Non-Explosive Implosion Device for Wellbore Debris Removal

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for removing debris from perforated wells often use explosive devices, which create additional debris, reduce effectiveness, and produce pollutants.

Innovation Solution

An implosion device comprising an implosion chamber with an interior pressure at or below atmospheric pressure, a stretchable sleeve surrounding the chamber, and a non-explosive initiator for imploding the chamber, which creates an underbalanced pressure to dislodge debris without generating combustion products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If explosive devices are used to create underbalanced pressure, then debris can be removed from perforated wells, but additional debris is created and pollutants are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal effectivenessVSAvoidcombustion products and additional debris

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical explosion mechanism with a mechanical implosion mechanism. An implosion chamber with collapsible walls is pressurized from atmospheric or below-atmospheric pressure to wellbore pressure, then rapidly collapsed to create the underbalanced pressure needed for debris removal. This mechanical approach eliminates combustion products while maintaining the pressure gradient effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the pressure parameter dynamically. The implosion chamber is initially pressurized to match wellbore pressure, then rapidly depressurized through collapse to create the underbalanced condition. This parameter change from pressurized to collapsed state generates the required pressure gradient without chemical reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If explosive devices are used to create underbalanced pressure, then debris can be removed from perforated wells, but the effectiveness is reduced due to additional debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical explosion mechanism with a mechanical implosion mechanism. An implosion chamber with collapsible walls is pressurized from atmospheric or below-atmospheric pressure to wellbore pressure, then rapidly collapsed to create the underbalanced pressure needed for debris removal. This mechanical approach eliminates combustion products while maintaining the pressure gradient effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the pressure parameter dynamically. The implosion chamber is initially pressurized to match wellbore pressure, then rapidly depressurized through collapse to create the underbalanced condition. This parameter change from pressurized to collapsed state generates the required pressure gradient without chemical reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If an implosion chamber is imploded to create underbalanced pressure, then no combustion products are generated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion productsVSAvoidimplosion device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implosion chamber is nested within a protective sleeve that contains the debris after collapse. The initiator mechanism is integrated within or adjacent to the chamber structure. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions (pressure containment, collapse initiation, debris collection) into a single integrated device that can be deployed and retrieved as one unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The implosion chamber utilizes a collapsible structure with flexible or thin-walled construction that can withstand pressurization during deployment but collapses readily when the implosion trigger is activated. This flexible shell design enables the pressure transition from contained to collapsed state without requiring complex mechanical actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The implosion device effectively removes debris from perforated formations by creating a large pressure gradient, expelling debris without leaving combustion products or additional debris, and allowing for easy removal of the debris-laden sleeve.

Implementation Method 1

creating a large pressure gradient, expelling debris without leaving combustion products or additional debris

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250163778A1Implosion device

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Described herein are implosion devices for use in a subterranean setting. These implosion devices use no explosives, and so create no combustion products within the subterranean environment. These implosion devices also capture all material used to create the implosion for easy removal from the subterranean environment. The implosion devices generally have an implosion chamber, a stretchable sleeve surrounding the implosion chamber, and a non-explosive initiator for imploding the implosion chamber.