Alternating Split Rings Diffuser for Sliding Sleeve Seal Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diffuser designs for sliding sleeve valves in subterranean applications fail to effectively slow or stop high-velocity fluid flow, leading to seal damage due to material limitations and inadequate fit clearances, with non-metallic rings having short service life and metal rings allowing excessive flow.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser assembly featuring pairs of split rings with rotational locking and differential pressure biasing, providing an interference fit to the sliding sleeve and housing, with sloping surfaces and offset splits to enhance fit and durability, and optionally coated for improved sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-metallic rings (PEEK) are used to reduce fluid velocity, then seal protection is improved, but service life is reduced due to material limits under high velocity gas and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs alternating rings of metallic material and non-metallic material (such as PEEK). The metallic rings provide durability and structural integrity under high velocity gas and temperature, while the non-metallic rings provide the necessary compliance and seal protection. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its strengths, resolving the contradiction between seal protection and service life.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If metal ring diffusers are used to reduce fluid velocity, then durability is improved, but clearance requirements increase and allow excessive high velocity flow to reach the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The alternating metallic and non-metallic ring configuration allows the non-metallic rings to provide tight clearance and effective flow velocity reduction, while the metallic rings provide the necessary durability. The non-metallic material can be manufactured with tighter tolerances and provides better sealing contact, preventing excessive high velocity flow from reaching the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser assembly is divided into multiple discrete rings rather than using a single continuous structure. This segmentation into alternating material types allows each ring to perform its specific function optimally - non-metallic rings for sealing and flow control, metallic rings for structural support and durability.
3Device complexity
If single diffuser rings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to effectively slow fluid flow and protect seal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is segmented into multiple alternating rings of different materials rather than using a single ring. This segmentation enables the assembly to effectively slow fluid flow through the cumulative effect of multiple rings, while each ring maintains a relatively simple structure. The alternating configuration creates a progressive velocity reduction that better protects the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
By using composite materials in an alternating ring configuration, the patent achieves effective seal protection that a single material could not provide alone. The combination leverages the compliance and sealing ability of non-metallic materials with the structural integrity of metallic materials, creating a diffuser assembly that effectively reduces fluid velocity to protect the seal.
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 assembly effectively slows or stops high-velocity fluid flow, enhancing seal protection by ensuring a secure fit and reducing damage, while maintaining operational reliability and flow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
adjacent pairs are responsive to pressure differential to be biased toward a sliding sleeve or the surrounding housing in an alternating pattern
Implementation Method 2
Sloping surfaces are used in conjunction with pressure differential to further bias some rings inwardly and adjacent rings outwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser assembly has pairs of split rings rotationally locked to each other in an alternating array with other pairs of split rings where adjacent pairs are responsive to pressure differential to be biased toward a sliding sleeve or the surrounding housing in an alternating pattern. The split rings are made to have an interference initial fit to the sleeve or housing and the splits on adjacent rings are offset while a relation of a projection to a depression between adjacent rings prevents relative rotation to keep the desired circumferential offset in the splits between adjacent rings. End tapers can bias adjacent pairs in opposed directions responsive to applied differential pressure. The rings are preferably metallic and can have a coating to facilitate relative sliding and enhance durability.