Downhole Pressure Chamber for Controlled Dynamic Underbalance Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole operations lack control and repeatability in creating pressure waves, limiting their beneficial use in wellbore activities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pump coupled with a pressure chamber conveyed downhole, where the pump operates to create a pressure differential, and a release mechanism rapidly opens to establish controlled dynamic underbalance (DUB) or dynamic overbalance (DOB) pressure waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure waves are created using traditional methods (perforating guns, burst discs), then pressure waves occur downhole, but control and repeatability are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamically controllable pump to create pressure waves, replacing static one-time devices like perforating guns and burst discs. The pump can be activated and deactivated repeatedly to generate pressure waves on demand, providing both control and repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to detect pressure wave conditions and provides feedback to the control system, enabling precise control over when and how pressure waves are generated. This feedback mechanism ensures repeatable and controlled pressure wave creation.
2Productivity
If traditional downhole devices (perforating guns, burst discs) are used, then pressure waves occur, but the creation is not repeatable
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic activation of the pump to generate pressure waves at controlled intervals. This periodic action allows for repeated pressure wave creation with consistent timing and characteristics, improving both productivity and repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamically controllable pump system enables repeated pressure wave generation, unlike single-use traditional devices. The pump can be activated multiple times to create pressure waves at desired frequencies and intervals.
3Ease of operation
If more control mechanisms are added to pressure wave creation, then control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system serves multiple functions: it creates pressure waves, provides control through variable operation, and enables repeatability through programmable activation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, managing complexity while improving control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses downhole sensors to automatically detect conditions and trigger pressure wave creation without requiring complex external control mechanisms. This self-service capability simplifies the overall system while maintaining precise control.
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 controlled and repeatable creation of pressure waves, facilitating various downhole activities such as debris removal, scale breaking, device activation, and seismic data acquisition with increased precision and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The pump may be operated downhole to change a pressure level in the pressure chamber until a sufficient pressure differential exists between an interior and an exterior of the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
A release mechanism in communication with the pressure chamber is then rapidly opened to establish the desired pressure wave as the differing pressures equalize
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates controlled creation of pressure waves in a downhole environment. The technique enables creation of, for example, dynamic underbalance (DUB) pressure waves or dynamic overbalance (DOB) pressure waves which can be used to perform desired activities downhole. According to an embodiment, a pump is coupled with a pressure chamber and conveyed downhole into a borehole to a desired location. The pump may be operated downhole to change a pressure level in the pressure chamber until a sufficient pressure differential exists between an interior and an exterior of the pressure chamber. A release mechanism in communication with the pressure chamber is then rapidly opened to establish the desired pressure wave as the differing pressures equalize.