Shape-Memory Particle Gravel Pack for Wellbore Void Filling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gravel packs in wellbores often contain gaps that are difficult to fill, leading to high flow velocities and eventual filtration failure due to erosion of the sand screen, which compromises the well's performance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the supply of a mixture containing shape-memory particles of a first size into a selected region in the wellbore, followed by retention of these particles while expelling the fluid, and subsequent activation by lowering the glass transition temperature and heating to cause the particles to expand and fill voids, thereby packing the region effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gravel is packed in the annulus to stabilize the wellbore and provide filtration, then wellbore stability and filtration are improved, but voids and gaps remain difficult to fill, leading to high flow velocities and eventual filtration failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the packing material by using shape-memory particles that transition from a compressed state during injection to an expanded state after placement. This parameter change enables the particles to fill voids effectively without requiring complex injection procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The shape-memory particles are pre-compressed to a smaller size before injection, allowing them to be easily pumped through the annulus. After placement, they automatically expand to fill voids, eliminating the need for complex post-injection void-filling operations
2Volume of stationary object
If particles are injected into the annulus to fill voids, then void filling capability is improved, but particle size and injection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses dynamically changing particle size - particles are injected in a compressed small size and then expand to a larger size after placement. This dynamic size change simplifies the injection process while achieving complete void filling
Solution Approach 2:
The packing material is segmented into individual particles that can be independently injected and distributed throughout the annulus. This segmentation allows for uniform void filling without requiring complex injection equipment
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 expanded shape-memory particles effectively fill voids and stabilize the wellbore, enhancing fluid flow while preventing the passage of solids, thus improving the well's performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
heating the shape-memory particles above the second glass transition temperature to activate the retained shape-memory particles of the first size in the selected region to cause at least some of the retained shape-memory particles to attain a second size greater than the first size
Implementation Method 2
supplying a selected fluid to the shape-memory particles in the selected region to lower a glass transition temperature of the shape-memory particles from a first glass transition temperature to a second glass transition temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 3A~3G
AI summary
In aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of performing a wellbore operation, which in one embodiment includes supplying a mixture containing a fluid and shape memory particles of a first size into a selected region in the wellbore, retaining the shape memory particles of the first size in the selected region while expelling the fluid from the selected region, and activating the shape memory particles retained in the selected region to cause them to expand to attain a second shape to fill the selected region with shape memory particles having the second shape.