Flow Conveyed Fibrous Plugging Device for Subterranean Well Zonal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in effectively controlling fluid flow in subterranean wells, particularly in preventing fluid from entering specific formation zones or diverting flow to desired zones, lacking efficient methods for temporary or permanent blocking of fluid passageways.
Innovation Solution
The use of flow conveyed devices made from fibrous materials with a central body and enlarged geometry, which are conveyed into leak paths using pumped fluid, allowing the fibrous material to follow fluid flow and wedge into restricted areas, effectively sealing off communication paths. These devices can be made from degradable or non-degradable materials, including acid-degradable nylon and poly-lactic acid, and can be deployed to block perforations or fractures, with options for mechanical removal or degradation.
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 fluid from entering specific formation zones or diverting flow to desired zones is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore is divided into multiple discrete treatment zones along its length. Individual flow control devices are deployed to specific zones using a conveyance system that allows selective placement. Each device can independently control flow in its designated zone, enabling precise zone-specific flow management rather than treating the entire wellbore as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow-conveyed device acts as an intermediary element that is transported through the wellbore by fluid flow itself. The device is carried by the flowing fluid to the target zone, where it then modifies the flow pattern by blocking or diverting it. This intermediary approach allows the system to utilize the existing flow to deliver the control mechanism.
2Reliability
If permanent blocking methods are used to prevent fluid flow into formation zones, then flow control is achieved, but the ability to temporarily control or adjust flow is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control system incorporates dynamically adjustable components that can change their flow control characteristics in response to operational conditions. Devices can be deployed, retrieved, or repositioned along the wellbore, allowing the flow control configuration to be adapted over time. This dynamic capability enables temporary control measures and facilitates future adjustments based on production performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex flow control devices are deployed to achieve precise zone control, then flow management capability is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is designed to be self-deploying through the wellbore using the existing fluid flow. The device structure includes flow-responsive elements that automatically activate or adjust based on the flow conditions they encounter. This self-service approach reduces the need for complex external control mechanisms and simplifies the deployment process while maintaining zone-specific control capability.
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 solution enables precise control of fluid flow by temporarily or permanently blocking fluid communication through wells, allowing for enhanced fluid management during well re-completion and stimulation operations, improving the efficiency of fluid distribution and extraction.
Implementation Method 1
the fibrous material to follow fluid flow and wedge into restricted areas
Implementation Method 2
conveyed into leak paths using pumped fluid
Implementation Method 3
allowing the fibrous material to follow fluid flow and wedge into restricted areas, effectively sealing off communication paths
Data Source
AI summary
A flow conveyed plugging device for use in a well, the device can include a body, and one or more lines extending outwardly from the body, each of the lines having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body. A method of plugging an opening in a well can include deploying at least one flow conveyed plugging device into the well, the flow conveyed plugging device including a body and, extending outwardly from the body, at least one of the group consisting of: a) one or more fibers and b) one or more lines, the flow conveyed plugging device being conveyed by flow in the well into sealing engagement with the opening. Another flow conveyed plugging device can include a body, and fibers extending outwardly from the body. The flow conveyed plugging device degrades and thereby permits flow through an opening in the well.