Metal Patch Sealing via Electrohydraulic Shock Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sealing openings in wellbore equipment, such as mechanical expansion and hydraulic pressure, are complex, time-consuming, costly, and unreliable, failing to solidly fix metal patches and properly seal perforations in metallic casings.
Innovation Solution
The method employs an electrohydraulic forming (EHF) process using a shock wave generation device to deform and fix a metal patch onto the wellbore equipment by generating electrical discharges that propagate shock waves, ensuring a solid seal of perforations, holes, or cracks in the casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical expansion or hydraulic pressure tools are used to seal openings in wellbore equipment, then the sealing function can be achieved, but the process becomes complex, time-consuming, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical expansion tools and hydraulic pressure systems with a simple electrical discharge mechanism. A power source generates electrical discharges that create shock waves in a fluid medium, which then deform and fix the metal patch onto the casing. This substitution of mechanical/hydraulic systems with an electrical field-based system dramatically simplifies the device while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of materials through electrical discharge. The electrical energy transforms the fluid medium into a shock wave propagation medium, and the shock waves temporarily alter the metal patch properties to enable deformation and fixation. This parameter change approach eliminates the need for complex mechanical positioning and pressure application systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical expansion or hydraulic pressure methods are used to fix metal patches, then sealing can be performed, but the fixing is not solid and reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure application with electrical discharge-generated shock waves. The electrical field creates concentrated energy that propagates through the fluid medium as shock waves, which then deform the metal patch material and force it into the openings. This substitution provides more reliable fixation because the shock waves deliver concentrated energy that permanently deforms and anchors the patch, rather than relying on sustained mechanical pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical discharge system can be activated in periodic pulses, creating series of shock waves that progressively deform and fix the metal patch. This periodic action allows the material to respond to each shock wave pulse, gradually achieving solid fixation. The pulsed electrical discharge is simpler to control and more reliable than continuous mechanical pressure application.
3Productivity
If conventional sealing methods are used, then the process can be performed, but it is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement of mechanical expansion and hydraulic pressure systems with electrical discharge technology dramatically reduces sealing operation time. Electrical discharges can be generated instantaneously and act on the metal patch in milliseconds, creating shock waves that immediately deform and fix the patch. This eliminates the time required for mechanical tool deployment, pressure buildup, and sustained pressure application, thereby increasing productivity and reducing time loss.
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 approach efficiently, easily, and rapidly seals openings in wellbore equipment, significantly improving the recovery of formation fluids and gases by solidly fixing the metal patch, reducing operational complexity and costs compared to existing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
generating, using a shock wave generation device, at least one electrical discharge into said wellbore
Implementation Method 2
propagate toward said metal patch at least one shock wave adapted to deform and fix the metal patch onto the wellbore equipment
Implementation Method 3
the metal constituting the patch penetrates into the opening, allowing strongly fixing the metal patch to the wellbore equipment
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include a system and a method for sealing at least one opening of a wellbore equipment arranged in a wellbore of a subterranean formation in order to improve the recovery of formation fluids and/or gases. The method includes the steps of positioning a metal patch between the wellbore equipment and a shock wave generation device. The metal patch faces the at least one opening to be sealed and the method further including generating, using a shock wave generation device, at least one electrical discharge into said wellbore in order to propagate toward said metal patch at least one shock wave adapted to deform and fix the metal patch onto the wellbore equipment, sealing therefore the at least one opening.