Perforation Anchors That Keep Well Plugs Seated Under Reverse Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well operations face challenges in controlling fluid flow, particularly during fracturing stages, where reverse differential pressures can cause plugging devices to dislodge from perforations, leading to loss of isolation and fluid flow into previously treated zones.
Innovation Solution
The use of anchoring devices, such as knots, appendages, or foldable wires made of degradable materials, which attach to plugging devices and wedge into perforations, ensuring they remain in place during normal and reverse differential pressures, allowing reseating when pressure conditions normalize.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plugging devices are deployed to block fluid flow through perforations, then fluid flow control is improved, but reverse differential pressure causes the plugging devices to dislodge from perforations
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional components: a plugging device for blocking fluid flow and an anchor for securing the plugging device. The anchor is deployed separately through the same perforation first, then the plugging device is attached to it. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function while working together as a system.
Solution Approach 2:
The plugging device is attached to the anchor in a nested configuration where the anchor serves as the inner securing element and the plugging device is the outer blocking element. The anchor passes through the perforation first and provides a mounting structure for the plugging device, creating a nested arrangement that combines both functions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If anchors are added to prevent plugging device dislodgment, then plugging device stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor serves multiple functions: it acts as a securing mechanism to prevent dislodgment, provides a mounting structure for the plugging device, and can be made of degradable material that eliminates the need for retrieval. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is made of degradable material designed to remain in place permanently or degrade over time, eliminating the need for retrieval operations. This disposable approach simplifies the system by removing the need for complex retrieval mechanisms and reduces long-term complexity despite adding an initial component.
3Ease of repair
If degradable materials are used for anchors, then ease of removal is improved, but anchor strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor material's properties are selected to change over time or under specific conditions. The material maintains high strength and grip capability during the operational phase, then degrades or dissolves when removal is needed. This parameter change allows the same material to satisfy both strength requirements during use and ease of removal afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The degradable material undergoes a phase transition from a stable, strong state during operation to a degraded or dissolved state for removal. This phase change allows the anchor to provide necessary mechanical strength when needed and then easily disappear or break down when removal is required, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of removal.
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 anchoring devices effectively maintain plugging devices in position, preventing fluid flow into untreated zones and enabling reseating after completion, ensuring effective isolation and fluid flow control throughout well operations.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor is configured to enter a perforation and grip an interior surface of the perforation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use with a subterranean well can include deploying a plugging device and anchor into the well, conveying the anchor into a perforation and blocking fluid flow through the perforation with the plugging device. A system for use with a subterranean well can include a plugging device configured to engage and block fluid flow through a perforation in the well, and an anchor attached to the plugging device, the anchor being configured to grip an interior surface of the perforation.