Wellbore Barrier Device with Fluid Bypass for Proppant Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-zone wellbores, the large distance between production zones requires a substantial amount of proppant for completion operations, leading to increased costs and equipment wear, as proppant must flow the entire length to achieve a 'screen out' condition.
Innovation Solution
A barrier device with a tubular body, a barrier member that expands to retain proppant in the annulus, and a fluid channel allowing flow through its upper and lower extents, reducing the need for extensive proppant distribution by allowing accumulation directly below the zone and maintaining neutral pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proppant is flowed the entire length of the wellbore to achieve screen out condition, then production zones can be isolated, but the amount of proppant required increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore is segmented into multiple zones with individual barrier devices deployed in each zone. Each barrier device independently isolates its specific zone, allowing proppant to be contained and accumulated locally rather than flowing the entire wellbore length. This segmentation enables zone-specific completion operations that reduce total proppant consumption while maintaining effective isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
Barrier devices act as intermediary elements between production zones, creating physical barriers that stop proppant flow at specific locations. These intermediaries (barrier devices with barrier members) prevent proppant from continuing to flow through subsequent zones, thereby containing proppant within the target zone and reducing the total amount needed for completion operations.
2Reliability
If proppant is flowed the entire length of the wellbore, then complete zone isolation is achieved, but completion operations take longer
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the wellbore into discrete zones with individual barrier devices, completion operations can be performed independently in each zone. This allows for more efficient time management where proppant can be flowed and accumulated in one zone while barrier devices are deployed or adjusted in other zones, reducing the total completion operation time compared to flowing proppant the entire length sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
Barrier devices are deployed and positioned in advance within the wellbore before proppant flow operations begin. This preliminary placement of barriers establishes the isolation framework beforehand, allowing proppant to be flowed directly into the target zones without requiring time-consuming adjustments during the flow process, thereby reducing overall completion time.
3Reliability
If proppant is flowed the entire length of the wellbore, then zones are isolated, but equipment wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the wellbore into discrete zones with individual barrier devices limits the distance proppant must flow through equipment. Instead of proppant flowing the entire wellbore length through pumps and flow lines, it is contained within smaller zone segments, reducing the cumulative wear on completion equipment and extending equipment service life.
Solution Approach 2:
Barrier devices serve as intermediaries that intercept and contain proppant flow at specific locations. This prevents proppant from continuing to flow through subsequent equipment and zones, thereby reducing the total volume of proppant that interacts with equipment and minimizes equipment wear from proppant abrasion and contamination.
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 solution minimizes the amount of proppant required, reduces equipment wear, and facilitates faster completion operations by allowing proppant to accumulate locally, thus reducing the overall proppant usage and completion time.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating member associated with the barrier member configured to expand the barrier member in an annular direction
Implementation Method 2
a fluid channel associated with an upper extent and a lower extent of the barrier member, configured to allow a fluid flow therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a device for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body; a barrier member associated with an outer surface of the tubular body configured to retain a proppant; an actuating member associated with the barrier member configured to expand the barrier member in an annular direction; and a fluid channel associated with an upper extent and a lower extent of the barrier member, configured to allow a fluid flow therethrough. In another aspect, a method for completing a multi-zone wellbore, includes deploying a barrier device at a downhole location within the wellbore; expanding a barrier member in an annulus of the wellbore; providing proppant in the annulus of the wellbore; retaining the proppant in the annulus via the barrier member; and providing a fluid flow between an upper extent and a lower extent of the barrier member.