Pressure relief system for open hole packer

Abstract

A backpressure relieving system for an open hole high expansion packer includes a first unidirectional sealing element and a second unidirectional sealing element spaced apart from the first unidirectional sealing element. A trapped volume zone is defined between the first unidirectional sealing element and the second unidirectional sealing element. A relief valve is in fluid communication with the trapped volume zone. The relief valve is configured to permit fluid flow from the trapped volume zone in a single direction. A filter is positioned upstream of the relief valve. The filter is configured to prevent debris from entering the relief valve.

Description

IS24.0124A-WO-PCTPRESSURE RELIEF SYSTEM FOR OPEN HOLE PACKER CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 748,282, titled PACKER CUP BACK PRESSURE RELIEF, filed January 22, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Open hole packers are used in wellbore operations to isolate zones within a wellbore by sealing against the formation wall. Earlier packer designs utilized a single bidirectional sealing element that provided sealing capability in both directions, which avoided the creation of isolated volumes within the packer assembly. More recent packer configurations employ two spaced-apart unidirectional sealing elements, which can result in a trapped volume zone between the sealing elements where pressure may accumulate during operation. When pressure builds in such a trapped volume zone, it can affect the performance of the sealing elements and the overall packer assembly. Accordingly, there exists a general desire for systems and methods that address pressure management in packer assemblies having multiple sealing elements while accounting for the challenging downhole environment.SUMMARY

[0003] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a backpressure relieving system for an open hole high expansion packer is provided. The system includes a first unidirectional sealing element. The system includes a second unidirectional sealing element spaced apart from the first unidirectional sealing element, wherein a trapped volume zone is defined between the first unidirectional sealing element and the second1SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTunidirectional sealing element. The system includes a relief valve in fluid communication with the trapped volume zone, the relief valve configured to permit fluid flow from the trapped volume zone in a single direction. The system includes a filter positioned upstream of the relief valve, the filter configured to prevent debris from entering the relief valve.

[0004] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the backpressure relieving system may include one or more of the following features. The filter may include a metal mesh filter. The metal mesh filter may be positioned on an outer diameter of a component housing the relief valve. The relief valve may be disposed through a section of a pipe, the section positioned between the first unidirectional sealing element and the second unidirectional sealing element. The section may include a wall defining a central passageway of the pipe, and the relief valve may be configured to permit fluid flow from the trapped volume outside the section to a passageway defined within the wall. The relief passageway may be isolated from the central passageway. The filter may be configured to increase a flow area for fluid entering the relief valve. The relief valve may be configured to relieve pressure from the trapped volume zone to a zone above the first unidirectional sealing element or the second unidirectional sealing element. The first unidirectional sealing element and the second unidirectional sealing element may be configured to seal against an open hole formation.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an open hole high expansion packer assembly is provided. The assembly includes a packer body. The assembly includes a first unidirectional sealing element disposed on the packer body. The assembly includes a second unidirectional sealing element disposed on the packer body and spaced apart from the first unidirectional sealing element to define a trapped volume zone therebetween. The assembly includes a pressure relief mechanism configured to relieve pressure from the trapped volume zone. The pressure relief mechanism includes a relief valve providing a flow path from the trapped volume zone to a region outside the2SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTtrapped volume zone. The pressure relief mechanism includes a mesh filter disposed on an outer diameter of the pressure relief mechanism and positioned to filter fluid entering the relief valve.

[0006] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the open hole high expansion packer assembly may include one or more of the following features. The relief valve may be configured to permit fluid flow across the first unidirectional sealing element or the second unidirectional sealing element. The relief valve may include a check valve.The packer body may include a pipe, and the check valve may be disposed within a port defined through the pipe. The mesh filter may include a metal mesh filter configured to increase a flow area for fluid entering the relief valve. The flow path may extend from the trapped volume zone, through the mesh filter, through the relief valve, and to a zone above one of the first unidirectional sealing element or the second unidirectional sealing element.The first unidirectional sealing element and the second unidirectional sealing element may be configured to seal against an open hole formation.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of relieving backpressure in an open hole high expansion packer system having two spacedapart unidirectional sealing elements defining a volume therebetween is provided. The method includes filtering fluid from the trapped volume zone through a mesh filter disposed on an outer surface of a relief component. The method includes directing the filtered fluid through a relief valve configured to permit flow in a single direction from the trapped volume zone. The method includes discharging the filtered fluid from the relief valve to a zone outside the trapped volume zone to relieve pressure within the trapped volume zone.

