Downhole Flow Controller With Degradable Sealed Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for simulating and controlling fluid flow communication between the surface and a subterranean formation require deploying tools downhole, which is undesirable and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A fluid flow conducting apparatus with a housing, flow communicator, and a degradable sealed interface-effector that transitions between sealed and open configurations in response to degradation-promoting agents or pressure differentials, allowing for controlled flow communication without the need for downhole tool deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sealed interface effector is used to prevent fluid ingress, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for degradation mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of undesirable fluid ingressVSAvoiddegradation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealed interface effector undergoes parameter changes by transitioning from a sealed state to a degraded state, allowing the same component to perform multiple functions (sealing and flow activation) without adding device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The degradation-promoting agent autonomously triggers the transition of the sealed interface effector from sealed to open configuration without requiring external intervention or additional actuation mechanisms, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable flow communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If degradable plugs are used to enable flow communication, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation of flow communicationVSAvoidplug degradation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The degradable plug is designed as a temporary, consumable component that serves its sealing function during deployment and then degrades to enable flow communication, eliminating the need for complex retrieval or replacement operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The plug is pre-configured with degradation characteristics that ensure it will degrade at the appropriate time and location, allowing predictable flow communication activation without requiring precise real-time control during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If downhole tool deployment is avoided, then productivity is improved, but reliability may worsen due to uncontrolled flow activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelimination of downhole tool deploymentVSAvoidcontrolled flow activation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical downhole tool deployment and actuation with a chemical degradation mechanism triggered by degradation-promoting agents, eliminating the need for complex downhole operations while maintaining controlled flow activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The degradation-promoting agent serves as an intermediary that remotely triggers the transition from sealed to open configuration, enabling controlled flow activation without direct mechanical intervention downhole

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 selective and efficient flow communication between the surface and subterranean formation, preventing undesirable fluid ingress and ensuring controlled fluid flow for stimulation and production processes.

Implementation Method 1

the flow controller is disposed in a first configuration, and adapted for disposition in a second configuration in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector in communication with a degradation-promoting agent such that degradation of the sealed interface effector is effected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDegradation:

Data Source

PatentUS11639644B2Downhole flow communication apparatuses

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 8 SIGMA ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

There is provided a fluid flow conducting apparatus comprising: a housing, a housing passage configured for conducting fluid through the housing, and a flow controller for controlling flow communication between the housing passage and an environment external to the housing. The flow controller includes a sealed interface-effector. The flow controller is disposed in a first configuration, and adapted for disposition in a second configuration in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector in communication with a degradation-promoting agent such that degradation of the sealed interface effector is effected. In the first configuration, the sealed interface effector is threadably coupled to the housing and defines a sealed interface between the housing passage and the environment external to the housing. In the second configuration, the sealed interface is defeated.