Non-explosive Energetic Material Device for Controlled Wellbore Disintegration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing devices from wellbores are often complex, time-consuming, or involve corrodible materials that degrade over time, requiring secondary operations for removal.
Innovation Solution
Devices made from non-explosive energetic materials that can be disintegrated using selected energies such as heat or impact, allowing for controlled and efficient removal after performing their function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If devices are made from corrodible materials to disintegrate over time, then device removal is simplified, but the device remains in the wellbore for a relatively long time period after performing its function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using non-explosive energetic materials that can be disintegrated on-demand by applying specific energy parameters (heat, impact, or chemical energy) after the device has performed its function. This allows controlled disintegration at the desired time rather than relying on slow corrosion over extended periods, thus reducing the time the device remains in the wellbore while maintaining ease of removal.
2Ease of operation
If drilling or milling tools are used to remove devices from wellbores, then complete device removal is achieved, but the process requires secondary operations that are complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing devices that can disintegrate themselves on-demand using non-explosive energetic materials. The device contains the energetic material that, when activated by appropriate energy input (heat, impact, or chemical reaction), causes the device to break down without requiring external drilling or milling tools. This eliminates complex secondary removal operations and reduces the overall complexity of device removal procedures.
3Loss of time
If devices are designed to disintegrate quickly after function completion, then operational time is reduced, but control over disintegration timing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-equipping the device with non-explosive energetic materials during manufacturing, but designing the system so that the actual disintegration is triggered only when a specific activating energy is applied after the device has completed its function. This preliminary preparation allows quick disintegration when needed while maintaining full control over timing, as the disintegration process is initiated only when the operator applies the activating energy at the desired moment.
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
Enables efficient and controlled removal of devices from wellbores by disintegrating them after completion of their function, reducing operational complexity and time, and ensuring safe handling and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
non-explosive energetic materials that may be disintegrated by applying a suitable energy to such devices downhole
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the device to the selected energy to disintegrate the device in the wellbore after the device has performed the selected function
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method of method of performing a wellbore operation is disclosed that in one embodiment may include: providing a device that includes a non-explosive energetic material configured to disintegrate when subjected to a selected energy; placing the device at a selected location in the wellbore to perform a selected function; and subjecting the device to the selected energy to disintegrate the device in the wellbore after the device has performed the selected function. In another aspect an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a device placed in the wellbore at a selected location, wherein the device includes a non-explosive energetic material configured to disintegrate when subjected to a selected energy, and a source of the selected energy configured to subject the device to the selected energy in the wellbore to disintegrate the device.