High-Density Solids Injection for Blowout Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stopping uncontrolled hydrocarbon releases from offshore wells are inefficient, requiring lengthy times and high costs, especially in deep water where traditional techniques like mud pumping and blowout preventers are ineffective or impractical.
Innovation Solution
Introducing high-density solids with suitable dimensions and materials, potentially coated with swelling agents, into the well to form a blocking column that reduces or stops the hydrocarbon flow, using a specific injection system to optimize the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional methods (mud pumping, blowout preventers) are used to stop blowouts, then well control can be maintained, but the operation time becomes excessively long (weeks/months instead of days)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the well interior by introducing high-density solids (density > 7000 kg/m³) that sink rapidly through the hydrocarbon column, fundamentally altering the flow dynamics and enabling quick closure without relying on traditional slow-acting mud pumping methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical system of mud pumping and BOP operation with a simpler gravitational settling mechanism where high-density solids automatically sink and accumulate at the well bottom, forming a blocking column that stops hydrocarbon flow through passive accumulation rather than active mechanical control
2Productivity
If high-density solids are introduced into the well, then the operation time for stopping blowout is significantly reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for specialized injection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is designed to be multi-functional, capable of introducing both the high-density solids and the carrier fluid through existing well equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the specialized nature of the solids injection process
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional killing techniques are used in deep water, then well closure can be achieved, but the method becomes impractical due to excessive depth and lack of visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical killing techniques with a gravitational settling process that operates independently of water depth and visibility conditions, as the high-density solids naturally sink through the hydrocarbon column regardless of the depth at which the well is located
Solution Approach 2:
The high-density solids automatically perform the well closure function through their own gravitational settling and accumulation at the well bottom, eliminating the need for external mechanical intervention or complex operating procedures in deep water environments
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
This method significantly reduces operation time for stopping blowouts, achieving complete or partial closure of the well, even in deep water conditions where traditional methods fail, by forming a dense packing of solids that effectively blocks hydrocarbon flow.
Implementation Method 1
having a density higher than 7,000 kg/m3, more preferably higher than 10,000 kg/m3... so that said solids introduced accumulate by random packing at the bottom of the well
Implementation Method 2
At least part of the solids introduced can be coated or contain a swelling material in contact with the liquids released during the blowout... the function of this swelling material is to fill, by expansion, the empty spaces left free by the solids during the spontaneous packing
Data Source
AI summary
Method for stopping or at least reducing the uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons, blowout, from a well for the extraction of hydrocarbons, which comprises introducing high-density solids at the bottom of the well, through a suitable line, having a polyhedral, spheroidal, ellipsoidal or paraboloidal form, regular or irregular, possibly coated with swelling polymeric material in contact with the fluids leaving the well, the smallest dimension of said solids being greater than 1 mm and the largest dimension less than 100 mm, so that said solids introduced accumulate by random packing at the bottom of the well, forming a column which totally, or at least partially, blocks the uncontrolled release of said hydrocarbons.