Flow Conveyed Fibrous Plugging Device for Wellbore Leak Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective methods for controlling fluid flow in subterranean wells, particularly in preventing fluid from entering specific formation zones or diverting flow to desired zones, leading to inefficiencies in well operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of flow conveyed devices made from fibrous materials with enlarged geometries, which are conveyed into leak paths using pumped fluid, allowing them to seal off fluid communication by wedging into restricted portions of the flow path, and can be made from degradable or non-degradable materials that degrade in response to environmental stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flow conveyed devices are used to block perforations and control fluid flow, then fluid flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow conveyed device utilizes the fluid flow itself to convey the device to the target perforation and enable it to seal. The device is deployed with its opening facing the flow direction, and the fluid flow automatically propels the device into the perforation where it seals, eliminating the need for complex external conveyance mechanisms or manual positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by using the pumped fluid flow to convey the device through the wellbore and into the perforation. The fluid pressure and flow dynamics provide the necessary force to move the device along the wellbore and seal the perforation, replacing complex mechanical conveyance systems with a simpler hydraulic approach.
2Ease of operation
If degradable materials are used for flow conveyed devices, then ease of removal and well re-completion is improved, but reliability of flow control may worsen due to material degradation before intended use
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a degradable material whose degradation characteristics are carefully controlled through parameter selection. The material is designed to remain stable under normal well conditions during the flow control operation, but degrades when exposed to specific triggers such as changes in temperature, pressure, or chemical environment, allowing reliable temporary sealing followed by controlled removal or transformation.
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 enable precise control of fluid flow by blocking or unblocking perforations and formation zones, enhancing fluid communication and allowing for efficient well re-completion and fracturing operations, with the ability to degrade or be mechanically removed as needed.
Implementation Method 1
Flow conveyed devices made from fibrous materials with enlarged geometries, which are conveyed into leak paths using pumped fluid
Implementation Method 2
allowing them to seal off fluid communication by wedging into restricted portions of the flow path
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.