US20170314365A1 - Multi-plug launching system and method - Google Patents
Multi-plug launching system and method Download PDFInfo
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- US20170314365A1 US20170314365A1 US15/499,723 US201715499723A US2017314365A1 US 20170314365 A1 US20170314365 A1 US 20170314365A1 US 201715499723 A US201715499723 A US 201715499723A US 2017314365 A1 US2017314365 A1 US 2017314365A1
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- Prior art keywords
- plug
- assembly
- plug assembly
- casing string
- launching
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- Abandoned
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- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 102
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- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 22
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- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
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Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
- E21B33/13—Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like
- E21B33/14—Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes
- E21B33/16—Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes using plugs for isolating cement charge; Plugs therefor
- E21B33/165—Cementing plugs specially adapted for being released down-hole
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
- E21B33/13—Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
- E21B33/13—Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like
- E21B33/134—Bridging plugs
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
- E21B33/13—Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like
- E21B33/14—Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
- E21B34/06—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
- E21B34/063—Valve or closure with destructible element, e.g. frangible disc
Definitions
- Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of drilling and processing of wells. More particularly, present embodiments relate to a system and method for launching multiple cement plugs during casing operations.
- Cement plugs are typically utilized during casing operations to substantially remove cement or other fluid from an interior surface of wellbore tubulars.
- casing e.g., wellbore tubulars
- casing may be secured to the formation via cementing.
- the cement is pumped through the casing to fill the annulus and secure the casing to the formation.
- a cement plug is introduced into the casing to clear the cement from the interior surface of the casing.
- cementing operations may continue with little to no mixing of cement with the drilling/displacement fluids pumped through the casing.
- multiple cement plugs may be used if different types of fluids (e.g., drilling mud, cement slurries of varying consistency or density, displacement fluids, etc.) are used during the casing operations.
- fluids e.g., drilling mud, cement slurries of varying consistency or density, displacement fluids, etc.
- traditional multi-plug systems are large and/or long, which presents complications when used with smaller derricks or drilling rigs.
- a multiple cement plug launching system includes a plug system adapter assembly, a first plug assembly comprising a first central passage, a second plug assembly comprising a second central passage, a first plurality of shear screws coupling the first plug assembly to the second plug assembly, and a second plurality of shear screws coupling the second plug assembly to the plug system adapter.
- a method includes inserting a multiple cement plug launching system with a casing string, wherein the multiple cement plug launching system comprises a first plug assembly, a second plug assembly coupled to the first plug assembly, and a plug system adapter assembly coupled to the second plug assembly, launching the first plug assembly down the casing string, rupturing a plurality of rupture disks of the first plug assembly after launching the first plug assembly down the casing string; and launching the second plug assembly down the casing string after rupturing the plurality of rupture disks in the first plug assembly.
- a system in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, includes a multiple cement plug launching system having a plug system adapter assembly, a first plug assembly comprising a first central passage and a plurality of rupture disks, wherein each rupture disk of the plurality of rupture disks occludes a respective one of a plurality of rupture disk ports extending through the first plug assembly, and a second plug assembly comprising a second central passage, wherein the plug system adapter assembly is coupled to the second plug assembly, which is coupled to the first plug assembly, such that the plug system adapter assembly, the second plug assembly, and the first plug assembly are coupled to one another in an axial arrangement.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic of a drilling rig, illustrating a multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques
- FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a multi-plug launching system coupled to a tubular gripping system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view, taken within line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 , illustrating a coupling between a top plug assembly and a bottom plug assembly of the multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a top plug assembly of a multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of present techniques
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view, taken along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 5 , of the top plug assembly of a multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques;
- FIG. 7 is a side view of a bottom plug assembly of a multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of present techniques
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view, taken along line 8 - 8 of FIG. 7 , of the bottom plug assembly of a multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques;
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the bottom plug assembly of a multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular string, illustrating operation of the multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular string, illustrating operation of the multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular string, illustrating operation of the multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a bottom plug assembly of the multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular string, illustrating the bottom plug assembly launched to the bottom of the tubular string, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques;
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular string, illustrating operation of the multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular string, illustrating operation of the multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques.
- Present embodiments provide a system and method for launching multiple cement plugs within a casing or other tubular.
- one or more plugs e.g., cement plugs
- one or more plugs are used to substantially remove drilling mud from an interior surface of wellbore tubulars (e.g., casing) prior to a cementing process.
- one or more plugs may be used to separate cement from displacement fluid and/or separate cement from drilling mud as the plug is launched to substantially remove cement from the interior surface of wellbore tubulars (e.g., casing).
- multiple cement plugs may be used in systems where cements of different density or constituency are used to seal and set different sections of a well.
- Present embodiments include a multi-plug launching system having a first plug (e.g., a bottom plug) and a second plug (e.g., a top plug) that are coupled to one another.
- the second plug e.g., the top plug
- the second plug is also coupled to an adapter assembly to enable coupling of the first plug and the second plug to a tubular gripping system (e.g., a casing running tool).
- the multi-plug launching system may be inserted into (e.g., “stabbed” into) a tubular string (e.g., casing).
- the first and second plugs each include a port to allow a fluid (e.g., spacer fluid, cement, etc.) to pass through the plugs and into the casing or tubular.
- the casing string within the wellbore may be filled with drilling mud.
- a first solid ball e.g., small solid ball
- a cement slurry and/or a spacer fluid is pumped through the second plug (e.g., top plug) and behind the first solid ball and bottom plug, thereby creating pressure and causing shear screws coupling the bottom plug to the top plug to shear and launch the bottom plug down the casing string.
- cement is pumped through the top plug and behind the bottom plug to drive the bottom plug down the casing or tubular string until the bottom plug reaches the bottom of the casing or tubular string.
- the bottom plug may include rupture disks that occlude additional ports of the bottom plug.
- the cement may be pumped through the top plug and into the casing until the rupture disks of the bottom plug at the bottom of the casing shatter and open the additional ports. With the additional ports of the bottom plug opened, the cement may flow out of the casing string and into an annulus between the casing string and the wellbore.
- a second solid ball e.g., large solid ball
- a displacement fluid e.g., water or a water mixture
- the displacement fluid may be locked in the casing string until the previously-pumped cement is cured.
- Present embodiments of the multi-plug launching system are shorter than traditional multi-plug launching systems. Thus, as the disclosed systems are inserted into the casing, they may take up little or no stack-up room on the derrick or rig.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a drilling rig 10 in the process of drilling a well in accordance with present techniques.
- the drilling rig 10 features an elevated rig floor 12 and a derrick 14 extending above the rig floor 12 .
- a supply reel 16 supplies drilling line 18 to a crown block 20 and traveling block 22 configured to hoist various types of drilling equipment above the rig floor 12 .
- the drilling line 18 is secured to a deadline tiedown anchor 24 , and a drawworks 26 regulates the amount of drilling line 18 in use and, consequently, the height of the traveling block 22 at a given moment.
- a casing string 28 extends downward into a wellbore 30 and is held stationary with respect to the rig floor 12 by a rotary table 32 and slips 34 (e.g., power slips).
- slips 34 e.g., power slips.
- a portion of the casing string 28 extends above the rig floor 12 , forming a stump 36 to which another length of tubular 38 (e.g., a section of casing) may be added.
- a tubular drive system 40 hoisted by the traveling block 22 , positions the tubular 38 above the wellbore 30 .
- the tubular drive system 40 includes a top drive 42 and a gripping device 44 (e.g., a casing drive system or casing running tool).
- the gripping device 44 of the tubular drive system 40 is engaged with a distal end 48 (e.g., box end) of the tubular 38 .
- the tubular drive system 40 once coupled with the tubular 38 , may then lower the coupled tubular 38 toward the stump 36 and rotate the tubular 38 such that it connects with the stump 36 and becomes part of the casing string 28 .
- the casing string 28 (and the tubular 38 now coupled to the casing string 28 ) may then be lowered (and rotated) further into the wellbore 30 .
- the gripping device 44 (e.g., casing drive system or casing running tool) is configured to reciprocate and/or rotate the tubular 38 (e.g., casing) during casing and/or cementing operations.
- the gripping device 44 may also be used during cementing operations to direct cement into the casing string 28 .
- the gripping device 44 may be coupled to a cement swivel configured to supply cement for cementing operations.
- the cement swivel may receive cement from a pumping unit via a supply line.
- the gripping device 44 may include an inner bore configured to direct the cement through the gripping device 44 and into the casing string 28 .
