Grouped Particle Diverter Plug for Well Zone Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in effectively controlling and managing fluid flow in subterranean wells, particularly in preventing or directing fluid flow into specific formation zones, which is essential for well operations such as re-completion and zone stimulation.
Innovation Solution
The use of grouped particle diverter plugs, made from degradable or non-degradable materials, which are conveyed into fluid passageways using fluid flow, allowing the particles to conform to the shape of the passageway and seal it, and can be temporarily or permanently blocked by degrading or mechanical removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional diverter plugs are used to block fluid passageways, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the plugs cannot be easily removed or degraded after serving their purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The plug material's physical or chemical properties are changed over time through degradation processes (such as corrosion, dissolution, or thermal breakdown), transforming the plug from an impermeable blocking state to a degradable state that allows controlled removal after serving its fluid flow control function
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter plug is designed as a temporary, disposable component that performs its blocking function and then degrades or is removed, eliminating the need for complex retrieval operations and allowing the well to be reconfigured for new operations
2Ease of operation
If degradable materials are used for diverter plugs, then plug removal is enabled, but the degradation process may affect well integrity or create unwanted fluid communication
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is pre-configured with degradation characteristics and timing mechanisms that ensure it maintains its blocking function during the well's operational life, then degrades at a controlled time or condition to enable removal without compromising well integrity during the degradation process
Solution Approach 2:
A controlled degradation mechanism acts as an intermediary between the plug and the well environment, allowing the plug to transition from a stable blocking state to a removable state through a controlled process that prevents unwanted fluid communication or well integrity compromise
3Reliability
If particles are grouped together to form plugs, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the particles may disperse before reaching the target zone
Solution Approach 1:
The particles are enclosed within a flexible container, shell, or film structure that maintains the particle group together during transport through the well, preventing dispersion while allowing the particles to remain in a compact, seal-effective configuration upon reaching the target zone
Solution Approach 2:
The container or carrier acts as an intermediary that holds the particle group together during transport, then releases or dissolves to allow the particles to maintain their grouped configuration at the target zone, preventing dispersion while ensuring sealing effectiveness
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
This solution enables precise control of fluid flow by effectively blocking or unblocking perforations and zones, enhancing fluid communication and allowing for efficient well re-completion and stimulation operations while ensuring the plugs can be safely removed or degrade over time.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the particles to conform to the shape of the passageway and seal it
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include deploying a diverter plug into a well, the diverter plug comprising a group of particles that are prevented from dispersing, flowing fluid, thereby conveying the diverter plug into engagement with a fluid passageway, the particles conforming to a shape of the fluid passageway as the diverter plug blocks fluid flow through the fluid passageway, and the particles being prevented from dispersing while the diverter plug blocks the fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The diverter plug can include a group of particles disposed within an outer enclosure. The particles in the enclosure can conform to a shape of the fluid passageway as the diverter plug blocks fluid flow through the fluid passageway. In another method, the enclosure can sealingly engage the fluid passageway while the particles remain disposed within the enclosure.