Degradable Isolation Device Galvanic Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing isolation devices in wellbores are time-consuming, costly, and prone to premature dissolution, making it difficult to selectively or simultaneously remove these devices to restore fluid communication between wellbore intervals.

Innovation Solution

The use of eutectic, hypo-eutectic, or hyper-eutectic compositions and galvanic corrosion systems for isolation devices, where the substances degrade at specific temperatures or through galvanic reactions, allowing controlled and simultaneous or sequential loss of sealing capability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional removal methods are used for isolation devices, then the isolation devices can be removed, but the process is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval speedVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation device incorporates a sacrificial anode made of degradable metal ( zinc, aluminum, or magnesium) that is consumed through galvanic corrosion to drive the removal mechanism. This disposable sacrificial material enables the isolation device to be removed automatically without requiring external retrieval tools, significantly reducing operational time and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical retrieval systems with a chemical-electrical system based on galvanic corrosion. The degradable metal undergoes electrochemical reactions to produce electrical current, which actuates the isolation device removal mechanism, eliminating the need for complex mechanical retrieval tools and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If isolation devices are removed selectively at different times, then operational flexibility is improved, but control precision is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective removal capabilityVSAvoiddegradation rate control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation device incorporates multiple degradable metals with different degradation rates (zinc, aluminum, magnesium) that can be selectively positioned in different isolation devices or within the same device. This local differentiation of material properties enables selective removal of specific isolation devices at different times by controlling which degradable metal is exposed to the wellbore environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in chemical parameters (metal composition, degradation rate) to control the removal timing. By selecting different degradable metals or adjusting their proportions, the degradation rate can be precisely controlled to achieve selective removal at desired times, providing both adaptability and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If degradable substances are used for isolation devices, then controlled degradation is achieved, but premature dissolution may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing durationVSAvoidpremature dissolution risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation device is designed with a protective coating on the degradable metal that prevents premature dissolution. The coating acts as a preliminary protective barrier, keeping the sacrificial anode intact during installation and initial operation. Only when the coating is intentionally removed or degraded does the galvanic corrosion process begin, ensuring the isolation device maintains its sealing function for the desired duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 efficient and controlled restoration of fluid communication between wellbore intervals by ensuring all or specific isolation devices lose their sealing capability at desired times, reducing operational time and costs.

Implementation Method 1

the substance is a first metal or metal alloy that forms an anode of a galvanic system when in electrical connectivity with a second metal or metal alloy. The second metal or metal alloy forms a cathode of the galvanic system. The first metal or metal alloy degrades when in electrical connectivity with the second metal or metal alloy such that fluid communication is restored between the at least two wellbore intervals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGalvanic corrosion:

Data Source

PatentEP3105412B1Selective restoration of fluid communication between wellbore intervals using degradable substances

Publication Date: 2023.05.17 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

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AI summary

A method of removing two or more isolation devices comprising: introducing the two or more isolation devices into a wellbore, wherein the wellbore comprises at least two wellbore intervals, wherein each isolation device comprises a substance, wherein each of the substances degrades within the wellbore, and wherein the degradation rate of each of the substances causes fluid communication to be restored between the wellbore intervals in a desired amount of time; and causing or allowing each of the substances to degrade.