Oil Well Tool Mesh Screen Controlled Chemical Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering downhole chemicals in oil wells are inefficient, as they often rely on solid pellets or liquids that freely dissolve, lacking control over chemical release and distribution.
Innovation Solution
An oil well tool with a tubular member and mesh screen that allows for controlled release of microencapsulated chemicals through strategically positioned apertures, ensuring precise delivery and distribution within the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid pellets or liquids are injected into the wellbore to deliver downhole chemicals, then chemical delivery is achieved, but control over chemical release and distribution is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous frit screen as the release mechanism. The frit screen is a sintered glass or ceramic component with controlled pore sizes that allows selective passage of chemical compounds. By configuring the frit screen with specific porosity and aperture dimensions, the system achieves controlled chemical release rates while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure that can be deployed within existing wellbore infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical delivery system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a containment section holding the chemical compounds, a frit screen section for controlled release, and a distribution section for even dispersal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while providing overall control over the chemical release process without requiring complex mechanical actuation systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If microencapsulated chemical composition is used with mesh screen and apertures for controlled release, then precise chemical placement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a mesh screen with fine apertures as a thin film barrier that controls chemical release. The mesh screen acts as a flexible yet durable barrier that allows precise control over chemical placement through its controlled aperture structure. This approach achieves precise chemical delivery without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems, as the mesh screen's physical structure inherently provides the necessary control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls chemical release by changing physical parameters of the release mechanism - specifically the aperture size, aperture density, and mesh screen material properties of the frit screen. By adjusting these parameters during manufacturing, precise chemical placement is achieved without requiring complex operational controls or active management systems during wellbore deployment.
3Productivity
If chemicals are freely dissolved in wellbore, then chemical delivery is simple, but chemical release control and distribution efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical compounds are pre-loaded into the containment section in microencapsulated form before deployment. The frit screen is pre-configured with specific aperture patterns optimized for the intended chemical release profile. This preliminary preparation ensures that once deployed, the system automatically achieves controlled release and efficient distribution without requiring complex operational interventions during wellbore operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-regulating through the inherent properties of the frit screen and microencapsulated chemicals. The porous structure naturally controls release rates based on pressure differentials and chemical concentration gradients without requiring external control mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while significantly improving distribution efficiency compared to simple free dissolution methods.
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 accurate and controlled release of chemical compositions, enhancing the efficiency of oil well operations and allowing for precise chemical placement and removal, while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical mesh screen covering the plurality of apertures... such that the chemical composition is passed through the cylindrical mesh screen and the plurality of apertures into a wellbore
Implementation Method 2
microencapsulated chemical composition stored therein, wherein the microencapsulated chemical composition is in fluid communication with the cylindrical mesh screen such that the chemical composition is passed through
Data Source
AI summary
An oil well tool operable to be deployed downhole on a production string including a tubular member having a wall extending from a first end to a second end opposite the first end and the wall forming a plurality of apertures. The oil well tool also includes a mesh screen coupled to an inner surface of the wall of the tubular member and covering the plurality of apertures.