Non-Porous Sheath for Open-Hole Wellbore Back Pressure Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During gravel-packing or fracturing operations in open-hole wellbores, premature fracturing of the subterranean formation can occur due to back pressure buildup in shunt tubes, which is not effectively managed by existing devices and techniques.
Innovation Solution
A non-porous tubular sheath is positioned in the open-hole wellbore to create a sheath annulus around the sand control assembly and conduit, preventing premature fracturing by withstanding the back pressure and redirecting fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conduit (shunt tube) is positioned adjacent to the sand control assembly to allow fluid flow, then fluid flow is improved, but back pressure buildup occurs that can cause premature fracturing of the subterranean formation
Solution Approach 1:
A sheath is introduced as an intermediary component between the conduit and the subterranean formation. The sheath acts as a protective barrier that prevents the conduit from directly contacting and causing premature fracturing of the formation while still allowing fluid flow through the conduit. The sheath mediates the harmful back pressure effect without blocking the useful fluid flow function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is positioned beforehand to cushion or absorb the harmful back pressure before it can reach and cause premature fracturing of the subterranean formation. This protective barrier is in place prior to the fracturing risk occurring, preventing the harmful effect from manifesting in the formation while allowing the conduit to continue its fluid flow function.
2Reliability
If the sheath is positioned to surround the conduit and sand control assembly, then protection against premature fracturing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is designed as a flexible tubular structure that can be easily positioned and configured around the conduit and sand control assembly. This flexible shell approach simplifies the positioning process compared to rigid structures, allowing the sheath to be installed in the open-hole wellbore section and conform to the surrounding components while providing the necessary protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is nested around the conduit and sand control assembly, creating a protective layer without requiring separate complex positioning mechanisms. The nested configuration allows the sheath to be installed as a single component that encompasses the other elements, simplifying the overall device assembly and positioning while maintaining the protective function against premature fracturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of completing at least a portion of an open-hole wellbore comprises: positioning a sand control assembly in the portion of the open-hole wellbore, wherein the sand control assembly comprises a screen; positioning at least one conduit adjacent to the sand control assembly; positioning a sheath in the portion of the open-hole wellbore, wherein the sheath is a non-porous tubular, and wherein the sheath is positioned such that a sheath annulus exists between the inside wall of the sheath and the outside wall of at least a portion of both, the sand control assembly and the at least one conduit; and introducing a treatment fluid into the portion of the open-hole wellbore.