Wellbore Retrieval Tool for Fracturing Ball Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing frac balls in hydraulic fracturing are inefficient, requiring extensive time, fluid usage, and costly equipment, and often result in hydraulic lockouts due to the risk of misfires or formation difficulties, necessitating the development of a more effective retrieval system.
Innovation Solution
A frac ball retrieval device and method that uses a tool body configured to be transported through the wellbore, equipped with a trap and adapter for connecting to wirelines, allowing fluid passage and guiding the frac ball into a trap for efficient retrieval, minimizing flowback and enabling retrieval closer to the frac ball location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frac balls are removed using conventional flowback methods, then frac balls can be retrieved from the wellbore, but extensive time, fluid usage, and costly equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the frac ball retrieval function from the conventional flowback process by deploying a dedicated retrieval device (tool string with basket or magnet) that can be lowered into the wellbore to directly capture and retrieve frac balls at their location, eliminating the need for extensive flowback operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary retrieval device (tool string with basket or magnet) that acts as a mediator between the frac ball and the surface equipment, enabling direct capture and retrieval of frac balls without requiring extensive fluid flowback operations
2Reliability
If conventional flowback operations are used to retrieve frac balls, then frac balls can be removed from the wellbore, but extensive fluid usage is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the frac ball retrieval function from the conventional flowback process by deploying a dedicated retrieval device (tool string with basket or magnet) that can be lowered into the wellbore to directly capture and retrieve frac balls at their location, eliminating the need for extensive flowback operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs simple, disposable retrieval components such as baskets or magnets that can be easily deployed and retrieved, replacing the need for extensive fluid usage in conventional flowback operations
3Productivity
If ball-in-place method is used to isolate sections, then time and fluid usage are saved, but hydraulic lockout can occur due to misfires or formation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The invention prepares for potential lockout scenarios by having the retrieval device ready for immediate deployment, and by designing the system to allow quick retrieval of frac balls if lockout occurs, thus maintaining productivity while reducing risk
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by allowing rapid transition from ball-in-place isolation to retrieval mode if lockout occurs, using adjustable retrieval mechanisms that can respond to changing wellbore conditions
4Reliability
If frac balls are retrieved using conventional methods, then frac balls can be removed from the wellbore, but costly equipment and operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the frac ball retrieval function from the conventional flowback process by deploying a dedicated retrieval device (tool string with basket or magnet) that can be lowered into the wellbore to directly capture and retrieve frac balls at their location, eliminating the need for extensive flowback operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs simple, disposable retrieval components such as baskets or magnets that can be easily deployed and retrieved, replacing the need for extensive fluid usage and costly equipment in conventional flowback operations
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 system allows for efficient and cost-effective retrieval of frac balls, reducing the need for extensive flowback operations and enabling quicker completion of fracturing stages by allowing for immediate ball retrieval during lockout conditions, thus saving time and resources.
Implementation Method 1
wellbore flow draws the fracturing ball into a trap in the wellbore retrieval tool
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for retrieving a fracturing ball in a wellbore casing. The system includes a wellbore retrieval tool comprising a tool body that is inserted into and transported along the wellbore casing. The tool is sized and configured to trap and hold the fracturing ball. When a hydraulic lock happens in the wellbore casing, the retrieval tool is lowered in a vertical section and the ball is flowed back along a horizontal section and captured by a trap in the retrieval tool. The retrieval tool may also be run in conjunction with a setting tool with a ball-in-place fracturing plug. In case of the hydraulic lock, the injection is tested following perforation with the retrieval tool still a location proximal to the ball, and the ball is immediately retrieved.