Burst Disk Completion String for Explosive-Free Wellbore Perforation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fracturing methods for subterranean formations rely on explosives for creating perforations, which are hazardous and expensive, and often require costly equipment that needs to be left in the wellbore.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using burst disks with defined rupture pressure thresholds integrated into the completion string, allowing for controlled fluid pressure to rupture these disks, creating flow paths for stimulation without the need for explosives, and enabling independent sequence of rupture based on pressure thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If explosives are used to create wellbore casing perforations, then perforation effectiveness is improved, but safety hazards and handling costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperforation effectivenessVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical/explosive system with a hydraulic/mechanical system. Instead of using explosives to fracture the casing and create perforations, the invention uses high-pressure treatment fluid to rupture pre-installed burst disks, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of explosives while achieving the same perforation function through fluid pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable burst disks that are installed in the completion string before well completion. These burst disks are designed to be consumed (ruptured) during the stimulation process, replacing the need for expensive and hazardous explosive charges. The burst disks are simple, inexpensive components that perform their function once and then are discarded

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of operation

If expensive equipment is used to produce and control perforations, then stimulation control is improved, but equipment cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation controlVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the completion string into multiple sections with burst disks positioned at different depths and with different rupture pressure thresholds. This segmentation allows independent control of stimulation at different intervals without requiring complex external equipment. Each burst disk can be ruptured independently by controlling the pressure of the treatment fluid, enabling precise control over which formation intervals are stimulated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes variations in pressure parameters to control the rupture sequence of burst disks. By adjusting the treatment fluid pressure, operators can selectively rupture burst disks with lower pressure thresholds first, then progressively rupture those with higher thresholds. This parameter-based control eliminates the need for expensive complex equipment while maintaining precise stimulation control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If equipment is left in the wellbore after fracturing, then stimulation control is maintained, but operational cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation controlVSAvoidequipment removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable burst disks that are intentionally designed to be discarded (ruptured) during the stimulation process. After serving their purpose of controlling fluid flow and enabling formation stimulation, these components are discarded rather than recovered. This eliminates the time and cost associated with retrieving expensive equipment from the wellbore, as the burst disks are simple components that remain in place after rupture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 eliminates the use of explosives, reduces equipment costs, and allows for efficient and controlled stimulation of subterranean formations by using fluid pressure to rupture burst disks, facilitating the flow of treatment fluids and reducing the need for expensive equipment to be left in the wellbore.

Implementation Method 1

pumping treatment fluid under pressure through the conduit, and treatment fluid ejecting from the opening in the tool increases pressure within a space within the completion string between the two interval isolation devices to rupture the burst disks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2446112B1Apparatus and method for stimulating subterranean formations

Publication Date: 2020.02.12 DRECO ENERGY SERVICES ULC

Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1F

AI summary

A method of stimulating a subterranean formation using a tubular member with one or more burst disks therein Treatment fluid is pumped under pressure through the conduit of the tubular member The treatment fluid is elected from an opening to increase pressure in a space within a completion string between two interval isolation devices to rapture the burst disks The method further comprises the step of rupturing burst disks in any sequence, wherein the sequence is independent of the pressure threshold of the burst disks.