Degradable Annulus Spanning Member for Precision Fracture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current formation treatment methods such as fracing and acidizing in downhole industries lack precision in fracturing and acidizing, leading to inefficient stimulation of formations.
Innovation Solution
A formation treatment system with an annulus spanning member having degradable material-filled openings, a tubular with ports, and a sleeve for isolating or communicating these ports, allowing for controlled fluid application to stimulate the formation with precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If hyperbaric pressures are applied through ports in a tubing string for fracing, then formation fracture is achieved, but the fracture location is not controlled or optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the treatment process into distinct phases using multiple plug members (first plug, second plug) that segment the tubular interior. This segmentation allows precise control over when and where fractures occur by isolating pressure application to specific zones between plugs, thereby achieving controlled fracture locations without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by deploying the annulus spanning member with degradable material blocking the openings before fluid injection. The degradable material is prepared in advance to be removed by specific fluids (acidizing fluid or formation water), ensuring that pressure is applied only after the spanning member is firmly positioned. This preliminary setup enables precise fracture control without adding operational complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If acidizing is applied to stimulate formation, then permeability is improved, but the treatment is not precisely targeted
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by directing acidizing fluid through specific ports in the tubular string to targeted formation zones. The annulus spanning member with its degradable material blocking creates localized treatment zones, ensuring acid is applied only where needed rather than throughout the entire formation. This precision reduces overall acid consumption while maintaining effective stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The degradable material acts as an intermediary that temporarily blocks openings in the annulus spanning member. This intermediary is selectively removed by acidizing fluid or formation water to enable pressure application at specific locations. The intermediary mechanism allows precise targeting of acidizing treatment without requiring complex positioning systems or excessive acid volumes.
3Reliability
If degradable material is used to block openings in the annulus spanning member, then precise pressure application is enabled, but the material must be reliably removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes parameter changes by selecting degradable materials that respond to specific chemical or physical parameters of downhole fluids. The degradable material is chosen to dissolve or disintegrate when exposed to acidizing fluids or formation water with specific pH, temperature, or chemical composition. This parameter-based degradation ensures reliable material removal without requiring mechanical intervention, maintaining pressure application control while enabling顺畅 fluid flow after deployment.
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 precise fracture initiation and acidizing by directing fluid pressure to specific areas, reducing the need for extensive acid usage and improving the efficiency of formation stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more openings initially incorporating a degradable material; applying fluid through the tubular ID, the fluid degrading the degradable material and removing the degradable material from the one or more openings
Data Source
AI summary
A formation treatment system includes an annulus spanning member having one or more openings therein, the one or more openings incorporating a degradable material. A tubular having one or more ports therein in fluid communication with the one or more openings. A sleeve capable of isolating or communicating the one or more ports with an ID of the tubular. A method for effecting precision formation treatment is included.