Pressure Disintegrable Device for Reversible Well Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well completion and isolation techniques in the oil and gas industry require complex processes for zone isolation, which can be inefficient and require repeated operations, lacking a reliable method for temporary and reversible isolation using pressure-sensitive materials.
Innovation Solution
A pressure disintegrable device composed of a heterogeneous material with a first portion that maintains its melting point and a second portion whose melting point decreases with increased pressure, allowing the device to disintegrate when exposed to a predetermined pressure and temperature, facilitating reversible isolation in well operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cement or bridgeplug isolation components are used, then zone isolation can be achieved, but the removal process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing pressure-dependent melting point behavior of the second material. When subjected to elevated pressures during removal operations, the second material's melting point decreases, allowing it to transition from solid to liquid state and disintegrate, thereby simplifying the removal process while maintaining isolation reliability during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase transitions by designing a heterogeneous material where the second material undergoes a solid-to-liquid phase change in response to pressure-induced melting point depression. This phase transition enables the isolation component to disintegrate and be removed easily after serving its isolation function, resolving the contradiction between reliable isolation and simple removal
2Reliability
If traditional isolation components are used, then zone isolation can be achieved, but repeated operations require multiple installation and removal cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-dependent melting point characteristic allows the isolation component to be rapidly removed by applying pressure, enabling quick reconfiguration for repeated zone isolation operations. This reduces the time loss between operations while maintaining reliable isolation when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The heterogeneous material structure enables self-service removal through pressure-induced melting point depression. The second material automatically transitions to liquid state and facilitates disintegration when exposed to elevated pressures, eliminating the need for complex external removal mechanisms and reducing operational time
3Ease of operation
If a heterogeneous material with pressure-sensitive melting point is used, then easy removal is achieved, but the material composition becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite materials by creating a heterogeneous material comprising a first material and a second material with complementary properties. The second material's pressure-sensitive melting point behavior enables easy removal, while the composite structure integrates this functionality into the overall isolation component without requiring separate complex mechanisms
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 pressure disintegrable device provides a reliable and efficient means for temporary and reversible zone isolation in wells, allowing for easy removal and reconfiguration of isolation components without the need for complex removal processes, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The melting temperature of the second portion, in response to the transmitted pressure, decreases as the transmitted pressure increases beyond a predetermined pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure disintegrable device includes a first volume that further includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is adapted to transmit a pressure applied to the first volume to a second portion disposed on the first portion. The second portion is adapted to decrease a melting point thereof as the transmitted pressure increases beyond a predetermined pressure. The pressure disintegrable device may also include a layer disposed on the first volume that is adapted to create a seal between the first volume and an external structure.