Core Flooding Apparatus for ICD Scale Dissolution Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In well completions involving carbonate formations, ICDs and ICVs often become stuck due to carbonate scale and particulate deposits, making it difficult to repair them without damaging the formation rock.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory core flooding apparatus simulates ICD or ICV geometry using two rock samples, one representing scale deposits and the other the formation matrix, allowing for the assessment of a treatment fluid's invasion and effectiveness in dissolving scale without harming the formation, using a system with spacers of varying diameters to mimic the valve's operation and a core flood system to test acid formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If chemical treatment is applied to remove scale and particulate deposits from ICDs and ICVs, then the valve function is restored, but the carbonate formation rock is dissolved and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different chemical treatments to different locations: a first treatment fluid is applied to dissolve scale and particulate deposits on the ICD/ICV, while a second treatment fluid is applied to protect the formation rock. This localized differentiation allows selective dissolution of unwanted deposits while preserving the formation matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protective coatings or inhibitors as intermediary substances that mediate between the acid treatment fluid and the formation rock. These intermediaries allow the acid to effectively dissolve scale while preventing direct contact between the acid and the carbonate formation, thus protecting the rock from dissolution.
2Productivity
If acid treatment is used to dissolve carbonate scale, then scale removal effectiveness is improved, but formation rock dissolution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies parameters of the treatment fluid by using a blend of acids with different reactivity characteristics. The first acid has high reactivity for rapid scale dissolution, while the second acid has lower reactivity and is less harmful to the formation. By adjusting the ratio and concentration of these acids, the patent optimizes scale removal effectiveness while minimizing formation rock dissolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite acid treatment system combining multiple acid components with different properties. This composite approach allows the treatment fluid to effectively dissolve carbonate scale through the high-reactivity acid component while the other components modulate the overall reactivity to protect the formation rock from excessive dissolution.
3Reliability
If treatment fluid is injected to remove scale, then ICD function is restored, but formation damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the treatment process into distinct stages: first applying the treatment fluid to the ICD/ICV to remove scale and restore function, then applying a separate protective treatment to the formation. This temporal and spatial segmentation ensures that scale removal occurs without causing formation damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protective inhibitors or coating materials as intermediaries between the treatment fluid and the formation rock. These intermediaries allow the treatment to effectively reach and dissolve scale on the ICD/ICV while blocking direct contact between the aggressive treatment fluid and the formation matrix, thus preventing formation damage.
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 evaluation of acid formulations for scale dissolution and penetration, reducing operational complexity and cost by allowing in-situ treatment of scale deposits without damaging the formation, ensuring proper ICD function and maintaining well productivity.
Implementation Method 1
A treatment fluid is injected through a first section of the device and can then interact with the carbonate sample representing scale
Implementation Method 2
injecting the fluid for treating scale into the second central bore of the test sample in the core holder
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are systems and methods related to a laboratory core flooding device that simulates inflow control devices (ICD) or valves (ICV) geometry in a well completion.