[0008] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the method may include one or more of the following features. The mesh filter may include a metal mesh filter positioned on an outer diameter of the relief component. Filtering fluid through the metal3SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTmesh filter may increase a flow area for fluid entering the relief valve. Discharging the filtered fluid may include directing the filtered fluid to a zone above one of the two spacedapart unidirectional sealing elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0009] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.For better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example embodiments, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a system for relieving backpressure in a wellbore environment, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a section view of a wellbore assembly with a packer and a relief valve assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a pipe assembly with a relief valve assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a section view of a section of a pipe assembly with inlet ports and valves, according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a section view of a relief valve assembly and a fdter, according to aspects of the present disclosure.SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0016] The present disclosure relates to a backpressure relieving system for an open hole high expansion packer. Open hole high expansion packers may be deployed in wellbore environments to isolate zones within a wellbore. In some configurations, a packer assembly may include a first unidirectional sealing element and a second unidirectional sealing element spaced apart from the first unidirectional sealing element. The first unidirectional sealing element and the second unidirectional sealing element may each be configured to seal in a single direction.

[0017] When two unidirectional sealing elements are employed in a spaced-apart configuration, a trapped volume zone may be defined between the first unidirectional sealing element and the second unidirectional sealing element. The trapped volume zone may accumulate pressure during wellbore operations due to thermal expansion of fluids, formation fluid influx, expansion of the sealing elements reducing the trapped volume, or other downhole conditions. In prior art single bi-directional sealing element designs, no such trapped volume zone existed because the sealing mechanism comprised a single piece element. The transition to dual unidirectional sealing elements introduces the technical challenge of managing pressure accumulation within the trapped volume zone.

[0018] To address pressure accumulation in the trapped volume zone, the backpressure relieving system may include a relief valve in fluid communication with the trapped volume zone. The relief valve may be configured to permit fluid flow from the trapped volume zone in a single direction. The single-direction flow configuration of the5SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTrelief valve allows pressure to be relieved from the trapped volume zone while preventing backflow into the trapped volume zone from other regions of the wellbore. The relief valve may thereby maintain pressure equilibrium and prevent damage to the sealing elements or other packer components that could result from excessive pressure buildup.

[0019] The backpressure relieving system may further include a filter positioned upstream of the relief valve. The filter may be configured to prevent debris from entering the relief valve. In open hole wellbore environments, particulate matter and other debris may be present in fluids surrounding the packer assembly. The filter provides a barrier that removes debris from fluid flowing toward the relief valve, thereby protecting the relief valve from clogging or malfunction. By positioning the filter upstream of the relief valve, the backpressure relieving system may operate reliably in dirty environments where debris would otherwise compromise the function of the relief valve.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 for relieving backpressure in a wellbore environment. The system 100 may include a wellbore 104 extending through a subterranean formation 106. The wellbore 104 may be an open hole wellbore that extends from a surface location downward into the subterranean formation 106. In one or more embodiments, the wellbore 104 may be vertical, horizontal, or deviated. The systems, devices, and methods described herein may be used in vertical, horizontal, or deviated wells. A pipe 108 may be positioned within the wellbore 104 and may extend from surface equipment downward through the wellbore 104. In one or more embodiments, the system 100 may also include a centralizer configured to centrally position the pipe 108 within the wellbore 104.

[0021] Surface equipment associated with the system 100 may include a controller 110 and processing equipment 114. The controller 110 may be configured to monitor and control operations of the system 100. The processing equipment 114 may be configured to6SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTprocess fluids recovered from the wellbore 104 or to prepare fluids for injection into the wellbore 104.

