Downhole Plug Removal via Dissolving Fluid Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of removing and replacing downhole zonal isolation devices in boreholes is time-consuming and costly, requiring multiple trips of drill and production strings to access and isolate resource-bearing formations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a bottom hole assembly with a plug removal member, such as a bit or mill, and a selective sand screen assembly that allows for the removal of the isolation device during a single downhole trip by introducing a downhole fluid through a screen assembly, eliminating the need for a snubbing trip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drill string is used to cut through the plug and then removed before running the production string, then the plug can be effectively removed, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly due to multiple string withdrawals and installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the plug cutting function and production access function into a single integrated bottom hole assembly. The screen assembly is mounted to the drill string such that after cutting the plug, the same assembly can introduce downhole fluid to dissolve the plug residue and immediately access the production formation without requiring string removal and reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom hole assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a drilling/cutting tool to cut through the plug, then transforms into a fluid injection system to dissolve plug residue, and finally provides access to the production formation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate operations and equipment changes.
2Productivity
If the drill string is withdrawn and a production string is run to access the formation, then production can begin, but the process becomes costly due to multiple string operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the plug removal operation and production access operation into a single continuous process. The screen assembly remains mounted on the drill string throughout, eliminating the need for separate string withdrawal and production string installation, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining productivity.
3Reliability
If multiple string withdrawals and installations are performed, then the plug can be removed and production accessed, but the complexity of operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom hole assembly is designed as a universal tool that performs plug cutting, plug dissolution, and production access functions. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized operations and equipment changes, thereby reducing operational complexity while ensuring reliable plug removal.
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 method enables efficient and cost-effective removal of downhole zonal isolation devices, allowing for immediate production access without the need for multiple string withdrawals and installations, thereby reducing operational time and expenses.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a downhole fluid through a screen assembly mounted to the drill string uphole relative to the BHA
Data Source
AI summary
A method of removing a downhole zonal isolation device includes removing the downhole zonal isolation device arranged in a wellbore with a bottom hole assembly (BHA) of a downhole string formed from a plurality of tubulars, and introducing a downhole fluid through a screen assembly mounted to the drill string uphole relative to the BHA.