Radially Extendable Perforating Member Cement Displacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for opening perforations in tubulars, such as those used in wellbores, often rely on ballistic devices which are not permitted for shipment in some jurisdictions, necessitating alternative non-ballistic solutions for fluid flow and cement displacement.

Innovation Solution

A non-ballistic tubular perforating system featuring a radially extendable member that displaces cement and establishes fluid communication between the tubular and the earth formation, utilizing swellable, inflatable, or shape memory materials to create pathways through perforations without the need for explosive devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If ballistic devices are used to open perforations in tubulars, then perforation opening is achieved, but shipment is not permitted in some jurisdictions due to explosive nature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperforation opening capabilityVSAvoidshipment compliance across jurisdictions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the ballistic/explosive mechanical system with a controlled expansion system. A radially extendable member (such as a balloon or swelling element) is deployed inside the tubular, and fluid is pumped through it to cause radial expansion that breaches the tubular wall and displaces cement, achieving perforation without explosives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The radially extendable member serves as an intermediary between the pump and the tubular wall. Instead of directly applying explosive force to the tubular wall, the system uses the extendable member as a mediator that transmits controlled radial expansion forces to breach the wall and displace cement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If radially extendable member is deployed to displace cement, then cement displacement is achieved, but additional components are required for controlled expansion and fluid delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecement displacement efficiencyVSAvoidsystem component quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radially extendable member performs multiple functions: it acts as a cement displacement tool, a bridge plug to isolate the treatment zone, and a conduit for fluid delivery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the cement displacement function with the fluid delivery function by integrating the radially extendable member as both the displacement agent and the fluid conduit. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining efficient cement displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If perforations are opened without ballistic devices, then shipment compliance is improved, but controlled fluid flow and treatment zone isolation become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipment complianceVSAvoidfluid flow control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The radially extendable member serves as an intermediary that provides controlled fluid flow path. By deploying this member before cementing, it creates a controlled conduit through which fluid can be delivered to the treatment zone, enabling precise fluid flow control and zone isolation without ballistic devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 controlled and efficient fluid flow and treatment of the earth formation, including fracturing and production of hydrocarbons, by displacing cement and breaching the radially extendable member with pressurized fluid, while allowing for selective control over fluid access and treatment zones.

Implementation Method 1

at least one radially extendable member positioned radially of the perforations configured to displace cement radially of the tubular and configured to radially extend prior to pumping of the cement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Implementation Method 2

pumping fluid through the tubular and breaching the radially extendable member and establishing fluidic communication between an inside of the tubular and the earth formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven breaching: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS9605519B2Non-ballistic tubular perforating system and method

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A non-ballistic tubular perforating system includes a tubular having a wall with perforations therethrough and at least one radially extendable member positioned radially of the perforations configured to displace cement radially of the tubular and configured to radially extend prior to pumping of the cement.