Dissolvable Isolation Device Phase Transformation Milling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for removing retrievable isolation devices from oil and gas wells are often time-consuming, costly, and generate debris, with issues such as premature dissolution and incomplete phase transformations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving causing a portion of the isolation device to undergo a phase transformation, followed by milling the remaining portions to remove it from the wellbore, utilizing techniques like galvanic corrosion, dissolution in solvents, or melting, allowing for efficient and controlled removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional mechanical removal methods are used, then the isolation device can be removed, but the process is time-consuming and generates debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval speedVSAvoidremoval time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation device incorporates a dissolvable component made of soluble material that changes its dissolution rate based on environmental parameters such as temperature, pressure, and chemical composition. By adjusting these parameters, the device automatically controls the phase transformation speed to match operational requirements, enabling rapid removal without manual intervention and eliminating debris generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical removal systems (which require milling tools and generate debris) with a chemical dissolution system. The soluble material component transforms from solid to dissolved state through phase transformation, eliminating the need for mechanical cutting tools and preventing debris generation entirely while significantly reducing removal time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If dissolution methods are used, then removal time is reduced, but premature dissolution and incomplete phase transformations occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval timeVSAvoidcontrolled dissolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation device is pre-configured with a soluble material component designed to remain stable during installation and operation. Before dissolution begins, the device undergoes preliminary setting where the soluble material is protected from premature exposure to dissolving agents. The phase transformation is triggered only after a predetermined operational period or upon receiving a specific signal, ensuring the device fulfills its isolation function completely before removal initiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the dissolution process in real-time. Sensors detect parameters such as structural integrity, chemical concentration, or dimensional changes of the soluble material component. When the phase transformation reaches the desired completion level, the feedback signal automatically stops the dissolution process or adjusts conditions to prevent over-dissolution, ensuring complete and controlled removal without premature failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If soluble material components are used, then complete removal is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation device is divided into distinct segments: a permanent non-dissolvable component that provides structural support and anchoring, and a soluble material component that performs the dissolvable function. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the permanent part maintains structural integrity while the soluble part enables complete removal through phase transformation, achieving high removal efficiency without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The soluble material component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the isolation barrier during operation, acts as the removal mechanism through controlled dissolution, and eliminates debris generation. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional component rather than separate systems, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining complete removal capability and high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables efficient and controlled removal of isolation devices, reducing time and costs while minimizing debris and ensuring complete removal, thereby improving well operation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing techniques like galvanic corrosion, dissolution in solvents, or melting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGalvanic corrosion:

Implementation Method 2

dissolution in solvents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

melting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS10053939B2Dissolvable and millable isolation devices

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method of removing a wellbore isolation device comprising: causing or allowing at least a portion of the isolation device to undergo a phase transformation in the wellbore; and milling at least a portion of the isolation device that does not undergo the phase transformation.