Shape Memory Screen for Oil Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid filtration systems using screens face limitations such as limited expansion potential, complex and costly equipment, and inability to fill nonsymmetrical spaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shape memory structure composed of commingled elastic and viscoelastic materials that can change shape in response to environmental changes, allowing the structure to expand and contract, and a conformable screen that integrates this technology with a filter material and permeable tubular for efficient fluid filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If swaging equipment is used to radially expand the screen, then the screen can be expanded to fill the annular gap, but the equipment becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes temperature as a parameter change to activate the shape memory effect. The screen is heated to a transition temperature that causes the viscoelastic material to soften and the elastic material to drive radial expansion, eliminating the need for complex swaging equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical swaging system with a thermally-activated shape memory system. Instead of using mechanical force to expand the screen, the invention uses temperature-induced phase change in the viscoelastic material to trigger automatic expansion driven by the elastic material's stored energy
2Manufacturing precision
If swaging equipment is used to radially expand the screen, then the screen can be expanded, but the amount of potential expansion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By controlling the transition temperature and the degree of heating, the patent enables variable expansion ratios. The screen can be expanded to different degrees depending on the temperature applied and the specific geometry required, providing adaptability to various annular gap sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic expansion system where the screen can adjust its radial dimension in response to temperature changes. The shape memory effect allows the screen to transition between different expanded states, providing versatility in expansion potential beyond fixed mechanical limits
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional screen expansion methods are used, then the screen can be expanded, but it cannot expand to fill a nonsymmetrical space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic shape memory system that can adapt to nonsymmetrical geometries. The screen is pre-formed with a nonsymmetrical cross-sectional shape, and when activated by temperature, it expands to conform precisely to the nonsymmetrical annular gap, achieving complete space filling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating variations in the screen's thickness and material distribution around the circumference. The viscoelastic and elastic materials are distributed non-uniformly to match the nonsymmetrical geometry of the annular gap, enabling the screen to expand to fill irregular spaces effectively
4Ease of manufacture
If the structure is compacted into a smaller volume, then it can be easier to install, but the filter material occupies less volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the filter material within the collapsible screen structure. When compacted for installation, the screen collapses into a small volume that can be easily deployed through the borehole. Once installed, the screen expands to provide adequate volume for the filter material to function effectively
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 solution enables the conformable screen to adapt to different shapes and sizes, minimizing annular clearance and preventing erosion, while maintaining filter material in contact with borehole walls, thus enhancing filtration efficiency and structural support.
Implementation Method 1
a viscoelastic material commingled with the elastic material. The shape memory structure is reformable from a first shape to a second shape upon exposure to a change in environment that softens the viscoelastic material thereby allowing the shape memory structure to creep under stress stored in the elastic material
Implementation Method 2
allowing the shape memory structure to creep under stress stored in the elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a shape memory structure includes, commingling elastic material with viscoelastic material, and forming a structure with the commingled materials. Altering a shape of the structure, altering an environment the structure is exposed to, to lock in the altered shape of the structure via hardening of the viscoelastic material until the structure is exposed to another environment that softens the viscoelastic material.