Wireline Solid Body Plug for Cementless Well Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of permanently plugging hydrocarbon production wells is costly and time-consuming, especially when using traditional methods that require extensive equipment and multiple steps, making it inefficient for wells that are no longer generating revenue.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pre-set solid body of cement or suitable material, combined with non-set cement, is lowered into the wellbore using wireline tools, where the solid body forms a substantial part of the plug, reducing the volume of additional cement needed and allowing the entire process to be conducted with wireline equipment, including a container that releases non-set cement under pressure to form a secure plug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional well plugging methods are used with extensive equipment and multiple steps, then the plug can be formed, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is segmented into two functional parts: a solid body that provides structural integrity and a liquid plugging material that fills gaps and bonds to surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the solid body can be lowered efficiently by wireline while the liquid material ensures complete sealing, resolving the contradiction between rapid deployment and reliable plugging.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid body is prepared and lowered into position before the liquid plugging material is introduced. This preliminary positioning of the structural core allows the subsequent liquid material to be contained and directed efficiently, reducing the overall time required while ensuring proper plug formation with adequate integrity.
2Reliability
If traditional well plugging methods are used with extensive equipment, then the plug can be formed, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework of the plug, acts as a containment structure for the liquid plugging material, and can be deployed using existing wireline equipment rather than requiring specialized heavy equipment. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining plug integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid body acts as an intermediary structure that enables the use of simple wireline deployment equipment to achieve results that would otherwise require complex pumping and handling systems. By providing a physical framework that can be lowered by wireline, it mediates between the simple deployment mechanism and the requirement for complete annulus filling and sealing.
3Reliability
If cement is pumped into the tubing and annulus, then the plug is formed, but further equipment is required for pumping
Solution Approach 1:
The cement pumping function is extracted from the overall system by using a solid body that can be deployed by wireline. The liquid plugging material is contained within or around the solid body structure, eliminating the need for separate cement pumping equipment while still achieving complete annulus filling and reliable plug formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid body structure is designed to self-contain or self-position the liquid plugging material. As the solid body is lowered by wireline, it automatically defines the space that needs to be filled and provides the framework into which the liquid material settles, eliminating the need for external pumping equipment to force cement into position.
4Quantity of substance
If a solid body is used to form part of the plug, then the volume of additional cement needed is reduced, but the solid body must be precisely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static solid body to a dynamic combination where the solid body provides initial structure but the liquid plugging material flows to fill gaps and adapt to the actual annulus geometry. This dynamic approach compensates for any positioning imprecision of the solid body while minimizing cement volume by using the solid body as an efficient structural core.
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 approach enhances the integrity of the plug, reduces the amount of cement required, and streamlines the process by utilizing wireline tools, making the well-plugging more efficient and cost-effective while ensuring adequate sealing of the well.
Implementation Method 1
increasing pressure above the container to move a bung provided at the top of the container and to burst a seal at the lower end of the container, thereby ejecting the non-set cement from the container
Implementation Method 2
the solid body and the liquid plugging material together form a plug after the liquid plugging material is set
Data Source
AI summary
A method of plugging a well includes lowering a solid body into a wellbore by wireline; and filling the space around the solid body with a liquid plugging material. The solid body and the liquid plugging material together form a plug after the liquid plugging material is set.