[0022] The pipe 108 may include a first packer 116a and a second packer 116b positioned at spaced intervals along the pipe 108. The first packer 116a and the second packer 116b may define a middle zone 118 therebetween. An upper zone 120 may be located above the first packer 116a, and a lower zone 122 may be located below the second packer 116b. The first packer 116a and the second packer 116b may each comprise unidirectional sealing elements configured to seal in a single direction. The first packer 116a and the second packer 116b may be configured to seal against an open hole formation, such as the subterranean formation 106 exposed within the wellbore 104.

[0023] As further shown in FIG. 1 , a relief valve system 124 may be positioned along the pipe 108 in the region of the middle zone 118. The relief valve system 124 may include a port 126 and a filter 128. The filter 128 may be positioned on an outer surface of the pipe 108 to provide filtration for fluid entering the relief valve system 124. The port 126 may allow fluid communication between the middle zone 118 and the interior of the pipe 108, enabling pressure relief from the trapped volume between the first packer 116a and the second packer 116b.

[0024] The filter 128 may be configured to function in a dirty environment where debris filtration is required. In open hole wellbore environments, the subterranean formation 106 may release particulate matter, sand, or other debris into fluids within the wellbore 104. The filter 128 may remove such debris from fluid flowing toward the port 126 and the relief valve system 124. By positioning the filter 128 on the outer surface of the pipe 108 upstream of the port 126, the system 100 may operate reliably in environments containing particulate matter that would otherwise compromise the function of the relief valve system 124.7SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCT

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, a section view of a wellbore assembly illustrates a relief valve assembly 224 and associated components in greater detail. A wellbore 204 may extend through a subterranean formation and may contain a pipe 208 positioned within the wellbore 204. The pipe 208 may include a central passageway 232 that extends through an interior of the pipe 208. The central passageway 232 may provide a flow path for fluids traveling through the pipe 208 during wellbore operations.

[0026] With continued reference to FIG. 2, a packer 216 may be disposed on the pipe 208 and may seal against the wellbore 204. The packer 216 may comprise a unidirectional sealing element configured to seal in a single direction. The packer 216 may create distinct zones within the wellbore 204, including an upper zone 220 positioned above the packer 216 and a middle zone 218 positioned below the packer 216. The middle zone 218 may correspond to a trapped volume zone defined between two spaced-apart unidirectional sealing elements, such as between the packer 216 and another packer positioned further along the pipe 208.

[0027] The relief valve assembly 224 may be integrated into the pipe 208 and may include several components that facilitate pressure relief from the middle zone 218. A filter 228 may be positioned on an outer surface of the pipe 208, providing filtration for fluids entering the relief valve assembly 224. An inlet port 226 may allow fluid communication from the middle zone 218 through the filter 228 into the relief valve assembly 224. The inlet port 226 may be defined through a section of the pipe 208, with the section positioned between a first unidirectional sealing element and a second unidirectional sealing element.

[0028] As further shown in FIG. 2, a relief passageway 230 may extend from the inlet port 226 toward an interior region of the pipe 208. The section of the pipe 208 may comprise a wall defining the central passageway 232, and the relief passageway 230 may be defined within the wall. The relief passageway 230 may be isolated from the central passageway 232, such that fluid flowing through the relief passageway 230 does not enter8SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTthe central passageway 232. A valve 234 may be positioned within the relief passageway 230 to control fluid flow through the relief valve assembly 224. The valve 234 may permit unidirectional flow from the middle zone 218 toward the upper zone 220. The valve 234 may comprise a check valve configured to allow flow in a single direction while preventing backflow.

[0029] The valve 234 may be configured to permit fluid flow from the trapped volume outside the section of the pipe 208 to the relief passageway 230 defined within the wall.The relief valve assembly 224 may thereby allow flow from outside to inside relative to the component housing the valve 234. An outlet port 236 may provide fluid communication between the relief passageway 230 and the upper zone 220, allowing pressure to be relieved from the middle zone 218 to the upper zone 220. The valve 234 may be configured to relieve pressure from the trapped volume zone to a zone above the packer 216, such as the upper zone 220.

