Sand Screen Installation via Dissolvable Plugs for Frac String Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current well completion methods require complex valving systems for fracking, which restrict hydrocarbon flow and necessitate costly and time-consuming processes to remove valving components before production, and fail to provide sand control during production without tripping out the frac string.
Innovation Solution
A system with a tubular liner and sliding sleeve members that allow for the flowable installation of sand screens after fracking, enabling immediate production by preventing sand ingress through the use of actuation members and dissolvable plugs, allowing for the opening of frac ports without the need to remove the frac string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex valving components are used for fracking, then fracking can be performed at multiple stages, but hydrocarbon flow is restricted and production is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the complex valving components after the fracking operation is complete. The frac string with valves is tripped out and replaced with a production string, eliminating the flow restrictions that would otherwise remain in the wellbore during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The fracking operation is performed in advance using the complex valving system, and then the system is removed before production begins. This preliminary action allows the beneficial multi-stage fracking to be achieved while avoiding the detrimental effects of leaving the valving components in place.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex valving systems are installed for fracking, then multiple zones can be treated, but the diameter of downhole pump is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valving system is completely extracted from the wellbore after serving its purpose during fracking. This removal restores the full diameter of the wellbore, allowing installation of larger diameter downhole pumps that can achieve higher production rates.
3Productivity
If frac string is left in wellbore with valving remnants, then fracking can be completed, but sand control is not provided during production
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two separate operations into one continuous process: the fracking operation using the frac string is immediately followed by installation of the production string with sand screens. This eliminates the need to trip out the frac string separately and ensures sand control is in place before production begins.
4Reliability
If multiple trips are made to install sand screens, then sand control can be provided, but time and expense are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The installation of sand screens is merged with the fracking operation itself. The production string with sand screens is installed immediately after fracking in a single continuous operation, eliminating multiple separate trips and reducing both time and expense.
Solution Approach 2:
The sand screens are installed in advance, before production begins, as part of the same operation that performs fracking. This preliminary installation ensures sand control is ready before hydrocarbons start flowing.
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
Facilitates efficient fracking and sand control during production, reducing equipment costs and time by allowing immediate production without the need to trip out the frac string and install sand screens separately, thereby extending pump life and reducing sand-related wear.
Implementation Method 1
cylindrical hollow member having at an uphole end thereof a dissolvable plug member which at least for a limited time substantially obstructs passage of fluid within said interior bore thereby causing pressurized fluid injected downhole in said bore of said tubular liner to force said sand screen sub downhole
Implementation Method 2
cylindrical, longitudinally-extending oil-permeable screen mesh forming a portion of an outer periphery of said sand screen sub downhole from said dissolvable plug member, which screen mesh when said sand screen sub is located proximate said one of said frac ports, underlies said one of said frac ports and prevents ingress of sand but permits ingress of oil, from said formation into the interior bore
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for successively fracking a wellbore at spaced intervals along tubing having therein frac ports each openably closed by a sliding sleeve. The system has at least one actuation member and at least one cylindrical sand screen sub insertable into the tubing. Each actuation member has a collet sleeve with a radially-outwardly biased protuberance of a first profile configured to matingly engage an interior groove profile on at least one of the sliding sleeves and slide the sliding sleeve downhole to open the corresponding port. Each cylindrical sand screen sub has a dissolvable plug member or burst plate disposed on one end thereof allowing for the sand screen to be forced into the well by pressure acting against the plug or plate, and has a resiliently-outwardly biased protuberance configured for engaging a mating profile on the tubing and retaining the sand screen sub in a desired position.