Swellable Polymer Well Seal for Abandonment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current well sealing methods, such as cementing, may not effectively prevent fluid flow along boreholes, especially in high-pressure and high-temperature environments, and can leave potential leak paths, requiring extensive removal of casing and control lines during abandonment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a swellable polymer in particulate form, which can be injected as a flowable into the bore, forming a seal that adapts to environmental changes and can be activated by fluids, providing a long-lasting and adaptive seal without the need for extensive removal of infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cementing is used to seal the bore, then the bore can be plugged and abandoned, but potential leak paths remain and extensive removal of casing and control lines is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the swellable polymer's ability to change its physical state in response to environmental conditions. The polymer particles are injected in a compact, low-volume state and then swell when exposed to formation fluids or temperature changes, creating an effective seal without requiring extensive infrastructure removal. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable sealing while minimizing the need for complex infrastructure removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining swellable polymer particles with carrier fluids and potentially other additives. This composite approach creates a sealing material that integrates the advantages of multiple substances: the swellable polymer provides adaptive sealing, the carrier fluid enables injection and distribution, and the combination allows the seal to adapt to varying well conditions. This composite material resolves the contradiction by providing reliable sealing that reduces the need for extensive infrastructure removal.
2Reliability
If conventional sealing methods are used, then the bore can be sealed, but they may not effectively prevent fluid flow in high-pressure and high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a swellable polymer that actively responds to changes in its environment. Rather than a static seal, the polymer dynamically adjusts its volume and sealing properties in response to formation fluids, temperature variations, and pressure changes. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing reliable fluid flow prevention while maintaining adaptability to harsh well conditions through continuous environmental response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by designing a seal that transforms its physical characteristics based on environmental parameters. The swellable polymer changes its volume, density, and sealing effectiveness in response to temperature, pressure, and fluid composition changes. This parameter-based adaptation resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliable fluid flow prevention across varying well conditions while maintaining versatility through environmental responsiveness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid seal is installed, then the seal structure is stable, but it cannot adapt to environmental changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by using a swellable polymer that maintains structural stability while dynamically adjusting its sealing parameters. The polymer's cross-linked network provides structural integrity, while its ability to swell and contract in response to environmental parameters allows continuous adaptation. This dual characteristic resolves the contradiction by providing both stable seal structure and environmental responsiveness over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a seal that combines structural stability with adaptive properties. The swellable polymer composite integrates a stable matrix structure with components that respond to environmental changes, providing both long-term structural integrity and adaptability. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining seal structure stability while enabling continuous adaptation to environmental changes throughout the well's operational life.
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 method effectively prevents fluid flow along boreholes, reduces the need for extensive removal of casing and control lines, and maintains a seal over long periods, even in challenging conditions, while allowing for potential reactivation or removal if needed.
Implementation Method 1
The method comprises applying a swellable to the bore. The swellable is a swellable polymer.
Implementation Method 2
The swellable may comprise an indefinite form prior to application. The method comprises applying the swellable to the bore in particulate form.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method of sealing in a bore, such as plugging a well for abandonment. The method comprises applying a swellable in particulate form to the bore. The swellable comprises a polymer. The particulate swellable is positioned in place within the bore at a desired location. The method includes swelling the swellable so as to form a seal at the desired location. Embodiments include a well comprising a bore with a seal applied by injecting the swellable in particulate form as a flowable into the bore.