Casing Deformation Control for Inclusion Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming fractures in subterranean formations are not applicable to deep wells and fail to maintain casing dilation, which is necessary for effective inclusion propagation.
Innovation Solution
The use of an expanded liner and/or an expansion control device to apply and maintain increased compressive stress in the formation, preventing the narrowing of openings formed by expanding the casing section radially outward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the casing is dilated to form fractures in the formation, then inclusion propagation is enabled, but the dilation cannot be retained and stress is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is expanded in a preliminary action before inclusion propagation to create and maintain the necessary compressive stress state in the formation. This preliminary expansion sets up the stress conditions required for successful inclusion propagation while the liner remains in place to maintain the dilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner acts as an intermediary element between the casing and the formation. By expanding the liner within the casing, the compressive stress is transmitted to the formation without requiring permanent deformation of the casing itself, thus retaining the stress while enabling inclusion propagation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If special injection casings are used to form fractures, then fracture formation is achieved, but the method is not applicable to deep existing wells
Solution Approach 1:
The liner expansion method provides a universal approach that can be applied to both new wells and existing deep wells. The same basic mechanism of expanding a liner within a casing can be used regardless of well depth or whether the casing is pre-installed, making the technique universally applicable across different well scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner is nested within the existing casing structure, allowing the expansion operation to be performed inside the wellbore without requiring external access or specialized injection casings. This nested configuration enables the method to work with existing well infrastructure, particularly in deep wells where special injection casings cannot be installed.
3Stress or pressure
If the casing section is expanded radially outward to apply compressive stress, then inclusion propagation is facilitated, but the opening may narrow and stress is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is expanded in a preliminary action to create the opening and apply compressive stress to the formation. This preliminary expansion ensures that the opening is fully formed and the stress is applied before any narrowing can occur, maintaining the stability of the opening configuration throughout the inclusion propagation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner serves as an intermediary structure that maintains the expanded configuration of the casing opening. By keeping the liner in its expanded state within the casing, the opening configuration is stabilized and prevented from narrowing, while the compressive stress continues to be applied to the formation for successful inclusion propagation.
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 allows for controlled and sustained inclusion propagation in subterranean formations, even in deep wells, by maintaining the expanded configuration of the casing and applying compressive stress, thereby enhancing directional control and reducing debris production.
Implementation Method 1
expanding the liner and the casing section, thereby applying an increased compressive stress to the formation
Implementation Method 2
the latch member resisting displacement thereof in an opposite direction
Data Source
AI summary
Casing deformation and control for inclusion propagation in earth formations. A method of forming at least one inclusion in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a liner within a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; and expanding the liner and the casing section, thereby applying an increased compressive stress to the formation. Another method of forming the inclusion includes the steps of: installing an expansion control device on a casing section, the device including at least one latch member; expanding the casing section radially outward in a wellbore, the expanding step including widening at least one opening in a sidewall of the casing section, and displacing the latch member in one direction; and preventing a narrowing of the opening after the expanding step, the latch member resisting displacement thereof in an opposite direction.