Methods and systems for zonal isolation in wells

Abstract

According to the invention, a method for isolating a zone inside a well is provided. The method may include providing a catch screen at a first location in the well and providing a fluid flow to the catch screen. The fluid flow may include a first fluid and a shape memory material. The first fluid may at least partially pass through the catch screen. The shape memory material may accumulate at the catch screen. The method may also include triggering the shape memory material such that it changes from a first shape to a second shape, thereby at least partially isolating one portion of the well from another portion of the well.

1 . A method for isolating a zone inside a well, the method comprising:
 providing a catch screen at a first location in the well;   providing a fluid flow to the catch screen, wherein:
 the fluid flow includes a first fluid and a shape memory material; 
 the first fluid at least partially passes through the catch screen; and 
 the shape memory material accumulates at the catch screen; 
   triggering the shape memory material such that it changes from a first shape to a second shape, thereby at least partially isolating one portion of the well from another portion of the well.   
     
     
         2 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 1 , wherein providing the fluid flow comprises providing the fluid flow to a second location below the first location. 
     
     
         3 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 1 , wherein the shape memory material comprises a shape memory material encapsulated by a skin material. 
     
     
         4 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 3 , wherein the skin material comprises a material that either decomposes or detaches from the shape memory material when triggered. 
     
     
         5 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 4 , wherein the triggering comprises a selection from a group consisting of:
 flowing a solvent;   flowing an acidic or basic chemical;   changing the temperature;   causing an explosion;   emitting sonic waves or acoustic energy;   emitting electromagnetic waves; and   causing a vibration.   
     
     
         6 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 1 , wherein the shape memory material comprises a porous material with a pore size between 10 and 1000 microns. 
     
     
         7 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 1 , wherein the shape memory material comprises a plurality of discrete elements. 
     
     
         8 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 7 , wherein each of the discrete elements is characterized by a cell size of 0.2 millimeters. 
     
     
         9 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 9 , wherein the method further comprises removing the catch screen to remove the shape memory material from the well. 
     
     
         10 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 1 , wherein providing a fluid flow to the catch screen comprises providing a fluid flow via a drill pipe. 
     
     
         11 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 10 , wherein the second shape forms between the drill pipe and a wall of the well. 
     
     
         12 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 9 , wherein the method further comprises providing a substance to the catch screen or the shape memory material to cause decomposition of the catch screen or the shape memory material, and therefore removal of the catch screen or the shape memory material from the well. 
     
     
         13 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises providing a substance or heat to the shape memory material to cause decomposition of the shape memory material, and therefore removal of the shape memory material from the well. 
     
     
         14 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 1 , wherein the catch screen comprises a restriction within a naturally occurring crack, fracture, or hole in the well. 
     
     
         15 . A method for isolating a zone inside a well, the method comprising:
 providing a seal mechanism coupled with an elongated member, wherein the seal mechanism comprises a shape memory material;   inserting the elongated member into the well;   triggering the shape memory material such that it changes from a first shape to a second shape, thereby at least partially isolating one portion of the well from another portion of the well.   
     
     
         16 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 15 , wherein the seal mechanism comprises the shape memory material coupled directly with the elongated member. 
     
     
         17 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 15 , wherein the seal mechanism comprises the shape memory material contained within a membrane, and wherein the membrane is coupled directly with the elongated member. 
     
     
         18 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 17 , wherein the shape memory material comprises a plurality of discrete elements disposed within the membrane. 
     
     
         19 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 18 , wherein the triggering comprises triggering the membrane to release and trigger the plurality of discrete elements. 
     
     
         20 . A method for isolating a zone inside a well, the method comprising:
 providing a liquid mixture into the well;   causing the liquid mixture to foam and set at a first location in the well, forming a porous open cell solid, thereby at least partially isolating one portion of the well from another portion of the well.   
     
     
         21 . The method for isolating a zone inside a well of  claim 20 , wherein causing the liquid mixture to foam comprises the liquid mixture undergoing a chemical synthesis.