Downhole Tool Degradation via Timer-Triggered Energetic Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools lack controlled disintegration capabilities, leading to uncontrolled disintegration due to corrosion reactions, which can delay well operations and production.
Innovation Solution
A downhole assembly with a multilayered unit comprising a core of energetic material, a support layer, and a protective layer, integrated with a triggering system including a pre-set timer and igniter, allowing for controlled degradation upon activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If self-disintegrating downhole tools are used, then disposal time is reduced, but disintegration control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A trigger mechanism is installed in advance within the downhole tool that can be activated by a surface operation. This trigger initiates the disintegration process only when desired, converting the uncontrolled corrosion-based disintegration into a controlled on-demand process while maintaining the rapid disintegration advantage
Solution Approach 2:
The disintegration function is extracted from the passive material property (corrosion) and separated into an active triggerable mechanism. This allows the disintegration process to be controlled independently from the tool's structural materials, enabling on-demand activation while preserving structural integrity during operation
2Reliability
If conventional milling or drilling operations are used, then disintegration control is maintained, but disposal time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disintegration mechanism changes from a gradual corrosion process to a rapid triggered reaction. By altering the activation parameter from passive environmental exposure to active trigger initiation, the disintegration speed increases dramatically while maintaining controllability through the trigger mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical disintegration methods (milling or drilling) are replaced with a chemical/biological triggered disintegration process. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical removal operations, reducing disposal time and cost while maintaining control through the trigger system
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 on-demand, controlled disintegration of downhole tools, ensuring timely removal without disrupting well operations or production.
Implementation Method 1
The igniter is inactive in an open condition of the electrical circuit, and, after a pre-set time period, the pre-set timer closes the electrical circuit and the igniter is activated
Implementation Method 2
the energetic material configured to generate energy upon activation to facilitate the degradation of the downhole article
Implementation Method 3
an activator disposed in direct contact with the core, the activator including a triggering system having an igniter and a pre-set timer connected in an electrical circuit
Implementation Method 4
the energetic material configured to generate energy upon activation to facilitate the degradation of the downhole article
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole assembly includes a matrix material and a unit in contact with the matrix material. The unit includes a core having an energetic material, an activator disposed in direct contact with the core, and at least one layer disposed on the core. The activator includes a triggering system having an igniter and a pre-set timer connected in an electrical circuit. The igniter is inactive in an open condition of the electrical circuit, and, after a pre-set time period, the pre-set timer closes the electrical circuit and the igniter is activated.