Uncemented Blank Pipe Milling for Selective Inflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflow control systems in horizontal wells struggle to balance fluid inflow efficiently, leading to inefficiencies in oil production and increased water inflow, without compromising the integrity of the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a milling sub-system and plug sub-system is used to create and close openings in a blank pipe based on formation analysis, utilizing a computer system to align the system with high-oil or high-water producing areas, ensuring precise and controlled openings and plugging to optimize fluid inflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If openings are created in the blank pipe to increase oil inflow, then oil production is improved, but water inflow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates different types of openings (mill openings and ICD openings) at different locations within the blank pipe based on formation analysis. Mill openings are created in high-oil producing areas while ICD openings are used in high-water producing areas, allowing localized optimization of oil inflow while controlling water inflow through selective placement and plugging of specific opening types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the configuration of openings by creating mill openings that can be selectively plugged using the plug sub-system. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing production conditions, maintaining optimal oil inflow while controlling water inflow through real-time adjustments to opening configurations based on formation data.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bit is pressed against the blank pipe to mill openings, then opening formation is achieved, but the blank pipe integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment sub-system performs preliminary alignment of the bit with the blank pipe before applying pressure. This ensures precise positioning and controlled opening formation, preventing unintended damage to the blank pipe structure. The preliminary alignment step guarantees that the bit contacts the blank pipe at the intended location, maintaining structural integrity while achieving the desired opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace acts as an intermediary mechanism between the bit and the blank pipe. The brace extends radially from the housing to apply controlled pressure to the bit, which then contacts the blank pipe. This intermediary structure allows for controlled opening formation while protecting the blank pipe from uncontrolled damage, as the brace mediates the force application in a controlled manner.
3Productivity
If the apparatus is aligned with high-oil producing areas to maximize oil recovery, then oil production increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system receives and analyzes wellbore data including formation characteristics and production history to provide feedback for optimal alignment. This feedback mechanism enables the alignment sub-system to automatically position the bit in high-oil producing areas, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying the overall operation while maximizing oil recovery through data-driven decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment sub-system autonomously aligns the bit with the blank pipe based on computer system analysis of wellbore data. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual alignment procedures, reducing operational complexity while ensuring precise positioning in high-oil producing areas. The system performs its own alignment function using integrated sensors and computer control.
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
This approach enhances oil recovery, reduces water inflow, and maintains well integrity by dynamically adjusting openings and plugging based on real-time formation data, thereby increasing the oil-to-water ratio in recovered fluids.
Implementation Method 1
The bit is configured to form an opening in the blank pipe
Implementation Method 2
the at least one brace configured to extend radially from the second side of the wall to press the bit to the inner surface of the blank pipe
Implementation Method 3
The carrier is configured to press the clad to an inner surface of the blank pipe and apply an expanding force to the clad to engage the clad with the blank pipe
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an inflow control system having an apparatus configured to form or plug openings in a blank pipe. The apparatus includes a housing and a milling sub-system. The housing has a cylindrical wall with an outer surface. The milling sub-system is mounted to a first side of the wall and is configured to mill an opening in the blank pipe. The milling sub-system includes a bit configured to form an opening in the blank pipe and at least one brace attached to a second side of the wall opposite the first side of the wall. The at least one brace is configured to extend radially from the second side of the wall to press the bit to the inner surface of the blank pipe.