Degradable Slip Element Substrate for Downhole Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current slip assemblies in the downhole drilling and completions industry are difficult to remove due to materials like cast iron, requiring time-consuming and damaging drilling/milling operations, and often leave remnants in the borehole.
Innovation Solution
A slip element with a degradable substrate exposed to downhole fluids, combined with a hardened outer surface for anchoring, allowing controlled degradation and easy removal without damaging equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cast iron or difficult-to-remove materials are used for slip assemblies, then anchoring strength and durability are improved, but removal time and equipment damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slip assembly uses a biodegradable polymer matrix that changes its mechanical properties over time through controlled degradation. The material transitions from a strong, load-bearing state during anchoring to a degraded state that facilitates easy removal, directly addressing the contradiction between anchoring strength and removal time
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradable polymer undergoes a phase transition from an intact structural material to a degraded state through exposure to downhole conditions (temperature, pressure, chemical environment). This phase change enables the slip assembly to maintain strength during use then become removable afterward, resolving the contradiction between durability and ease of removal
2Reliability
If cast iron or hard materials are used for slip assemblies, then anchoring reliability is improved, but bit damage and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The biodegradable polymer's mechanical parameters (strength, hardness) are time-dependent. During the anchoring phase, the material maintains high reliability with appropriate strength properties. After deployment, the material degrades and becomes soft enough to be removed without damaging milling or drilling equipment, eliminating the harmful effect of equipment damage while preserving anchoring reliability
3Ease of operation
If degradable materials are used for slip assemblies, then ease of removal is improved, but anchoring strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The biodegradable polymer is engineered to exhibit time-dependent parameter changes where strength and structural integrity are maintained during the anchoring period, then gradually degrade through exposure to downhole conditions. This controlled parameter evolution ensures both strong anchoring and easy removal without compromising either requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The slip assembly is designed with predetermined degradation characteristics that are activated after deployment. The material is pre-programmed to maintain strength during use, then automatically begin degradation through exposure to downhole temperature, pressure, or chemical environments, ensuring both anchoring strength and subsequent ease of removal
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 efficient and controlled removal of slip assemblies, reducing the need for extensive milling or drilling and minimizing leftover material in the borehole.
Implementation Method 1
a substrate at least partially formed from a material degradable upon exposure to a fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A slip element, including a substrate at least partially formed from a material degradable upon exposure to a fluid; and an outer surface disposed on the substrate. A method of removing a slip element including exposing a substrate of the slip element to a downhole fluid for degrading the substrate.