18456735. METHODS, APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR CREATING BISMUTH ALLOY PLUGS FOR ABANDONED WELLS simplified abstract (Schlumberger Technology Corporation)

METHODS, APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR CREATING BISMUTH ALLOY PLUGS FOR ABANDONED WELLS

Organization Name

Schlumberger Technology Corporation

Inventor(s)

Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan of Boxborough MA (US)

Quincy K. Elias of Hyde Park MA (US)

Hua Zhang of Cambridge MA (US)

Youssef Magdy Abdou Mohamed Elkady of Stanford CA (US)

Yixuan Feng of Duluth GA (US)

METHODS, APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR CREATING BISMUTH ALLOY PLUGS FOR ABANDONED WELLS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18456735 titled 'METHODS, APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR CREATING BISMUTH ALLOY PLUGS FOR ABANDONED WELLS

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a patent application for plugging a wellbore using a bismuth alloy, specifically an alloy of bismuth and tin or an alloy of bismuth and silver. The liquid bismuth alloy sets with an excess pressure to create a seal at a desired height distance.

• Bismuth alloy used for plugging wellbores
• Options include bismuth and tin alloy or bismuth and silver alloy
• Liquid bismuth alloy sets with excess pressure to create seal at desired height distance

Potential Applications

The technology can be used in oil and gas drilling operations to plug wellbores securely and efficiently.

Problems Solved

1. Ensures a reliable seal in wellbores 2. Provides a cost-effective solution for wellbore plugging

Benefits

1. Prevents leakage and contamination in wellbores 2. Improves overall safety and efficiency in drilling operations

Potential Commercial Applications

"Efficient Wellbore Plugging Technology for Oil and Gas Industry"

Possible Prior Art

There may be prior art related to wellbore plugging using different materials or methods. Research into existing patents and technologies in the oil and gas industry would be necessary to identify any prior art.

Unanswered Questions

How does the bismuth alloy compare to other materials commonly used for wellbore plugging?

The article does not provide a direct comparison between the bismuth alloy and other materials such as cement or epoxy resins in terms of effectiveness, cost, or environmental impact.

Are there any limitations or challenges in using the bismuth alloy for wellbore plugging?

The article does not address any potential drawbacks or difficulties that may arise when using the bismuth alloy for plugging wellbores, such as compatibility with different wellbore conditions or long-term durability.

Original Abstract Submitted

A wellbore is plugged using a bismuth alloy. In one embodiment, the bismuth alloy comprises an alloy of bismuth and tin. In another embodiment, the bismuth alloy comprises an alloy of bismuth and silver. The wellbore can be arranged so that a liquid bismuth alloy sets with an excess pressure of the plug relative to the borehole fluid pressure along a desired seal height distance. Other aspects are described and claimed.