- present embodiments also include a multi-plug launching system 50 (e.g., a multiple cement plug launching system), which is used to launch multiple plugs down the casing string 28 during cementing operations.
- a multi-plug launching system 50 e.g., a multiple cement plug launching system
- the multi-plug launching system 50 is shown set aside on the drilling rig 10 and is not in use.
- the embodiments of the multi-plug launching system 50 described herein include a first plug (e.g., a bottom plug or first plug assembly) 52 , a second plug (e.g., a top plug or second plug assembly) 54 , and a plug system adapter 56 (e.g., a plug system adapter assembly), which are coupled together in an axial arrangement (e.g., the respective central axes of the first plug 52 , the second plug 54 , and the plug system adapter 56 are generally aligned and/or are coaxial).
- a first plug e.g., a bottom plug or first plug assembly
- a second plug e.g., a top plug or second plug assembly
- a plug system adapter 56 e.g., a plug system adapter assembly
- the multi-plug launching system 50 may include additional numbers of plugs (e.g., 3, 4, 5, or more) depending on design considerations, numbers or types of cement used, numbers of casing string 28 sections to be cemented, etc.
- the first plug 52 of the multi-plug launching system 50 may be launched down the casing string 28 to clean drilling mud from an interior wall of the casing string 28 after the casing string 28 is run into the wellbore 30 and prior to beginning the cementing process. Once the first plug 52 is launched, cement may be pumped through the gripping device 44 , the plug system adapter 56 , and the second plug 54 and behind the first plug 52 to drive the first plug 52 to the bottom of the casing string 28 .
- cement may be pumped until rupture disks of the first plug 52 are ruptured to enable passage of the cement through the first plug 52 at the bottom of the casing string 28 and into an annulus between the casing string 28 and the wellbore 30 .
- the second plug 54 of the multi-plug launching system 50 may be launched down the casing string 28 (e.g., using a displacement fluid) to clean or wipe the cement from the interior wall of the casing string 28 .
- the multi-plug launching system 50 has a compact configuration that enables the multi-plug launching system 50 to be inserted into or “stabbed” into the casing string 28 without taking up any or any significant stack-up room on the drilling rig 10 .
- FIG. 1 is intentionally simplified to focus on the multi-plug launching system 50 of the drilling rig 10 , which is described in greater detail below.
- Many other components and tools may be employed during the various periods of formation and preparation of the well.
- the orientation and environment of the well may vary widely depending upon the location and situation of the formations of interest.
- the well in practice, may include one or more deviations, including angled and horizontal runs.
- the well while shown as a surface (land-based) operation, the well may be formed in water of various depths, in which case the topside equipment may include an anchored or floating platform.
- the disclosed multi-plug launching system 50 may have other components (e.g., additional plugs) and may be used with different fluids (e.g., drilling mud, spacer fluids, cements of different consistencies and/or densities, displacement fluids, etc.) in different orders.
- fluids e.g., drilling mud, spacer fluids, cements of different consistencies and/or densities, displacement fluids, etc.
- FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system 50 coupled to the gripping device 44 (e.g., casing drive system or casing running tool) prior to insertion of the multi-plug launching system 50 into the casing string 28 .
- the multi-plug launching system 50 includes the first plug (e.g., bottom plug) 52 , the second plug (e.g., top plug) 54 , and the plug system adapter 56 .
- the first plug 52 is coupled to the second plug 54
- the second plug 54 is coupled to the plug system adapter 56 . Details of the connections between these components are described in further detail below.
- the plug system adapter 56 is coupled to the gripping device 44 to enable insertion or “stabbing” of the multi-plug launching system 50 into the casing string 28 .
- the plug system adapter 56 may be threaded to a distal end 60 of a mandrel 62 of the gripping device 44 via a threaded portion 64 of the plug system adapter 56 .
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system 50 inserted or “stabbed” into the casing string 28 .
- the gripping device 44 is not shown.
- the plug system adapter 56 includes a central port 70 extending from an axial top 72 of the plug system adapter 56 to an axial bottom 74 of the plug system adapter 56 .
- the central port 70 enables a flow of fluid (e.g., spacer fluid, cement, displacement fluid, etc.) to flow from the gripping device 44 through the plug system adapter 56 to the second plug 54 , which is coupled to the central port 70 at the axial bottom 74 of the plug system adapter 56 .
- fluid e.g., spacer fluid, cement, displacement fluid, etc.
- the second plug 54 (e.g., the top plug) is coupled to the central port 70 via shear pins or screws (e.g., brass shear screws) 76 to enable launching of the second plug 54 in the manner described below.
- the second plug 54 may be coupled to the central port 70 with eight shear screws 76 with each shear screw 76 having a known shearing force value.
- the plug system adapter 56 also includes packer cups 78 disposed about the central port 70 .
- the packer cups 78 form a sealing interface with an internal surface 80 of the casing string 28 to seal an internal cavity 82 of the casing string 28 from the surrounding atmosphere.
- the illustrated embodiment of the multi-plug launching system 50 includes two packer cups 78 , but other embodiments may include other numbers of packer cups 78 (e.g., 1, 3, 4, or more).
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view, taken within line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 , illustrating a connection between the first plug 52 and the second plug 54 .
- the first plug 52 and the second plug 54 are coupled to one another via shear pins or screws 90 (e.g., brass shear screws).
- shear pins or screws 90 e.g., brass shear screws.
- six shear screws 90 each having a known shearing value, may be used to couple the first plug 52 to the second plug 54 .
- the number of shear screws 90 coupling the first plug 52 to the second plug 54 may be less than the number of shear screws 76 coupling the second plug 54 to the plug system adapter 56 . Additionally or alternatively, the shearing force of the shear screws 76 may be greater than the shearing force of the shear screws 90 . It will be appreciated that the shear screws 76 are stronger and/or more numerous to ensure that the first plug 52 is launched before the second plug 54 during the cementing operation.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate details of an embodiment of the second plug 54 (e.g., the top plug).
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the second plug 54
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view, taken along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 5 , of the second plug 54 , illustrating internal components of the second plug 54 .
- the second plug 54 (e.g., second plug assembly) includes an outer body 100 , an inner core 102 , and a central insert 104 .
- the outer body 100 may be formed from rubber or other elastomeric material
- the inner core 102 may be formed from a metal, such as aluminum, a phenolic material, or other suitable material that may provide rigidity to the second plug 54
- the central insert 104 may also be formed from a metal, such as aluminum.
- the outer body 100 includes a plurality of fins 106 extending radially outward (e.g., relative to a central axis 107 of the second plug 54 ) and configured to engage tightly with the internal surface 80 of the casing string 28 when the multi-plug launching system 50 is inserted into the casing string 28 .
- the fins 106 enable wiping or cleaning of the internal surface 80 of the casing string 28 (e.g., clearing of mud, cement, or other fluid) as the second plug 54 is launched down the casing string 28 .
- the fins 106 also create a seal or barrier between a fluid below the second plug 54 (e.g., cement) and a fluid above the second plug 54 (e.g., displacement fluid) when the second plug 54 is launched down the casing string 28 .
- the outer body 100 also includes a flared portion 108 at an axial top 110 of the second plug 54 .
- the flared portion 108 defines a cavity 112 (e.g., annular cavity) with the central insert 104 , which captures the fluid (e.g., cement, spacer fluid, displacement fluid, etc.) pumped through the multi-plug launching system 50 to launch the second plug 54 and drive it down the casing string 28 .
- the central insert 104 axially captures the outer body 100 via flanges 114 of the central insert 104 .
- the outer body 100 axially captures the inner core 102 via flanges 116 of the outer body 100 .
- the central insert 104 defines a central passage 118 through which a fluid, such as cement, spacer fluid, or displacement fluid, may flow (e.g., from the plug system adapter 56 to the first plug 52 ).
- the central insert 104 also includes a tapered throat portion 120 , which partially defines the central passage 118 .
- the tapered throat portion 120 may have a taper of approximately 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 4 degrees from a first end 122 of the tapered throat portion 120 to a second end 124 of the tapered throat portion 120 .
- the tapered throat portion 120 is designed to capture a first (e.g., large) solid ball launched through the plug system adapter 56 to occlude the central passage 118 .
- a smallest diameter 126 of the tapered throat portion 120 may be slightly smaller than a diameter of the central port 70 of the plug system adapter 56 to allow the first (e.g., large solid ball to travel through the plug system adapter 56 , but not through the tapered throat portion 120 of the second plug 54 .