[0030] The arrangement of the filter 228, the inlet port 226, the relief passageway 230, the valve 234, and the outlet port 236 may enable the relief valve assembly 224 to function as a pressure relief mechanism configured to relieve pressure from the trapped volume zone. The relief valve assembly 224 may provide a flow path from the trapped volume zone to a region outside the trapped volume zone. The valve 234 may be configured to permit fluid flow across the packer 216, thereby allowing pressure accumulated in the middle zone 218 to be discharged to the upper zone 220. The filter 228 may prevent debris from entering the relief valve assembly 224 while the valve 234 controls the direction of fluid flow through the assembly.

[0031] A perspective view of an example of a pipe assembly 308 is illustrated in FIG.3. The pipe assembly 308 may include multiple sections 309a, 309b, 309c, 309d, 309e, and 309f arranged along a length of the pipe assembly 308. A packer 316 may be positioned at an upper portion of the pipe assembly 308. The packer 316 may comprise a unidirectional9SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTsealing element configured to seal in a single direction against an open hole formation.Another packer (not shown in FIG. 3) may be positioned at a lower portion of the pipe assembly 308, with the sections 309c, 309d, 309e, and 309f disposed between the packer 316 and the other packer.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, a relief valve assembly 324 may be located along the pipe assembly 308. The relief valve assembly 324 may include a filter 328 positioned on an outer surface of the pipe assembly 308. The filter 328 may exhibit a textured pattern indicating a mesh or porous material that covers a portion of the relief valve assembly 324.The filter 328 may comprise a mesh filter disposed on an outer diameter of the relief valve assembly 324 and positioned to filter fluid entering the relief valve assembly 324. The mesh filter disposed about an outer area of the pipe assembly 308 may be configured to increase a flow area for fluid entering the relief valve assembly 324, thereby allowing the relief valve assembly 324 to function in dirty environments where debris filtration is required.

[0033] As further shown in FIG. 3, the filter 328 and the relief valve assembly 324 may be positioned directly behind the packer 316, which comprises a unidirectional sealing stack. The positioning of the filter 328 and the relief valve assembly 324 behind the unidirectional sealing stack allows the relief valve assembly 324 to bleed pressure from a trapped volume zone that exists in a region adjacent to the packer 316. The packer body may comprise the pipe assembly 308, and a check valve may be disposed within a port defined through the pipe assembly 308. The sections 309a, 309b, 309c, 309d, 309e, and 309f may represent different portions of the pipe assembly 308, with the relief valve assembly 324 and the filter 328 positioned between the section 309c and the section 309d in the illustrated configuration.

[0034] Other examples of the filter 328 and the relief valve assembly 324 of the pipe assembly 308, which is shown in the section 309d may be located at any section between10SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTthe packer 316 and the other packer (not shown in FIG. 3). In some configurations, the filter 328 and the relief valve assembly 324 may be positioned in the section 309c. In some configurations, the filter 328 and the relief valve assembly 324 may be positioned in the section 309d. In some configurations, the filter 328 and the relief valve assembly 324 may be positioned in the section 309e. In some configurations, the filter 328 and the relief valve assembly 324 may be positioned in the section 309f. In some configurations, multiple filters and relief valve assemblies may be positioned in two or more of the sections 309c, 309d, 309e, and 309f.

[0035] The relief valve assembly 324 may provide a flow path extending from the trapped volume zone to a zone above the packer 316. The flow path may extend from the trapped volume zone behind the packer 316, through the filter 328, through the relief valve assembly 324, and to a zone above the packer 316. Fluid from the trapped volume zone may pass through the mesh filter of the filter 328, which removes debris from the fluid.The filtered fluid may then pass through a relief valve within the relief valve assembly 324, which permits flow in a single direction from the trapped volume zone. The filtered fluid may be discharged from the relief valve assembly 324 to the zone above the packer 316, thereby relieving trapped pressure from the trapped volume zone. The arrangement of the filter 328 relative to the relief valve assembly 324 allows the system to function in environments containing particulate matter by filtering debris before the debris reaches the relief valve.

