Disintegrable Downhole Tool with Energetic Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-disintegrating downhole tools face challenges in uncontrollable disintegration, which can delay well production and complicate well operations due to uncontrolled corrosion reactions, leading to uncertainties in tool integrity and dimension changes during service.
Innovation Solution
A downhole assembly comprising a disintegrable article with a matrix material and an energetic material that can be activated to facilitate controlled disintegration, along with a sensor to monitor and manage disintegration status and well conditions, allowing for minimal disintegration during service and rapid disintegration upon command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If self-disintegrating downhole tools are used to avoid milling or drilling operations, then disposal time and cost are reduced, but disintegration control becomes unpredictable causing operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating an energetic material (such as explosive or pyrotechnic composition) within a protective container during tool manufacturing. This container is designed to remain intact during the tool's service life, preventing premature disintegration. Upon completion of the tool's function, the container is activated to release the energetic material, which then causes rapid disintegration of the matrix material. This preliminary preparation ensures that disintegration occurs only when desired, resolving the contradiction between quick disposal and controlled timing.
2Strength
If disintegrable material with high mechanical strength is used to maintain tool integrity under high pressure, then initial disintegration is minimized, but rapid disintegration after service becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using the energetic material to fundamentally alter the physical and chemical state of the matrix material. The energetic material, when activated, generates extreme temperatures and pressures that cause rapid phase changes and chemical reactions in the matrix material, transforming it from a high-strength, stable structure into a disintegrated state. This dramatic parameter change enables rapid disintegration even of materials designed to maintain high mechanical strength during service, resolving the contradiction between initial strength and subsequent disintegration speed.
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 controlled and timely disintegration of downhole tools, maintaining mechanical integrity during service and accelerating disintegration once the tool's function is complete, thereby optimizing well production and operational planning.
Implementation Method 1
an energetic material configured to generate energy upon activation to facilitate the disintegration of the disintegrable article
Implementation Method 2
a sensor... to monitor and manage disintegration status and well conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole assembly comprises a disintegrable article that includes a matrix material; an energetic material configured to generate energy upon activation to facilitate the disintegration of the disintegrable article; and a sensor. A method of controllably removing a disintegrable downhole article comprises disposing the downhole article in a downhole environment; performing a downhole operation; activating the energetic material; and disintegrating the downhole article.