Downhole Mixing System for Chemical Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for forming impermeable barriers in wellbores are imprecise, prone to premature solidification, and costly due to equipment clogging and the need for extensive removal processes, especially when dealing with variable well conditions and the use of cement retainers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for mixing two or more chemical components downhole using a delivery sub-system with fluidly separated channels and a downhole injection tool that mixes and solidifies the components at the isolation location, allowing for precise control and isolation from the delivery system, enabling quick solidification and reduced equipment interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the solidifying mixture is delivered from surface using existing wellbore under positive pressure, then the mixture can be pumped to the desired isolation location, but the mixing and dilution with wellbore fluids occurs, reducing precision and the pressures can damage wellbore features
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into separate channels for different chemical components, allowing them to be delivered separately and mixed only at the downhole location. This prevents premature mixing and dilution with wellbore fluids, maintaining isolation precision while enabling efficient delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
A downhole mixing device acts as an intermediary between the surface delivery system and the isolation location. The device receives separate chemical components through the wellbore, mixes them precisely at the target location, and initiates solidification only when needed, eliminating premature mixing issues.
2Ease of operation
If the solidifying mixture is delivered using multiple removable devices of conveyance, then the mixture can be delivered without contacting the uphole section, but the delivery pressures still act on the entire wellbore and the devices can become clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system uses separate, dedicated channels for each chemical component, eliminating the need for complex removable conveyance devices. This segmentation prevents clogging and maintains reliability while preserving ease of operation through controlled separate delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing function is extracted from the delivery system and placed at the downhole location. This separation allows the delivery system to operate simply as a transport mechanism without the complexity of removable devices, improving reliability while maintaining operational ease.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the solidifying mixture is delivered via conveyance device with mechanical barrier, then the mixture can be injected into the wellbore while sealing the uphole section, but the created hydraulic pressure can damage formations and the device increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate delivery channels for chemical components without requiring mechanical barriers or complex sealing mechanisms. The segmentation allows pressure control through the wellbore fluids themselves, eliminating the need for additional pressure-containing devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wellbore fluids and gravity provide the necessary pressure control and sealing functions without requiring complex mechanical barriers. The system leverages the existing wellbore environment to control pressure and prevent backflow, eliminating the need for additional complexity.
4Productivity
If the solidifying mixture is formulated to allow sufficient time to be pumped into its final resting point, then delivery can be completed, but variable wellbore conditions such as temperature and injection pressures can alter solidification time, causing premature solidification
Solution Approach 1:
By delivering chemical components separately through segmented channels, the system prevents premature mixing and solidification during delivery. The components only mix at the downhole location where they are needed, ensuring reliable solidification timing regardless of wellbore temperature or pressure variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical components are prepared and delivered in a ready-but-unreactive state, with mixing and solidification initiated only at the downhole location at the appropriate time. This preliminary preparation prevents premature solidification while ensuring delivery completion.
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 ensures precise formation of a solidified isolation material with improved control over solidification time, reduces equipment clogging, and minimizes operational costs by eliminating the need for retainer systems and simplifying removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
delivering the two or more chemical components from the surface through a delivery sub-system having at least two fluidly separated delivery channels downhole to the isolation location
Implementation Method 2
mixing the two or more chemical components to form a solidifying isolation mixture at or about the isolation location
Implementation Method 3
the solidifying isolation mixture solidifies to the solidified isolation material after a period of time
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a mixture downhole at or about a location in an open or cased wellbore. The method includes extending a retrievable delivery sub-system downhole through the wellbore, delivering two or more chemical components downhole through the retrievable delivery sub-system, and mixing the two or more chemical components to provide the mixture at or about the location. The delivery sub-system has a tubing assembly having at least two fluidly separated delivery channels, and each delivery channel is for delivering at least one of the two or more chemical components.