Extendable Well Screen Assembly Radial Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving uniform gravel packing in wellbore systems is challenging due to sand bridges and other complications, necessitating the use of expandable screens that expand into contact with the wellbore to stabilize the formation and filter out particulates.
Innovation Solution
The use of extendable well screen assemblies with degradable materials and inflatable bladders that expand radially into contact with the wellbore, allowing for fluid pressure to extend the screens and maintain contact even after pressure removal, and featuring degradable coatings to facilitate flow and reduce the need for additional treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gravel packing is used to stabilize the formation and filter particulates, then formation stabilization and filtration are improved, but uniform packing is difficult to achieve due to sand bridges and pumping complications
Solution Approach 1:
The screen assembly is divided into multiple segments that can independently expand and conform to the wellbore geometry. Each segment contains screen sections that can be positioned at different radial distances from the wellbore center, allowing uniform filtration coverage without requiring uniform gravel packing.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable screen assembly acts as an intermediary between the gravel pack and the production string. It provides a mechanical barrier that ensures uniform filtration regardless of gravel packing uniformity, while still allowing the gravel to perform its stabilization function.
2Reliability
If expandable screens are used to expand into contact with the wellbore, then uniform filtration and formation stabilization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen segments are nested within a compact configuration during installation, similar to nested dolls. Upon deployment, they expand outward to contact the wellbore. This nesting principle reduces the run-in profile and simplifies the installation process while maintaining the expandable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen assembly transitions from a static compact state during installation to a dynamic expanded state during operation. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different wellbore conditions while maintaining relatively simple construction in both states.
3Stability of the object's composition
If degradable materials and inflatable bladders are used to maintain screen contact, then screen contact with wellbore is maintained after pressure removal, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The screen assembly utilizes parameter changes in the degradable material properties over time. The material transitions from a non-degradable state during installation and operation to a degradable state after service, allowing the bladder to maintain contact pressure initially and then naturally degrade to reduce formation damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable bladder with degradable material acts as a temporary, disposable component that performs its function of maintaining screen contact during critical periods and then degrades. This approach is more economical than designing permanently complex pressure maintenance systems.
4Productivity
If degradable coatings are applied to facilitate flow, then the need for pre-treatment of drilling mud and acid treatments is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The degradable coating is applied to the screen surface before installation as a preliminary action. This pre-applied coating provides immediate flow facilitation and protection during the critical early operation period, eliminating or reducing the need for subsequent chemical treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The degradable coating provides self-service by automatically degrading over time to facilitate flow without requiring external intervention. The coating's natural degradation process replaces the need for separate pre-treatment and maintenance operations.
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 solution ensures effective filtration and stabilization of the formation by maintaining screen contact with the wellbore, reducing the need for pre-treatment of drilling mud and acid treatments, and enabling the screen assembly to function as a wash pipe before degrading, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing complications.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for fluid pressure to extend the screens and maintain contact even after pressure removal
Implementation Method 2
The screen can include a support material configured to provide rigidity to the remainder of the screen
Implementation Method 3
The degradable material can be selected to degrade in response to certain fluids (e.g., the actuating fluid and/or another fluid) and/or when exposed to certain conditions, such as a specified temperature and/or pressure
Implementation Method 4
well screen assemblies are used to filter against passage of particulate from the wellbore into the production string
Data Source
AI summary
A well screen assembly residing in a well bore has a base pipe and a filtration screen carried on the base pipe. The screen is radially extended with force from fluid while maintaining the base pipe radially unextended.