Method for configuring wellbores in a geologic formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore configurations for thermal energy recovery are limited in their ability to adapt to thermal gradient anomalies and complexities, often requiring specific designs and equipment that restrict access to thermal energy across varied formations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves independently drilling inlet and outlet wells to intersect and form a continuous interconnecting segment with a predetermined angular configuration, conditioning this segment without casing or liners, and using conduits for enhanced thermal recovery through natural buoyancy-driven convection, allowing for flexible and efficient thermal energy capture across diverse thermal gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If casing or liner material is used in the interconnecting segment, then structural integrity and wellbore stability are improved, but thermal transfer efficiency deteriorates due to mechanical barriers blocking heat flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes casing or liner material from the interconnecting segment of the wellbore configuration. This extraction of the mechanical barrier allows direct thermal contact between the working fluid and formation, eliminating the heat transfer resistance that would otherwise be present and thereby improving thermal recovery efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed geometric wellbore configurations are used, then drilling and construction are simplified, but adaptability to thermal gradient anomalies and complex formations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic wellbore configurations that can adapt to thermal gradient anomalies and complex formations. The wellbore geometry is not fixed but can be modified based on formation characteristics, allowing the system to optimize thermal contact with the formation while maintaining practical drilling and construction procedures.
3Device complexity
If conventional wellbore configurations are used, then equipment requirements are reduced, but thermal energy capture flexibility and efficiency deteriorate due to geometric constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-conventional wellbore geometries and configurations that extend beyond traditional vertical or simple inclined wells. By utilizing three-dimensional wellbore paths and varying angles, the system achieves improved thermal contact with the formation and enhanced flexibility in capturing thermal energy, while still using standard drilling and completion equipment.
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 provides unprecedented flexibility and efficiency in capturing thermal energy from thermally productive formations by eliminating geometric constraints and enabling effective heat transfer without mechanical barriers, thus maximizing thermal recovery regardless of thermal gradient patterns.
Implementation Method 1
using conduits for enhanced thermal recovery through natural buoyancy-driven convection
Implementation Method 2
conditioning this segment without casing or liners, and using conduits for enhanced thermal recovery
Data Source
AI summary
Closed loop wellbore configurations with unrestricted geometry for accommodating irregular or challenging thermal gradients within a thermally productive formation are disclosed. A working fluid is utilized in the loop for extraction of thermal energy there from. The loop and the unrestricted geometry are achieved using magnetic ranging of independent drilling operations which intersect from an inlet well and outlet well to form an interconnecting segment. In conjunction with the directional drilling, conditioning operations are incorporated to condition the rock face, cool the entire system, activate the wellbore for treatment to optimize thermal transfer inter alia. The significant degree of freedom in wellbore configuration is further optimized by the absence of mechanical impediments such as casing or liners in the heat transfer areas.