- the central insert 104 also includes an adapter portion 128 at an axial bottom 130 of the second plug 54 .
- the adapter portion 128 is configured to couple with (e.g., receive) the first plug 52 .
- the adapter portion 128 includes holes 132 (e.g., threaded holes) configured to accept or receive the shear screws 90 used to couple the second plug 54 to the first plug 52 .
- an axial top 134 of the central insert 104 includes a groove (e.g., annular groove) 136 configured to capture or engage with the screws 76 used to couple the second plug 54 to the plug system adapter 56 .
- FIGS. 7-9 illustrate details of embodiments of the first plug 52 (e.g., the bottom plug).
- FIG. 7 is a side view of the first plug 52
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view, taken along line 8 - 8 of FIG. 7 , of the first plug 52 , illustrating internal components of the first plug 52
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the first plug 52 .
- the first plug 52 includes similar elements as the second plug 54 .
- the first plug 52 (e.g., first plug assembly) includes an outer body 200 , an inner core 202 , and a central insert 204 .
- the outer body 200 may be formed from rubber or other elastomeric material
- the inner core 202 may be formed from a metal, such as aluminum, a phenolic material, or other suitable material that may provide rigidity to the first plug 52 .
- the central insert 204 may also be formed from a metal, such as aluminum.
- the outer body 200 includes a plurality of fins 206 extending radially outward (e.g., relative to a central axis 207 of the first plug 52 ) and are configured to engage tightly with the internal surface 80 of the casing string 28 when the multi-plug launching system 50 is inserted into the casing string 28 .
- the fins 206 enable wiping or cleaning of the internal surface 80 of the casing string 28 (e.g., clearing of mud, cement, or other fluid) as the first plug 52 is launched down the casing string 28 .
- the fins 206 also create a seal or barrier between a fluid below the first plug 52 (e.g., drilling mud) and a fluid above the first plug 52 (e.g., cement) when the first plug 52 is launched down the casing string 28 .
- the outer body 200 also includes a flared portion 208 at an axial top 210 of the first plug 52 .
- the flared portion 208 defines a cavity 212 (e.g., annular cavity) with the central insert 204 which captures the fluid (e.g., cement, spacer fluid, displacement fluid, etc.) pumped through the multi-plug launching system 50 to launch the first plug 52 and drive it down the casing string 28 .
- the central insert 204 is coupled to the outer body 200 and the inner core 202 (e.g., via molding).
- the central insert 204 defines a central passage 214 through which a fluid, such as cement, spacer fluid, or displacement fluid, may flow (e.g., from the second plug 54 ).
- the central insert 204 also includes a tapered throat portion 216 , which partially defines the central passage 214 .
- the tapered throat portion 216 may have a taper of approximately 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 4 degrees from a first end 218 of the tapered throat portion 216 to a second end 220 of the tapered throat portion 216 .
- the tapered throat portion 216 is designed to capture a second (e.g., small) solid ball launched through the plug system adapter 56 and the second plug 54 to occlude the central passage 214 .
- a smallest diameter 222 of the tapered throat portion 216 may be slightly smaller than the smallest diameter 126 of the central insert 104 of the second plug 54 to allow the second (e.g., small) solid ball to travel through the plug system adapter 56 and the second plug 54 without disturbing the second plug 54 .
- the second (e.g., small) solid ball is sized such that the tapered throat portion 216 captures the second (e.g., small) solid ball to enable launching of the first plug 52 from the second plug 54 .
- the central insert 204 also includes a groove 246 (e.g., annular groove) formed at an axial top 248 of the central insert 204 .
- the groove 246 is configured to receive and engage with the shear screws 90 used to couple the first plug 52 to the second plug 54 when the axial top 248 of the central insert 204 is disposed within the adapter portion 128 of the second plug 54
- the first plug 52 also includes rupture disks 250 (e.g., axial rupture disks), which are circumferentially arrayed about the central insert 204 .
- the rupture disks 250 are secured to the outer body 200 , and each rupture disk 250 occludes a respective rupture disk port 252 , which extends through the outer body 200 and the inner core 202 .
- the rupture disks 250 may be formed from a polymer, such as plastic, or other suitable material having a known pressure rating. As will be appreciated, the rupture disks 250 may rupture when a pressure differential across the first plug 52 is greater than the pressure rating of the rupture disks 250 .
- the rupture disks 250 may be designed or selected (e.g., material, thickness, size, etc.) to shatter at any desired pressure. Once the rupture disks 250 shatter, the rupture disk ports 252 may be opened to enable fluid (e.g., cement) to flow through the first plug 52 . As described in detail below, the rupture disks 250 may be configured to shatter upon application of sufficient pressure from cement pumped into the casing string 28 when the first plug 52 is at the bottom of the casing string 28 after being launched. With the rupture disks 250 shattered, cement can flow through the first plug 52 at the casing string 28 and into the annulus between the casing string 28 and the wellbore 30 .
- fluid e.g., cement
- the components of the multi-plug launching system 50 may be sized or dimensioned based on the size (e.g., diameter) of the casing string 28 .
- the diameter of the first plug 52 may be too small (e.g., due to a smaller diameter casing string 28 ) to accommodate the axial rupture disks 250 shown in FIG. 7 .
- an alternative embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 9 may include radial rupture disks 260 .
- each radial rupture disk 260 occludes a respective radial rupture disk port 262 , which extends from an outer radial surface 264 of the central insert 204 to the central passage 214 of the central insert 204 .
- the smallest diameter 222 of the tapered throat portion 216 of the central insert 204 is disposed axially above the radial rupture disk ports 262 .
- the first plug 52 may first be launched down the casing string 28 (e.g., with the solid ball 266 occluding the central passage 214 ), and the radial rupture disks 260 may be shattered to enable cement flow through the radial rupture disk ports 262 after the first plug 52 has been launched to the bottom of the casing string 28 .
- FIGS. 10-15 are various cross-sectional side views of the multi-plug launching system 50 and its components disposed within the casing string 28 , illustrating the operation of the multi-plug launching system 50 .
- FIG. 10 is a partially cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system 50 after the multi-plug launching system 50 is stabbed into the casing string 28 with the gripping device 44 (e.g., casing running tool or casing drive system).
- the first plug 52 is disposed at the bottom of the multi-plug launching system 50 and is coupled to the second plug 54 via shear screws 90 .
- the second plug 54 is coupled to the plug system adapter 56 via shear screws 76 .
- the central passage 118 of the second plug 54 and the central passage 214 of the first plug 52 are both unobstructed.
- the internal cavity 82 of the casing string 28 below the multi-plug launching system 50 may be filled with drilling mud, as indicated by arrow 300 .
- the first plug 52 may be launched down the casing string 28 .
- an amount of spacer fluid may be pumped into the casing string 28 before the first plug 52 is launched.
- a first solid ball 310 e.g., small solid ball is launched down the multi-plug launching system 50 . As shown in FIG.
- the first solid ball 310 passes through the plug system adapter 56 and the central passage 118 of the second plug 54 to reach the first plug 52 .
- the first solid ball 310 is sized such that it will become lodged or landed against the smallest diameter 222 of the tapered throat portion 216 of the first plug 52 .
- the first solid ball 310 has a diameter that is smaller than the smallest diameter 126 of the central passage 118 of the second plug 54 to enable passage of the first solid ball 310 through the second plug 54 without disturbing the second plug 54 .
- the first solid ball 310 may have a diameter of approximately 1 3/16′′.
- a first fluid may be pumped through the multi-plug launching system 50 (e.g., through the plug system adapter 56 and the central passage 118 of the second plug 54 to reach the occluded central passage 214 of the first plug 52 , as indicated by arrow 312 .
- the first fluid may be a spacer fluid or a cement slurry.
- FIG. 12 is a partially cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system 50 after the shear screws 90 have sheared and the first plug 52 has initially launched down the casing string 28 .
- a cement slurry may be pumped into a space 320 in the casing string 28 between the first plug 52 and the second plug 54 to drive the first plug 52 down to the bottom of the casing string 28 , as indicated by arrow 322 . That is, the cement slurry may be pumped through the gripping device 44 , through the plug system adapter 56 , through the second plug 54 , and into the space 320 within the casing string 28 .
- the cement slurry may be pumped into the space 320 between the first plug 52 and the second plug 54 until the first plug 52 reaches the bottom of the casing string 28 .
