Degradable Slip Bands for Wellbore Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional method of removing wellbore isolation devices, such as frac plugs, is costly and time-consuming, requiring complex milling or drilling operations to retrieve and dispose of these devices after their purpose is fulfilled.
Innovation Solution
The development of degradable wellbore isolation devices made from materials that degrade naturally in the wellbore environment, eliminating the need for mechanical retrieval by dissolving or losing structural integrity over time, allowing for automatic removal without intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wellbore isolation devices are used, then reliable wellbore sealing is achieved, but complex and costly retrieval operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore isolation device is designed with degradable materials that allow it to fulfill its sealing function temporarily and then degrade automatically, eliminating the need for complex retrieval operations. The device transitions from a permanent component requiring milling/drilling removal to a temporary component that self-dissipates after completing its isolation purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the isolation device by using degradable materials instead of traditional non-degradable materials. This parameter change allows the device to transform from a stable, permanent structure to one that undergoes controlled degradation, fundamentally altering its end-of-life behavior and retrieval requirements.
2Reliability
If traditional wellbore isolation devices are used, then effective zonal isolation is achieved, but time-consuming milling or drilling operations are required for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation device is designed as a temporary component that degrades and dissipates after completing its zonal isolation function, eliminating the need for time-consuming milling or drilling operations. The degradation process automatically removes the device without requiring additional intervention time.
Solution Approach 2:
The degradable materials are pre-configured in the device structure to enable automatic degradation after the isolation function is complete. This preliminary design feature ensures that the device will self-remove without requiring subsequent milling or drilling operations, significantly reducing removal time.
3Ease of operation
If degradable materials are used in wellbore isolation devices, then retrieval operations are eliminated, but material strength and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates materials with dynamic properties that allow it to maintain high strength during its operational life and then undergo controlled degradation. The material transitions from a stable, strong state during isolation to a degrading state after function completion, enabling both durability and easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures that combine degradable and non-degradable components, or layered degradable materials with different degradation rates. This allows the device to maintain structural integrity and strength during operation while ensuring complete degradation for easy removal, resolving the strength-degradability trade-off.
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 reduces the cost and time associated with removing wellbore isolation devices, as they degrade and become non-functional, simplifying the process and minimizing wellbore interventions, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing potential damage to the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
slip bands composed of a degradable material that degrade in a wellbore environment at a desired time
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore isolation device may include a mandrel; degradable slips disposed about the mandrel and composed of a degradable metal alloy selected from the group consisting of a magnesium alloy, an aluminum alloy, and any combination thereof; and at least one packer element disposed along the mandrel. The degradable slips may be formed of a degradable metal material. Optionally, the wellbore isolation device may further include degradable slip bands formed of a degradable metal material or a degradable polymer.