Untethered Well Object Sealing Agent Gap Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well operations face challenges in forming complete fluid barriers due to gaps between untethered objects and downhole restrictions, caused by debris, surface irregularities, and mismatched mating surfaces, which hinder effective fluid sealing.
Innovation Solution
Deploying an untethered object with a sealing agent that lands in a downhole restriction to form a fluid barrier, where the agent, which can be deformable, reactive, or diffusive, fills and seals gaps between the object and the restriction, using various forms such as darts, balls, or solid components with attached agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an untethered object is deployed to form a fluid barrier in a well restriction, then the fluid barrier is established to divert or contain fluids, but gaps form between the object and restriction surfaces due to debris, surface irregularities, and mismatched mating surfaces, reducing sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing agent is applied as a separate component that can be independently deployed with the untethered object. This segmentation allows the sealing agent to specifically address gap formation without compromising the primary fluid barrier function of the untethered object.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing agent is applied to the untethered object before deployment, preparing it in advance to seal gaps upon contact with the restriction. This preliminary application ensures the sealing capability is ready immediately when the object lands in the restriction, preventing fluid leakage through potential gaps.
2Productivity
If traditional fluid barriers are formed without sealing agents, then the deployment process is simpler and faster, but gaps between the object and restriction surfaces allow fluid leakage and reduce operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing agent is merged with the untethered object by applying it to the object's surface, combining the barrier function of the object with the sealing function of the agent. This integration ensures both functions work together seamlessly without requiring separate deployment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The untethered object becomes a composite structure with the base object providing mechanical barrier function and the sealing agent providing gap-filling sealing capability. This composite approach allows the single object to perform multiple functions simultaneously, improving both reliability and productivity.
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 solution effectively seals gaps in fluid barriers, enhancing the integrity of the fluid seal, even in environments with debris and surface irregularities, by using agents that deform, react, or diffuse to fill openings, thereby improving the operational efficiency of well operations.
Implementation Method 1
an agent carried by the untethered object to seal at least one gap in the fluid barrier
Implementation Method 2
using agents that deform, react, or diffuse to fill openings
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment may take the form of a method usable with a well including communicating an untethered object downhole in the well to land the object in a restriction to form a fluid barrier, and using an agent carried by the untethered object to seal at least one gap in the fluid barrier. Another embodiment may take the form of an apparatus usable with a well having a solid component to be deployed and be communicated downhole as an untethered object to land in a restriction in the well to form a fluid barrier and an agent attached to the solid component to seal at least one gap in the fluid barrier.