Perforation Blocking Sleeve with Expandable Sealing for Well Restimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production rate of hydrocarbon resources from hydraulically fractured wells decreases over time due to fissure closure, and existing perforation blocking techniques for well restimulation are unreliable and costly.
Innovation Solution
A perforation blocking sleeve system with anchoring devices and expandable members that can be remotely uncoupled and secured over perforation clusters within the well casing, allowing for efficient blocking and re-fracturing of new locations, utilizing sensors to detect clusters and exogenous fluids to expand the sealing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If currently available perforation blocking techniques are used, then perforation blocking can be achieved, but reliability is poor and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is divided into modular components including a delivery catheter, expandable blocking element, and anchoring mechanism. This segmentation allows for reliable deployment and positioning while reducing overall system cost through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is pre-loaded onto the delivery catheter in a compressed, navigable state before intervention. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable deployment at the target site without requiring complex assembly procedures, thereby improving reliability while controlling costs.
2Productivity
If perforation blocking is implemented to enable restimulation, then hydrocarbon recovery is enhanced, but production rate decreases over time due to fissure closure
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to be temporarily deployed during restimulation operations and then removed or collapsed after serving its purpose. This allows the original fissures to remain open for future production, extending the duration of productive action while still enabling enhanced recovery during the restimulation phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking mechanism operates periodically - deployed when restimulation is needed, maintained during the treatment, then removed or deactivated. This periodic action pattern allows the system to enhance recovery when necessary while preserving long-term production capacity.
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
Enhances hydrocarbon recovery by maintaining fissure openness and allowing targeted hydraulic fracturing, improving the reliability and cost-effectiveness of well restimulation processes.
Implementation Method 1
the expandable members comprising an organic polymer susceptible to expansion by contact with either or both of an exogenous fluid and a production fluid within the perforated well casing
Implementation Method 2
a pair of first anchoring devices integral to opposite, tapered ends of the perforation blocking sleeve and comprising a plurality of cantilevered springs defining an end portion for engaging with a detention arm assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A perforation blocking sleeve is provided for use in well restimulation, the perforation blocking sleeve having a first anchoring device and one or more expandable members secured to an outer surface of the perforation blocking sleeve. The first anchoring device may be used to secure the perforation blocking sleeve over a perforation cluster within a perforated well casing. The perforation blocking sleeve defines a flow channel and may be remotely and individually uncoupled from a running tool. The perforation blocking sleeve flow channel is sized such that the running tool and a running tool driver are retractable through the flow channel of the perforation blocking sleeve. In one or more embodiments, the perforation blocking sleeve contains an organic polymeric material which expands on contact with a production fluid or an exogenous fluid introduced into the well.