Downhole Assembly Adjustable Degradable Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole assemblies in the oil and gas industry face challenges in temporarily restricting fluid flow and efficiently switching between degradable and non-degradable rods, making it difficult to customize fluid flow rates without requiring multiple assemblies and increasing storage and transportation costs.
Innovation Solution
A downhole assembly with an adjustable flow path that allows for easy insertion and removal of degradable rods adjacent to an inflow control device, enabling on-the-fly adjustments and modifications, using materials that degrade chemically or through galvanic corrosion to control fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple downhole assemblies are used to customize fluid flow rates, then fluid flow control flexibility is improved, but storage and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole assembly is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types of rods (degradable and non-degradable) through a standardized flow passage. This multi-functionality allows a single assembly to perform various fluid flow control functions by simply changing the rod type, eliminating the need for multiple specialized assemblies and reducing storage and transportation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the control function into interchangeable rod components that can be independently selected and inserted into the assembly. This segmentation allows users to customize fluid flow rates by selecting appropriate rods without needing complete separate assemblies, thereby reducing the quantity of material that needs to be stored and transported.
2Manufacturing precision
If degradable rods are used to provide temporary fluid restriction, then fluid flow control precision is improved, but rod replacement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static permanent restrictions to dynamic temporary restrictions using degradable rods. The rods can be inserted to provide precise fluid flow control and then naturally degrade over time, allowing the system to adapt its state from restricted to open flow without manual intervention for removal, thereby improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs disposable degradable rods that perform their function precisely and then naturally decompose. This eliminates the complexity of rod removal mechanisms while maintaining precise fluid flow control during the operational period, as the rods are designed to degrade and be replaced only when necessary.
3Strength
If non-degradable rods are used for permanent fluid restriction, then rod structural strength is improved, but adaptability to changing wellbore conditions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adaptation by allowing operators to exchange rods based on changing wellbore conditions. While individual rods maintain their structural strength, the overall system becomes adaptable through the ability to remove permanent rods and replace them with degradable rods or different sized rods as conditions require, combining strength with versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized flow passage design allows the same assembly to accommodate both permanent non-degradable rods for structural strength and degradable rods for adaptability. This universal interface enables the system to switch between rod types based on operational requirements, maintaining both strength and adaptability.
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 flexible and efficient control of fluid flow rates by allowing quick switching of rods at the well site, reducing the need for multiple assemblies and minimizing storage and transportation costs, while ensuring precise fluid management based on wellbore conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the rod can be made from a degradable material that degrades after a desired period of time
Implementation Method 2
using materials that degrade chemically or through galvanic corrosion to control fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole assembly comprising: a tubing string located within a wellbore; an outer housing located around a portion of the tubing string; an annulus located between the outside of the tubing string and the inside of the outer housing; at least one flow path through the annulus; an inflow control device positioned within the flow path; and a degradable rod, wherein the degradable rod fits into the flow path adjacent to the inflow control device, and wherein the degradable rod is positionable within the flow path or removable from the flow path. The downhole assembly can be used in an oil or gas operation to variably control the amount of a fluid flowing through the annulus.