Shape Memory Packer for Dynamic Wellbore Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole packer systems are difficult to employ and adapt to changes in fluid composition in hydrocarbon exploration and recovery operations, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the entry of unwanted fluids into production boreholes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control apparatus using a shape memory material with a glass transition temperature that changes in response to a trigger, transitioning from a glass state to a rubber state at borehole temperatures to seal off portions of the borehole and prevent fluid flow, employing materials like Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) that can be activated by temperature, chemical, magnetic, or electro-conductive triggers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional downhole packer systems are used to prevent unwanted fluids, then fluid sealing is achieved, but the system is difficult to employ and cannot respond to changes in fluid composition
Solution Approach 1:
The packer system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one by incorporating shape memory material that can change its properties in response to temperature changes. The material transitions between glassy and rubbery states, enabling the packer to adapt its sealing characteristics dynamically based on downhole temperature conditions, thus responding to changes in fluid composition and temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the shape memory material, specifically the glass transition temperature, to enable adaptive sealing. By designing the packer with material whose transition temperature can be modified to occur at downhole temperatures, the system achieves automatic adaptation to different fluid compositions and temperature conditions without requiring complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If downhole packer systems are deployed to seal boreholes, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the system requires complex deployment and retrieval operations
Solution Approach 1:
The packer system performs self-activation based on downhole temperature conditions. The shape memory material automatically transitions from glassy to rubbery state when exposed to downhole temperatures, enabling the packer to seal itself without requiring complex deployment mechanisms or manual intervention. This self-service capability simplifies deployment operations significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical deployment and retrieval systems with a thermally-driven shape memory mechanism. Instead of relying on complex mechanical actuators and control systems, the packer uses the inherent phase transition properties of shape memory material to achieve sealing, thereby simplifying the overall system and reducing operational complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If shape memory material with high glass transition temperature is used, then material stability is maintained, but the material cannot transition to rubber state at borehole temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the glass transition temperature parameter of the shape memory material to be lower than downhole temperatures. This parameter change enables the material to transition from glassy to rubbery state at downhole conditions while maintaining stability at lower temperatures during deployment and storage, achieving both stability and responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The packer system exhibits different material properties at different temperature zones. At surface and deployment temperatures, the material remains in glassy state for stability and ease of handling. At downhole temperatures, the material transitions to rubbery state for sealing. This local differentiation of material properties based on temperature zones resolves the contradiction between stability and transition capability.
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
Dynmically and automatically seals off portions of the borehole to prevent undesired fluids from entering, enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs by allowing controlled fluid flow management without interrupting operations or retrieving downhole components.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory device including a shape memory material having a glass transition temperature, the shape memory material configured to modify the glass transition temperature to a temperature lower than a borehole temperature in response to a trigger, and change from a glass state to a rubber state in response to the borehole temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a borehole in an earth formation includes a carrier configured to be deployed in the borehole and a shape memory device disposed at the carrier that includes a shape memory material having a glass transition temperature. The shape memory material is configured to modify the glass transition temperature to a temperature lower than a borehole temperature in response to a trigger, and change from a glass state to a rubber state in response to the borehole temperature to prevent fluid flowing through the shape memory device.