Non-Reactive Colloid Particles for Expanded Metal Gas Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas migration through expandable metal used in wellbore applications, such as frac plugs and bridge plugs, is a problem in pressure isolation due to interstitial spaces in the expanded metal.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating non-reactive colloid particles, specifically with dimensions no more than 500 nm, into the expanded metal to fill interstitial spaces, forming a more impervious barrier against gas migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expandable metal is used to create pressure zones in wellbores, then isolation capability is provided, but gas migration occurs through interstitial spaces in the expanded metal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the porous interstitial structure of expanded metal and intentionally introduces colloid particles into these spaces. The porous nature of the expanded metal is maintained for structural integrity while the colloid particles fill the voids to prevent gas migration, resolving the contradiction between maintaining isolation capability and preventing gas leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining expanded metal with colloid particles. The expanded metal provides the structural framework and pressure isolation capability, while the colloid particles fill the interstitial spaces to block gas migration pathways. This composite approach allows both functions to coexist without compromising either.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If colloid particles are added to fill interstitial spaces in expanded metal, then gas migration is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where colloid particles are introduced into the expanded metal structure and automatically settle into the interstitial spaces under the influence of pressure differentials and capillary forces. This self-assembly process reduces the need for complex external intervention or sophisticated application equipment, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The colloid particles act as an intermediary substance between the expanded metal structure and the gas phase. These particles fill the interstitial spaces and create a barrier that prevents direct gas migration through the metal pores, effectively mediating the interaction between the metal structure and the gas flow while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.
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 inclusion of colloid particles significantly reduces and/or eliminates gas migration through expanded metal, enhancing the effectiveness of pressure isolation applications.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating non-reactive colloid particles, specifically with dimensions no more than 500 nm, into the expanded metal to fill interstitial spaces, forming a more impervious barrier against gas migration
Implementation Method 2
an expandable metal member positioned about the housing, the expandable metal member comprising a metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a downhole tool, a well system, and a method. The downhole tool, in one aspect, includes a housing, as well as an expandable metal member positioned about the housing, the expandable metal member comprising a metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis. The downhole tool, according to one aspect, further includes colloid particles surrounding a surface of the expandable metal member.