[0036] A pressure relief outlet port may be located at the section 309b where the packer 316 is located. In some configurations, the pressure relief outlet port may be positioned above the section 309b, such as at the section 309a. In some configurations, the pressure relief outlet port may be positioned at other sections above the section 309b along the pipe assembly 308. The positioning of the pressure relief outlet port at or above the packer 316 may allow filtered fluid from the relief valve assembly 324 to be discharged to11SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTthe upper zone above the packer 316. The relief passageway may extend from the filter 328 and the relief valve assembly 324 through the wall of the pipe assembly 308 to the pressure relief outlet port located at the section 309b, the section 309a, or other sections above the packer 316.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, a section 409 of a pipe assembly is illustrated in a section view. The section 409 may comprise a cylindrical ring-shaped component with crosshatching indicating solid material of a pipe wall. The section 409 may be positioned between two spaced-apart unidirectional sealing elements, such as between the first packer 116a and the second packer 116b described with reference to FIG. 1, or between the packer 316 and another packer described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0038] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the section 409 may include a first inlet port 426a and a second inlet port 426b positioned on opposite sides of the section 409. The first inlet port 426a may be located on a left side of the section 409, while the second inlet port 426b may be located on a right side of the section 409. Each of the first inlet port 426a and the second inlet port 426b may provide an opening through an outer surface of the section 409. The first inlet port 426a and the second inlet port 426b may allow fluid communication from a trapped volume zone surrounding the section 409 into relief passageways defined within the section 409.

[0039] A first valve 434a may be positioned adjacent to the first inlet port 426a on the left side of the section 409, and a second valve 434b may be positioned adjacent to the second inlet port 426b on the right side of the section 409. The first valve 434a and the second valve 434b may each be configured to permit unidirectional flow from the trapped volume zone toward an interior region of the section 409. The first valve 434a and the second valve 434b may each comprise a check valve configured to allow flow in a single direction while preventing backflow into the trapped volume zone.12SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCT

[0040] As further shown in FIG. 4, a first relief passageway opening 427a may be associated with the first inlet port 426a and the first valve 434a on the left side of the section 409. A second relief passageway opening 427b may be associated with the second inlet port 426b and the second valve 434b on the right side of the section 409. The first relief passageway opening 427a and the second relief passageway opening 427b may provide fluid communication pathways from an exterior of the section 409 through the first valve 434a and the second valve 434b, respectively. The first relief passageway opening 427a and the second relief passageway opening 427b may connect to relief passageways that extend to a zone above a unidirectional sealing element, such as the upper zone 120 or the upper zone 220 described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0041] The first valve 434a and the second valve 434b may be drilled into the section 409. The drilling process may create valve passages through the material of the section 409, with each valve passage extending from the respective inlet port to the respective relief passageway opening. The drilling process may allow the first valve 434a and the second valve 434b to be formed within the wall of the section 409 without requiring separate valve housings or external valve components.

[0042] The symmetrical arrangement of the first inlet port 426a, the second inlet port 426b, the first valve 434a, the second valve 434b, the first relief passageway opening 427a, and the second relief passageway opening 427b on opposite sides of the section 409 may allow for pressure relief from multiple directions around a circumference of the pipe assembly. The symmetrical arrangement may provide balanced pressure relief from the trapped volume zone, with fluid entering through both the first inlet port 426a and the second inlet port 426b simultaneously when pressure in the trapped volume zone exceeds a threshold.

[0043] In some configurations, the section 409 may include three inlet ports, three valves, and three relief passageway openings arranged at equal angular intervals around13SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTthe circumference of the section 409. In some configurations, the section 409 may include four inlet ports, four valves, and four relief passageway openings arranged at equal angular intervals around the circumference of the section 409. In some configurations, the section 409 may include more than four inlet ports, valves, and relief passageway openings extending through the section 409 and working together to relieve pressure from the trapped volume zone. The multiple inlet ports, valves, and relief passageway openings may increase a total flow area available for pressure relief and may provide redundancy in the event that one or more of the inlet ports becomes obstructed by debris.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, a relief valve assembly 524 is illustrated in a section view positioned within a pipe 508. The relief valve assembly 524 may include several components arranged to facilitate pressure relief from a trapped volume zone. An inlet port 526 may be positioned on an outer surface of the pipe 508, providing an entry point for fluid flow from the trapped volume zone into the relief valve assembly 524. The inlet port 526 may be disposed through a wall of the pipe 508, with the inlet port 526 extending from an exterior surface of the pipe 508 toward an interior region of the pipe 508.

