Flow Conveyed Plugging Device for Subterranean Well Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in effectively controlling fluid flow in subterranean wells, particularly in preventing or directing fluid flow into specific formation zones, which limits the efficiency of well operations such as re-completion and fracturing.
Innovation Solution
The use of flow conveyed devices made of fibrous materials with a central body and enlarged geometry, which are conveyed into leak paths using pumped fluid to seal off fluid communication by wedging into restricted portions of the flow path, and can be made of degradable or non-degradable materials that degrade in response to chemical, thermal, or radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow control devices are deployed to block or direct fluid flow into specific formation zones, then fluid flow control precision is improved, but device complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control system is divided into multiple independent flow control devices that can be deployed separately into different formation zones. Each device operates independently to control fluid flow in its specific zone, allowing precise control without requiring a complex integrated system. This segmentation enables targeted intervention in specific zones while keeping individual device design relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
A conveyance device acts as an intermediary tool to deliver flow control devices into the wellbore and position them accurately at target locations. The conveyance device simplifies the deployment process by providing a controlled method to introduce flow control devices into the formation zones without requiring complex direct insertion mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
2Ease of repair
If degradable materials are used for flow control devices, then ease of removal and environmental compatibility are improved, but device reliability and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties of the flow control devices are carefully selected and engineered to maintain optimal balance between reliability and degradability. The materials are designed to withstand the harsh downhole environment and maintain structural integrity during the operational phase, while being susceptible to degradation under specific conditions (such as exposure to certain chemicals or thermal conditions) that trigger controlled breakdown for removal or environmental compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The degradation characteristics of the materials are predetermined and designed in advance. The devices are equipped with materials that will degrade under specific future conditions, allowing for planned removal or environmental breakdown. This preliminary design of degradation parameters ensures that the devices maintain reliability during operation but can be reliably removed or become environmentally compatible when needed, without requiring complex active removal mechanisms.
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 zones, enhancing fluid communication and allowing for efficient re-completion and fracturing operations, with the option of self-degradation or mechanical removal.
Implementation Method 1
The flow conveyed device comprises a body, and one or more lines extending outwardly from the body. The flow conveyed device is conveyed by flow in the well into sealing engagement with the opening.
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.