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of an axial bottom 330 of the casing string 28 , illustrating a float shoe 332 coupled to the axial bottom 330 of the casing string 28 with the first plug 52 landed against the float shoe 332 . While the first plug 52 is landed against the float shoe 332 at the axial bottom 330 of the casing string 28 , in other embodiments the first plug 52 may be landed against another stopping mechanism at the axial bottom 330 of the casing string 28 . Although the first plug 52 is landed against the float shoe 332 , the cement slurry may continue to be pumped into the casing string 28 to build pressure behind the first plug 52 at the axial bottom 330 of the casing string 28 .
- the cement slurry may be pumped into the casing string 28 until the rupture disks 250 shatter to open the rupture disk ports 252 in the first plug 52 .
- Shattering of the rupture disks 250 may be verified using a variety of methods.
- the cement slurry may be pumped into the casing string 28 behind the first plug 52 until a desired volume of cement slurry has been pumped into the casing string 28 .
- the desired volume of cement slurry may be based on a known size (e.g., length and diameter) of the casing string 28 and a known strength of the rupture disks 250 .
- the cement slurry may be pumped into the casing string 28 until a desired and measured pressure of cement slurry within the casing string 28 is reached.
- the desired pressure of cement slurry within the casing string 28 may be based on a known size of the casing string 28 and a known strength of the rupture disks 250 .
- the first solid ball 310 e.g., small solid ball
- the rupture disk ports 252 may be opened, and the cement slurry within the casing string 28 may flow into the annulus between the casing string 28 and the wellbore 30 .
- the cement slurry flows through the rupture disk ports 252 , as indicated by arrows 334 , and through the float shoe 332 .
- the cement slurry may flow through a valve 336 (e.g., a one-way valve, check valve, etc.) of the float shoe 332 and out of the float shoe 332 into the annulus, as indicated by arrows 338 .
- cement slurry may continue to be pumped through the casing string 28 and into the annulus until a desired amount of cement slurry has been pumped.
- a second solid ball 350 may be launched into the multi-plug launching system 50 , as shown in FIG. 14 .
- the second solid ball 350 e.g., large solid ball
- the second solid ball 350 is sized such that it will become lodged or landed against the smallest diameter 126 of the tapered throat portion 120 of the second plug 54 .
- the second solid ball 350 may have a diameter of approximately 11 ⁇ 2′′.
- a second fluid may be pumped through the multi-plug launching system 50 (e.g., through the plug system adapter 56 to reach the occluded central passage 118 of the second plug 54 , as indicated by arrow 352 .
- the second fluid may be a displacement fluid.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system 50 after the shear screws 76 have sheared and the second plug 54 has initially launched down the casing string 28 .
- the displacement fluid may continue to be pumped into a space 360 in the casing string 28 between the second plug 54 and plug system adapter 56 to drive the second plug 54 down to the bottom of the casing string 28 (e.g., to land against the first plug 52 ), as indicated by arrow 362 . That is, the displacement fluid may be pumped through the gripping device 44 , through the plug system adapter 56 , and into the space 360 within the casing string 28 .
- the displacement fluid may be pumped into the space 360 between the plug system adapter 56 and the second plug 54 until the second plug 54 reaches the bottom of the casing string 28 . After the displacement fluid is pumped into the casing string 28 , the displacement fluid may be locked in until the cement slurry previously pumped into the casing string 28 is cured.
- present embodiments provide a system and method for launching multiple cement plugs (e.g., first and second plugs 52 and 54 ) within the casing string 28 or other tubular string.
- first and second plugs 52 and 54 multiple cement plugs
- present embodiments include the multi-plug launching system 50 having the first plug 52 (e.g., a bottom plug) and the second plug 54 (e.g., a top plug), which are coupled to one another via the shear screws 90 .
- the second plug 54 e.g., the top plug
- the second plug 54 is also coupled to the plug system adapter 56 via shear screws 76 to enable coupling of the first plug 54 and the second plug 56 to the gripping device 44 (e.g., a casing running tool or casing drive system).
- the multi-plug launching system 50 may be inserted into (e.g., “stabbed” into) the casing string 28 .
- the first and second plugs 52 and 54 each include a port (e.g., central passages 214 and 118 , respectively) to allow a fluid (e.g., spacer fluid, cement, etc.) to pass through the plugs 52 and 54 and into the casing sting 28 .
- a fluid e.g., spacer fluid, cement, etc.
- the casing string 28 within the wellbore 30 may be filled with drilling mud.
- the first solid ball 310 e.g., small solid ball
- the second plug 54 e.g., top plug
- the first plug 52 After the first plug 52 is launched, cement is pumped through the second plug 54 and behind the first plug 52 to drive the first plug 52 down the casing string 28 until the first plug 52 reaches the axial bottom 330 of the casing string 28 .
- the first plug 52 also includes rupture disks 250 that occlude rupture disk ports 252 of the first plug 52 .
- the cement may be pumped through the second plug 54 and into the casing string 28 until the rupture disks 250 of the first plug 52 at the axial bottom 330 of the casing string 28 shatter and open the rupture disk ports 252 . With the rupture disk ports 252 of the first plug 52 opened, the cement may flow out of the casing string 28 and into an annulus between the casing string 28 and the wellbore 30 .
- the second solid ball 350 is launched to occlude the central passage 118 of the second plug 54 .
- a displacement fluid e.g., water or a water mixture
- the second solid ball 350 e.g., large solid ball
- the displacement fluid may be locked in the casing string 28 until the previously-pumped cement is cured.
- present embodiments of the multi-plug launching system 50 are shorter and more compact than traditional multi-plug launching systems. Thus, as the disclosed systems are inserted into the casing string 28 , they may take up little or no stack-up room on the derrick or rig 10 .
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/329,898, entitled “MULTI-PLUG LAUNCHING SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed Apr. 29, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of drilling and processing of wells. More particularly, present embodiments relate to a system and method for launching multiple cement plugs during casing operations.
- Cement plugs are typically utilized during casing operations to substantially remove cement or other fluid from an interior surface of wellbore tubulars. In conventional oil and gas operations, an annulus is formed around the wellbore tubulars within a formation. During completion operations, casing (e.g., wellbore tubulars) may be secured to the formation via cementing. The cement is pumped through the casing to fill the annulus and secure the casing to the formation. After cement pumping is complete, a cement plug is introduced into the casing to clear the cement from the interior surface of the casing. As a result, cementing operations may continue with little to no mixing of cement with the drilling/displacement fluids pumped through the casing. In certain embodiments, multiple cement plugs may be used if different types of fluids (e.g., drilling mud, cement slurries of varying consistency or density, displacement fluids, etc.) are used during the casing operations. Unfortunately, traditional multi-plug systems are large and/or long, which presents complications when used with smaller derricks or drilling rigs.
- In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure a multiple cement plug launching system includes a plug system adapter assembly, a first plug assembly comprising a first central passage, a second plug assembly comprising a second central passage, a first plurality of shear screws coupling the first plug assembly to the second plug assembly, and a second plurality of shear screws coupling the second plug assembly to the plug system adapter.
- In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method includes inserting a multiple cement plug launching system with a casing string, wherein the multiple cement plug launching system comprises a first plug assembly, a second plug assembly coupled to the first plug assembly, and a plug system adapter assembly coupled to the second plug assembly, launching the first plug assembly down the casing string, rupturing a plurality of rupture disks of the first plug assembly after launching the first plug assembly down the casing string; and launching the second plug assembly down the casing string after rupturing the plurality of rupture disks in the first plug assembly.
- In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a system includes a multiple cement plug launching system having a plug system adapter assembly, a first plug assembly comprising a first central passage and a plurality of rupture disks, wherein each rupture disk of the plurality of rupture disks occludes a respective one of a plurality of rupture disk ports extending through the first plug assembly, and a second plug assembly comprising a second central passage, wherein the plug system adapter assembly is coupled to the second plug assembly, which is coupled to the first plug assembly, such that the plug system adapter assembly, the second plug assembly, and the first plug assembly are coupled to one another in an axial arrangement.
