Cement Slurry Shape Memory Expansion for Borehole Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cementing processes in boreholes face challenges such as increased pressure on formation rock due to dense cement slurries, leading to potential breakdown and fluid leakage from cracks formed during cement expansion and contraction over time.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating shape memory members with a first shape that expand to a second shape upon heat application into the cement slurry, reducing slurry density and hydrostatic pressure, and using these members to fill cracks and enhance sealing as the cement hardens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If cement slurry with heavy density is used, then structural integrity of formation rock is improved, but increased pressure leads to breakdown of formation and reduced borehole integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidformation breakdown

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the density parameter of the cement slurry by incorporating shape memory members, transforming it from a dense slurry to a lighter slurry that exerts reduced hydrostatic pressure on the formation, thereby preventing formation breakdown while maintaining structural integrity through the expansion mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of cracks forming in cement into a beneficial process by using shape memory members that expand to fill these cracks, transforming the crack formation from a detrimental event into an opportunity for enhanced sealing and integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If cement slurry is directed to selected location and hardens, then formation isolation is achieved, but expansion and contraction over time cause cracks and fluid leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformation isolationVSAvoidcement structure stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces dynamic shape memory members that can change their shape in response to temperature changes, allowing the cement structure to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction stresses rather than remaining static and brittle, thereby preventing crack formation and maintaining long-term stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shape memory members are incorporated into the cement slurry beforehand to provide preemptive protection against thermal stresses and crack formation, cushioning the cement structure against future expansion and contraction damage before the cracks can develop

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Strength

If dense cement slurry is used to ensure structural integrity, then cement strength is improved, but pressure on formation rock increases causing breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecement strengthVSAvoidhydrostatic pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution reduces the risk of formation damage, lowers equipment wear and power consumption, and improves sealing and integrity by minimizing pressure on the formation and filling cracks within the cement structure.

Implementation Method 1

shape memory members having a first shape, the shape memory members configured to expand from the first shape to a second shape upon application of heat to the shape memory members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

heating the shape memory members in the selected space to attain the second shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS8720560B2Apparatus and method for cementing a borehole

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

In aspects, the disclosure provides a method for cementing a borehole that includes selecting a location in the borehole for cementing. The method further includes providing a cement slurry comprising a cement and shape memory members having a first shape, the shape memory members configured to expand from the first shape to a second shape upon application of heat to the shape memory members, placing the cement slurry in the selected space and heating the shape memory members in the selected space to attain the second shape.