Degradable fluid loss and pressure barrier for subterranean use

• Main Author: Carrejo Nicholas
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 22.08.2017
• Subjects: EARTH DRILLING; EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; MINING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR ASLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS

A tubular segment that has openings that are initially closed so that pressure can be conducted through the segment has the ability to open the segments by making a degradable material unblock the openings to facilitate another completion operation or production. Some applications include a slotted liner with a screen where an intermediate layer of a controlled electrolytic material initially allows the structure to conduct pressure and then after degradation allows access through the screen and the slotted liner for production. Other variations can be simply using slotted liner where the slots are closed for running it to allow circulation and then opened for production or other completion steps. The transformation can take place over time using available well fluids or it can take place with induced well conditions at the location that are initiated from the surface or locally at the location.