[0045] A filter 528 may be located adjacent to the inlet port 526. The filter 528 may include a mesh 538 and a filter layer 540. The mesh 538 may provide an outer filtering surface that increases a flow area for fluid entering the relief valve assembly 524. The filter layer 540 may provide additional filtration to prevent debris from entering a relief passageway downstream of the filter 528. The mesh 538 may comprise a metal mesh filter positioned on an outer diameter of a component housing the relief valve assembly 524. The metal mesh filter may be positioned above a relief valve entry point on the component, such that fluid passes through the mesh 538 before reaching the inlet port 526.

[0046] The filter 528 may be positioned about an outer diameter of the pipe 508 to filter fluid from multiple directions around a circumference of the pipe 508. The positioning of the filter 528 about the outer diameter may increase filtered flow through14SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTthe inlet port 526 and any additional inlet ports disposed through the pipe 508. The fdter 528 may be configured to increase a flow area for fluid entering the relief valve assembly 524 by providing a large surface area for fluid passage through the mesh 538 and the filter layer 540. The filter 528 may thereby increase the flow area for fluid entering the relief valve assembly 524 instead of relying on the relief valve for filtering.

[0047] As further shown in FIG. 5, the filter 528 may be spaced apart from an outer surface of the pipe 508. The spacing between the filter 528 and the pipe 508 may increase a filtered fluid volume entering the inlet port 526. The spacing may create a volume between the filter 528 and the pipe 508 where filtered fluid may accumulate before passing through the inlet port 526. The spacing may thereby increase the flow area for fluid entering the relief valve assembly 524 and may allow the relief valve assembly 524 to handle higher flow rates during pressure relief operations.

[0048] A valve 534 may be positioned within the relief valve assembly 524, for example within the inlet port 526, and may be configured to permit unidirectional flow from an exterior of the pipe 508 to an interior region of the pipe 508. The valve 534 may control release of pressure from the trapped volume zone by allowing fluid to pass through when pressure exceeds a threshold. The valve 534 may comprise a check valve configured to allow flow in a single direction while preventing backflow into the trapped volume zone.The arrangement of the filter 528 with the mesh 538 and the filter layer 540 positioned upstream of the valve 534 may enable the relief valve assembly 524 to function in environments containing particulate matter by filtering debris before the debris reaches the valve 534.

[0049] A component 542 may be shown adjacent to the pipe 508 in FIG. 5. The component 542 may represent a surrounding formation or a wellbore wall. The component 542 may define an outer boundary of the trapped volume zone from which pressure is relieved through the relief valve assembly 524. Fluid from the trapped volume zone15SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTbetween the component 542 and the pipe 508 may pass through the filter 528, through the inlet port 526, through the valve 534, and to a zone above a unidirectional sealing element.

[0050] The mesh 538 and the filter layer 540 may have different porosities to provide staged filtration of fluid entering the relief valve assembly 524. In some aspects, the mesh 538 may have a higher porosity and larger pore sizes or openings compared to the filter layer 540. The mesh 538 may thereby provide coarse filtration to remove larger particulate matter from fluid flowing toward the inlet port 526. The filter layer 540 may have a lower porosity and smaller pore sizes or openings compared to the mesh 538, which may provide finer filtration to remove smaller particulate matter that passes through the mesh 538. The combination of the mesh 538 and the filter layer 540 may work together to filter debris of varying sizes from fluid entering the relief valve assembly 524. The staged filtration provided by the mesh 538 and the filter layer 540 may increase the amount of filtered fluid volume flowing to the inlet port 526 by distributing the filtration load across multiple filtering components. In some configurations, the mesh 538 may capture larger debris particles while the filter layer 540 captures finer debris particles, which may reduce clogging of either filtering component and may extend the operational life of the filter 528.

