Well Regeneration Apparatus With Sliding Sleeve Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well maintenance methods using pressure pulses to regenerate permeability often result in pollution and damage to equipment due to the lack of effective protection against debris, leading to increased costs and time for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A well regenerating apparatus comprising expandable packers and a sliding sleeve that isolates a treatment zone, allowing the treatment device to directly access the well screen while being protected from foreign debris, with a connector system enabling repeated attachment and detachment for efficient treatment of multiple zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure pulses are used to regenerate well permeability, then well production is improved, but particulate matter is generated which pollutes the surrounding liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes particulate matter from the surrounding liquid using a filtration system. The filter captures particles generated during pressure pulse treatment, separating them from the liquid phase and preventing pollution of the surrounding environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a filtration system as an intermediary between the pressure pulse generation mechanism and the surrounding liquid environment. This intermediary captures particulate matter before it can pollute the liquid, allowing productive treatment while preventing harmful effects.
2Productivity
If pressure pulses are used to regenerate well permeability, then well production is improved, but pumping/cleaning/filtering operations are necessary which increase costs and time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the pressure pulse generation system with the filtration system into a single integrated apparatus. The treatment and particle removal functions are combined in one device, eliminating the need for separate pumping, cleaning, and filtering operations, thereby reducing maintenance time and costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pulse generator is exposed to rocks or debris in the well, then treatment can be applied, but the pulse generator is damaged or blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a protective screen or filter as an intermediary between the pulse generator and the well environment containing rocks and debris. This intermediary allows the treatment function to operate while protecting the sensitive equipment from damage or blockage by foreign objects.
4Manufacturing precision
If packers are used to isolate specific portions of the well screen, then targeted regeneration is achieved, but the treatment device cannot directly access the well screen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention nests the treatment device within the packer assembly, allowing the treatment device to be positioned inside the isolated treatment zone. This nested configuration enables both precise zone isolation and direct access to the well screen for effective treatment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A well regenerating apparatus comprising: a treatment device (41), arranged to regenerate a well screen (WS) in a treatment zone of the well screen (WS), at least an upper packer (31) and a lower packer (32) arranged to isolate the treatment zone between the upper packer (31) and the lower packer (32), characterized in that the well regenerating apparatus comprises a sliding sleeve (20), moveable between: - a lifting position in which the sliding sleeve (20) is connected to both the upper packer (31) and the lower packer (32), - a treatment position, in which the sliding sleeve (20) is disconnected at least from one of the upper packer (31) and the lower packer (32), so as to allow the treatment device (41) to face directly the well screen (WS).