- These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic of a drilling rig, illustrating a multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques; -
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a multi-plug launching system coupled to a tubular gripping system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view, taken within line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 , illustrating a coupling between a top plug assembly and a bottom plug assembly of the multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of a top plug assembly of a multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of present techniques; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view, taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 5 , of the top plug assembly of a multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques; -
FIG. 7 is a side view of a bottom plug assembly of a multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of present techniques; -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view, taken along line 8-8 ofFIG. 7 , of the bottom plug assembly of a multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques; -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the bottom plug assembly of a multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular string, illustrating operation of the multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular string, illustrating operation of the multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular string, illustrating operation of the multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques; -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a bottom plug assembly of the multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular string, illustrating the bottom plug assembly launched to the bottom of the tubular string, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques; -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular string, illustrating operation of the multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques; and -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the multi-plug launching system disposed within a tubular string, illustrating operation of the multi-plug launching system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques. - Present embodiments provide a system and method for launching multiple cement plugs within a casing or other tubular. For example, during casing cementing operations, one or more plugs (e.g., cement plugs) are used to substantially remove drilling mud from an interior surface of wellbore tubulars (e.g., casing) prior to a cementing process. Similarly, one or more plugs may be used to separate cement from displacement fluid and/or separate cement from drilling mud as the plug is launched to substantially remove cement from the interior surface of wellbore tubulars (e.g., casing). Additionally, in certain embodiments, multiple cement plugs may be used in systems where cements of different density or constituency are used to seal and set different sections of a well. Present embodiments include a multi-plug launching system having a first plug (e.g., a bottom plug) and a second plug (e.g., a top plug) that are coupled to one another. However, additional numbers of plugs may be used in accordance with the present techniques. The second plug (e.g., the top plug) is also coupled to an adapter assembly to enable coupling of the first plug and the second plug to a tubular gripping system (e.g., a casing running tool). With the first and second plugs coupled to the tubular gripping system, the multi-plug launching system may be inserted into (e.g., “stabbed” into) a tubular string (e.g., casing). The first and second plugs each include a port to allow a fluid (e.g., spacer fluid, cement, etc.) to pass through the plugs and into the casing or tubular.
- After a casing running operation is completed, the casing string within the wellbore may be filled with drilling mud. Prior to beginning a casing cementing process, a first solid ball (e.g., small solid ball) is launched to occlude the port of the bottom plug. Thereafter, a cement slurry and/or a spacer fluid is pumped through the second plug (e.g., top plug) and behind the first solid ball and bottom plug, thereby creating pressure and causing shear screws coupling the bottom plug to the top plug to shear and launch the bottom plug down the casing string. After the bottom plug is launched, cement is pumped through the top plug and behind the bottom plug to drive the bottom plug down the casing or tubular string until the bottom plug reaches the bottom of the casing or tubular string. As discussed below, the bottom plug may include rupture disks that occlude additional ports of the bottom plug. The cement may be pumped through the top plug and into the casing until the rupture disks of the bottom plug at the bottom of the casing shatter and open the additional ports. With the additional ports of the bottom plug opened, the cement may flow out of the casing string and into an annulus between the casing string and the wellbore.
- Once a desired or calculated amount of the cement is pumped through the top plug into the casing (e.g., to rupture the rupture disks of the bottom plug at the bottom of the casing and/or fill the annulus between the casing string and the wellbore), a second solid ball (e.g., large solid ball) may be launched to occlude the port of the top plug. Thereafter, a displacement fluid (e.g., water or a water mixture) is pumped behind the second solid ball and the top plug, thereby creating pressure and causing shear screws coupling the top plug to the adapter assembly to shear and launch the top plug down the casing or tubular string. Thereafter, the displacement fluid may be locked in the casing string until the previously-pumped cement is cured. Present embodiments of the multi-plug launching system are shorter than traditional multi-plug launching systems. Thus, as the disclosed systems are inserted into the casing, they may take up little or no stack-up room on the derrick or rig.
- Turning now to the drawings,
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of adrilling rig 10 in the process of drilling a well in accordance with present techniques. Thedrilling rig 10 features an elevatedrig floor 12 and aderrick 14 extending above therig floor 12. Asupply reel 16 suppliesdrilling line 18 to acrown block 20 and travelingblock 22 configured to hoist various types of drilling equipment above therig floor 12. Thedrilling line 18 is secured to adeadline tiedown anchor 24, and adrawworks 26 regulates the amount ofdrilling line 18 in use and, consequently, the height of thetraveling block 22 at a given moment. Below therig floor 12, acasing string 28 extends downward into awellbore 30 and is held stationary with respect to therig floor 12 by a rotary table 32 and slips 34 (e.g., power slips). A portion of thecasing string 28 extends above therig floor 12, forming astump 36 to which another length of tubular 38 (e.g., a section of casing) may be added. - A
tubular drive system 40, hoisted by thetraveling block 22, positions the tubular 38 above thewellbore 30. In the illustrated embodiment, thetubular drive system 40 includes atop drive 42 and a gripping device 44 (e.g., a casing drive system or casing running tool). Thegripping device 44 of thetubular drive system 40 is engaged with a distal end 48 (e.g., box end) of the tubular 38. Thetubular drive system 40, once coupled with the tubular 38, may then lower the coupled tubular 38 toward thestump 36 and rotate the tubular 38 such that it connects with thestump 36 and becomes part of thecasing string 28. The casing string 28 (and the tubular 38 now coupled to the casing string 28) may then be lowered (and rotated) further into thewellbore 30. - The gripping device 44 (e.g., casing drive system or casing running tool) is configured to reciprocate and/or rotate the tubular 38 (e.g., casing) during casing and/or cementing operations. The
gripping device 44 may also be used during cementing operations to direct cement into thecasing string 28. In certain embodiments, the grippingdevice 44 may be coupled to a cement swivel configured to supply cement for cementing operations. For example, the cement swivel may receive cement from a pumping unit via a supply line. Additionally, the grippingdevice 44 may include an inner bore configured to direct the cement through thegripping device 44 and into thecasing string 28. - As mentioned above, present embodiments also include a multi-plug launching system 50 (e.g., a multiple cement plug launching system), which is used to launch multiple plugs down the
casing string 28 during cementing operations. In the illustrated embodiment, themulti-plug launching system 50 is shown set aside on thedrilling rig 10 and is not in use. The embodiments of themulti-plug launching system 50 described herein include a first plug (e.g., a bottom plug or first plug assembly) 52, a second plug (e.g., a top plug or second plug assembly) 54, and a plug system adapter 56 (e.g., a plug system adapter assembly), which are coupled together in an axial arrangement (e.g., the respective central axes of thefirst plug 52, thesecond plug 54, and theplug system adapter 56 are generally aligned and/or are coaxial). It will be appreciated that other embodiments of themulti-plug launching system 50 may include additional numbers of plugs (e.g., 3, 4, 5, or more) depending on design considerations, numbers or types of cement used, numbers ofcasing string 28 sections to be cemented, etc. For example, thefirst plug 52 of themulti-plug launching system 50 may be launched down thecasing string 28 to clean drilling mud from an interior wall of thecasing string 28 after thecasing string 28 is run into thewellbore 30 and prior to beginning the cementing process. Once thefirst plug 52 is launched, cement may be pumped through thegripping device 44, theplug system adapter 56, and thesecond plug 54 and behind thefirst plug 52 to drive thefirst plug 52 to the bottom of thecasing string 28. As discussed below, cement may be pumped until rupture disks of thefirst plug 52 are ruptured to enable passage of the cement through thefirst plug 52 at the bottom of thecasing string 28 and into an annulus between thecasing string 28 and thewellbore 30. After a desired or calculated amount of cement is pumped into thecasing string 28, thesecond plug 54 of themulti-plug launching system 50 may be launched down the casing string 28 (e.g., using a displacement fluid) to clean or wipe the cement from the interior wall of thecasing string 28. As discussed below, themulti-plug launching system 50 has a compact configuration that enables themulti-plug launching system 50 to be inserted into or “stabbed” into thecasing string 28 without taking up any or any significant stack-up room on thedrilling rig 10. - It should be noted that the illustration of
