Dissolvable Multi-Part Tripping Ball for Single-Trip Wellbore Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing tripping balls from wellbores require multiple trips, which is inefficient and desired to be achieved in a single trip operation to streamline drilling and completion processes.
Innovation Solution
A tripping ball configuration using two or more dissolution-resistant parts adhered together with a dissolvable material, allowing the parts to separate and pass through a seat after the material dissolves, enabling single trip removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tripping ball is used to create a seal in a downhole ball seat, then pressure up events can be achieved, but the ball requires multiple trips or additional operations (drilling out, reverse circulation) for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The tripping ball is divided into multiple segments or parts that are held together by a dissolvable material. When the dissolvable material breaks down, the segments separate and can be individually retrieved through the wellbore, eliminating the need for complex removal operations while maintaining the integrity of the seal during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball incorporates a dissolvable material that changes its properties (from solid binding agent to dissolved state) in response to specific downhole conditions such as temperature, pressure, or chemical environment. This parameter change enables automatic ball disassembly and simplifies retrieval operations.
2Ease of operation
If traditional tripping ball removal methods are used, then the ball can be removed from the wellbore, but multiple trips or additional operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The dissolvable material is pre-configured within the ball structure to automatically break down under predetermined downhole conditions. This preliminary preparation allows the ball to self-disassemble without requiring additional trips or operations, saving time and simplifying the removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball utilizes the downhole environment itself (temperature, pressure, chemical conditions) to trigger the dissolution of the binding material and automatic disassembly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external intervention or additional operational trips.
3Productivity
If a single trip operation is desired for both deployment and removal of the tripping ball, then operational efficiency is improved, but the ball must automatically disassemble and allow parts to pass through the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The ball transitions from a stable, intact structure during deployment to a disassembled state during retrieval. The dissolvable material maintains structural integrity when needed but allows controlled disassembly when dissolution conditions are met, enabling single trip operation while maintaining operational reliability.
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
Facilitates efficient single trip operations by allowing the tripping ball to break down and exit the wellbore, reducing operational complexity and time, and enhancing flexibility in downhole operations.
Implementation Method 1
the adherent dissolvable material operatively arranged to dissolve for enabling the two or more parts to separate from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making a tripping ball comprising configuring two or more parts to collectively make up a portion of a tripping ball; and assembling the two or more parts by adhering the two or more parts together with an adherent dissolvable material to form the tripping ball, the adherent dissolvable material operatively arranged to dissolve for enabling the two or more parts to separate from each other. A method of performing a pressure operation with a tripping ball is also included.