Straddle Packer Zone Isolation via Coiled Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In well servicing applications, isolating a specific section of a well allows targeted treatment of a subterranean formation while minimizing the exposure and usage of treatment substances across the entire well, but existing methods lack efficient and reusable solutions for precise zone isolation.
Innovation Solution
A straddle packer system conveyed downhole and activated via coiled tubing, comprising upper and lower packers with a middle injection mandrel, utilizes compression and tension inputs to cycle through positions for sealing and treating specific zones, enabling precise fluid injection and repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional packers are used to isolate well sections, then zone isolation is achieved, but the equipment cannot be reused and requires complex deployment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The packer system employs dynamic elements including a collapsible packer body that can transition between expanded and collapsed states, and a bellows mechanism that enables repeated deployment cycles. The packer body collapses axially for retrieval and re-expands for subsequent isolation operations, enabling multiple uses of the same equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The packer components are designed with nested structures where the packer body can be collapsed and stored within the tubing assembly during retrieval. The bellows mechanism allows the packer to nest within itself when collapsed, facilitating easy storage and repeated deployment from the same wellbore.
2Quantity of substance
If treatment substances are injected into the entire well, then all zones receive treatment, but treatment substance usage increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore is divided into discrete treatable zones using the packer system to create isolated segments. Each packer set establishes upper and lower boundaries for a specific treatment zone, allowing treatment substances to be injected only into the targeted segment rather than the entire well, thereby reducing overall substance consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables localized treatment by concentrating treatment substances specifically in the isolated zone between packers. The treatment application is tailored to the specific geological characteristics and treatment needs of each individual zone, optimizing substance effectiveness and reducing waste in non-target areas.
3Measurement precision
If multiple packers are deployed to isolate specific zones, then precise zone isolation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packer assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines isolation, treatment injection, and retrieval capabilities in a single deployable system. The same packer structure can be used repeatedly for different zones by collapsing and redeploying, reducing the need for multiple different equipment types and simplifying overall system management.
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 effectively isolates and treats specific well sections, optimizing the use of treatment fluids and allowing for repeated deployments, enhancing the efficiency and precision of well servicing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The packer is set in the wellbore to isolate a specific section of the well from the rest of the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
a treatment fluid is injected into the isolated section of the well and into the subterranean formation to fracture the subterranean formation
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates servicing of a subterranean formation by treating a specific section of a well. The technique utilizes a straddle packer conveyed downhole and then activated via coiled tubing. The straddle packer comprises a first, e.g. upper, packer and a second, e.g. lower, packer which are deployed downhole into the wellbore to the specific section of the wellbore proximate a target formation zone. Once properly located, the straddle packer is uniquely activated by compression and tension inputs applied via the coiled tubing.