FIG. 1 is intentionally simplified to focus on themulti-plug launching system 50 of thedrilling rig 10, which is described in greater detail below. Many other components and tools may be employed during the various periods of formation and preparation of the well. Similarly, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the orientation and environment of the well may vary widely depending upon the location and situation of the formations of interest. For example, rather than a generally vertical bore, the well, in practice, may include one or more deviations, including angled and horizontal runs. Similarly, while shown as a surface (land-based) operation, the well may be formed in water of various depths, in which case the topside equipment may include an anchored or floating platform. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the disclosedmulti-plug launching system 50 may have other components (e.g., additional plugs) and may be used with different fluids (e.g., drilling mud, spacer fluids, cements of different consistencies and/or densities, displacement fluids, etc.) in different orders. -
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of themulti-plug launching system 50 coupled to the gripping device 44 (e.g., casing drive system or casing running tool) prior to insertion of themulti-plug launching system 50 into thecasing string 28. As mentioned above, themulti-plug launching system 50 includes the first plug (e.g., bottom plug) 52, the second plug (e.g., top plug) 54, and theplug system adapter 56. Thefirst plug 52 is coupled to thesecond plug 54, and thesecond plug 54 is coupled to theplug system adapter 56. Details of the connections between these components are described in further detail below. Theplug system adapter 56 is coupled to thegripping device 44 to enable insertion or “stabbing” of themulti-plug launching system 50 into thecasing string 28. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, theplug system adapter 56 may be threaded to adistal end 60 of amandrel 62 of thegripping device 44 via a threadedportion 64 of theplug system adapter 56. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of themulti-plug launching system 50 inserted or “stabbed” into thecasing string 28. Thegripping device 44 is not shown. In the illustrated embodiment, theplug system adapter 56 includes acentral port 70 extending from anaxial top 72 of theplug system adapter 56 to anaxial bottom 74 of theplug system adapter 56. Thecentral port 70 enables a flow of fluid (e.g., spacer fluid, cement, displacement fluid, etc.) to flow from the grippingdevice 44 through theplug system adapter 56 to thesecond plug 54, which is coupled to thecentral port 70 at theaxial bottom 74 of theplug system adapter 56. The second plug 54 (e.g., the top plug) is coupled to thecentral port 70 via shear pins or screws (e.g., brass shear screws) 76 to enable launching of thesecond plug 54 in the manner described below. For example, thesecond plug 54 may be coupled to thecentral port 70 with eightshear screws 76 with eachshear screw 76 having a known shearing force value. - The
plug system adapter 56 also includes packer cups 78 disposed about thecentral port 70. The packer cups 78 form a sealing interface with aninternal surface 80 of thecasing string 28 to seal aninternal cavity 82 of thecasing string 28 from the surrounding atmosphere. The illustrated embodiment of themulti-plug launching system 50 includes twopacker cups 78, but other embodiments may include other numbers of packer cups 78 (e.g., 1, 3, 4, or more). - As mentioned above, the first plug 52 (e.g., the bottom plug) is coupled to the second plug 54 (e.g., the top plug). For example,
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view, taken within line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 , illustrating a connection between thefirst plug 52 and thesecond plug 54. In particular, thefirst plug 52 and thesecond plug 54 are coupled to one another via shear pins or screws 90 (e.g., brass shear screws). For example, sixshear screws 90, each having a known shearing value, may be used to couple thefirst plug 52 to thesecond plug 54. It should be noted that the number of shear screws 90 coupling thefirst plug 52 to thesecond plug 54 may be less than the number of shear screws 76 coupling thesecond plug 54 to theplug system adapter 56. Additionally or alternatively, the shearing force of the shear screws 76 may be greater than the shearing force of the shear screws 90. It will be appreciated that the shear screws 76 are stronger and/or more numerous to ensure that thefirst plug 52 is launched before thesecond plug 54 during the cementing operation. -
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate details of an embodiment of the second plug 54 (e.g., the top plug). For example,FIG. 5 is a side view of thesecond plug 54, andFIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view, taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 5 , of thesecond plug 54, illustrating internal components of thesecond plug 54. The second plug 54 (e.g., second plug assembly) includes anouter body 100, aninner core 102, and acentral insert 104. In certain embodiments, theouter body 100 may be formed from rubber or other elastomeric material, and theinner core 102 may be formed from a metal, such as aluminum, a phenolic material, or other suitable material that may provide rigidity to thesecond plug 54. Thecentral insert 104 may also be formed from a metal, such as aluminum. - The
outer body 100 includes a plurality offins 106 extending radially outward (e.g., relative to acentral axis 107 of the second plug 54) and configured to engage tightly with theinternal surface 80 of thecasing string 28 when themulti-plug launching system 50 is inserted into thecasing string 28. As will be appreciated, thefins 106 enable wiping or cleaning of theinternal surface 80 of the casing string 28 (e.g., clearing of mud, cement, or other fluid) as thesecond plug 54 is launched down thecasing string 28. Thefins 106 also create a seal or barrier between a fluid below the second plug 54 (e.g., cement) and a fluid above the second plug 54 (e.g., displacement fluid) when thesecond plug 54 is launched down thecasing string 28. Theouter body 100 also includes a flaredportion 108 at anaxial top 110 of thesecond plug 54. The flaredportion 108 defines a cavity 112 (e.g., annular cavity) with thecentral insert 104, which captures the fluid (e.g., cement, spacer fluid, displacement fluid, etc.) pumped through themulti-plug launching system 50 to launch thesecond plug 54 and drive it down thecasing string 28. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , thecentral insert 104 axially captures theouter body 100 viaflanges 114 of thecentral insert 104. Similarly, theouter body 100 axially captures theinner core 102 viaflanges 116 of theouter body 100. Thecentral insert 104 defines acentral passage 118 through which a fluid, such as cement, spacer fluid, or displacement fluid, may flow (e.g., from theplug system adapter 56 to the first plug 52). Thecentral insert 104 also includes a taperedthroat portion 120, which partially defines thecentral passage 118. For example, the taperedthroat portion 120 may have a taper of approximately 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 4 degrees from afirst end 122 of the taperedthroat portion 120 to asecond end 124 of the taperedthroat portion 120. The taperedthroat portion 120 is designed to capture a first (e.g., large) solid ball launched through theplug system adapter 56 to occlude thecentral passage 118. Thus, asmallest diameter 126 of the taperedthroat portion 120 may be slightly smaller than a diameter of thecentral port 70 of theplug system adapter 56 to allow the first (e.g., large solid ball to travel through theplug system adapter 56, but not through the taperedthroat portion 120 of thesecond plug 54. - The
central insert 104 also includes anadapter portion 128 at anaxial bottom 130 of thesecond plug 54. Theadapter portion 128 is configured to couple with (e.g., receive) thefirst plug 52. To this end, theadapter portion 128 includes holes 132 (e.g., threaded holes) configured to accept or receive the shear screws 90 used to couple thesecond plug 54 to thefirst plug 52. Similarly, anaxial top 134 of thecentral insert 104 includes a groove (e.g., annular groove) 136 configured to capture or engage with thescrews 76 used to couple thesecond plug 54 to theplug system adapter 56. -
FIGS. 7-9 illustrate details of embodiments of the first plug 52 (e.g., the bottom plug). For example,FIG. 7 is a side view of thefirst plug 52, andFIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view, taken along line 8-8 ofFIG. 7 , of thefirst plug 52, illustrating internal components of thefirst plug 52.FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of thefirst plug 52. Thefirst plug 52 includes similar elements as thesecond plug 54. For example, the first plug 52 (e.g., first plug assembly) includes anouter body 200, aninner core 202, and acentral insert 204. In certain embodiments, theouter body 200 may be formed from rubber or other elastomeric material, and theinner core 202 may be formed from a metal, such as aluminum, a phenolic material, or other suitable material that may provide rigidity to thefirst plug 52. Thecentral insert 204 may also be formed from a metal, such as aluminum. - The
outer body 200 includes a plurality offins 206 extending radially outward (e.g., relative to acentral axis 207 of the first plug 52) and are configured to engage tightly with theinternal surface 80 of thecasing string 28 when themulti-plug launching system 50 is inserted into thecasing string 28. As will be appreciated, thefins 206 enable wiping or cleaning of theinternal surface 80 of the casing string 28 (e.g., clearing of mud, cement, or other fluid) as thefirst plug 52 is launched down thecasing string 28. - The
