Micro Frac Plug Deformable Sleeve Perforation Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing methods face challenges in efficiently isolating and sealing multiple perforations in well casings, leading to inefficiencies in fracturing operations and increased time required for stage-by-stage fracturing, as traditional plugs are either too large or require complex methods to manage pressure and placement.
Innovation Solution
The development of micro frac plugs comprising a deformable sleeve and an insert element, which can be sized to seal individual perforations by bulging outward to conform to the insert's shape, allowing for adjustable pressure requirements for insertion and removal, and can be designed with varying taper angles or shapes to optimize sealing and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional plugs are used to seal perforations, then sealing capability is achieved, but the plugs are too large and require complex methods to manage pressure and placement
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional large plug is segmented into multiple smaller micro frac plugs, each capable of sealing individual perforations. This segmentation allows for simpler placement and pressure management since each micro plug operates independently rather than requiring complex coordination for a single large plug.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential sealing function from the complex traditional plug system, creating a simplified micro frac plug that performs only the core sealing task. This extraction eliminates unnecessary complexity while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If traditional plugs are used for fracturing operations, then perforations can be sealed, but the number of stages increases and operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the fracturing operation into multiple micro plugs that can be deployed simultaneously or in sequence through a single stage, the total operation time is reduced compared to traditional multi-stage approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple micro frac plugs are prepared and positioned in advance, allowing for rapid deployment and sealing of multiple perforations before the fracturing process begins, thereby reducing overall operation time.
3Ease of operation
If micro frac plugs are designed with deformable sleeves, then ease of retrieval is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed to be deformable rather than rigid, allowing it to change shape during retrieval operations. This dynamic property enables the sleeve to collapse or deform to pass through tight spaces, improving retrieval ease while the deformability is achieved through standard material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is constructed as a flexible thin-walled structure that can deform under pressure or mechanical manipulation, enabling easy retrieval through its ability to collapse or flex rather than requiring complex disassembly mechanisms.
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
These micro frac plugs enable efficient isolation of specific perforations, reducing the number of stages needed for fracturing, decreasing operation time, and allowing for easier retrieval, as they can be lodged within perforations and removed by pressure changes, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and management of hydraulic fracturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The maximum cross-sectional dimension of the insert element exceeds the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the sleeve when the sleeve is in a relaxed state. When the insert element is inserted into the medial section of the sleeve, the sleeve bulges outward to conform to the shape of the insert element.
Implementation Method 2
The plugs enable efficient isolation of specific perforations, reducing the number of stages needed for fracturing, decreasing operation time, and allowing for easier retrieval, as they can be lodged within perforations and removed by pressure changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A micro frac plug used to seal individual perforations formed in a casing installed within a subterranean wellbore. The plug comprises an insert element and a deformable sleeve. The insert element is received and retained within a medial section of the sleeve. The plug is sized to be lodged in or seated on a single perforation. The plug blocks fluid from flowing through the perforation.