Anti-channeling particles for segmental flow control in oil-gas wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of using a flow-control filter string with a packer in oil-gas wells with a sand control screen fails to achieve effective segmental flow control due to the formation of an unpacked-off clearance between the sand control screen and the well wall, leading to axial channeling and damage to the pack-off effect.
Innovation Solution
A segmental flow-control method involving the injection of anti-channeling flow pack-off particles into the annular space between the flow-control filter string and the sand control screen, followed by sealing, to fill and stuff the clearance, thereby preventing channeling and enhancing pack-off efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a flow-control filter string plus packer is used to achieve segmental flow control, then flow control in segments is improved, but the pack-off effect is damaged due to axial channeling through the clearance between sand control screen and well wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anti-channeling particles as an intermediary substance filled into the clearance between the sand control screen and well wall. These particles act as a mediator to block the axial channeling flow path, preventing fluid from bypassing the packer and maintaining the integrity of the pack-off effect while preserving segmental flow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different regions: the clearance zone between sand control screen and well wall is locally treated with anti-channeling particles to create high flow resistance in axial direction, while the radial flow paths through the formation remain unaffected, maintaining low resistance for productive flow
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sand control screen is already run in the well, then sand prevention is achieved, but clearance between sand control screen and well wall forms axial channeling flow passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful axial channeling effect into a beneficial structure by filling the clearance with anti-channeling particles. The same clearance space that originally caused channeling is transformed into a flow-resistant barrier, turning the problematic geometric feature into an effective anti-channeling mechanism that maintains sand prevention while eliminating channeling
3Ease of operation
If flow-control filter string is run into sand control screen, then segmental production control is enabled, but pack-off effect between flow-control filter string and sand control screen is ruined by channeling fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-channeling particles serve as an intermediary barrier between the channeling fluid and the pack-off interface. By filling the external clearance first, these particles prevent channeling fluid from reaching and compromising the packer seal between the flow-control filter string and sand control screen, thereby protecting the integrity of the pack-off effect
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 method effectively seals the annular space and clearance, achieving excellent segmental flow control by creating a large flow resistance in the axial direction and small resistance in the radial direction, ensuring smooth flow in the radial direction while limiting axial flow, thus improving oil-gas well production and recovery rates.
Implementation Method 1
a particle-carrying liquid injection passage for injecting the particle-carrying liquid carrying the anti-channeling flow pack-off particles into the annular space
Implementation Method 2
The particle-carrying liquid carries the anti-channeling flow pack-off particles into the annular space and the clearance
Implementation Method 3
achieving excellent segmental flow control by creating a large flow resistance in the axial direction and small resistance in the radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
An oil-gas well structure and a segmental flow-control method for a flow-control filter string (5) used in the oil-gas well. The segmental flow-control method for the flow-control filter string (5) comprises the following steps: 1) establishing a channel (2-1); 2) running the flow-control filter string (5); 3) filling with the anti-channeling flow pack-off particles (7); 4) sealing; 5) disconnecting a run-in string connected to the flow-control filter string (5). The segment flow control of the flow-control filter string (5) is achieved by using a pack-off effect of the anti-channeling flow pack-off particles (7).