U.S. patent application number 15/621179 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-13 for pressure differential plug and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Baker Hughes Incorporated. The applicant listed for this patent is James Doane, Steven Robert Merrill, Yash Parekh, Andre Porter, Ronnie Russell. Invention is credited to James Doane, Steven Robert Merrill, Yash Parekh, Andre Porter, Ronnie Russell.
Application Number | 20180355694 15/621179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64562163 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180355694 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Merrill; Steven Robert ; et
al. |
December 13, 2018 |
PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL PLUG AND METHOD
Abstract
A pressure differential plug including a mandrel, a baffle
within the mandrel, and one or more passageways in the baffle, the
passageways configured and dimensioned to restrict flow
therethrough due to a valve coefficient thereof to both allow fluid
flow therethrough and simultaneously allow the building of
actuation pressure against the baffle without landing a member on
the baffle. A borehole system including a borehole, a string in the
borehole, the string including a plug as as in any prior
embodiment. A method for causing an actuation via pressure
including flowing fluid through a baffle of a plug as in any prior
embodiment, increasing a flow rate through the baffle to raise
pressure upstream of the baffle to an actuation level without
seating a member on the baffle.
Inventors: |
Merrill; Steven Robert;
(Houston, TX) ; Doane; James; (Friendswood,
TX) ; Parekh; Yash; (Houston, TX) ; Russell;
Ronnie; (Cypress, TX) ; Porter; Andre;
(Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Merrill; Steven Robert
Doane; James
Parekh; Yash
Russell; Ronnie
Porter; Andre |
Houston
Friendswood
Houston
Cypress
Houston |
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Baker Hughes Incorporated
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
64562163 |
Appl. No.: |
15/621179 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 33/12 20130101;
E21B 43/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 33/12 20060101
E21B033/12; E21B 43/26 20060101 E21B043/26 |
Claims
1. A pressure differential plug comprising: a mandrel; a baffle
within the mandrel; and one or more passageways in the baffle, the
passageways configured and dimensioned to restrict flow
therethrough due to a valve coefficient thereof to both allow fluid
flow therethrough and simultaneously allow the building of
actuation pressure against the baffle without landing a member on
the baffle.
2. The plug as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one or more
passageways collectively present a valve coefficient of less than
4.47.
3. The plug as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plug further includes
a packer and anchoring equipment.
4. The plug as claimed in claim 1 wherein the baffle is secured in
the mandrel with threads.
5. The plug as claimed in claim 1 wherein the baffle is formed as a
part of the mandrel.
6. The plug as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one or more
passageways are cylindrical.
7. The plug as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one or more
passageways are tortuous.
8. A borehole system comprising: a borehole; a string in the
borehole, the string including a plug as claimed in claim 1.
9. A method for causing an actuation via pressure comprising:
flowing fluid through a baffle of a plug as claimed in claim 1;
increasing a flow rate through the baffle to raise pressure
upstream of the baffle to an actuation level without seating a
member on the baffle.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9 further including flowing
particles to bridge over the one or more passageways in the
baffle.
11. The method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the actuation is
fracturing.
12. The method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the actuation is of
another tool.
13. The method as claimed in claim 9 further including returning
fluid flow to a level below pressure increase and flowing fluid
through the baffle.
14. A method for making a pressure differential plug as claimed in
claim 1 wherein the baffle is subtractively machined in the
mandrel.
15. The method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the baffle is
additively manufactured with the mandrel.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] In the drilling and completion industry, there is often a
need to run and set plugs in an open hole or a cased hole or even
in a tubing string for the purpose of allowing an operator to apply
pressure from surface. That pressure may be used for things such as
setting other tools or treating the formation including fracturing
the formation. Using such configurations is a two-step process. The
plug (aka seat) is set in the downhole environment and later a ball
or similar is dropped to land on the plug or seat thereby
presenting a restriction to fluid flow such that pressure may be
built against this combination of components. This type of
configuration has worked extremely well in the industry for an
extended period of time. The industry is however always open to
improvements in configurations and methods that enhance efficiency
or reduce components and therefore cost.
SUMMARY
[0002] A pressure differential plug including a mandrel, a baffle
within the mandrel, and one or more passageways in the baffle, the
passageways configured and dimensioned to restrict flow
therethrough due to a valve coefficient thereof to both allow fluid
flow therethrough and simultaneously allow the building of
actuation pressure against the baffle without landing a member on
the baffle.
[0003] A borehole system including a borehole, a string in the
borehole, the string including a plug as as in any prior
embodiment.
