Phase Transition Plastic Wellbore Isolation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for removing retrievable isolation devices in oil and gas operations are often difficult, time-consuming, and costly, with potential for premature dissolution when using acidic fluids.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a wellbore isolation device made of a plastic substance that undergoes a phase transition at a specific temperature, allowing the wellbore temperature to increase to facilitate the removal of the device by reducing its strength and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods are used to remove isolation devices, then the device can be removed, but the process is difficult, time-consuming, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing temperature as a control parameter. The isolation device is made of a plastic substance with a specific phase transition temperature. By increasing the wellbore temperature to at least this phase transition temperature, the plastic undergoes a phase transition that reduces its strength and structural integrity, enabling easy removal without complex retrieval tools or premature dissolution methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies phase transitions as the core mechanism. The isolation device contains a plastic substance that undergoes a phase transition at a specific temperature. When the wellbore temperature is increased to this phase transition temperature, the plastic transitions from a high-strength state to a low-strength state, facilitating simple removal of the isolation device from the wellbore.
2Productivity
If acidic fluids are used to dissolve the isolation device, then the device can be removed, but premature dissolution may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical dissolution methods with thermal parameter changes. Instead of using acidic fluids that cause premature dissolution, the invention uses temperature as a controlled parameter. By increasing the wellbore temperature to the phase transition temperature of the plastic substance, the device is removed through physical phase transition rather than chemical dissolution, eliminating the risk of premature dissolution while maintaining removal efficiency.
3Productivity
If retrieval tools are used to remove the isolation device, then the device can be removed, but the process is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transitions to eliminate the need for expensive retrieval tools. When the wellbore temperature is increased to the phase transition temperature of the plastic substance, the isolation device undergoes a phase transition that dramatically reduces its strength and structural integrity. This allows the device to be removed simply by lowering the temperature or applying minimal force, eliminating the need for costly retrieval tools and operations.
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 cost-effective removal of the isolation device by causing it to degrade and lose strength at the phase transition temperature, allowing for easy retrieval without the need for costly retrieval tools or premature dissolution.
Implementation Method 1
A wellbore isolation device comprising a substance, wherein the substance: (A) is a plastic; and (B) undergoes a phase transition at a phase transition temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore isolation device comprises: a substance, wherein the substance: (A) is a plastic; and (B) undergoes a phase transition at a phase transition temperature, wherein the temperature surrounding the wellbore isolation device is increased or allowed to increase to a temperature that is greater than or equal to the phase transition temperature. A method of removing a wellbore isolation device comprises: causing or allowing the temperature surrounding the wellbore isolation device to increase; and allowing at least a portion of the substance to undergo the phase transformation. A method of inhibiting or preventing fluid flow in a wellbore comprises: decreasing the temperature of at least a portion of the wellbore; positioning the wellbore isolation device in the at least a portion of the wellbore; and causing or allowing the temperature surrounding the wellbore isolation device to increase.