accurate injection of sealants into wellbores, including features like lower and upper seals, pressure application mechanisms, and vibration assemblies to enhance material flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional plugging operations are performed using drilling rigs and extensive equipment, then the wellbore can be plugged, but the operation becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplugging operation efficiencyVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional drilling rig-based mechanical system with a wireline-conveyed injection system. The plugging material is delivered through a flexible hose attached to a wireline, eliminating the need for heavy drilling equipment and significantly reducing operation time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs hydraulic pressure to expel plugging material from the container. A pressure application mechanism applies pressure to the plugging material, forcing it through openings in the container wall to form the plug in the wellbore, enabling efficient material delivery without mechanical pumping equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Measurement precision

If conventional plugging operations are performed, then sealant material can be released, but precise control over the release is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealant release control precisionVSAvoidremote operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a pressure sensor that monitors the pressure inside the container and provides feedback to a controller. The controller adjusts the pressure application mechanism to maintain pressure within a target range, enabling precise control over sealant release rate and total quantity injected into the wellbore.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or mechanical control of sealant release with an electronically controlled pressure application system. The pressure application mechanism, controlled remotely via wireline, provides precise and adjustable pressure to the plugging material, enabling accurate control over material release without direct mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If a pressure application mechanism is used to expel plugging material, then precise control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure control precisionVSAvoidcontainer device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure application mechanism serves multiple functions: it expels plugging material from the container, controls the release rate through pressure regulation, and can be used to activate the lower seal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the added control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient, cost-effective, and safer plugging operations with reduced equipment needs, allowing for precise control over sealant release and distribution, minimizing contamination and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure application mechanism provided at an upper portion of the container device for pressurising at least part of the device and expelling the plugging material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure application: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the lower seal may have a mobile sealing connection such that the lower seal can travel along the inner diameter of the tubular wall while maintaining a sealing connection to the tubular wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMobile sealing connection:

Implementation Method 3

vibration assemblies to enhance material flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20250347185A1Actively controlled bailer

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 EQUINOR ENERGY AS

AI summary

A container device for transporting and releasing a plugging material into a well includes a longitudinal chamber for containing the plugging material, the chamber including a tubular wall extending in a longitudinal direction and at least one opening for releasing the plugging material from the chamber; a lower seal extending across the opening and closing the chamber in a closed configuration; a pressure application mechanism provided at an upper portion of the container device for pressurising at least part of the device and expelling the plugging material; and a connector provided at an upper portion of the container device for attaching the container device to an elongate member for lowering into a wellbore.