Flow-Conveyed Fibrous Plugging Devices for Wellbore Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling fluid flow in subterranean wells lack effectiveness in permanently or temporarily blocking fluid passageways, particularly in preventing fluid from flowing into specific formation zones or fracturing operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of flow-conveyed plugging devices made from fibrous materials, which can be degradable or non-degradable, are conveyed into well passageways using pumped fluid, with enlarged geometries and fibers that wedging into restricted areas to seal off fluid communication, and can be deployed using various tools and methods for precise placement and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plugging methods are used to block fluid passageways, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the methods lack effectiveness in permanently or temporarily blocking fluid passageways
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging device utilizes phase change of the setting composition from liquid to solid state to achieve effective blocking. The composition transitions from a pumpable liquid state during conveyance to a solid blocking state at the target location, changing physical parameters to resolve the contradiction between reliability and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The setting composition undergoes phase transition from liquid to solid through chemical reaction or physical transformation. This phase change enables the material to form a permanent or temporary plug that reliably blocks fluid passageways without requiring complex mechanical structures
2Measurement precision
If plugging devices are deployed to block specific formation zones, then fluid flow into zones is controlled, but precise placement and removal capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging device is deployed using self-propelled conveyance where the setting composition is pumped through the wellbore and automatically sets in place. The device serves itself by being conveyed through its own pumping system and setting autonomously, achieving precise placement without complex deployment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The plugging device is designed as a temporary or permanent plug that can be removed through degradation or mechanical means. The composition can degrade over time or be mechanically retrieved, providing ease of operation for both deployment and removal without requiring complex reusable structures
3Reliability
If fibrous materials with enlarged geometries are used to seal off fluid communication, then fluid flow blocking is achieved, but the devices require precise placement to ensure effective sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging device transitions from a compact state during conveyance to an expanded state at the target location. The enlarged geometries and fibers expand or disperse to engage with the passageway walls, providing reliable sealing without requiring high manufacturing precision for the expanded configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical parameters from a compact transport form to an expanded sealing form. The fibers and enlarged geometries are contained during pumping but expand upon setting to create effective seals, reducing the need for precise manufacturing of the expanded structure
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 devices effectively block fluid flow into desired zones, allowing for controlled well completion and fracturing operations, with options for temporary or permanent sealing, and can be removed through degradation or mechanical means, enhancing the precision and efficiency of well management.
Implementation Method 1
flow-conveyed plugging devices... are conveyed into well passageways using pumped fluid
Implementation Method 2
enlarged geometries and fibers that wedging into restricted areas to seal off fluid communication
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include conveying a dispensing tool through a wellbore, the dispensing tool including an enclosure containing plugging devices, and then opening the enclosure by cutting a material of the enclosure, thereby releasing the plugging devices from the enclosure into the wellbore at a downhole location. A dispensing tool can include a container having an enclosure therein, the enclosure including a flexible material that contains the plugging devices, and an end of the enclosure being secured to a member displaceable by an actuator. The enclosure material is cut in response to displacement of the member by the actuator. A plugging device can include at least one body configured to engage an opening in the well and block fluid flow through the opening, and multiple fibers including staple fibers or filaments formed into yarn.