Magnetic Sand Control in Downhole Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
In unconsolidated or poorly consolidated formations, sand particles entering the wellbore during drilling cause premature tool failure and increased pressure drops due to mechanical methods' inefficiencies in controlling sand production.
Innovation Solution
Applying magnetic forces to magnetize loose sand particles within the underground formation, using AC magnetic fields or magnetizing reagents, to create a repelling force that keeps sand particles from entering the production stream, thereby reducing sand contamination in hydrocarbon production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical methods (gravel packs, screens, perforated lines) are used to control sand particles, then sand production is limited, but sand particles accumulate within the wellbore over time leading to tool failure and increased pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sand control methods (gravel packs, screens, perforated lines) with a magnetic field-based system. Magnetically susceptible particles are introduced into the formation, and a downhole magnet generates a magnetic field that exerts forces on these particles to control sand production. This substitution eliminates the accumulation problem inherent in mechanical methods while maintaining sand control effectiveness, thereby extending tool run time without premature failure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetically susceptible particles as intermediary elements between the magnetic field and the sand particles. These particles become magnetized in the presence of the magnetic field and exert retarding forces on sand particles, preventing them from entering the wellbore. This intermediary approach allows for effective sand control without the mechanical obstruction that leads to accumulation and tool failure
2Reliability
If mechanical methods (gravel packs, screens, perforated lines) are used to control sand particles, then sand production is limited, but pressure drops increase over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sand control methods with a magnetic field-based system that does not physically obstruct fluid flow. The magnetic forces act on magnetically susceptible particles to control sand production without creating the mechanical bottlenecks that cause pressure drops in gravel packs and screens. This maintains better fluid flow characteristics while achieving effective sand control
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field system provides self-regulating sand control where the magnetic forces automatically adjust to prevent sand particle migration without requiring mechanical intervention. The system maintains control effectiveness without the progressive pressure drop that occurs in mechanical methods as sand accumulates over time
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 magnetic force effectively keeps a substantial portion of sand particles within the formation, reducing sand production and preventing tool failure, while maintaining stable pressure and longer run times.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic force is applied from a magnet source to the magnetized loose sand particles in the producing section of the underground formation
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic force can be in the form of an AC magnetic field... a substantial portion of the magnetized loose sand particles experience a repelling force that is greater than the drag force resulting from the movement of the hydrocarbons
Implementation Method 3
providing magnetized loose sand particles includes the steps of magnetizing a portion of loose sand particles that is located within the underground formation
Implementation Method 4
Direct magnetization includes allowing a ferromagnetic material to pick up magnetism by exposing it to an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A process for controlling the production of loose sand particles within an underground formation through the use of magnetic forces is provided. The loose sand particles are magnetized and then subjected to a magnetic field of sufficient strength such that the operator can control the movement of the loose sand particles within the underground formation. In some instances, the present invention can provide an efficient process for keeping the loose sand particles within the formation, and thereby prolonging the useful life of the downhole equipment. In other instances, the present invention can provide an efficient process for sweeping the loose sand particles out of the underground formation in a controlled fashion. The present invention includes at least three embodiments for magnetizing the loose sand particles, including direct magnetization, contacting the sand particles with a magnetizing reagent, and contacting the sand particles with paramagnetic nanoparticles.