fins 206 also create a seal or barrier between a fluid below the first plug 52 (e.g., drilling mud) and a fluid above the first plug 52 (e.g., cement) when thefirst plug 52 is launched down thecasing string 28. Theouter body 200 also includes a flaredportion 208 at anaxial top 210 of thefirst plug 52. The flaredportion 208 defines a cavity 212 (e.g., annular cavity) with thecentral insert 204 which captures the fluid (e.g., cement, spacer fluid, displacement fluid, etc.) pumped through themulti-plug launching system 50 to launch thefirst plug 52 and drive it down thecasing string 28. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , thecentral insert 204 is coupled to theouter body 200 and the inner core 202 (e.g., via molding). Thecentral insert 204 defines acentral passage 214 through which a fluid, such as cement, spacer fluid, or displacement fluid, may flow (e.g., from the second plug 54). Thecentral insert 204 also includes a taperedthroat portion 216, which partially defines thecentral passage 214. For example, the taperedthroat portion 216 may have a taper of approximately 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 4 degrees from afirst end 218 of the taperedthroat portion 216 to asecond end 220 of the taperedthroat portion 216. The taperedthroat portion 216 is designed to capture a second (e.g., small) solid ball launched through theplug system adapter 56 and thesecond plug 54 to occlude thecentral passage 214. Thus, asmallest diameter 222 of the taperedthroat portion 216 may be slightly smaller than thesmallest diameter 126 of thecentral insert 104 of thesecond plug 54 to allow the second (e.g., small) solid ball to travel through theplug system adapter 56 and thesecond plug 54 without disturbing thesecond plug 54. However, the second (e.g., small) solid ball is sized such that the taperedthroat portion 216 captures the second (e.g., small) solid ball to enable launching of thefirst plug 52 from thesecond plug 54. Thecentral insert 204 also includes a groove 246 (e.g., annular groove) formed at anaxial top 248 of thecentral insert 204. Thegroove 246 is configured to receive and engage with the shear screws 90 used to couple thefirst plug 52 to thesecond plug 54 when theaxial top 248 of thecentral insert 204 is disposed within theadapter portion 128 of thesecond plug 54 - As shown in
FIG. 8 , thefirst plug 52 also includes rupture disks 250 (e.g., axial rupture disks), which are circumferentially arrayed about thecentral insert 204. Therupture disks 250 are secured to theouter body 200, and eachrupture disk 250 occludes a respectiverupture disk port 252, which extends through theouter body 200 and theinner core 202. Therupture disks 250 may be formed from a polymer, such as plastic, or other suitable material having a known pressure rating. As will be appreciated, therupture disks 250 may rupture when a pressure differential across thefirst plug 52 is greater than the pressure rating of therupture disks 250. Therupture disks 250 may be designed or selected (e.g., material, thickness, size, etc.) to shatter at any desired pressure. Once therupture disks 250 shatter, therupture disk ports 252 may be opened to enable fluid (e.g., cement) to flow through thefirst plug 52. As described in detail below, therupture disks 250 may be configured to shatter upon application of sufficient pressure from cement pumped into thecasing string 28 when thefirst plug 52 is at the bottom of thecasing string 28 after being launched. With therupture disks 250 shattered, cement can flow through thefirst plug 52 at thecasing string 28 and into the annulus between thecasing string 28 and thewellbore 30. - As will be appreciated, the components of the
multi-plug launching system 50 may be sized or dimensioned based on the size (e.g., diameter) of thecasing string 28. In certain embodiments, the diameter of thefirst plug 52 may be too small (e.g., due to a smaller diameter casing string 28) to accommodate theaxial rupture disks 250 shown inFIG. 7 . Accordingly, an alternative embodiment, which is shown inFIG. 9 , may includeradial rupture disks 260. Theradial rupture disks 260 are secured to thecentral insert 204, and eachradial rupture disk 260 occludes a respective radialrupture disk port 262, which extends from an outerradial surface 264 of thecentral insert 204 to thecentral passage 214 of thecentral insert 204. As shown inFIG. 9 , thesmallest diameter 222 of the taperedthroat portion 216 of thecentral insert 204 is disposed axially above the radialrupture disk ports 262. Thus, when asolid ball 266 occludes the central passage 214 (e.g., when thefirst plug 52 is launched down the casing string 28), thesolid ball 266 will not occlude the radialrupture disk ports 262. In this way, thefirst plug 52 may first be launched down the casing string 28 (e.g., with thesolid ball 266 occluding the central passage 214), and theradial rupture disks 260 may be shattered to enable cement flow through the radialrupture disk ports 262 after thefirst plug 52 has been launched to the bottom of thecasing string 28. -
FIGS. 10-15 are various cross-sectional side views of themulti-plug launching system 50 and its components disposed within thecasing string 28, illustrating the operation of themulti-plug launching system 50. First,FIG. 10 is a partially cross-sectional side view of themulti-plug launching system 50 after themulti-plug launching system 50 is stabbed into thecasing string 28 with the gripping device 44 (e.g., casing running tool or casing drive system). As described in detail above, thefirst plug 52 is disposed at the bottom of themulti-plug launching system 50 and is coupled to thesecond plug 54 via shear screws 90. Thesecond plug 54 is coupled to theplug system adapter 56 via shear screws 76. Thecentral passage 118 of thesecond plug 54 and thecentral passage 214 of thefirst plug 52 are both unobstructed. - When the
multi-plug launching system 50 is initially inserted or “stabbed” into thecasing string 28, theinternal cavity 82 of thecasing string 28 below themulti-plug launching system 50 may be filled with drilling mud, as indicated byarrow 300. To clean or wipe theinternal surface 80 of thecasing string 28, thefirst plug 52 may be launched down thecasing string 28. In certain embodiments, an amount of spacer fluid may be pumped into thecasing string 28 before thefirst plug 52 is launched. To launch thefirst plug 52 down thecasing string 28, a first solid ball 310 (e.g., small solid ball) is launched down themulti-plug launching system 50. As shown inFIG. 11 , the firstsolid ball 310 passes through theplug system adapter 56 and thecentral passage 118 of thesecond plug 54 to reach thefirst plug 52. The firstsolid ball 310 is sized such that it will become lodged or landed against thesmallest diameter 222 of the taperedthroat portion 216 of thefirst plug 52. As discussed above, the firstsolid ball 310 has a diameter that is smaller than thesmallest diameter 126 of thecentral passage 118 of thesecond plug 54 to enable passage of the firstsolid ball 310 through thesecond plug 54 without disturbing thesecond plug 54. For example, the firstsolid ball 310 may have a diameter of approximately 1 3/16″. - With the first
solid ball 310 lodged in thesmallest diameter 222 of thefirst plug 52, a first fluid may be pumped through the multi-plug launching system 50 (e.g., through theplug system adapter 56 and thecentral passage 118 of thesecond plug 54 to reach the occludedcentral passage 214 of thefirst plug 52, as indicated byarrow 312. For example, the first fluid may be a spacer fluid or a cement slurry. As pressure builds behind the firstsolid ball 310 in thefirst plug 52, the pressure will overcome the shear strength of the shear screws 90 coupling thefirst plug 52 to thesecond plug 54. -
FIG. 12 is a partially cross-sectional side view of themulti-plug launching system 50 after the shear screws 90 have sheared and thefirst plug 52 has initially launched down thecasing string 28. After thefirst plug 52 initially launches down thecasing string 28, a cement slurry may be pumped into aspace 320 in thecasing string 28 between thefirst plug 52 and thesecond plug 54 to drive thefirst plug 52 down to the bottom of thecasing string 28, as indicated byarrow 322. That is, the cement slurry may be pumped through thegripping device 44, through theplug system adapter 56, through thesecond plug 54, and into thespace 320 within thecasing string 28. The cement slurry may be pumped into thespace 320 between thefirst plug 52 and thesecond plug 54 until thefirst plug 52 reaches the bottom of thecasing string 28. - For example,
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of anaxial bottom 330 of thecasing string 28, illustrating afloat shoe 332 coupled to theaxial bottom 330 of thecasing string 28 with thefirst plug 52 landed against thefloat shoe 332. While thefirst plug 52 is landed against thefloat shoe 332 at theaxial bottom 330 of thecasing string 28, in other embodiments thefirst plug 52 may be landed against another stopping mechanism at theaxial bottom 330 of thecasing string 28. Although thefirst plug 52 is landed against thefloat shoe 332, the cement slurry may continue to be pumped into thecasing string 28 to build pressure behind thefirst plug 52 at theaxial bottom 330 of thecasing string 28. Specifically, the cement slurry may be pumped into thecasing string 28 until therupture disks 250 shatter to open therupture disk ports 252 in thefirst plug 52. Shattering of therupture disks 250 may be verified using a variety of methods. For example, the cement slurry may be pumped into thecasing string 28 behind thefirst plug 52 until a desired volume of cement slurry has been pumped into thecasing string 28. For example, the desired volume of cement slurry may be based on a known size (e.g., length and diameter) of thecasing string 28 and a known strength of therupture disks 250. Alternatively, the cement slurry may be pumped into thecasing string 28 until a desired and measured pressure of cement slurry within thecasing string 28 is reached. Similarly, the desired pressure of cement slurry within thecasing string 28 may be based on a known size of thecasing string 28 and a known strength of therupture disks 250. It should be noted that the first solid ball 310 (e.g., small solid ball) remains lodged in the taperedthroat portion 216 during this process and does not allow cement slurry to flow through thecentral passage 214 of thefirst plug 52. - As discussed above, once the
