Annular Packer Setting via Exterior Piston Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annular packing devices in the oil and gas industry often have leak paths and complex setting mechanisms, increasing costs and requiring additional signals to set the packing elements, whereas a simpler, leak-proof solution actuated by annulus pressure is desirable.
Innovation Solution
An annular packer with a solid mandrel and two sealing elements, where a piston moves radially to expand the second sealing element, creating a seal against the casing, and an equalization port is opened to release the initial seal while maintaining the second seal, utilizing a shearable device and spring for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flow paths are provided for setting packing elements, then the packing elements can be set by pressure application, but additional leak paths are created allowing formation fluid to travel into the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all flow paths from the tool body that could potentially leak formation fluid into the wellbore. The setting mechanism is extracted and relocated to the exterior of the mandrel, where it operates independently of the central bore flow paths. This separation ensures that pressure application for setting does not create leak paths through the tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary setting mechanism located on the exterior of the mandrel that transfers pressure from the annulus to the packing elements without creating direct flow paths through the tool body. This intermediary structure allows setting functionality while maintaining seal integrity.
2Measurement precision
If complex setting mechanisms such as electronic or acoustic signals are used, then precise control of packing element setting is achieved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packing elements are designed to set automatically in response to pressure application from the annulus. The exterior setting mechanism utilizes the applied pressure directly to drive the packing elements against the casing, eliminating the need for external electronic or acoustic control systems. This self-service approach achieves sufficient control precision while dramatically reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic/hydraulic pressure from the annulus as the direct actuating force for the setting mechanism. Pressure applied to the annulus is transmitted through the exterior setting mechanism to expand and set the packing elements, replacing complex electronic/acoustic control systems with a simple pressure-responsive mechanical system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic or acoustic signals are transmitted to set packing elements, then remote actuation is enabled, but additional equipment and operational steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic/hydraulic pressure transmitted through the annulus as the actuating medium for remote setting. Pressure applied at the surface propagates through the annulus to the exterior setting mechanism, enabling remote actuation without electronic or acoustic signal transmission systems. This approach maintains adaptability while eliminating complex signal transmission equipment.
4Reliability
If a solid mandrel with no flow paths is used, then leak paths are eliminated, but setting mechanism integration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the setting mechanism from the interior of the mandrel to the exterior surface. This dimensional relocation allows the solid mandrel to maintain its leak-free interior while the exterior setting mechanism integrates pressure application and packing element actuation. The setting mechanism operates in a different spatial dimension (exterior vs. interior), resolving the conflict between solid structure and mechanism integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tool into distinct functional zones: the solid mandrel interior for fluid flow without leak paths, and the exterior surface for setting mechanism operations. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function independently - the interior maintains seal integrity while the exterior provides setting capability.
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 solution provides a reliable, cost-effective annular seal without additional flow paths or complex mechanisms, ensuring the integrity of the seal during and after pressure equalization.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure differential exterior of the mandrel moves the first piston from the first position to the second position
Implementation Method 2
The annular packer may include a spring that biases the first sealing element to move away from the casing towards the exterior of the mandrel
Implementation Method 3
The annular packer may include a shearable device that selectively retains the first piston in its first position, wherein the shearable device is configured to shear and release the first piston at a predetermined pressure differential
Data Source
AI summary
An annular packer to create an annulus seal that includes a solid mandrel with a first end, second end, central bore, and exterior. The annular packer includes first and second sealing elements connected to the exterior. The second sealing element is expanded radially by axial movement of at least a portion of the second sealing element. The annular packer includes a first piston movable from a first position to a second position. Pressure applied exterior of the mandrel moves a portion of the first sealing element away from the mandrel to create a first seal causing a pressure differential. The pressure differential moves the first piston to its second position axially moving at least a portion of the second sealing element to create a second seal against the casing. A port may be opened releasing the first seal, but the second seal remains set against the casing.