Annular Barrier With Retaining Ring for Zonal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The welding process for annular barriers in well tubular metal structures can damage the material properties, leading to leakage issues when expanding the barriers for zonal isolation in downhole applications.
Innovation Solution
An annular barrier configuration using a hydraulic expandable design with a first and second expandable metal sleeve part, featuring inner and outer annular sealing elements, and a burstable element, which avoids direct welding to the well tubular metal structure, allowing for expansion and zonal isolation without compromising the sealing ability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to mount the expandable metal sleeve onto the well tubular metal structure, then the annular barrier can be securely attached, but the material properties of the well tubular metal structure or the expandable metal sleeve are damaged, leading to leakage when expanding the barrier
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the expandable metal sleeve and the well tubular metal structure. The retaining ring is welded to the well tubular structure, while the expandable metal sleeve is mechanically retained by the ring through a interference fit or friction grip, avoiding direct welding of the sleeve itself and preventing thermal damage to its material properties
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: the retainment mechanism (retaining ring) is separated from the expandable barrier (metal sleeve). This segmentation allows the retaining ring to handle the welding/attachment function while the sleeve maintains its integrity for expansion and sealing operations
2Ease of manufacture
If the expandable metal sleeve is directly welded onto the well tubular metal structure, then secure attachment is achieved, but the welding process causes material property changes that result in leakage during expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring serves as a mediator that absorbs the welding process, allowing the expandable metal sleeve to be attached without direct thermal exposure. The ring is welded to the well tubular structure while the sleeve is mechanically retained, preserving the sleeve's material properties for precise expansion and sealing
3Ease of manufacture
If welding is used to attach the annular barrier, then the barrier can be mounted on the well tubular structure, but the sealing ability of the barrier is compromised due to damage to material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring acts as an intermediary mounting mechanism that simplifies attachment through welding to the well tubular structure while mechanically retaining the expandable metal sleeve. This approach maintains sealing reliability by preventing thermal damage to the sleeve's material properties during the mounting process
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
This design enhances the sealing ability and prevents material damage during expansion, ensuring effective zonal isolation and maintaining the integrity of the annular barrier's sealing properties under varying pressures.
Implementation Method 1
The annular space is configured to be pressurised with hydraulic fluid from within the well tubular metal structure
Implementation Method 2
The intermediate part facing the well tubular metal structure is configured to be expanded by the pressurising to energise the sealing ability of the first inner annular sealing element
Data Source
AI summary
An annular barrier configured to be arranged on an outer face of a well tubular metal structure for providing zonal isolation in an annulus downhole, includes an annular space defined by a first expandable metal sleeve part and a second expandable metal sleeve part. The first expandable metal sleeve part having an outer face configured to face away from the outer face of the well tubular metal structure and the second expandable metal sleeve part having an outer face configured to face the outer face of the well tubular metal structure when arranged around the well tubular metal structure. The annular barrier further includes a first inner annular sealing element arranged on the outer face of the second expandable metal sleeve part configured to seal between the second expandable metal sleeve part and the well tubular metal structure.