[0051] In some configurations, the filter 528 may include the mesh 538 and the filter layer 540 as separate filtering components. The mesh 538 may comprise a metal mesh filter that provides coarse filtration to remove larger particulate matter from fluid entering the relief valve assembly 524. The filter layer 540 may provide finer filtration to remove smaller particulate matter that passes through the mesh 538. In some configurations, the filter layer 540 may comprise a porous material. In some configurations, the filter layer 540 may comprise fibers arranged to filter particulate matter from fluid. In some configurations, the filter layer 540 may comprise multiple mesh layers of varying mesh sizes. In some configurations, the filter layer 540 may comprise any combination of filter16SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTlayer materials, meshes, porous materials, or fibers configured to filter debris from fluid entering the relief valve assembly 524.

[0052] A method of relieving backpressure in an open hole high expansion packer having two spaced-apart unidirectional sealing elements defining a volume therebetween may be performed during wellbore operations. The two spaced-apart unidirectional sealing elements may each be configured to seal in a single direction against an open hole formation. The volume defined between the two spaced-apart unidirectional sealing elements may comprise a trapped volume zone where pressure may accumulate during wellbore operations.

[0053] The method may comprise filtering fluid from the trapped volume zone through a mesh filter disposed on an outer surface of a relief component. The mesh filter may comprise a metal mesh filter positioned on an outer diameter of the relief component.The metal mesh filter may remove particulate matter, sand, or other debris from fluid flowing from the trapped volume zone toward the relief component. The mesh filter may be positioned upstream of a relief valve such that fluid passes through the mesh filter before reaching the relief valve.

[0054] Filtering fluid through the metal mesh filter may increase a flow area for fluid entering the relief valve. The metal mesh filter may provide a large surface area for fluid passage, with the surface area of the metal mesh filter being greater than a surface area of an inlet port of the relief valve. The increased flow area provided by the metal mesh filter may allow the relief valve to receive filtered fluid at a higher flow rate than would be possible if the relief valve were relied upon for filtering. The metal mesh filter may thereby increase the flow area for fluid entering the relief valve instead of relying on the relief valve for filtering.

[0055] The method may further comprise directing the filtered fluid through a relief valve configured to permit flow in a single direction from the trapped volume zone. The17SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTrelief valve may comprise a check valve that allows flow from the trapped volume zone while preventing backflow into the trapped volume zone. The relief valve may be disposed through a wall of the relief component, with the relief valve extending from an exterior surface of the relief component toward an interior region of the relief component. The filtered fluid may pass through the relief valve when pressure in the trapped volume zone exceeds a threshold pressure.

[0056] The method may further comprise discharging the filtered fluid from the relief valve to a zone outside the trapped volume zone to relieve pressure within the trapped volume zone. Discharging the filtered fluid may comprise directing the filtered fluid to a zone above one of the two spaced-apart unidirectional sealing elements. The zone above one of the two spaced-apart unidirectional sealing elements may be in fluid communication with an upper portion of the wellbore or with surface equipment. The filtered fluid discharged to the zone above one of the two spaced-apart unidirectional sealing elements may thereby relieve pressure that has accumulated in the trapped volume zone.

[0057] The method may be performed continuously during wellbore operations such that pressure in the trapped volume zone is maintained below a threshold that could damage the two spaced-apart unidirectional sealing elements or other packer components. In some configurations, the method may be performed intermittently as pressure accumulates in the trapped volume zone. The relief valve may open automatically when pressure in the trapped volume zone exceeds the threshold pressure and may close automatically when pressure in the trapped volume zone falls below the threshold pressure.

[0058] The embodiments of downhole tools have been primarily described with reference to wellbore drilling operations; the downhole tools described herein may be used in applications other than the drilling of a wellbore. In other embodiments, downhole tools according to the present disclosure may be used outside a wellbore or other downhole environment used for the exploration or production of natural resources. For instance, downhole tools of the present disclosure may be used in a borehole used for placement of18SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTutility lines. Accordingly, the terms “wellbore,” “borehole” and the like should not be interpreted to limit tools, systems, assemblies, or methods of the present disclosure to any particular industry, field, or environment.

[0059] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. These described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed techniques.Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual embodiment may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous embodiment-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developers’ specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one embodiment to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0060] Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element described in relation to an embodiment herein may be combinable with any element of any other embodiment described herein. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values that are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value.

