Deformable Insert Flow Restriction Device for Well Bore Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety devices in well bores, such as blowout preventers, may fail or experience breaches, leading to hydrocarbon leakage and potential catastrophic explosions, and existing flow restriction methods, like collapsible casing devices, face challenges in withstanding well pressure and ensuring reliable sealing.
Innovation Solution
A flow restriction device comprising a deformable insert with a support structure that resists internal pressure, combined with pressure generating materials and triggers, to deform and reduce the well bore diameter, allowing for tailored deformation and enhanced flow restriction, including a bypass mechanism to further restrict flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a deformable insert with high strength is used to withstand well pressure, then the insert can protect explosive material from compression, but the insert cannot be deformed sufficiently to achieve effective flow restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional components: a strong insert support structure that withstands well pressure, and a separate deformable insert wall section that deforms to restrict flow. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert support acts as an intermediary between the explosive charge and the deformable insert wall section. It transmits the explosive force to deform the insert while protecting it from premature compression by well pressure, enabling controlled deformation on demand.
2Productivity
If the deformable insert is made with properties conducive to deformation, then flow restriction is achieved, but the insert cannot withstand well pressure without deforming
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the pressure-resisting function (insert support) from the flow-restriction function (deformable insert wall section). The insert support provides the necessary strength to withstand well pressure, while the insert wall section is optimized for deformation to achieve flow restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert support pre-resists well pressure before the explosive charge is activated, maintaining the insert in its original configuration during normal operation. When needed, the explosive charge overcomes this pre-resistance to induce controlled deformation for flow restriction.
3Reliability
If a blowout preventer is used to seal the well, then flow can be contained, but the device is complex and mounted on the wellhead making it vulnerable to breach
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable insert acts as a flexible internal element that can be deformed to restrict flow. This simpler flexible mechanism is contained within the wellbore rather than being a complex wellhead-mounted system, reducing vulnerability while maintaining sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanical closure system from the wellhead (top-down approach), this invention uses an internal deformable insert activated by explosive charge (bottom-up approach) to restrict flow from within the wellbore, simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Reliability
If the insert deforms under well pressure, then sealing may be improved, but uncontrolled deformation occurs leading to loss of mechanical property control
Solution Approach 1:
The insert support is pre-configured to resist well pressure and maintain the insert in its original configuration during normal operation. This preliminary action prevents uncontrolled deformation while allowing controlled deformation when the explosive charge is activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides mechanical feedback through the insert support-resist-deform cycle. The insert support continuously monitors and resists well pressure, providing feedback that maintains mechanical property control until the explosive charge overcomes this resistance to induce controlled deformation.
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 device effectively limits deformation by well pressure, allowing for controlled reduction of well bore diameter and improved sealing, reducing the risk of hydrocarbon leakage and enhancing safety by providing flexible mechanical properties and additional flow restriction mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure generating material portion adapted in use, to generate a deformation force in response to an activation signal
Implementation Method 2
when the flow restriction device is exposed to an internal throughbore pressure, a force generated on the deformable insert inner surface by the internal throughbore pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A flow restriction device for restricting flow through a conduit.