Dissolvable Convertible Plug for Deep Wellbore Partitioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore partitioning methods require rig mobilization for retrieval, are limited by vertical deviation, and are not economically feasible during the completion stage of horizontal wells.
Innovation Solution
A plug with a throughbore, sealing elements, and a dissolvable material, featuring a one-way check valve or flapper valve, that allows fluid flow in one direction and dissolves in wellbore fluids, eliminating the need for retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional plug is used for wellbore partitioning, then the plug can be retrieved using rig mobilization, but it requires expensive rig or coil tubing rig mobilization during completion stage
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is made of dissolvable material that automatically dissolves after serving its partitioning function, eliminating the need for expensive retrieval operations during completion stage. The plug is designed to be temporary and disposable, transitioning from a solid barrier to a dissolved state naturally.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug material undergoes parameter change from solid to dissolved state through chemical interaction with wellbore fluids. The dissolution process is controlled by factors such as fluid composition, temperature, and contact time, allowing the plug to maintain its function until needed.
2Length of stationary object
If the plug is placed deep in the wellbore to maximize production tubing installation depth, then the partition is more effective, but retrieval becomes difficult when well deviation exceeds 15-20 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The dissolvable plug eliminates retrieval operations entirely. Once the plug has served its partitioning function at the desired depth, it automatically dissolves, removing the need to retrieve it even from deep or deviated wellbores.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug performs its function and then self-removes through dissolution. The wellbore environment itself provides the mechanism for removal (fluid interaction), eliminating the need for external retrieval operations regardless of wellbore geometry.
3Reliability
If traditional packers and plugs are used in horizontal wells, then wellbore partitioning is achieved, but retrieval is limited when well deviation exceeds 15-20 degrees from vertical
Solution Approach 1:
The dissolvable plug is specifically adapted for horizontal and deviated wells where traditional retrieval methods fail. The plug maintains reliability for partitioning while eliminating the retrieval limitation through its dissolvable nature.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the plug are designed to change from solid to dissolved state through chemical interaction with wellbore fluids, allowing it to function effectively in horizontal wells where mechanical retrieval is not feasible.
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 deep wellbore partitioning without rig mobilization, facilitating efficient installation of production tubing and tree installation, and dissolves automatically for easy removal.
Implementation Method 1
the body of the plug and/or the object in the throughbore are made of a dissolvable material, including dissolvable metal alloys in particular a dissolvable magnesium alloy or dissolvable aluminum alloy. Generally, the dissolvable material begins to dissolve upon being placed within a wellbore fluid.
Implementation Method 2
The object may include a one-way check valve, such as a flapper valve, to allow fluid flow from above the plug to below the plug while preventing fluid flow from below the plug to above the plug.
Implementation Method 3
The object may also be frustroconical, preferably with a cooperating frustroconical throughbore such that pressure from below the plug forces the object into a tighter seal within the throughbore
Data Source
AI summary
In wellbore completions it is sometimes desirable to block fluid flow from lower in the well towards an upper portion of the well. In a current embodiment of the invention a plug may be placed within a wellbore and, once set, the plug prevents fluid flow past the plug. The plug includes a throughbore into which an object may be placed. The object may be solid and incorporate a shear device such as a shear pin so that in the presence of pressure from above the plug the object may be removed from the throughbore to allow fluid flow through the throughbore of the plug. In the alternative, pressure provided by fluid below the plug is not able to remove the object from the throughbore of the plug. In other embodiments the object within the throughbore of the plug may include a flapper valve to prevent fluid flow from below while allowing fluid flow from above. The flapper valve may also include a shear pin so that a certain amount of pressure is required to open the flapper valve to pressure from above. In order to avoid drilling out the plug in the event that the object within the throughbore cannot be removed or the operator simply desires full wellbore casing access, the plug as well as most components of the plug are constructed of a dissolvable metal such as dissolvable aluminum or dissolvable magnesium.