Flow-Conveyed Fibrous Plugging Device for Wellbore Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective methods to control and manage fluid flow in subterranean wells, particularly in preventing or promoting fluid flow into specific formation zones, and in temporarily blocking fluid flow through well tools.
Innovation Solution
The development of flow-conveyed plugging devices made from fibrous materials, which can be conveyed into well passageways using pumped fluid, featuring a central body with enlarged geometry that wedges into restricted areas to seal off fluid communication, and can be made from degradable materials that respond to chemical, radiation, or temperature stimuli for controlled deployment and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plugging devices are deployed to control fluid flow in well passageways, then fluid flow control capability is improved, but device deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging device is designed to be conveyed by fluid flow itself through the well passageway and automatically deploy at the target location. The device uses the fluid flow that is already present in the well to transport it to the desired position, eliminating the need for complex deployment mechanisms or additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The plugging device utilizes fluid dynamics principles where the fluid flow carries the device through the well passageway. The device is designed to respond to fluid flow conditions and automatically deploy when it reaches the target location, using hydraulic principles to achieve deployment without mechanical intervention.
2Ease of repair
If degradable materials are used for plugging devices, then ease of removal is improved, but device strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging device is made from materials whose mechanical properties change in response to environmental parameters such as temperature, pH, or exposure to specific chemicals. The device maintains its structural integrity and strength under downhole conditions, then degrades when exposed to triggering parameters like formation water chemistry or temperature changes, enabling automatic removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes composite material structures combining degradable components with reinforcing elements. The composite construction provides sufficient mechanical strength for deployment and function, while incorporating degradable materials that break down under specific conditions to enable removal without mechanical intervention.
3Ease of operation
If plugging devices are conveyed by pumped fluid, then deployment simplicity is improved, but fluid flow requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging device is designed to be passive and self-propelled, utilizing the existing fluid flow in the well to transport it to the target location. The device does not require additional pumping power or energy input, as it is carried along by the natural or existing fluid circulation in the well passageway.
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 allow for precise control of fluid flow by permanently or temporarily blocking passageways, enabling targeted well completion and stimulation operations while ensuring easy removal or degradation, thus enhancing well management and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
conveyed by flow into a passageway of a well tool
Implementation Method 2
featuring a central body with enlarged geometry that wedges into restricted areas to seal off fluid communication
Implementation Method 3
can be made from degradable materials that respond to chemical, radiation, or temperature stimuli for controlled deployment and removal
Implementation Method 4
can be made from degradable materials that respond to chemical, radiation, or temperature stimuli for controlled deployment and removal
Implementation Method 5
can be made from degradable materials that respond to chemical, radiation, or temperature stimuli for controlled deployment and removal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use with a well can include a perforating assembly with at least one perforator, the perforating assembly conveyed through a wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore, and plugging devices spaced apart from the perforating assembly in the wellbore, the plugging devices conveyed through the wellbore with the fluid flow. A method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore can include conveying a perforating assembly including a dispensing tool through the wellbore, the dispensing tool including a container, and then releasing the plugging devices from the container into the wellbore at a downhole location. Another method of deploying plugging devices in a wellbore can include conveying the plugging devices through the wellbore with fluid flow through the wellbore, and conveying a perforating assembly through the wellbore while the plugging devices are being conveyed through the wellbore.