Disintegrable Deformation Tool for Downhole Zone Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the downhole drilling and completions industry, existing plug and perf operations require time-consuming and costly interventions to remove plug assemblies, which complicates the process of isolating zones and initiating production.
Innovation Solution
A deformation system using a disintegrable tool and member made from materials responsive to selected fluids, allowing for radial or other directional deformation and subsequent disintegration, eliminating the need for retrieval by dissolving in downhole fluids, thereby simplifying zone isolation and facilitating efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional plug assemblies are used for zone isolation, then reliable zone isolation is achieved, but costly and time-consuming intervention is required for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The plug assembly incorporates a biodegradable material component that naturally degrades over time, allowing the plug to serve its isolation function temporarily and then decompose without requiring retrieval operations. This transforms the permanent plug into a temporary, self-eliminating device that eliminates intervention costs while maintaining isolation reliability during the required period.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters of the plug assembly by incorporating biodegradable materials with specific degradation rates. This allows the plug to maintain its structural integrity and isolation function for a predetermined period, after which the material properties change to enable natural decomposition, thereby eliminating the need for costly retrieval operations.
2Reliability
If traditional plug assemblies are used for zone isolation, then reliable zone isolation is achieved, but costly intervention is required for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The plug assembly is designed as a temporary device with built-in biodegradation capability, eliminating the need for complex retrieval operations. The simplified design accepts that the plug will decompose after use, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining isolation reliability during the service period.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the removal function from the plug assembly by allowing natural biodegradation to handle the elimination process. This separates the isolation function (performed by the plug) from the removal function (performed by natural degradation), thereby simplifying the overall operational complexity.
3Loss of time
If disintegrable material is used for the tool, then intervention is eliminated, but tool strength during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates a dynamic material system that transitions from a high-strength state during operation to a degradation state after use. The disintegrable material is engineered to maintain adequate strength characteristics during the tool's active service period, then naturally decomposes when its function is complete, thereby eliminating intervention needs without compromising operational strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes material parameter changes over time, where the disintegrable material exhibits high strength during the tool's operational phase and then undergoes controlled degradation. This temporal variation in material properties allows the tool to be both strong enough for operation and self-eliminating afterward, resolving the contradiction between strength and intervention elimination.
4Ease of manufacture
If disintegrable material is used for the tool, then costly intervention is eliminated, but tool strength during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs dynamic material properties that provide high strength during operation and then naturally degrade. This dynamic characteristic simplifies operations by eliminating retrieval needs while maintaining adequate strength during the critical operational phase through careful material selection and design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention leverages time-dependent material parameter changes, where the disintegrable material maintains high strength characteristics during the tool's service life and then undergoes controlled decomposition. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring adequate operational strength while enabling automatic elimination to simplify operations.
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 solution reduces the need for costly interventions by allowing the tool and member to disintegrate after use, ensuring temporary isolation and enabling quick opening of downhole lengths for production, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the tool at least partially comprises a disintegrable material responsive to a selected fluid
Implementation Method 2
disintegrating the tool upon exposure to a selected fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A deformation system, including a deformable member and a tool operatively arranged to deform the member due to actuation of the tool from a first set of dimensions at which the deformable member is positionable with respect to a structure to a second set of dimensions at which the deformable member engages with the structure. The tool at least partially comprises a disintegrable material responsive to a selected fluid. A method of operating a deformation system is also included.