Fluid-Actuated BHA Tool for Clean Wellbore Perforation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well completion techniques, such as sand jet perforating, often leave sand in the well bore annulus, interfering with fracturing processes and requiring lengthy cleanup procedures, and may not be desirable in all applications.
Innovation Solution
A bottom hole assembly (BHA) with a tool configured to move from the interior to the exterior of the BHA using fluid pressure, guided by a ramp to create holes in wellbore tubulars, allowing for efficient perforation and fracturing without leaving debris, utilizing either a punch member or a mill with cutters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sand jet perforating is used to create holes through casing and cement, then perforation can be achieved, but sand remains in the well bore annulus interfering with fracturing and requiring lengthy cleanup
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful sand particles from the perforation process by replacing sand jet perforating with a mechanical punch member or mill that creates clean holes without generating sand debris, eliminating the need for lengthy cleanup operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the sand jet mechanical system with an alternative mechanical system using a punch member or mill that physically punches or cuts through the casing and cement to create clean perforations without leaving sand residue
2Productivity
If sand jet perforating is used, then perforation can be achieved, but the sand may interfere with the fracturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the harmful sand by replacing sand jet perforating with a clean mechanical punching or milling process that creates perforations without generating sand particles that could interfere with subsequent fracturing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The punch member or mill is designed as a disposable or single-use tool that creates clean perforations and is then discarded or replaced, ensuring no sand contamination while maintaining cost-effectiveness
3Ease of operation
If a tool is moved from interior to exterior of BHA using fluid pressure, then controlled hole creation is enabled, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses fluid pressure (hydraulics) to actuate the punch member or mill from the interior to the exterior of the BHA, providing controlled and precise deployment without complex mechanical linkages or moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The tool uses the pumped fluid both for transportation and for actuation, eliminating the need for separate control systems or additional mechanical components, thereby reducing overall system complexity
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
Enables efficient and controlled hole creation in wellbore tubulars, reducing the need for extensive cleanup and providing a viable alternative to traditional perforating methods by effectively engaging and perforating wellbore formations with minimal interference.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid pressure within the interior of the housing causes the at least one tool to move through the opening in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A bottom hole assembly (BHA) and methods of using the BHA, the BHA having at least one tool configured to move between the interior and the exterior by fluid pumped down a string. The tool is configured to create a hole in a wellbore tubular, such as casing, tubing, or a liner. The BHA includes a ramp positioned adjacent to the tool to guide the tool to engage the tubular. The tool may be a mill configured to cut a hole in the tubular or a punch member configured to punch a hole in the tubular. A packing element of the BHA enables fluid to be pumped down the annulus and through the hole to treat and/or fracture the formation. The tool may be positioned between two packing elements and fluid may be pumped down the string and through a portion of the tool to treat and/or fracture the formation.