Acid-Resistant Oil Tool Shielding Aluminum Alloy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aluminum and aluminum alloys used in oil and gas wells corrode rapidly when exposed to acidic fluids like hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid, leading to degradation and reduced tool lifespan during acidizing processes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating aluminum alloy components shielded by steel components to prevent exposure to corrosive fluids, allowing the aluminum alloy to maintain functionality and reduce weight without degrading, while steel components provide enhanced corrosion resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If aluminum alloy components are used in acidized wells, then weight is reduced and certain functionality is maintained, but corrosion resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool weightVSAvoidcorrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tool employs a composite structure combining aluminum alloy components with steel components. The aluminum alloy provides weight reduction and specific functionality, while the steel components provide corrosion resistance and protective shielding. This composite approach allows the tool to achieve both lightweight design and corrosion resistance in the acidic well environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Steel components act as intermediary protective elements between the corrosive acidic fluid and the aluminum alloy components. The steel components shield the aluminum alloy from direct exposure to acid, enabling the aluminum to maintain its functional advantages while avoiding corrosion degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If aluminum alloy components are exposed to acid solutions, then functionality is maintained, but material degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidtool lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Steel components serve as intermediary protective barriers that prevent direct contact between acid solutions and aluminum alloy components. This shielding mechanism allows the aluminum alloy to maintain its functional performance while protecting it from chemical degradation, thereby extending the tool's operational lifespan in acidic environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The composite construction combines materials with complementary properties: aluminum alloy for functional performance and steel for corrosion resistance. This material combination enables the tool to achieve both adaptability to well conditions and extended service life by leveraging the strengths of each material while mitigating their individual weaknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11976538B2Acid-resistant tool for oil or gas well

Publication Date: 2024.05.07 DAJW INVESTMENTS II LTD BY ITS GENERAL PARTNER DAJW TRUCKING CORP

AI summary

Corrosion-resistant tools for use in oil and/or gas wells are described. These tools include at least one component formed of a metal that has a lower density and different physical properties than steel and also a lower resistance to acids in the well environment. The lower density component may be formed of an aluminum alloy and may be shielded by steel components and sealing components of the tool.