Deployable Body Fluid Diversion in Borehole Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In hydrocarbon exploration and production, existing methods for diverting fluid flow in boreholes often result in uneven stimulation due to differences in formation properties, leading to under-stimulation of less productive zones and inefficient fracturing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing deployable bodies with a core portion made from a rigid material and a deformable outer portion, designed to be advanced by fluid to obstruct high flow rate zones and divert fluid to other zones, ensuring even distribution of stimulation fluids through borehole fluid ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid is injected into high flow rate zones for stimulation, then stimulation effectiveness in those zones is improved, but fluid distribution becomes uneven and less permeable zones are under-stimulated
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable body acts as an intermediary object that is carried by the fluid stream to the high flow rate zone, where it obstructs the fluid port and redirects fluid flow. This mediator approach allows automatic diversion to less permeable zones without requiring complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The object changes its physical state by deforming under fluid pressure - the outer portion compresses and the core portion extrudes to transform from a compact transport state to an expanded obstruction state at the fluid port, enabling automatic activation based on pressure parameters
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-material object is used for fluid diversion, then manufacturing is simpler, but the object cannot simultaneously maintain shape and deform for effective port engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The object combines a rigid core portion (maintains shape and structural integrity) with a deformable outer portion (compresses under pressure to engage fluid ports effectively). This composite structure enables both shape maintenance during transport and reliable port engagement during operation
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the object have different material properties - the core portion is rigid while the outer portion is deformable. This local differentiation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the whole
3Quantity of substance
If fluid pressure is increased to improve stimulation in low permeability zones, then fluid flow to those zones increases, but fluid loss in high permeability zones increases and overall efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable body is preliminarily positioned in the high flow rate zone before full-scale stimulation begins. By obstructing fluid ports in high permeability zones in advance, the system prevents excessive fluid loss and redirects flow to low permeability zones that need stimulation, improving overall efficiency
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 allows for more uniform stimulation by redirecting fluid flow from high permeability zones to less permeable zones, enhancing fracture creation and reservoir coverage, while the deformable outer portion ensures effective engagement with fluid ports and the rigid core maintains shape under pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the outer portion is configured to compress in response to a pressure differential across the object
Implementation Method 2
an outer portion at least partially surrounding the core portion and made from a second material, the second material being deformable
Implementation Method 3
The object is configured to be advanced by a fluid to a fluid port to obstruct the fluid port
Data Source
AI summary
A system for diverting fluid in a borehole string includes an object configured to be deployed in the borehole string. The borehole string includes a plurality of fluid ports defining a plurality of zones along a length of the borehole string, each fluid port extending from a fluid conduit in the borehole string to at least one of: an annular region of the borehole string and a subterranean region. The object is configured to be advanced by a fluid to a fluid port to obstruct the fluid port and divert the fluid in the borehole string to another fluid port. The object includes a core portion made from a first material having a first property, and an outer portion at least partially surrounding the core portion and made from a second material, the second material being deformable and having a second property that is different than the first property.