Degradable Plug Seat for Downhole Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole drilling and completions technologies face challenges in efficiently removing obstructions, such as plugs, after they have served their purpose, often requiring costly or time-consuming operations like milling, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for selectively removable and reusable actuation systems.
Innovation Solution
A degradable plug seat system is introduced, where a degradable core is protected by a resistant layer, allowing exposure to downhole fluids for self-removal after actuation, enabling the plug to be reused multiple times without invasive procedures, using materials like magnesium or aluminum with controlled degradation properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug is used to block fluid flow for actuating tools, then the tool actuation function is achieved, but the plug requires costly and time-consuming removal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The plug seat incorporates a degradable core made from biodegradable materials that automatically decomposes after serving its actuation function. This eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming removal operations, as the plug seat naturally breaks down in the downhole environment after the tool has been actuated, allowing the restrictor to be reused without invasive retrieval procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug seat utilizes materials with controlled degradation properties, such as magnesium or aluminum, that change their physical and chemical parameters over time in the downhole environment. These parameter changes enable the plug seat to transition from a stable, load-bearing structure during actuation to a degradable form that automatically removes itself, solving the contradiction between reliable actuation and easy removal.
2Ease of operation
If a degradable core is used for the plug seat, then removal operation is simplified, but the plug seat may degrade before serving its actuation function
Solution Approach 1:
The plug seat is designed with a protective resistant layer that prevents premature degradation of the degradable core during transport and installation. This resistant layer is specifically engineered to withstand downhole conditions until the plug seat is properly positioned and activated, ensuring the core remains structurally intact until the actuation function is performed, thereby preventing early degradation while enabling easy removal afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug seat employs a composite structure combining a degradable core with a resistant protective layer. This composite design allows the inner core to provide the desired degradation capability for easy removal, while the outer resistant layer protects the core from premature degradation, ensuring structural integrity is maintained throughout the actuation process and only degrades after the tool has been successfully actuated.
3Reliability
If a resistant layer is added to protect the degradable core, then premature degradation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistant layer is designed as a thin protective coating or shell that envelops the degradable core. This thin-film approach provides adequate protection against premature degradation while minimizing the increase in device complexity and overall dimensions. The resistant layer acts as a simple protective barrier that can be applied as a coating or thin shell, maintaining the relatively simple overall structure of the plug seat while ensuring the core remains protected until activation.
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 allows for efficient and cost-effective actuation and removal of downhole tools, enabling a single plug to actuate multiple assemblies without the need for intrusive operations, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the restriction includes a core that is degradable upon exposure to a downhole fluid
Implementation Method 2
enabling the plug to be reused multiple times without invasive procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuation system and method, the system including a tubular defining a passage, and an assembly disposed with the tubular, the assembly including a restriction operatively arranged to receive a restrictor for enabling actuation of the assembly, the restriction including a degradable material with a protective layer thereon, the degradable material degrading upon exposure to a fluid in the passage and the protective layer isolating the degradable material from the fluid.