Degradable Restriction Plug Time Delay Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore technologies lack a cost-effective, configurable, and predictable time delay mechanism that can function independently of wellbore fluids and temperatures, and require complex and expensive systems for isolating multiple hydraulic fracturing zones without the need for milling operations.
Innovation Solution
A detonating restriction plug element with a hollow passage and a mechanical restraining element that undergoes a chemical reaction with a reactive fluid, allowing for a pre-determined time delay before initiating a detonating event, which fragments the plug and isolates zones without the need for milling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used for time delay, then time delay functionality is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical time delay mechanisms with a chemical reaction-based system. A degradable material reacts with wellbore fluids through chemical reactions to provide predictable time delay, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while achieving reliable time delay functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in material properties through chemical reactions to control time delay. The degradable material's reaction rate with wellbore fluids is influenced by parameters such as temperature and fluid composition, allowing predictable time delay without complex mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If known degradable element reacts with known fluid at known temperature, then predictable time delay is achieved, but adaptability to varying well conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a degradable material whose reaction characteristics can be adjusted by selecting different materials and controlling reaction parameters (temperature, fluid composition) to achieve predictable time delays across varying well conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The degradable material can be formulated as composite materials with specific chemical properties that provide predictable reaction rates with wellbore fluids, enabling both time delay predictability and adaptability to different well conditions.
3Ease of operation
If pressure activation is used to detonate, then detonation can be initiated, but time delay control between pressure triggered events is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The degradable material is pre-positioned in the system and begins reacting with wellbore fluids as soon as pressure is applied. This preliminary chemical action provides a built-in time delay mechanism that automatically controls the timing between pressure triggering and detonation without requiring additional control systems.
4Ease of operation
If spool valves with mechanical or electrical control are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but pre-determined delay control mechanism is absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or electrical delay control mechanisms in spool valves with a chemical reaction-based approach. The degradable material's chemical reaction with wellbore fluids provides the time delay function, allowing fluid flow control without complex mechanical or electrical delay systems.
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 provides a cost-effective, predictable time delay mechanism that can operate with various wellbore fluids and temperatures, enabling efficient isolation of hydraulic fracturing zones without milling, thus reducing operational complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape for a pre-determined time delay due to a chemical reaction when the reactive fluid in the space such as wellbore fluids comes in contact with the restraining element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
A detonating restriction plug element and method in a wellbore casing. The element includes a hollow passage in the restriction plug element that receives a detonating assembly coupled to a mechanical restraining element, and a space for containing a reactive fluid. The mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape for a pre -determined time delay due to a chemical reaction when the reactive fluid in the space such as wellbore fluids comes in contact with the restraining element. A firing pin in the detonating assembly is released when the restraining elements changes shape and releases the restraint on the firing pin. The firing pin contacts a detonator in the detonating assembly and causes a detonating event such that the restriction plug element fragments.