Downhole Fluid Expulsion Apparatus with Wireless Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deploying fluids in boreholes, such as acid treatments, are capital intensive, time-consuming, and often inefficient, as they require large volumes of fluid and extensive rig time, with coiled tubing limitations due to well configuration and depth, leading to incomplete treatment of specific areas.
Innovation Solution
A downhole apparatus with a floating piston and electronic control mechanism, allowing fluid expulsion at pressures lower than the surrounding well pressure, eliminating the need for coiled tubing and enabling precise fluid delivery through wireless communication and mechanical valve control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If coiled tubing is deployed to deliver fluid to specific areas in the well, then fluid delivery accuracy is improved, but operational time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fluid delivery function from the complex coiled tubing system and implements it within a downhole apparatus that can be deployed on simpler tubing. The apparatus contains a container with fluid and a piston mechanism that can be actuated to expel fluid at targeted locations without requiring lengthy coiled tubing deployment and recovery operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the surface equipment and the well formation. It receives control signals wirelessly, processes them through an electronic control mechanism, and executes fluid expulsion at the precise location needed, eliminating the need for complex mechanical coiled tubing systems while maintaining delivery accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coiled tubing is used to deliver fluid to deep or deviated well areas, then fluid delivery capability is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical coiled tubing system with a downhole apparatus that uses wireless communication (electromagnetic or acoustic signals) for control. The electronic control mechanism receives wireless commands and actuates the piston through valve control, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic and field-based control systems that are simpler to deploy and operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole apparatus is designed as a universal platform that can be deployed in various well configurations (vertical, deviated, horizontal) and can deliver different types of fluids (acid, breaker fluid, tracer). The same basic apparatus structure handles multiple applications, reducing the need for specialized equipment for different well scenarios.
3Quantity of substance
If large volumes of fluid are pumped through tubing to treat specific well areas, then treatment coverage is improved, but fluid consumption and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements local quality by confining the fluid treatment to the specific well area that requires it. The downhole apparatus delivers fluid precisely to the targeted formation zone rather than pumping large volumes through the entire wellbore. This localized delivery minimizes fluid consumption while ensuring adequate treatment coverage of the problem area.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pumping excessive fluid volumes to ensure coverage, the invention uses controlled, partial action where the piston mechanism expels precisely the amount of fluid needed for effective treatment. The electronic control mechanism regulates fluid expulsion to match the actual treatment requirements, avoiding both under-treatment and wasteful over-treatment.
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
The apparatus efficiently delivers fluids to specific areas within the well, reducing operational costs and time, while overcoming access limitations, thereby improving the accuracy and effectiveness of treatments like acid treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus can surprisingly be provided with a pressure lower than the pressure in a surrounding portion of a well, in order to expel fluids
Implementation Method 2
a first dynamic seal and adapted to move within the container... the first dynamic seal being between the floating piston and said first portion of the container
Implementation Method 3
an electronic control mechanism comprising an electronic communication device configured to receive a control signal for activating a piston control device; wherein the electronic communication device is a wireless communication device
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
A downhole apparatus and method for expelling fluid which comprises a container defining a void which is separated into three separate sections by a floating piston and control member, each having a dynamic seal. A portion of the container defining one of the void sections has a different cross-sectional area than the portion of the container defining another void section. In use, a fluid to be expelled is provided in one void section, and a reduced pressure (compared to the well) is sealed in another void section. The apparatus also comprises a wireless electromagnetic or acoustic receiver. When a signal is received by the wireless receiver to activate the apparatus, a valve or other mechanism maybe activated to release the floating piston and connected control member such that the lower pressure void and differing cross-sectional areas of the container drives and expels fluid out of the apparatus. The apparatus thus allows fluid to be expelled from the container using a reduced rather than an elevated pressure in the container. Apparatus with reduced pressures can be safer to use compared to those with elevated pressures. The apparatus may be used to deliver chemicals such as a breaker fluid, tracer, acid treatment, chemical barrier or precursors to a chemical barrier into a well or reservoir.