Capsule-Based Cement Squeeze Well Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cement squeeze operations in wellbore cementing often require excessive cement volumes to fill the annulus, leading to inefficient use of resources and increased operational costs, especially when dealing with perforations or leaks in the wellbore casing.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a capsule-based well tool system that includes a ported sub and a capsule with a one-way check valve and vent structure, which occupies a volume in the wellbore to reduce the required cement volume, allowing cement to flow through ports and seal the annulus efficiently, and is made of drillable materials like fiberglass for easy removal post-operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional cement squeeze operations are used to fill the annulus, then the annulus is sealed, but excessive cement volumes are required leading to inefficient resource use and increased operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The annulus is divided into two segments: an upper portion containing the capsule that fills with cement first, and a lower portion that receives cement after the capsule is filled. This segmentation allows cement to be contained within the capsule volume rather than requiring excessive cement to fill the entire annulus, directly reducing cement volume requirements while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is positioned in advance within the annulus before cement injection begins. This preliminary placement creates a pre-defined volume that will be filled with cement, allowing the cement to be contained and utilized more efficiently. The capsule acts as a pre-positioned receptacle that guides cement placement and reduces waste, thereby improving operational efficiency while reducing cement volume
2Reliability
If the capsule is made of durable material to withstand downhole conditions, then reliability is improved, but removal post-operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule material properties are specifically selected to change state under downhole conditions. The capsule is made of a material that is solid and structurally sound at surface and intermediate temperatures, providing reliability during deployment and cementing operations. However, when exposed to high downhole temperatures, the material softens or melts, transforming from a durable solid to a removable semi-solid or liquid state, thereby enabling easy removal through drilling while maintaining reliability during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is constructed from composite materials that combine high-temperature resistance with drillability. These composite materials maintain structural integrity and reliability under downhole pressure and temperature conditions during the cementing operation, but can be easily drilled through or melted away after the capsule has served its purpose, resolving the contradiction between durability and ease of removal
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 solution reduces the amount of cement needed for cementing operations, enhances operational efficiency, and allows for faster and more economical cementing by occupying volume in the wellbore, thereby minimizing cement usage and facilitating easier post-operation drilling through the capsules.
Implementation Method 1
The capsule can include a one-way check valve at a first longitudinal end of the capsule, the one-way check valve configured to allow fluid to enter the interior chamber of the capsule
Implementation Method 2
The vent structure can include a ball member and a ball seat, the ball member having a specific density less than the fluid in the interior chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A well tool for cementing a portion of a well includes a cement retainer assembly and a capsule connected to the cement retainer assembly. The cement retainer assembly is configured to be disposed within a wellbore, and includes a ported sub and a cement retainer. The ported sub includes a port to flow cement out of the cement retainer assembly and into an annulus of the wellbore. The capsule includes a body defining an interior chamber of the capsule, where the interior chamber is configured to retain a fluid, and the capsule is configured to be disposed at a location within the wellbore and downhole of the cement retainer assembly.