Swellable-Coated Filament Plugging Devices for Well Perforations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current plugging devices for subterranean wells lack effective control over fluid flow through perforations, as they fail to reliably divert treatment fluids to under-treated perforations, leading to inefficiencies in fluid distribution and resource management.
Innovation Solution
The development of plugging devices featuring filaments coated with swellable materials that swell in response to well stimuli, such as water, allowing for enhanced sealing and fluid control by expanding to block flow through perforations, and potentially degrading when no longer needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plugging devices are used to block perforations, then fluid flow control is provided, but reliable sealing and effective diversion of treatment fluids to under-treated perforations is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging device utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the swellable material in response to treatment fluid exposure. The material transitions from a non-swollen state during deployment to a swollen state upon contact with treatment fluid, automatically enhancing the seal and diverting fluid flow to under-treated perforations without requiring additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The plugging device is designed to automatically enhance its sealing capability by utilizing the treatment fluid itself as the swelling agent. The swellable material self-activates upon contact with the treatment fluid, eliminating the need for external control systems or additional materials to achieve reliable sealing and effective fluid diversion
2Ease of operation
If plugging devices are deployed to prevent flow into treated perforations, then flow control is achieved, but inefficient fluid distribution and resource management occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device exploits parameter changes in the swellable material that respond to the chemical or physical properties of the treatment fluid. This automatic response ensures that fluid diversion occurs efficiently only where needed, preventing resource waste by directing treatment fluid exclusively to under-treated perforations based on real-time conditions
3Reliability
If swellable material is applied to filaments, then sealing capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging device incorporates swellable material applied to the surface of filaments, creating a composite structure that combines the mechanical integrity of the filament with the sealing functionality of the swellable material. This composite approach enhances sealing capability while maintaining relative structural simplicity through the use of existing filament frameworks
Solution Approach 2:
The swellable material is applied locally to specific regions of the filaments where sealing is most needed, such as at the tips or along portions of the filament length. This localized application provides enhanced sealing capability only where required, maintaining overall device simplicity by avoiding unnecessary material throughout the entire structure
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 use of swellable-coated filaments in plugging devices effectively seals perforations, diverting fluid flow to under-treated areas and ensuring efficient distribution, while degradable materials allow for controlled removal, enhancing operational efficiency and resource management.
Implementation Method 1
filaments coated with swellable material that swell in response to well stimuli, such as water
Implementation Method 2
swellable materials that swell in response to well stimuli, such as water
Data Source
AI summary
A method of constructing a plugging device can include incorporating multiple filaments into the plugging device, and coating each individual filament with a swellable material. A plugging device for use in a subterranean well can include a body comprising multiple filaments, and a swellable material on each of the individual filaments. A system can include a plugging device conveyed by fluid flow into engagement with an opening, whereby the plugging device blocks flow through the opening. The plugging device can include multiple filaments, each of the multiple filaments being coated with a swellable material. The swellable material may seal against a surface of the opening.