Thermally Responsive Valve Packer for Automatic Zonal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for zonal isolation in gravel packing using alternative path conduits face challenges such as uncertainty in fluid delivery reaching swelling materials and time delays in achieving path isolation, as seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,407,007 and 7,562,709.
Innovation Solution
Equipping auxiliary conduits within packer bodies or seals with thermally responsive valve members made of shape memory polymers or alloys that automatically close in response to well fluid temperatures, either naturally occurring or artificially enhanced, to create zonal isolation across packers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If swelling material is used to seal off alternate paths, then zonal isolation is achieved, but uncertainty exists about whether the delivered fluid has reached the swelling material and time delay occurs before isolation is obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical swelling mechanism with a thermal actuation mechanism. Thermally responsive valve members made of shape memory polymers or alloys automatically close the alternate path conduits in response to well fluid temperature changes, eliminating the need for chemical swelling materials and associated uncertainties about fluid delivery and timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally responsive valve members are designed to automatically close the conduits based on the natural temperature of the well fluids without requiring external intervention, chemical triggers, or complex control systems. The system uses the existing thermal environment to self-actuate the closure mechanism.
2Extent of automation
If thermally responsive valve members are used, then automatic closure and zonal isolation are achieved, but heat sources may be required to control closure timing and sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in temperature parameters to control the closure timing and sequence of thermally responsive valve members. By manipulating the thermal environment or introducing controlled heat sources, the closure process can be timed to occur at specific stages of the gravel packing operation, achieving automation without requiring complex mechanical or electronic control systems.
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
Enables rapid and reliable automatic closure of conduits for zonal isolation, allowing for selective production or injection into zones, reducing time and ensuring tight seals, with the option to control closure timing and sequence using heat sources.
Implementation Method 1
The valve material can be shape memory polymer
Implementation Method 2
shape memory polymers or alloys
Implementation Method 3
The heat source can also be added to the well fluids to control the speed of the process either in the form of heaters
Implementation Method 4
by other means... reactive chemicals that create an exothermic reaction
Data Source
AI summary
Auxiliary conduits that run through a packer body or seal are equipped with thermally responsive valve members that with a time exposure close off the conduits to create zonal isolation across one or more packers after a gravel pack. The heat source can also be added to the well fluids to control the speed of the process either in the form of heaters or reactive chemicals that create an exothermic reaction. The valve material can be shape memory polymer.