[0061] A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to19SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTembodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’ appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.

[0062] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.20SLB-Private

Claims

IS24.0124A-WO-PCTCLAIMS1. A backpressure relieving system for an open hole high expansion packer, comprising:a first unidirectional sealing element;a second unidirectional sealing element spaced apart from the first unidirectional sealing element, wherein a trapped volume is defined between the first unidirectional sealing element and the second unidirectional sealing element;a relief valve in fluid communication with the trapped volume, the relief valve configured to permit fluid flow from the trapped volume in a single direction; anda filter positioned upstream of the relief valve, the filter configured to prevent debris from entering the relief valve.

2. The backpressure relieving system of claim 1, wherein the filter comprises a metal mesh filter.

3. The backpressure relieving system of claim 2, wherein the metal mesh filter is positioned on an outer diameter of a component housing the relief valve.

4. The backpressure relieving system of claim 1, wherein the relief valve is disposed through a section of a pipe, the section positioned between the first unidirectional sealing element and the second unidirectional sealing element.

5. The backpressure relieving system of claim 4, wherein:21SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCTthe section comprises a wall defining a central passageway of the pipe; andthe relief valve is configured to permit the fluid flow from the trapped volume outside the section to a relief passageway defined within the wall .

6. The backpressure relieving system of claim 5, wherein the relief passageway is isolated from the central passageway.

7. The backpressure relieving system of claim 1, wherein the filter is configured to increase a flow area for fluid entering the relief valve.

8. The backpressure relieving system of claim 1, wherein the relief valve is configured to relieve pressure from the trapped volume to a zone above the first unidirectional sealing element or the second unidirectional sealing element.

9. The backpressure relieving system of claim 1, wherein the first unidirectional sealing element and the second unidirectional sealing element are configured to seal against an open hole formation.22SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCT10. An open hole high expansion packer assembly, comprising:a packer body;a first unidirectional sealing element disposed on the packer body;a second unidirectional sealing element disposed on the packer body and spaced apart from the first unidirectional sealing element to define a trapped volume zone therebetween; anda pressure relief mechanism configured to relieve pressure from the trapped volume zone, the pressure relief mechanism comprising:a relief valve providing a flow path from the trapped volume zone to a region outside the trapped volume zone; anda mesh filter disposed on an outer diameter of the pressure relief mechanism and positioned to filter fluid entering the relief valve.

11. The open hole high expansion packer assembly of claim 10, wherein the relief valve is configured to permit fluid flow across the first unidirectional sealing element or the second unidirectional sealing element.

12. The open hole high expansion packer assembly of claim 11, wherein the relief valve comprises a check valve.

13. The open hole high expansion packer assembly of claim 12, wherein:the packer body comprises a pipe; andthe check valve is disposed within a port defined through the pipe.23SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCT14. The open hole high expansion packer assembly of claim 13, wherein the mesh filter comprises a metal mesh filter configured to increase a flow area for fluid entering the relief valve.

15. The open hole high expansion packer assembly of claim 10, wherein the flow path extends from the trapped volume zone, through the mesh filter, through the relief valve, and to a zone above one of the first unidirectional sealing element or the second unidirectional sealing element.

16. The open hole high expansion packer assembly of claim 10, wherein the first unidirectional sealing element and the second unidirectional sealing element are configured to seal against an open hole formation.

17. A method of relieving backpressure in an open hole high expansion packer system having two spaced-apart unidirectional sealing elements defining a volume therebetween, the method comprising:filtering a fluid from the volume through a mesh filter disposed on an outer surface of a relief component;directing the fluid through a relief valve configured to permit flow in a single direction from the volume; anddischarging the fluid from the relief valve to a zone outside the volume to relieve pressure within the volume.24SLB-PrivateIS24.0124A-WO-PCT18. The method of claim 17, wherein the mesh filter comprises a metal mesh filter positioned on an outer diameter of the relief component.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein filtering fluid through the metal mesh filter increases a flow area for fluid entering the relief valve.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein discharging the fluid comprises directing the fluid to a zone above one of the two spaced-apart unidirectional sealing elements.25SLB-Private

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