rupture disks 250 shatter, therupture disk ports 252 may be opened, and the cement slurry within thecasing string 28 may flow into the annulus between thecasing string 28 and thewellbore 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the cement slurry flows through therupture disk ports 252, as indicated byarrows 334, and through thefloat shoe 332. The cement slurry may flow through a valve 336 (e.g., a one-way valve, check valve, etc.) of thefloat shoe 332 and out of thefloat shoe 332 into the annulus, as indicated byarrows 338. Thereafter, cement slurry may continue to be pumped through thecasing string 28 and into the annulus until a desired amount of cement slurry has been pumped. - After the desired amount of cement slurry has been pumped, a second
solid ball 350 may be launched into themulti-plug launching system 50, as shown inFIG. 14 . For example, the second solid ball 350 (e.g., large solid ball) may travel through thegripping device 44, theplug system adapter 56, and into the taperedthroat portion 120 of thesecond plug 54. The secondsolid ball 350 is sized such that it will become lodged or landed against thesmallest diameter 126 of the taperedthroat portion 120 of thesecond plug 54. For example, the secondsolid ball 350 may have a diameter of approximately 1½″. - With the second
solid ball 350 lodged in thesmallest diameter 126 of thesecond plug 54, a second fluid may be pumped through the multi-plug launching system 50 (e.g., through theplug system adapter 56 to reach the occludedcentral passage 118 of thesecond plug 54, as indicated byarrow 352. For example, the second fluid may be a displacement fluid. As pressure builds behind the secondsolid ball 350 in thesecond plug 54, the pressure will overcome the shear strength of the shear screws 76 coupling thesecond plug 54 to theplug system adapter 56. -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of themulti-plug launching system 50 after the shear screws 76 have sheared and thesecond plug 54 has initially launched down thecasing string 28. After thesecond plug 54 initially launches down thecasing string 28, the displacement fluid may continue to be pumped into aspace 360 in thecasing string 28 between thesecond plug 54 andplug system adapter 56 to drive thesecond plug 54 down to the bottom of the casing string 28 (e.g., to land against the first plug 52), as indicated byarrow 362. That is, the displacement fluid may be pumped through thegripping device 44, through theplug system adapter 56, and into thespace 360 within thecasing string 28. The displacement fluid may be pumped into thespace 360 between theplug system adapter 56 and thesecond plug 54 until thesecond plug 54 reaches the bottom of thecasing string 28. After the displacement fluid is pumped into thecasing string 28, the displacement fluid may be locked in until the cement slurry previously pumped into thecasing string 28 is cured. - As discussed in detail above, present embodiments provide a system and method for launching multiple cement plugs (e.g., first and
second plugs 52 and 54) within thecasing string 28 or other tubular string. For example, during casing cementing operations. Specifically, present embodiments include themulti-plug launching system 50 having the first plug 52 (e.g., a bottom plug) and the second plug 54 (e.g., a top plug), which are coupled to one another via the shear screws 90. The second plug 54 (e.g., the top plug) is also coupled to theplug system adapter 56 via shear screws 76 to enable coupling of thefirst plug 54 and thesecond plug 56 to the gripping device 44 (e.g., a casing running tool or casing drive system). With the first andsecond plugs gripping device 44, themulti-plug launching system 50 may be inserted into (e.g., “stabbed” into) thecasing string 28. The first andsecond plugs central passages plugs casing sting 28. - After a casing running operation is completed, the
casing string 28 within thewellbore 30 may be filled with drilling mud. Prior to beginning a casing cementing process, the first solid ball 310 (e.g., small solid ball) is launched to occlude thecentral passage 214 of thefirst plug 52. Thereafter, a cement slurry and/or a spacer fluid is pumped through the second plug 54 (e.g., top plug) and behind the firstsolid ball 310 andfirst plug 52, thereby creating pressure and causing shear screws 90 coupling thefirst plug 52 to thesecond plug 54 to shear to launch thefirst plug 52. After thefirst plug 52 is launched, cement is pumped through thesecond plug 54 and behind thefirst plug 52 to drive thefirst plug 52 down thecasing string 28 until thefirst plug 52 reaches theaxial bottom 330 of thecasing string 28. As discussed above, thefirst plug 52 also includesrupture disks 250 that occluderupture disk ports 252 of thefirst plug 52. The cement may be pumped through thesecond plug 54 and into thecasing string 28 until therupture disks 250 of thefirst plug 52 at theaxial bottom 330 of thecasing string 28 shatter and open therupture disk ports 252. With therupture disk ports 252 of thefirst plug 52 opened, the cement may flow out of thecasing string 28 and into an annulus between thecasing string 28 and thewellbore 30. - Once a desired or calculated amount of the cement is pumped through the
second plug 54 into the casing string 28 (e.g., to rupture therupture disks 250 of thefirst plug 52 at theaxial bottom 330 of thecasing string 28 and/or fill the annulus between thecasing string 28 and the wellbore 30), the secondsolid ball 350 is launched to occlude thecentral passage 118 of thesecond plug 54. Thereafter, a displacement fluid (e.g., water or a water mixture) is pumped behind the second solid ball 350 (e.g., large solid ball) and thesecond plug 54, thereby creating pressure and causing shear screws 76 coupling thesecond plug 54 to theplug system adapter 56 to shear and launch thesecond plug 54 down thecasing string 28. Thereafter, the displacement fluid may be locked in thecasing string 28 until the previously-pumped cement is cured. As discussed above, present embodiments of themulti-plug launching system 50 are shorter and more compact than traditional multi-plug launching systems. Thus, as the disclosed systems are inserted into thecasing string 28, they may take up little or no stack-up room on the derrick orrig 10. - While the present disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and tables and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the embodiments are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following appended claims. Further, although individual embodiments are discussed herein, the disclosure is intended to cover all combinations of these embodiments.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/499,723 US20170314365A1 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2017-04-27 | Multi-plug launching system and method |
PCT/US2017/030133 WO2017190010A1 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2017-04-28 | Multi-plug launching system and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201662329898P | 2016-04-29 | 2016-04-29 | |
US15/499,723 US20170314365A1 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2017-04-27 | Multi-plug launching system and method |
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US20170314365A1 true US20170314365A1 (en) | 2017-11-02 |
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ID=60158812
Family Applications (1)
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US15/499,723 Abandoned US20170314365A1 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2017-04-27 | Multi-plug launching system and method |
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US (1) | US20170314365A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017190010A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11098557B2 (en) * | 2019-09-06 | 2021-08-24 | Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations Llc | Liner wiper plug with rupture disk for wet shoe |
US11149515B1 (en) | 2020-06-05 | 2021-10-19 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Multiple down-hole tool injection system and method |
US20220112784A1 (en) * | 2020-10-13 | 2022-04-14 | Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations Llc | Cement plug fragmentation enhancement |
US20220381109A1 (en) * | 2019-11-12 | 2022-12-01 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Stage cementing collar with cup tool |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11530595B2 (en) | 2018-08-24 | 2022-12-20 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Systems and methods for horizontal well completions |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5522458A (en) * | 1994-08-18 | 1996-06-04 | Halliburton Company | High pressure cementing plug assemblies |
US5762139A (en) * | 1996-11-05 | 1998-06-09 | Halliburton Company | Subsurface release cementing plug apparatus and methods |
-
2017
- 2017-04-27 US US15/499,723 patent/US20170314365A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2017-04-28 WO PCT/US2017/030133 patent/WO2017190010A1/en active Application Filing
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11098557B2 (en) * | 2019-09-06 | 2021-08-24 | Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations Llc | Liner wiper plug with rupture disk for wet shoe |
US20220381109A1 (en) * | 2019-11-12 | 2022-12-01 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Stage cementing collar with cup tool |
US11149515B1 (en) | 2020-06-05 | 2021-10-19 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Multiple down-hole tool injection system and method |
US20220112784A1 (en) * | 2020-10-13 | 2022-04-14 | Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations Llc | Cement plug fragmentation enhancement |
US11408243B2 (en) * | 2020-10-13 | 2022-08-09 | Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations Llc | Cement plug fragmentation enhancement |
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