Fibrous Barriers for Subterranean Well Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective solutions for controlling fluid flow in subterranean wells, particularly in preventing or directing fluid flow into specific formation zones and temporarily blocking fluid flow through well tools.
Innovation Solution
The use of fibrous barriers made from degradable or non-degradable materials, conveyed by fluid flow to block or plug openings in wells, which can be made of materials like nylon, poly-lactic acid, or metal wool, and can be designed with central bodies and knots to effectively seal off fluid communication paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flow control methods are used in subterranean wells, then fluid flow can be controlled to some extent, but the ability to precisely prevent or direct fluid flow into specific formation zones is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous barrier is divided into multiple discrete fibers that can individually engage with perforations and fractures. Each fiber acts as an independent flow control element, allowing selective blocking of specific flow paths while leaving others open. This segmentation enables precise control over which formation zones receive fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The fibrous barrier exhibits local quality through varying fiber properties and distributions. Different regions of the barrier can have different fiber densities, lengths, and material compositions, allowing tailored flow control characteristics for different wellbore locations and formation zones.
2Reliability
If permanent flow control devices are deployed, then reliable flow control is achieved, but the ability to temporarily prevent fluid flow and then restore it is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous barrier utilizes material parameter changes through degradation. The barrier can be made from materials that degrade over time or under specific conditions (such as exposure to certain chemicals, temperature changes, or mechanical stress), allowing temporary flow control. After the desired period, the material properties change and the barrier breaks down, restoring flow automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The fibrous barrier enables periodic flow control by being deployable in stages or with varying degradation rates. Different portions of the barrier can degrade at different rates, creating a periodic or phased restoration of flow to different formation zones over time.
3Reliability
If fibrous barriers are deployed to block perforations and fractures, then precise fluid flow control is achieved, but the complexity of deployment and material selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous barrier is designed as a universal flow control device that can be deployed in multiple wellbore configurations and formation conditions. The same basic fiber structure can block perforations, seal fractures, and control flow in various orientations, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying deployment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fibrous barrier acts as an intermediary between the wellbore environment and formation zones. Rather than requiring complex mechanical devices or chemical reactions, the flexible fibers provide a intermediate layer that naturally adapts to block flow paths through their physical properties, simplifying the overall system.
4Duration of action of moving object
If degradable materials are used for fibrous barriers, then temporary flow control is achieved, but the reliability of long-term flow control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous barrier system is dynamic, allowing transition from a stable blocking state to a degradation state. The barrier maintains reliable flow control during its service life, then dynamically transitions as materials degrade. This dynamic behavior enables temporary flow control while maintaining reliability during the controlled period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates beforehand cushioning by selecting materials with predictable degradation rates and properties. The degradation process is designed to occur after the barrier has fulfilled its flow control function, ensuring that reliability is maintained throughout the intended service period before gradual breakdown begins.
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
These fibrous barriers allow for precise control of fluid flow by blocking or unblocking perforations and fractures in wells, enhancing fluid communication between formation zones and the well casing, and can be temporarily or permanently deployed based on material degradation or mechanical removal.
Implementation Method 1
fibrous barriers made from degradable or non-degradable materials, conveyed by fluid flow to block or plug openings in wells
Implementation Method 2
can be made of materials like nylon, poly-lactic acid, or metal wool, and can be designed with central bodies and knots to effectively seal off fluid communication paths
Data Source
AI summary
A fibrous plugging device for use in a subterranean well can include a body having fibers and a retainer material. The retainer material retains a shape of the body. A system for use with a well can include a fibrous plugging device conveyed by fluid flow in the well. The fibrous plugging device includes a body comprising multiple fibers. The fibrous plugging device engages an opening in the well, and thereby seals off the opening. A method for use with a well can include flowing a fluid through the well, thereby conveying at least one fibrous plugging device including a body having multiple fibers, and the fibrous plugging device sealingly engaging an opening in the well, thereby substantially preventing flow through the opening.