Pressure Deformable Member for Bore Permeability Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for conditioning drilled bores lack effective means to control or modify the permeability of rock formations, which is crucial for efficient fluid injection and production processes, particularly in hydrocarbon extraction and gas storage applications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves exerting mechanical forces on the bore wall using pressure deformable members to modify the permeability of the rock formation, either by increasing or decreasing it, through the inflation of non-concentric chambers mounted on a base pipe, allowing for controlled fluid injection and permeability management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional drilling methods are used without mechanical force application, then the bore can be drilled through the formation, but the permeability of the formation cannot be effectively controlled or modified
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the bore wall treatment into multiple independent pressure deformable members that can be individually activated. Each member can apply mechanical force to specific zones of the bore wall, allowing selective permeability modification in different formation sections without requiring complete system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure deformable members transition from a static, non-functional state to an active force-applying state through fluid pressure inflation. This dynamic capability allows the system to modify formation permeability on-demand, adapting to varying formation conditions and injection requirements without permanent structural changes.
2Productivity
If mechanical force is applied to modify formation permeability, then fluid injection efficiency is improved, but the apparatus requires complex pressure deformable members and fluid supply systems
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure deformable members serve multiple functions: they apply mechanical force to modify formation permeability, provide structural support to the bore wall, and act as expansion anchors to secure the apparatus in place. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure deformable members are mounted on the exterior surface of the base pipe, creating a nested configuration where the inflation system is integrated within the existing apparatus structure. The fluid supply system connects through the base pipe's internal volume, nesting the control system within the structural framework.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-concentric pressure deformable members are used, then selective permeability modification is achieved, but the apparatus alignment and installation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The non-concentric positioning of pressure deformable members allows each member to target specific local zones of the bore wall with different permeability characteristics. Members can be strategically placed and independently controlled to address heterogeneous formation properties, applying mechanical force precisely where needed rather than uniformly across the entire bore circumference.
4Reliability
If mechanical force is maintained on the formation during fluid injection, then formation stability is improved, but the apparatus requires continuous fluid pressure supply
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus applies mechanical force to the formation before fluid injection begins, pre-conditioning the formation by modifying permeability and stabilizing the bore wall. This preliminary action reduces the formation's susceptibility to instability during subsequent injection operations, allowing for more efficient fluid injection with reduced continuous pressure maintenance requirements.
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
This approach enhances the efficiency of fluid injection and production by maintaining desired permeability profiles, preventing formation deterioration, and optimizing fluid flow, thereby improving hydrocarbon recovery and gas storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
exerting a mechanical force on a wall of a bore extending through a formation to modify the permeability of the formation; The mechanical force may be exerted through inflation of at least one pressure deformable member mounted on a base member
Data Source
AI summary
A method of injecting fluid into a formation, comprises exerting a mechanical force on a wall of a bore extending through a formation to modify the permeability of the formation; and injecting fluid into the modified formation. The mechanical force is exerted through inflation of at least one pressure deformable member mounted on a base member with a retaining ring.