Downhole Foam Screen With Open Cell Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication across screens in tubular systems used in the downhole completion industry, such as separating sand and hydrocarbons, is challenging due to the construction of the screens, which hinders efficient fluidic communication and treatment processes.
Innovation Solution
A screen device featuring a foam body with an open cell structure and a longitudinal passageway that surrounds a tubular with perforations, allowing fluidic communication between the outer surface and the inside of the tubular, and incorporating a conduit for unobstructed passage and potential attachment of communication lines like hydraulic, electric, or fiber optic cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional screen construction is used to separate particulate from fluids, then separation function is achieved, but fluidic communication across the screen is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs foam bodies with open cell structures as porous materials to replace traditional solid screen constructions. These foam bodies allow fluid to pass through while maintaining separation functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving separation and enabling fluidic communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam body acts as an intermediary element between the tubular screen and the surrounding environment. It facilitates fluidic communication while maintaining the separation function, serving as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of separation and communication.
2Strength
If a solid screen structure is used for separation, then structural strength is maintained, but communication lines cannot pass through easily
Solution Approach 1:
The screen structure is segmented into multiple components: a tubular element and separate foam bodies with integrated conduits. This segmentation allows communication lines to be routed through the foam body conduits without compromising the structural integrity of the overall screen assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication conduits are nested within the foam body structure. The foam body surrounds the tubular element, and conduits are embedded in the foam, creating a nested configuration that protects communication lines while maintaining structural strength.
3Productivity
If treatment processes are applied through screens, then treatment effectiveness is reduced, but screen construction remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The foam body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables fluidic communication, houses communication conduits, and facilitates treatment processes. This multi-functionality improves treatment effectiveness without requiring a proportionally complex device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic and pneumatic principles by incorporating conduits that can deliver treatment fluids or gases through the foam body. This enables effective treatment processes to be applied while maintaining relatively simple screen construction.
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 fluid filtration and treatment, enables communication through the screen device, and allows for parameter sensing, improving operational efficiency and adaptability in downhole environments.
Implementation Method 1
The foam body has an open cell structure such that at least two surfaces of the foam body are in fluidic communication with one another through the foam body
Data Source
AI summary
A screen device includes a foam body having a passageway that extends longitudinally through the foam body, the foam body has an open cell structure such that at least two surfaces of the foam body are in fluidic communication with one another through the foam body.