Reinforcing Objects for Underground Reservoir Subsidence Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Land subsidence caused by hydrocarbon extraction from underground reservoirs leads to environmental damage and potential earthquakes due to compaction of reservoir rock, which existing methods have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the introduction of reinforcing material through a wellbore casing, forming cracks in the reservoir, and filling them with the material to create dome-shaped reinforcing objects that prevent compaction and support the surrounding soil, using grout or similar materials effectively in both permeable and non-permeable soils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrocarbons are extracted from underground reservoirs, then resource production is achieved, but land subsidence and environmental damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by forming reinforcing objects in the reservoir before significant subsidence occurs. The method proactively strengthens the reservoir structure by injecting reinforcing material through wellbores to create load-bearing reinforcing objects that prevent future compaction and subsidence, rather than waiting for damage to occur and then attempting remediation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-installing reinforcing structures within the reservoir before production-induced subsidence becomes problematic. The reinforcing material is injected and formed into structural objects in advance, creating a reinforced framework that will maintain reservoir integrity during subsequent hydrocarbon extraction operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If reinforcing material is injected through wellbores to prevent subsidence, then land subsidence is counteracted, but the wellbore structure and injection process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the wellbore system to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the production well for hydrocarbon extraction and as the injection conduit for delivering reinforcing material to the reservoir. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate injection wells, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the added reinforcement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by altering the physical state of the reinforcing material during injection. The material is injected in a pumpable fluid or semi-fluid state through the wellbore, then transforms in-situ within the reservoir (through chemical setting, phase change, or structural formation) into solid load-bearing reinforcing objects, enabling delivery through existing wellbore infrastructure.
3Strength
If the reservoir is reinforced with solidifying material, then structural support is improved, but permeability and fluid flow may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating reinforcing objects with spatially varying properties and distributions. The reinforcing material is injected at specific locations and concentrations to form discrete reinforcing objects (such as pillars, shells, or zones) rather than uniformly saturating the entire reservoir. This localized reinforcement provides structural support where needed while preserving permeability pathways in other regions for fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous materials by employing reinforcing materials that maintain porosity and permeability within their structure. The reinforcing objects are formed with interconnected void spaces or porous structures that provide mechanical strength while allowing reservoir fluids to flow through and around them, preventing complete blockage of fluid pathways.
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 method effectively prevents land subsidence by reinforcing the reservoir soil, maintaining wellbore integrity for resource extraction while allowing fluid flow, and is suitable for various geological conditions including shale or rock formations.
Implementation Method 1
bringing reinforcing material into a casing present in the wellbore and making the reinforcing material flow out through perforations in the casing
Implementation Method 2
forming cracks in the reservoir surrounding the wellbore and filling the cracks with the reinforcing material for forming the reinforcing objects
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for counteracting land subsidence due to activities, such as production of resources, involving transport of materials to or from an underground reservoir (R) through a well (P) having a well bore (B) running in the direction of the reservoir. The method comprises the step of bringing reinforcing material into a casing present in the wellbore(B) and making the reinforcing material flow out through perforations in the casing for forming a number of reinforcing objects (D) of reinforcing material around the wellbore (D).