Fiber Optic Cable Sealing Wellbore Cement via Light Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cementing operations in wellbores face challenges in efficiently activating the hardening of cement at the downhole location, leading to inconsistent bonding between the casing and the wellbore surface, which can result in reduced zonal isolation and increased fluid loss.

Innovation Solution

The use of optical fibers in fiber optic cables to initiate a reaction in the sealant by producing heat and emitting light, activating hydration or polymerization reactions, thereby curing the cement from the bottom of the wellbore and propagating the hardening process upwards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cementing operations are used to activate hardening at downhole location, then the cement should harden and bond casing to wellbore, but the activation is inefficient and inconsistent leading to reduced zonal isolation and increased fluid loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding consistencyVSAvoidhardening efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional thermal activation methods with optical activation using fiber optic cables. Light energy from the fiber optic cable initiates and controls the cement hardening reaction through photopolymerization or photochemical hydration, eliminating the inefficiencies of conventional thermal methods and achieving consistent, reliable bonding between casing and wellbore.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the activation parameter from thermal to optical. By using light wavelength and intensity as control parameters instead of temperature, the system achieves precise control over cement hardening activation, improving both efficiency and consistency of the bonding process while enhancing zonal isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If light is transmitted through fiber optic cable to activate sealant, then curing is initiated efficiently, but the fiber optic cable must be positioned precisely and protected in the harsh wellbore environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring efficiencyVSAvoidfiber optic cable positioning and protection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs protective coatings and sheathing on the fiber optic cable to protect it from the harsh wellbore environment. The cable is enclosed in corrosion-resistant and mechanically robust protective layers that allow it to function reliably in high-temperature, high-pressure, and chemically aggressive conditions while maintaining optical transmission for efficient cement curing activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If cement hardening is activated from bottom of wellbore propagating upwards, then consistent bonding is achieved, but the activation process must be precisely controlled to prevent premature or incomplete curing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding consistencyVSAvoidcuring process control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the fiber optic cable at the bottom of the wellbore before cement injection, preparing the activation source in advance. This preliminary positioning ensures that when cement is injected, the light activation begins immediately at the bottom and propagates upwards in a controlled manner, achieving consistent bonding without premature or incomplete curing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous light transmission through the fiber optic cable during the entire cement hardening process. The continuous optical energy supply ensures uninterrupted activation of the cement from bottom to top, preventing gaps in curing and ensuring consistent, reliable bonding throughout the annulus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 ensures consistent and efficient hardening of the cement, providing robust bonding between the casing and the wellbore surface, reducing fluid loss and enhancing zonal isolation by controlling the curing process through thermal and optical activation.

Implementation Method 1

activating a reaction of the sealant by the fiber optic cable... producing heat... activating hydration or polymerization reactions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption and heat generation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

emitting light, activating hydration or polymerization reactions, thereby curing the cement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS11566487B2Systems and methods for sealing casing to a wellbore via light activation

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Activating a reaction of a sealant, such as cement, with a fiber optic cable, the reaction causing hardening of the sealant. The sealant may be used in wellbore cementing operations to cement a casing in a wellbore. The fiber optic cable may be deployed by attaching it to the outside of a casing during insertion into the wellbore. The activation of the sealant can be via thermal or optical initiation in order to causing a hydration reaction or polymerization.