Hardenable Resin Well Bore Plug via Density Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Well bores shut-in due to low hydrocarbon demand often develop voids or cracks in the conduit or cement sheath, making it difficult to circulate servicing compositions for repair, as circulation is not possible during this time.
Innovation Solution
A hydrophobic well bore servicing composition comprising a liquid hardenable resin, a hardening agent, and a weighting material is introduced into the well bore, allowing it to migrate based on density differences and harden in place to form a plug, even when circulation is not possible, using low- or high-density materials to facilitate placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a well bore servicing composition is circulated through the well bore to repair voids or cracks, then the repair effectiveness is improved, but the well bore must be open for circulation which is not possible when shut-in
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the servicing composition by adjusting its density through weighting materials, enabling it to migrate and self-position within the well bore without requiring circulation. This allows the composition to be effectively applied in shut-in well bores where traditional circulation methods cannot be used.
Solution Approach 2:
The servicing composition is designed to automatically migrate to the desired location within the well bore based on density differences, eliminating the need for active circulation or pumping. The composition self-positions and self-applies to repair voids or cracks, making it suitable for shut-in well bores where no active service can be performed.
2Reliability
If a servicing composition is introduced into a shut-in well bore, then repair of voids or cracks becomes possible, but the composition must be able to reach the desired location without circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses weighting materials with densities different from the well bore fluid to create a density contrast that drives the servicing composition to migrate. By selecting appropriate weighting materials, the composition can be made to rise or sink to specific locations within the well bore, overcoming the lack of circulation and enabling precise placement for repair 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
The method enables effective repair of voids and cracks in well bores by forming a durable plug that withstands pressure and prevents fluid loss, even when the well is shut-in, ensuring continued zonal isolation and well integrity.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the well bore servicing composition to migrate through the well bore fluid to a desired location in the well bore based at least in part upon a difference between the first and second densities
Implementation Method 2
allowing the well bore servicing composition to migrate through the well bore fluid to a desired location in the well bore based at least in part upon a difference between the first and second densities
Implementation Method 3
allowing the liquid hardenable resin to at least partially harden to form a well bore plug at the desired location in the well bore
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for servicing well bores with hardenable resin compositions are provided. In one embodiment, a method of servicing a well bore includes providing a hydrophobic well bore servicing composition comprising a liquid hardenable resin, a hardening agent, and a weighting material selected to impart a desired first density to the well bore servicing composition; introducing the well bore servicing composition into a well bore comprising a well bore fluid having a second density; allowing the well bore servicing composition to migrate through the well bore fluid to a desired location in the well bore based at least in part upon a difference between the first and second densities; and allowing the liquid hardenable resin to at least partially harden to form a well bore plug at the desired location in the well bore.