Adaptable Anchor With Degradable Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring systems in the resource recovery industry require fluid pressure for setting, which increases operational costs and space requirements due to the need for seals and hydraulic fluid conveyances.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable anchor system featuring a frame, articulated arm, pad, movable wedge, biasing member, and degradable retainer that allows for anchoring without hydraulic actuation, using a degradable retainer to release biasing energy and deploy the wedge for securing the anchor in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluid pressure setting regimes are used for anchors, then the anchor can be set and secured in the borehole, but the operational cost increases and surface space is consumed due to hydraulic fluid conveyances and seals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hydraulic system components (seals, capillary lines, fluid conveyances) from the anchor assembly by replacing the fluid pressure setting mechanism with a mechanical setting mechanism using a setting tool that directly engages the anchor's setting threads, thereby eliminating the complexity and space requirements of hydraulic systems while maintaining reliable anchor setting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic actuation system with a purely mechanical setting mechanism where a setting tool engages threaded elements on the anchor body to mechanically drive the wedge and arm assembly, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid conveyances, seals, and associated components while achieving reliable anchor deployment
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic fluid conveyances and seals are included in the anchor system, then the anchor can be actuated, but the expense for the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hydraulic actuation components (seals, fluid conveyances, capillary lines) from the anchor system, replacing them with a mechanical setting mechanism that uses a setting tool to directly engage and actuate the anchor through threaded elements, thereby reducing operational expense while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable or single-use setting tool that engages the anchor's mechanical setting elements, eliminating the need for expensive, complex hydraulic systems. The mechanical setting mechanism uses simple threaded elements and a setting tool that can be easily manufactured and disposed of after use, reducing overall operational expense
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 adaptable anchor system reduces operational costs and space requirements by eliminating the need for hydraulic systems, providing a reliable, modular, and adaptable anchoring solution for various tools and borehole environments.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member disposed to selectively apply a biasing energy between the frame and the wedge
Implementation Method 2
a degradable retainer preventing application of the biasing energy until degraded
Implementation Method 3
a wedge movably mounted to the frame and in wedging contact with the arm
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptable anchor including a frame; an arm articulated to the frame; a pad connected to the arm at a distance from the articulation with the frame; a wedge movably mounted to the frame and in wedging contact with the arm; a biasing member disposed to selectively apply a biasing energy between the frame and the wedge; and a degradable retainer preventing application of the biasing energy until degraded. An embodiment of a borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation; a tubular member disposed in the borehole; and an adaptable anchor as in any prior embodiment in operable contact with the tubular member. An embodiment of a method for anchoring a tool in a borehole including running the adaptable anchor as in any prior embodiment; degrading the degradable retainer; urging the wedge into contact with the arm with the biasing member; and displacing the pad.