Dynamic Ferrofluid Shield for External Well Blowout Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current well control methods in the oil and gas industry are inadequate for containing uncontrolled releases of wellbore fluids, as they often fail to prevent blowouts, which can lead to significant risks and time-consuming mitigation efforts.

Innovation Solution

The use of electromagnetic field emitting devices (EMEDs) to create a magnetic fluid enclosure around the wellhead, pumping magnetic fluid at adjustable pressure to contain and overcome the pressure source, thereby preventing fluid release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromagnetic field emitting devices and magnetic fluid are used to create a pressure barrier, then the ability to contain pressure sources is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to contain pressure sourcesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic fluid as an intermediary substance between the electromagnetic field emitting devices and the pressure source. The magnetic fluid, when pumped into the enclosure formed by the electromagnetic field, creates a flexible pressure barrier that adapts to contain the pressure source. This intermediary approach allows containment without direct mechanical contact, improving reliability while managing complexity through the use of a controllable fluid medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical containment systems (such as rigid barriers or physical seals) with an electromagnetic-magnetic fluid system. By using electromagnetic fields to generate an enclosure and magnetic fluid to create the pressure barrier, the system substitutes complex mechanical structures with field-based and fluid-based solutions, thereby containing pressure sources more effectively while managing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If magnetic fluid is pumped at high pressure to overcome wellbore fluid pressure, then the effectiveness of well control is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of well controlVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic pressure control by pumping magnetic fluid at adjustable pressures. The pump can increase or decrease the pumping pressure based on the real-time pressure conditions from the pressure source. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain effective well control by matching the containment pressure to the actual wellbore fluid pressure, thereby improving effectiveness while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption that would result from constantly maintaining maximum pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If electromagnetic field emitting devices are used to form an enclosure, then the containment capability is improved, but the cost of equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainment capabilityVSAvoidcost of equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic field emitting devices serve multiple functions: they generate the electromagnetic field to form the enclosure, they define the containment boundary, and they work in conjunction with the magnetic fluid to create the pressure barrier. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate containment structures and components, thereby improving containment capability while managing equipment costs by consolidating functions into a single system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively contains pressure sources, minimizing the risk of blowouts and reducing the time required for well control operations by creating a reliable pressure barrier external to the wellhead.

Implementation Method 1

locating a first set of electromagnetic field emitting devices in a vicinity of the pressure source, using the first set of electromagnetic field emitting devices to generate a first electromagnetic field in a first shape that forms an enclosure containing the pressure source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

pumping a magnetic fluid into the enclosure at a pumping pressure, and increasing the pumping pressure to overcome the pressure from the pressure source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11840903B2Dynamic ferrofluid shield for well control

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A method includes locating a first set of electromagnetic field emitting devices in a vicinity of the pressure source, using the first set of electromagnetic field emitting devices to generate a first electromagnetic field in a first shape that forms an enclosure containing the pressure source, pumping a magnetic fluid into the enclosure at a pumping pressure, and increasing the pumping pressure to overcome the pressure from the pressure source.