[0004] A method for causing an actuation via pressure including
flowing fluid through a baffle of a plug as in any prior
embodiment, increasing a flow rate through the baffle to raise
pressure upstream of the baffle to an actuation level without
seating a member on the baffle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting
in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like
elements are numbered alike:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a Pressure
Differential Plug as described herein;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1 in the direction of arrows
1-1 in FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a transparent view of an alternate baffle having
tortuous passageways;
[0009] FIG. 4 is another view of a baffle plate with more
passageways than that shown in FIG. 2; and
[0010] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the baffle of
FIG. 4 illustrating sand particles bridging over the
passageways.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the
disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of
exemplification and not limitation with reference to the
Figures.
[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 simultaneously, a Pressure
Differential Plug 10 is disclosed that allows for a pressure
differential to be created sufficient to take desired borehole
actions based upon pressure without the loss of the ability to flow
fluid through the plug. The plug 10 is illustrated with a packer 12
but it is to be understood that the disclosure hereof is directed
to the inner portions of the tool such that providing tubing
pressure cannot otherwise escape to an annulus 14, a packer would
not be needed. In one embodiment, and as illustrated, the action
being taken by application of pressure to the tubing is to treat
the formation. In that case, the fluid inside the tubing will
necessarily be open to the annulus 14 and hence the packer would be
needed. The plug 10 includes a tubular mandrel 16 within which a
baffle 18 is disposed. The baffle may be secured in the mandrel 16
with threads 17, screws, welding, adhesives, or be formed therein.
The baffle 18 may also be a part of the mandrel 16 as in having
been formed as a part of the mandrel 16. For example, the baffle 18
may be either subtractively machined or additively manufactured as
a part of the mandrel 16.
[0013] The baffle 18, most easily identified in FIG. 2, includes a
number of passageways 20 therein that range from 1 to any number of
passageways that are practically positionable in the area provided
by the particular baffle 16. For example, as illustrated there are
12 passageways 20. It is to be appreciated that a larger number of
passageways may be achieved by using smaller diameters of the
passageways. While "diameter" is used for discussion purposes,
there is no reason the passageways must necessarily be cylindrical
but rather any tubular form may be employed as desired.
[0014] Important to the teaching herein is that in all embodiments
hereof regardless of the number of passageways, size of passageways
or shape of passageways, the passageways 20 collectively must
restrict flow therethrough due to a valve coefficient thereof to
both allow fluid flow therethrough and simultaneously allow the
building of actuation pressure against the baffle without landing a
member on the baffle. In an embodiment the actuation pressure is a
formation fracture pressure and in another embodiment the actuation
pressure is that pressure associated with the actuation of a
downhole tool. In embodiments the passageways collectively must
have a valve coefficient of less than 4.47. This can be determined
for a particular embodiment by using the equations:
Q.sub.gpm=C.sub.v*(.rho..sub.water*.DELTA.P/.rho.) 0.5 or rewritten
as Q.sub.gpm=C.sub.v*(.DELTA.P/SG) 0.5 or rewritten as
C.sub.v=Q.sub.gpm/(.rho..sub.water*.DELTA.P/.rho.) 0.5 or rewritten
as C.sub.v=Q.sub.gpm/(.DELTA.P/SG) 0.5
[0015] Q.sub.gpm=Flow Rate (gpm)
[0016] C.sub.v=Valve Coefficient
[0017] .rho.=Density (lb/ft.sup.3)
[0018] .rho..sub.water=Water Density (lb/ft.sup.3)=62.4
lb/ft.sup.3
[0019] .DELTA.P=Pressure Drop (psi)
[0020] SG=Specific gravity of the fluid
[0021] Maintaining configurations with a valve coefficient of less
than 4.47 provides for a condition where applied flow rate and
pressure from the surface will reach high enough levels in a target
region to achieve the operation desired, for example a fracturing
job, all while maintaining a flowing fluid dynamic at the plug site
(i.e. no member is seated on the baffle). This allows for tools to
be pumped to depth even with the plug 10 in place, if desired. This
avoids the difficulties of very early plugs that prevent all fluid
flow once set and the difficulties of those traditional plugs that
utilize a seat to preserve fluid flow when set but require a ball
drop (or similar member) to land on the seat to enable pressure up.
And it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that once
the ball is seated, flow through is prevented and hence pumping
other or additional tools to the site is not possible without
removing the ball.
[0022] As illustrated, plug 10 also includes standard anchoring
equipment 22 such as one or more slips 22 or other similar
equipment.
[0023] In use, the plug 10 is installed in a tubular form which may
be an open hole, a casing, a tubing, etc. and anchored there. A
flow rate for flowing through the plug 10 may initially be
established and then increased to a level where pressure is built
against the baffle 18 and fracturing may occur. It will be
understood that after setting of the plug 10, an operator may elect
to run a set of guns to open the casing of tubing for access to the
formation for a fracturing operation.
