Conductive Filament Casing for Pulsed-Power Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pulsed-power drilling systems cannot effectively drill out non-conductive casing equipment in wellbores due to the inability of electric discharges to fracture these materials, which hinders the removal of cement and casing equipment during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating conductive filaments into non-conductive materials used in casing equipment, such as float shoes, float collars, top plugs, and bottom plugs, to allow electric pulses from pulsed-power drill bits to flow through and heat the conductive filaments, thereby fragmenting the non-conductive materials and facilitating their removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional non-conductive materials are used in casing equipment, then the equipment provides effective isolation and structural integrity, but the pulsed-power drilling system cannot fracture and remove the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining non-conductive materials (such as cement, resin, or polymer matrices) with conductive filaments (such as metal wires or carbon fibers) to create a hybrid material structure. This composite casing equipment maintains the isolation and structural integrity of non-conductive materials while incorporating the electrical conductivity needed for pulsed-power drilling fracture removal, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity
2Productivity
If conductive filaments are added to non-conductive materials, then the material becomes fractureable by electric pulses, but the material complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing conductive filaments at specific locations and concentrations within the non-conductive material matrix. The filaments are strategically positioned to provide sufficient electrical conductivity for fracture removal while maintaining the overall non-conductive properties for isolation. This localized approach optimizes the balance between drillability and material functionality, reducing unnecessary complexity
3Productivity
If conductive filaments are incorporated into casing equipment, then electric pulses can flow through and heat the filaments to fragment the material, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-embedding the conductive filaments into the non-conductive material matrix during the manufacturing process, before the casing equipment is deployed downhole. This advance preparation ensures that the conductive network is already established and optimized for electric pulse transmission, eliminating the need for complex post-installation modifications or specialized downhole assembly procedures
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
Enables the effective drilling out of PPD-compatible casing equipment, ensuring efficient wellbore access and production by allowing the pulsed-power drilling system to fracture and remove the conductive filament-infused non-conductive materials, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional drilling methods.
Implementation Method 1
allow electric pulses from pulsed-power drill bits to flow through and heat the conductive filaments, thereby fragmenting the non-conductive materials
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a plug for cementing a wellbore. The plug may include a cylinder. The cylinder may include at least one body including a non-conductive material with conductive filaments dispersed within the non-conductive material. The present disclosure also includes float equipment for cementing a wellbore. The float equipment may include a casing segment including an inner surface, drillable material affixed to the inner surface of the casing segment, and a check valve attached to the drillable material. The drillable material may include a non-conductive material and conductive filaments dispersed within the non-conductive material.