Degradable Bridge Element for Downhole Object Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In downhole resource recovery systems, degradable objects fail to degrade at the designed rate due to reduced reactivity caused by debris and fluid accumulation, leading to operational delays.
Innovation Solution
An object removal enhancement arrangement that includes a seat with a protected volume containing degradative material, which becomes exposed between the seat and another object, accelerating the degradation of the degradable objects by introducing the material into the environment between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If degradable objects are used in downhole systems, then the system can automatically transition from fracturing to production phases, but the objects fail to degrade at the designed rate due to reduced reactivity from debris and fluid accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a degradable bridge element as an intermediary component between the fracturing object and the production object. This bridge element serves as a mediator that degrades over time to enable the transition from the first object to the second object, ensuring reliable degradation timing without direct contact with circulating fluids in the dead zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into multiple functional components: a first degradable object for fracturing, a degradable bridge element for transition, and a second degradable object for production. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the bridge element specifically designed to degrade at a controlled rate to enable phase transition.
2Productivity
If multiple objects are positioned in the downhole environment, then the system can perform fracturing and production operations, but circulating fluid does not well reach the first landed object creating a dead zone with debris accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The degradable bridge element acts as an intermediary that connects the first and second objects while being positioned in a location accessible to circulating fluids. This allows the bridge element to degrade reliably without requiring direct fluid contact with the first object, thereby eliminating the dead zone problem while maintaining system productivity.
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
This solution enhances the degradation rate of degradable objects, thereby reducing operational delays and improving system efficiency by ensuring timely transition from fracturing to production phases.
Implementation Method 1
a material degradative of an object
Data Source
AI summary
An object removal enhancement arrangement including a seat, a volume movable with the seat, the volume being protected in a first condition of the seat and unprotected in a second condition of the seat, and a material disposed within or as a part of the volume, the material degradative of an object.