[0024] Further disclosed herein is a borehole system that includes
a borehole 24 within which a string 26 (casing, tubing, etc.) is
positioned and the string including a plug 10 as described
above.
[0025] In an alternate embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, baffle 118
includes passageways 120 that are tortuous over their lengths.
Tortuosity may be employed to alter the valve coefficient of a
baffle 118. While the tortuous path illustrated is a squared off
path, it is to be understood that any tortuous path is acceptable
such as a curved path, helical path, etc. as is desired to create
the valve coefficient needed while avoiding some other parameters
that might otherwise be employed to secure the desired valve
coefficient.
[0026] In yet another embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a
baffle 218 is illustrated with many passageways 220. In combination
with the valve coefficient as described above, it is also
contemplated for this embodiment that particles 240 such as sand or
similar may be used to bridge over the individual passageways 220
further inhibiting fluid flow therethrough.
[0027] Providing the velocity of fluid flow is sufficient to carry
sand particles, which is dictated by Stokes law, to wit:
w=2*(.rho..sub.p'1.rho..sub.f)*g*r.sup.2/(9*.mu.) [0028] w=Particle
settling velocity
[0029] .rho.=fluid density (subscripts p and f indicate particle
and fluid respectively)
[0030] g=the acceleration due to gravity
[0031] r=the radius of the particle and
[0032] .mu.=the dynamic viscosity of the fluid,
then the particles 240 will be carried along in the fluid flow to
the baffle 218 and will bridge across the passageways 220 as seen
in FIG. 5.
[0033] Set forth below are some embodiments of the foregoing
disclosure:
[0034] Embodiment 1: A pressure differential plug including a
mandrel, a baffle within the mandrel, and one or more passageways
in the baffle, the passageways configured and dimensioned to
restrict flow therethrough due to a valve coefficient thereof to
both allow fluid flow therethrough and simultaneously allow the
building of actuation pressure against the baffle without landing a
member on the baffle.
[0035] Embodiment 2: The plug as in any prior embodiment wherein
the one or more passageways collectively present a valve
coefficient of less than 4.47.
[0036] Embodiment 3: The plug as in any prior embodiment wherein
the plug further includes a packer and anchoring equipment.
[0037] Embodiment 4: The plug as in any prior embodiment wherein
the baffle is secured in the mandrel with threads.
[0038] Embodiment 5: The plug as in any prior embodiment wherein
the baffle is formed as a part of the mandrel.
[0039] Embodiment 6: The plug as in any prior embodiment wherein
the one or more passageways are cylindrical.
[0040] Embodiment 7: The plug as in any prior embodiment wherein
the one or more passageways are tortuous.
[0041] Embodiment 8: A borehole system including a borehole, a
string in the borehole, the string including a plug as as in any
prior embodiment.
[0042] Embodiment 9: A method for causing an actuation via pressure
including flowing fluid through a baffle of a plug as in any prior
embodiment, increasing a flow rate through the baffle to raise
pressure upstream of the baffle to an actuation level without
seating a member on the baffle.
[0043] Embodiment 10: The method as in any prior embodiment further
including flowing particles to bridge over the one or more
passageways in the baffle.
[0044] Embodiment 11: The method as in any prior embodiment wherein
the actuation is fracturing.
[0045] Embodiment 12: The method as in any prior embodiment wherein
the actuation is of another tool.
[0046] Embodiment 13: The method as in any prior embodiment further
including returning fluid flow to a level below pressure increase
and flowing fluid through the baffle.
[0047] Embodiment 14: A method for making a pressure differential
plug as in any prior embodiment wherein the baffle is subtractively
machined in the mandrel.
[0048] Embodiment 15: The method as in any prior embodiment wherein
the baffle is additively manufactured with the mandrel.
[0049] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. Further, it should further be
noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like herein do not
denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to
distinguish one element from another. The modifier "about" used in
connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has
the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree
of error associated with measurement of the particular
quantity).
[0050] The teachings of the present disclosure may be used in a
variety of well operations. These operations may involve using one
or more treatment agents to treat a formation, the fluids resident
in a formation, a wellbore, and/or equipment in the wellbore, such
as production tubing. The treatment agents may be in the form of
liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof.
Illustrative treatment agents include, but are not limited to,
fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, anti-corrosion
agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drilling muds, emulsifiers,
demulsifiers, tracers, flow improvers etc. Illustrative well
operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing,
stimulation, tracer injection, cleaning, acidizing, steam
injection, water flooding, cementing, etc.
[0051] While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the
scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made
to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Also, in
the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed
exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms
may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a
generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of
limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so
limited.
* * * * *