Disposable Engager for Wellbore Zonal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore completion apparatuses for hydraulic fracturing operations are costly due to complex structures and expensive materials, require lengthy removal processes, and have inefficient engagement and disengagement mechanisms, leading to increased operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore completion apparatus with a configurable engager that transitions from an engagement-ready state to an engagement state through relative displacement of its free ends, providing a sealing and gripping engagement with the wellbore surface, allowing for efficient zonal isolation and simplified deployment and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional frac plugs are used for zonal isolation, then reliable sealing is achieved, but manufacturing costs and operational expenses increase due to complex structures and expensive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from expensive traditional frac plug materials to cost-effective polymer materials, while maintaining sealing reliability through optimized geometric parameters and surface treatment of the engageable surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable wellbore completion apparatus made from cost-effective polymer materials that can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive reusable frac plugs and reducing overall operational costs
2Reliability
If traditional frac plugs are used for zonal isolation, then effective zonal isolation is achieved, but removal processes become lengthy and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic engagement mechanism where the engager can transition between engaged and disengaged states through controlled deformation, enabling rapid deployment and removal without lengthy milling or drilling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable apparatus that is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for time-consuming removal processes associated with reusable frac plugs, thereby reducing operational time and costs
3Reliability
If complex engagement mechanisms are used for wellbore completion apparatus, then reliable engagement with wellbore surface is achieved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and simplifies the engagement function to a single engager component with a dedicated engageable surface, removing unnecessary complex mechanisms while maintaining reliable engagement through optimized surface geometry and material properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wellbore completion apparatus into distinct functional components including the engager for engagement, the flow communicator for fluid flow, and the actuator for actuation, with each component optimized for its specific function, reducing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore completion apparatus includes an engager having an engageable surface configured for becoming engaged to a surface of the wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus is configurable in an engagement-ready state and an engagement state. Actuation of the apparatus such that it transitions from the engagement-ready state to the engagement state is with effect that the engageable surface becomes engaged to the wellbore surface. In the engagement-ready state, the engager can include a first free end and a second free end, and the transitioning to the engagement steady is effected in response to relative displacement between the first and second free ends. In the engagement state, the engager can be configured in a loop configuration.