Laser-Heated Injection Tool for Well Scale Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for subterranean well acidizing and scale removal are inefficient due to low reactivity between injected chemicals and formation rocks, leading to reduced permeability and scale dissolution, especially in dolomite formations, and result in time-consuming and costly operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a high-power laser to preheat injected chemicals, such as acids and chelating agents, which increases their reactivity with formation rocks and scales, enhancing stimulation performance and scale removal efficiency by creating wormholes and dissolving deposits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If chemicals are injected at ambient temperature, then injection cost is reduced, but chemical reactivity with formation rocks and scales is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system preheats the chemicals in a heating chamber before injection using a laser radiation source. The laser heats the chemicals to an elevated temperature prior to their contact with formation rocks and scales, ensuring optimal reaction temperature is achieved before the chemical injection begins, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining low injection cost and achieving sufficient chemical reactivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional thermal heating systems (such as electrical heaters or heat exchangers requiring mechanical components and significant energy input) with a laser radiation heating system. This optical-based heating method achieves the required chemical temperature with reduced energy consumption and without complex mechanical heating equipment, resolving the contradiction between temperature increase and energy consumption
2Productivity
If chemical injection time is extended to improve dissolution, then scale removal completeness is improved, but operational time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the injected chemicals by preheating them with laser radiation before injection. This temperature increase accelerates the chemical reactions between the injected chemicals and formation rocks/scales, significantly improving dissolution rates and scale removal efficiency without requiring extended operation time, thereby resolving the contradiction between removal completeness and operational time
Solution Approach 2:
The laser preheating of chemicals is performed in advance before injection into the formation. This preliminary thermal preparation ensures that chemicals reach optimal reaction temperature immediately upon contact with scales and rocks, maximizing dissolution efficiency from the start of injection and reducing the total time required for effective scale removal
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 preheating of chemicals using a high-power laser accelerates chemical reactions, improving well stimulation and scale removal efficiency, thereby saving time and reducing costs while increasing hydrocarbon production by enhancing the connection of producing tunnels to hydrocarbon-bearing formations.
Implementation Method 1
A fiber optic cable extends to the pipe segment. The fiber optic cable is operable to deliver a laser radiation to the pipe segment, heating the pipe segment.
Implementation Method 2
The higher the temperature, the higher the dissolution power. Therefore, increasing the temperature of the injected acid will result in increased dissolution of the formation rock and scales.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for delivering an injection fluid into a subterranean well include an injection tool having an injection tool body with an internal cavity. A fluid chamber is located within the internal cavity. A heating chamber includes a pipe segment arranged parallel to the central axis. A one way valve provides a fluid flow path for the injection fluids to travel in a downhole direction through the one way valve, and prevents the flow of fluids through the one way valve in an uphole direction. A fiber optic cable extends to the pipe segment, the fiber optic cable operable to deliver a laser radiation to the pipe segment, heating the pipe segment. The injection tool body provides a fluid flow path from the one way valve to an outside of the injection tool.