Electrochemically Dissolvable Fluid Screen for Borehole Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid screens that are initially plugged and later open to flow often require manual intervention or complex configurations, lacking a reliable and efficient mechanism for controlled fluid filtration, especially in environments like earth boreholes where electrochemical reactions can interfere with their operation.

Innovation Solution

A screen with a framework of a first material and a removable substance of a second material, more anodic than the framework, which is designed to be dissolved during an electrochemical reaction, allowing fluid to flow through a tortuous path defined by the framework, while blocking flow initially, using a brazing process with filler metal and particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a screen is initially plugged and later opened to flow, then fluid filtration is enabled, but manual intervention or complex configurations are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid filtration efficiencyVSAvoidscreen configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical intervention with an electrochemical system. A sacrificial anode (more anodic material) is embedded in the screen framework, which automatically dissolves through electrochemical reaction when exposed to conductive fluid, mechanically opening the screen without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameter (electrochemical potential) to control screen state. By selecting materials with different anodic properties, the screen transitions from closed to open state based on electrochemical reaction progression, enabling automated filtration control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient fluid filtration by ensuring the removable substance is dissolved before the framework, maintaining the screen's integrity and allowing fluid to flow through a tortuous path, suitable for applications like hydrocarbon recovery and carbon dioxide sequestration, with the ability to be deployed and activated electrochemically.

Implementation Method 1

a substance of a second material positioned within the one or more openings in the framework and configured to be removable from the framework during an electrochemical reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

brazing particles within a bore of a plug with a filler metal of a first material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBrazing: Brazing

Data Source

PatentUS9945213B2Screen and method of making the same

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A screen includes a framework of a first material having one or more openings therethrough defining a fluidic filter, and a substance of a second material positioned within the one or more openings in the framework and configured to be removable from the framework during an electrochemical reaction.