External Casing Perforating Device with Selective Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selectively treating and producing hydrocarbon-bearing formations in subterranean wells are complex and costly, requiring multiple trips and specialized equipment, especially in non-vertical wellbores, due to the need for separate perforation and plug setting operations to establish fluid communication between the wellbore and multiple zones.
Innovation Solution
A formation perforating system with a wellbore tubular and energetic devices positioned outside the tubular to perforate and fracture formations without penetrating the tubular, combined with a valve system to selectively open and close fluid flow paths between the wellbore and formations, allowing for simultaneous treatment and production of multiple zones without multiple trips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate perforation and plug setting operations are used to establish fluid communication between wellbore and multiple zones, then selective treatment and production of formations is achieved, but operational complexity and cost increase due to multiple trips and specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the perforation and isolation functions into a single integrated operation. The perforating gun simultaneously creates perforations and deploys plugs that seal off treated zones, eliminating the need for separate plug-setting trips and reducing operational complexity while maintaining selective treatment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The perforating gun is designed to perform multiple functions: perforating the casing and formation, deploying isolation plugs, and enabling selective production. This multi-functional device replaces multiple specialized tools, reducing the need for specialized equipment and multiple trips
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trips and specialized equipment are used for sequential treatment of multiple formations, then selective production is achieved, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the perforating gun with integrated plug deployment capability before entering the wellbore. All necessary operations (perforation, plug deployment, zone isolation) are prepared and executed in a single trip, eliminating repeated trips and reducing time loss
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate operations are used for perforation and zone isolation, then selective treatment is achieved, but equipment requirements and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the perforating gun and plug deployment system into a single integrated tool. This combination eliminates the need for separate perforation equipment and plug-setting equipment, reducing equipment complexity and operational cost while maintaining zone selective production capability
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 system enables efficient and selective fluid communication between the wellbore and formations, reducing operational complexity and cost by allowing for sequential treatment and production of multiple zones with fewer trips and specialized equipment, enhancing the management of hydrocarbon-bearing formations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one energetic device positioned exterior of the tubular and configured to perforate, penetrate and/or fracture a formation surrounding the tubular
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for perforating a formation in a wellbore without perforating a well bore casing. The methods and apparatus include an external casing perforating device configured so as not to perforate the casing. The interior of the perforating device serves as a fluid flow path between the casing and the formation following perforation and a valve in the casing selectively opens and closes the flow path.