Steerable Acid Tunneling System for Precise Lateral Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for creating lateral subterranean tunnels lack precise control over direction and length, and real-time monitoring capabilities, limiting the ability to create multiple tunnels radiating from a central wellbore and efficiently manage tunnel diameters.
Innovation Solution
A steerable acid tunneling system with a bottom hole assembly equipped with sensors, a pulsating tool, and an indexing tool, which allows for real-time data transmission and control of the tunneling tool's orientation and flexure to create wider tunnels with reduced friction, enabling precise tunnel formation and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional acid tunneling systems are used, then lateral tunnels can be created from a central wellbore, but precise control over tunnel direction and length is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wand flexible and capable of bending through pulsating pressure waves transmitted through the running string. The wand can dynamically adjust its orientation during operation, allowing real-time steering control of the acid jet direction while maintaining the ability to create precisely controlled tunnels radiating from the central wellbore
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by using pulsating pressure waves to control wand flexure and orientation. By varying the pressure, frequency, and amplitude of the pulsating waves transmitted through the running string, the system can precisely control the wand's bending degree and direction, thereby controlling tunnel direction and length with high precision
2Loss of information
If conventional acid tunneling systems are used, then tunnels can be formed, but real-time monitoring capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating multiple functions into the single running string: it serves as both the acid delivery conduit and the data transmission medium. The pulsating pressure waves simultaneously drive the wand flexure for tunneling and transmit control signals and real-time sensor data from downhole sensors to surface, eliminating the need for separate control and communication systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the running string as an intermediary that transmits both acid flow and pulsating pressure waves. This intermediary medium carries the mechanical energy for wand actuation and the information signals for real-time monitoring, enabling data transmission through the same physical pathway used for acid delivery without adding separate complex communication infrastructure
3Quantity of substance
If narrow tunnels are created, then less acid is needed, but friction between the tool and formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through pulsating pressure waves that cause the flexible wand to rhythmically flex and unflex during operation. This periodic motion creates a hammering effect that fractures the formation and prevents the tool from becoming stuck due to friction, while the pulsed acid delivery maintains efficient acid consumption by concentrating dissolution at the active tunnel front rather than continuous flow through a narrow passage
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 system provides greater control over tunnel direction and length, allows for real-time monitoring, and reduces friction by creating wider tunnels, facilitating more efficient lateral tunnel creation and management.
Implementation Method 1
The acid helps dissolve portions of the formation around the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
The pulsating tool creates pressure waves that are transmitted to the tunneling tool and, in response to each pulse, the wand and nozzle of the tunneling tool are flexed radially outwardly
Implementation Method 3
A data/power cable is used to provide power to downhole components as well as a real-time data transmission system
Data Source
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AI summary
An acid tunneling system for forming lateral tunnels from a central wellbore. The acid tunneling system includes an acid tunneling tool having an acid injection nozzle which can be steered and oriented in response to downhole parameters that are detected and sent to surface in real time.