Collapsible Casing Device for Emergency Wellbore Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved systems and methods to control oil and gas spilling from a well, particularly in emergency situations and when obstructions are present in the wellbore, as existing technologies are inadequate for remote and effective management of uncontrolled fluid flows.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible casing device comprising an insert housing, a deformable insert, an explosive material, and a trigger that generates a pressure pulse to reduce the inner diameter of the deformable insert, thereby restricting fluid flow, which can be remotely activated and integrated into existing tubular elements within a wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a main charge of explosive is positioned symmetrically about a passageway-forming tubular member and detonated to crimp the member, then the passageway is restricted to control flow, but the tubular member structure is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the flow control function from the tubular member structure by inserting a separate deformable insert inside the tubular member. The explosive charge only acts on the insert, which deforms to restrict flow while the tubular member remains intact and can be reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the flow restriction function from the tubular member itself and places it in a separate removable insert. This allows the tubular member to maintain its structural integrity while the insert performs the flow control function through deformation.
2Productivity
If explosive material is used to deform the insert to restrict flow, then flow rate is reduced, but uncontrolled spilling may occur during installation or activation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-installed in the wellbore with the deformable insert in its undeformed state, allowing for controlled activation only when needed. The explosive charge and trigger mechanism are prepared in advance but remain inactive until deliberately activated, ensuring reliable emergency control.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable insert acts as an intermediary between the explosive charge and the fluid flow. It translates the explosive energy into controlled deformation that restricts flow, while the trigger mechanism provides reliable remote activation capability for emergency situations.
3Strength
If a deformable insert is placed inside the tubular member to restrict flow, then the insert can be deformed without damaging the housing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable insert is nested inside the tubular member housing, with the explosive charge nested inside the insert. This nested arrangement allows the device to maintain a compact structure while separating the functions of structural support (housing) and flow restriction (insert).
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable insert is made from a material with properties conducive to deformation, allowing it to flex and change shape in response to explosive loading. This flexibility enables flow restriction without requiring complex mechanical structures.
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 collapsible casing device effectively reduces the flow rate of produced fluids by deforming the insert while maintaining the structural integrity of the surrounding components, allowing for controlled fluid management and potential remote activation in emergency situations or when obstructions are present.
Implementation Method 1
an explosive material that generates a pressure pulse in response to an activation signal
Implementation Method 2
a deformable insert having properties that are conducive to deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible casing device, comprising an insert housing, said insert housing having an outer surface and an inner surface, said outer surface fluidly isolated from an external environment, said inner surface having a profile, and a connection between said outer surface and said inner surface, wherein said connection is capable of fluidly connecting to a tubular element; a deformable insert, said deformable insert having an inner surface and an outer surface, said outer surface fitting within said profile of said insert housing, said inner surface capable of containing a fluid and having a first inner diameter, said deformable insert having properties that are conducive to deformation; an explosive material that generates a pressure pulse in response to an activation signal, said explosive material having an inner surface and an outer surface and a composition, said outer surface fitting within said profile of said insert housing, said inner surface external to said outer surface of said deformable insert; and a trigger, said trigger capable of generating said activation signal.