Water-Soluble Glass Downhole Plug for Debris-Free Wellbore Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well plug technologies often restrict the internal diameter of tubing strings, are labor-intensive to remove, and can leave debris in the wellbore, especially in deviated wells, with inconsistent zonal isolation and retrieval complications.
Innovation Solution
A plug made from water-soluble glass that dissolves in water, allowing for unobstructed flow and easy retrieval without the need for complex removal methods, and can be used with a protective oil-based layer to control dissolution timing and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If retrievable plugs with anchoring devices are used, then the plug can be secured and retrieved from the tubing, but the internal diameter of the tubing string is restricted and retrieval is complicated in deviated well bores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dissolvable plug made from water-soluble glass that is designed to remain in the tubing until naturally dissolved by formation water or injected fluids. This eliminates the need for complex retrieval operations, anchoring devices, and wireline equipment, while maintaining full internal tubing diameter throughout the well life cycle.
2Ease of operation
If expendable material plugs with actuating devices are used, then the plug can be dislocated upon triggering, but problematic debris remains in the tubing string or wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes water-soluble glass with controlled dissolution characteristics that allow the plug to dissolve completely into harmless byproducts when exposed to water. This eliminates debris generation while providing automatic plug removal through chemical dissolution rather than mechanical actuation, ensuring clean wellbore conditions.
3Reliability
If sand plugs are used for zonal isolation, then zonal isolation can be achieved, but the integrity of the sand plugs is inconsistent and particulates must be dealt with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs water-soluble glass as a composite material that provides consistent zonal isolation through its unique dissolution properties. Unlike sand plugs that scatter particulates, the glass plug dissolves uniformly into soluble ions, maintaining isolation integrity while eliminating particulate contamination concerns.
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 water-soluble glass plug maintains the internal diameter of the tubing string, simplifies retrieval, and minimizes debris by dissolving only when necessary, ensuring effective zonal isolation and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a body formed from water soluble glass, the body dissolvable in water
Implementation Method 2
can be used with a protective oil-based layer to control dissolution timing and location
Data Source
AI summary
A plug is disposable in a well bore to block fluid from passing through the wellbore. The plug includes a body formed from water soluble glass. The body is dissolvable in water. A method of utilizing water soluble glass includes employing an element formed of the water soluble glass, performing a first function in the system when the element is present, dissolving the element in the presence of water, and performing a second function in the system different than the first function.