Chemically Actuated Downhole Flow Control Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole flow control and injection devices, such as ICDs, struggle with effectively shutting off water production without intervention and lack flexibility in adjusting well segment modifications post-installation, leading to complications in managing unwanted fluids and limited access for treatments like stimulation and conformance injection.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a chemical trigger mechanism that selectively activates flow control devices using targeted chemicals, allowing for the actuation of choking members, release of sealing members, or restriction of fluid flow through exothermic reactions or swelling, enabling precise control of fluid flow and injection without the need for risky interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passive inflow control systems (ICD) are used to control fracture contribution and balance wellbore hydraulics, then flow control is achieved, but the system cannot effectively shut off water production without intervention and lacks flexibility for post-installation modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device transitions from a static passive ICD to a dynamic system with chemically actuated components. The device includes a chemically sensitive member that can change state upon exposure to trigger chemicals, enabling dynamic control of the flow control member's position. This allows the system to adapt its flow characteristics in real-time based on downhole conditions, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and post-installation adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the flow control device by introducing chemical sensitivity. The chemically sensitive member undergoes parameter changes (such as dissolution, swelling, or phase change) when exposed to specific trigger chemicals, which directly alters the flow control member's position and the device's flow characteristics. This enables flexible adjustment of flow parameters without mechanical intervention.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional ICDs are installed with fixed flow characteristics, then installation is simple and low-risk, but the device cannot be adjusted after installation and relies on accurate pre-characterization of formation conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains the simplicity of conventional ICD installation while adding dynamic adjustability through chemical actuation. The flow control device is installed in the traditional manner with minimal complexity, but incorporates a chemically sensitive member that enables post-installation adjustment of flow characteristics through chemical trigger delivery, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If ICDs are used to limit water production, then some flow control is achieved, but access to the formation for treatments like stimulation and conformance injection is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The chemically actuated flow control device provides dynamic control of water production through chemical trigger delivery. The system can selectively shut off or adjust flow in specific zones by delivering trigger chemicals to the chemically sensitive member, enabling water control without complicated mechanical intervention or formation access procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If chemical trigger mechanisms are introduced to enable selective actuation of flow control devices, then real-time control and reversibility are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is segmented into functionally independent components: a flow control member, a chemically sensitive member, and a trigger chemical delivery system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with minimal complexity, while the overall system achieves selective control through the interaction of these modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemically sensitive member acts as an intermediary between the trigger chemical and the flow control member. It translates chemical signals into mechanical action by changing its physical state (dissolving, swelling, or phase changing), which then actuates the flow control member. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall system by providing a clear, direct translation pathway from chemical trigger to flow control action.
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 allows for real-time determination and mitigation of unwanted fluid sources, enabling conscious decisions on which well segments to shut off or adjust, improving production efficiency and reducing migration of fluids to incorrect zones, while also allowing for reversible operation of flow control devices.
Implementation Method 1
causing actuation of a subset of the plurality of flow control devices with a chemical reaction due to the presence of the introduced chemical at the flow control device
Implementation Method 2
The introduction of a chemical trigger mechanism that selectively activates flow control devices using targeted chemicals, allowing for the actuation of choking members, release of sealing members, or restriction of fluid flow through exothermic reactions or swelling
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods use enhanced flow control devices that can be selectively closed completely or have its effective flow area reduced to restrict production (or injection) by use of a chemical trigger mechanism. In addition, some of the systems deploy specific targeted chemical tracers, dissolvable in the unwanted production fluid (e.g., water or gas). These chemical tracers once dissolved will enter the production stream and be identified at the surface. An appropriate chemical trigger can be placed, for example, by pumping down through the tubing and utilizing intelligent completion valve to place the chemical, or by spotting with coiled tubing and bullhead to the formation. The chemical trigger will only trigger the active chemical in the appropriate flow control device.