Anti-channeling Flow Pack-off Particles for Oil-gas Well Segmental Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current segmental flow-control methods for oil-gas wells with channeling paths outside the casing are ineffective, leading to axial channeling flows that compromise cement pack-off and production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of anti-channeling flow pack-off particles carried by a particle-carrying liquid, injected into the annular space and channeling path through perforated tunnels, to fully stuff and seal these areas, preventing channeling flows and enabling segmental flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cement is injected to seal the annular space, then axial channeling flow is prevented, but channeling paths may still form due to cement slurry sinking and vacancies
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary action by injecting particles into the annular space before production begins. These particles pre-fill potential channeling paths and vacancies in the cement sheath, preventing channeling flow from developing during production. This addresses the manufacturing precision issue by proactively compensating for cement placement defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces particles as an intermediary substance between the cement sheath and the formation fluid. These particles act as a mediator that blocks channeling paths and prevents direct fluid communication through the annular space, thereby enhancing the reliability of the cement pack-off effect even when cement quality is compromised.
2Productivity
If a flow-control filter string is used for segmental flow control, then production zones are separated, but channeling flow through the annular space compromises pack-off effect
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two functions: the flow-control filter string for segmental production control and the particle injection system for channeling prevention. By combining these systems, the method achieves both segmental flow control and reliable pack-off effect, as the particles seal the annular space while the filter string manages zonal production.
Solution Approach 2:
Particles serve as an intermediary that enhances the pack-off effect in the annular space, allowing the flow-control filter string to effectively perform segmental flow control. The particles mediate between the casing and formation fluid, preventing channeling that would otherwise compromise the filter string's ability to control flow by production zone.
3Reliability
If the annular space is left unpacked, then channeling flow occurs, but cement injection may create vacancies that also cause channeling
Solution Approach 1:
The particle injection system provides a self-service solution that compensates for cement sheath defects without requiring perfect cement placement. The particles automatically fill vacancies and channeling paths formed during cementation, making the system self-correcting and reducing dependence on manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Particles act as an intermediary layer that addresses both scenarios: when the annular space is unpacked and when cement vacancies exist. The particles mediate by filling voids and blocking channeling paths, providing reliable channeling prevention regardless of cement sheath uniformity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively limits channeling flows, enhances pack-off efficiency, and facilitates segmental flow control, improving oil-gas well production by creating a completion well structure with reduced axial flow resistance and maintained radial flow, thus improving production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
injecting a particle-carrying liquid carrying anti-channeling flow pack-off particles into the annular space through a particle-carrying liquid injecting passage, thus the particle-carrying liquid carries the anti-channeling flow pack-off particles into the annular space
Implementation Method 2
the anti-channeling flow pack-off particles fill, accumulate in and fully stuff the channeling path outside the casing and the annular space between the flow-control filter string and the casing
Implementation Method 3
the anti-channeling flow pack-off particles in the annular space and the channeling path are piled up with a small thickness, a small section and a large axial length, the channeling flow of the formation fluid in the anti-channeling flow pack-off particles in the axial direction of the oil-gas well meets a very large flow resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A segmental flow-control method for a flow-control filter string in an oil-gas well and an oil-gas well structure are disclosed. The oil-gas well includes a well wall(1), a casing(2) located in the well wall(1), a cement sheath(3) provided between the casing(2) and the well wall(1), channeling path(5) existing outside the casing(2), and a plurality of perforated tunnels (6) passing through the casing(2), the cement sheath(3) and/or the channeling path(5) and into a formation from the inside of the casing to the formation. The segmental flow-control method for the flow-control filter string(7) includes the following steps: running the flow-control filter string(7) into the casing, wherein the flow-control filter string(7) is provided with a flow-control filter (8), and an annular space is at least partially formed between the flow-control filter string(7) and the casing(2); injecting a particle-carrying liquid carrying anti-channeling flow pack-off particles into the annular space through a particle-carrying liquid injecting passage, thus the particle-carrying liquid carries the anti-channeling flow pack-off particles into the annular space, and enters the channeling path(5) through the perforated tunnels(6); and sealing the particle-carrying liquid injecting passage or closing a communicating part between the particle-carrying liquid injecting passage and the annular space.