Degradable-on-demand wellbore structure with impact-activated ignitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing wellbore components or tools after their service life are time-consuming and expensive, requiring milling or drilling operations, which can be inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing degradable-on-demand materials that include an energetic material and a matrix, where an ignitor is activated by a mechanical impactor to generate heat, facilitating the rapid degradation of the structure, allowing for self-disintegration without the need for extensive removal processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional milling or drilling operations are used to remove wellbore components, then the components can be removed, but the operations are time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the wellbore component from conventional non-degradable materials to degradable-on-demand materials. This parameter change enables the component to transition from requiring mechanical removal (milling/drilling) to chemical degradation, dramatically reducing removal time and operational cost while maintaining structural integrity during service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical removal system (milling or drilling equipment) with a chemical degradation system. The degradable-on-demand material undergoes chemical breakdown when exposed to specific stimuli, eliminating the need for complex mechanical removal operations and associated equipment.
2Loss of time
If degradable-on-demand materials are used, then removal time is reduced, but the material must maintain structural integrity during service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a trigger mechanism within the degradable-on-demand material that remains dormant during service. This preliminary action setup ensures the material maintains its structural properties throughout the component's service life, then activates degradation only when the trigger is pulled, providing controlled timing for removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different material properties in different regions or states of the component. The degradable-on-demand material exhibits high structural integrity and resistance to degradation during service, but transitions to rapid degradation when exposed to the trigger stimulus, achieving local quality differentiation in time and condition.
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 downhole tools by initiating a rapid degradation process, reducing operational costs and time, and allowing for the reuse of the wellbore pathway.
Implementation Method 1
an ignitor (16) disposed on the structure (12) such that when the mechanical impactor (14) impacts the ignitor (16), heat is generated that initiates a degradation of the structure (12)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for degrading a structure includes the structure formed of a degradable-on-demand material, an ignitor arranged to transfer heat to the structure; and, a mechanical impactor movable with respect to the structure, wherein the ignitor increases in temperature upon impact of the mechanical impactor into the ignitor, and heat from the ignitor initiates degradation of the structure.