Fibrous Plugging Device for Subterranean Well Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective methods 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 flow-conveyed plugging devices made from fibrous materials, which can be degradable or non-degradable, are conveyed through the well using pumped fluid to block openings and passageways by extending fibers that follow fluid flow and wedge into restricted areas, sealing off fluid communication. These devices can be made from materials like nylon, poly-lactic acid, or magnesium alloys and can be degraded using acids, radiation, or galvanic action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional plugging devices are used to block fluid flow in well passageways, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the devices cannot be temporarily removed or degraded to restore flow
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging device utilizes changes in physical or chemical parameters (pH, temperature, presence of specific chemicals) to transition between plugged and flow states. The hydrogel material changes its swelling properties in response to parameter changes, enabling temporary plugging that can be reversed by altering the environmental conditions in the wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable-like approach where the plugging device is designed to serve its purpose temporarily and then degrade or be removed. The hydrogel material is selected to break down under specific conditions (acid degradation, enzymatic degradation, or mechanical retrieval), allowing the well to be re-completed after the temporary plugging function has served its purpose.
2Reliability
If fibrous plugging devices are deployed to seal openings by extending fibers into restricted areas, then fluid flow is effectively blocked, but the devices cannot be selectively removed from specific zones
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging device exhibits different properties in different zones along its length. The hydrogel material can be formulated with different degradation rates, swelling characteristics, or mechanical properties at different segments, allowing selective activation or removal in specific formation zones while maintaining reliable sealing where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into multiple functional segments or zones, each capable of independent activation or deactivation. This segmentation allows operators to target specific formation zones for plugging or stimulation while leaving other zones unaffected, providing selective control over fluid flow paths in the wellbore.
3Reliability
If permanent plugging devices are used to prevent fluid flow into formation zones, then flow control is achieved, but the ability to re-complete or divert flow to other zones is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging device transitions from a static permanent plug to a dynamic, reversible system. The hydrogel material can swell to block flow and then shrink or degrade to restore flow, allowing the well to be re-completed or diverted to different formation zones as reservoir conditions change or as part of a multi-stage completion strategy.
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
The solution allows for precise control of fluid flow by permanently or temporarily blocking passageways, enabling re-completion of wells, diversion of fluid flow, and selective stimulation of formation zones, while also being removable through degradation or mechanical means.
Implementation Method 1
a plugging device conveyed through a well by pumped fluid
Implementation Method 2
extending fibers that follow fluid flow and wedge into restricted areas, sealing off fluid communication
Implementation Method 3
can be degraded using acids, radiation, or galvanic action
Implementation Method 4
can be degraded using acids, radiation, or galvanic action
Implementation Method 5
can be degraded using acids, radiation, or galvanic action
Data Source
AI summary
A plugging device, well system and method. In one example, a wrap, band or other type of binding is utilized to secure together multiple fibers, tubes, filaments, films, fabrics or lines of the plugging device. In another example, fibers, tubes, filaments, films, fabrics or lines are fused, adhered or bonded to an outer surface of a body of the plugging device. In other examples, a material of the plugging device may become more rigid or swell in a well. A plugging device may comprise a body loosely enclosed in a bag, wrapper or other enclosure.