Downhole Degradable Object Enhancement via Intermediary Reagent
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Solution Overview
Problem
In downhole resource recovery systems, degradable objects fail to degrade at the intended rate due to a 'dead' fluid and debris collecting space, leading to reduced reactivity and operational delays.
Innovation Solution
A second object is designed with a material that enhances the degradation of the first object by releasing a reagent, such as inorganic salts or acids, into the environment between the two seats, facilitating faster degradation and system readiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If degradable objects are landed in downhole environment, then operational sequence can be controlled, but degradation rate decreases due to dead fluid space
Solution Approach 1:
A second degradable object is introduced as an intermediary that releases degradation-enhancing materials (acids, bases, salts) into the fluid environment. This second object acts as a mediator that chemically activates the degradation process of the first object, transforming the inert dead fluid space into a chemically active environment that accelerates degradation while preserving the operational sequence control provided by the first object's positioning
2Extent of automation
If degradable objects are used to control operations, then system automation is achieved, but operational delays occur due to slow degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical parameters of the downhole environment are changed by introducing degradation-enhancing materials (changing pH, ionic strength) through the second object. This parameter change accelerates the degradation kinetics of the first object, reducing operational delays while maintaining the automated control sequence that was established by using degradable objects in the first place
3Stress or pressure
If objects are positioned in dead fluid space, then pressure differentials can be imposed, but fluid circulation and reactivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second degradable object serves as a chemical intermediary that transforms the stagnant fluid environment into a reactive one by releasing degradation-enhancing materials. This allows the system to maintain the pressure differential control provided by the first object's positioning while simultaneously activating chemical reactions that accelerate degradation and improve fluid reactivity
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the chemical parameters (pH, ionic composition) of the dead fluid space through material release from the second object, the system maintains the mechanical pressure control function while enhancing chemical reactivity and degradation rate, effectively decoupling the pressure control function from the fluid circulation limitation
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 approach accelerates the degradation process of the first object, improving operational efficiency and reducing downtime in fracturing and production systems by enhancing the degradation rate of degradable components.
Implementation Method 1
a second object landed on a second seat... comprising a material configured to enhance degradation of the first object
Data Source
AI summary
An object removal enhancement arrangement including a second object comprising a material configured to enhance degradation of a first object. A resource recovery system including a tubular string disposed in a formation, a first seat disposed in the tubular string, a second seat disposed in the tubular string, an object receivable in the second seat upstream of the first seat, the object comprising a material to enhance degradation of an object receivable in the first seat. A method for enhancing response time for degrading degradable objects in a system including landing a first object on a first seat, pressuring against the first object, landing a second object on a second seat uphole of the first object, releasing a material of the second object to an environment between the first seat and the second seat.