Galvanic Time Release Plug for Controlled Well Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for temporarily preventing flow through well passages using dissolvable plugs are inadequate, particularly when acidic fluids are used in completion cleanup operations, as they can lead to premature dissolution of the plug.
Innovation Solution
A galvanic time release plug system utilizing an electrochemical reaction in a galvanic cell, where the reaction is delayed by isolating an electrode from an electrolyte or using materials with different galvanic series positions, allowing controlled dissolution and increased flow after completion cleanup operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dissolvable plug is used to temporarily prevent flow through a well passage, then flow can be blocked during completion cleanup operations, but the plug may dissolve prematurely when acidic fluids are circulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dissolution mechanism from chemical (acid-based) to electrochemical (galvanic cell-based). The plug is made of a metal that serves as an electrode in a galvanic cell, and its dissolution is controlled by electrical parameters rather than chemical exposure. This allows the plug to remain stable during completion cleanup operations with acidic fluids while enabling controlled dissolution later through electrical stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical dissolution system with an electrochemical system. Instead of using acid to dissolve the plug, the invention uses a galvanic cell with electrical current to control the dissolution process. This substitution allows for more precise control over when and how the plug dissolves, eliminating the premature dissolution problem associated with acid-based systems.
2Ease of operation
If acid is used to dissolve the plug, then the plug can be removed to permit flow, but acidic fluids may cause premature dissolving during completion cleanup operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance - the galvanic cell - between the acidic environment and the plug. The galvanic cell acts as a mediator that controls the interaction between the metal plug and the electrolyte. The cell's electrical characteristics can be adjusted to control the rate of dissolution, preventing premature dissolving during completion cleanup operations while enabling controlled removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dissolution mechanism from chemical (acid-based) to electrochemical (galvanic cell-based). The plug is made of a metal that serves as an electrode in a galvanic cell, and its dissolution is controlled by electrical parameters rather than chemical exposure. This allows the plug to remain stable during completion cleanup operations with acidic fluids while enabling controlled dissolution later through electrical stimulation.
3Reliability
If a galvanic cell is used to control plug dissolution, then flow can be restricted during operations and unrestricted during production, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow blocking function and the flow control function into a single integrated device. The galvanic cell is incorporated directly into the flow blocking device, combining the plug and the electrochemical cell into one unit. This integration reduces the need for separate components and external control systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The galvanic cell is designed to be self-activating through the natural electrochemical reaction between the metal electrode and the electrolyte. Once the circuit is complete, the dissolution process occurs automatically without requiring external power sources or complex control mechanisms. This self-service approach simplifies the system by eliminating the need for external power supplies and control electronics.
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 controlled and delayed opening of well passages, ensuring that flow is restricted during operations and unrestricted during production, avoiding premature dissolution issues.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemical reaction in a galvanic cell is used to dissolve or otherwise disperse a plug portion of a flow blocking device
Implementation Method 2
providing an electrode with a material initially exposed to the electrolyte which is closer (as compared to another material of the electrode) in the galvanic series to a material of another electrode in the galvanic cell
Data Source
AI summary
A well system having a galvanic time release plug. A well system includes a flow passage and a flow blocking device which selectively obstructs flow through the passage, the device including an electrode in a galvanic cell. A flow blocking device for use in conjunction with a subterranean well includes a portion which delays an electrochemical reaction in a galvanic cell. A method of controlling fluid flow in a well system includes the steps of: obstructing flow through a passage using a flow blocking device which includes an electrode of a galvanic cell; and increasing flow through the passage by operation of the galvanic cell.