Articulated Backup Ring for Packer Setting Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packers in the resource recovery industry face challenges in meeting changing industry standards, environmental conditions, and economic factors, requiring the development of new packers that are less costly and more efficient while maintaining the ability to handle significant differential pressures and pressure reversals.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a capture ring and a backup ring articulated to the capture ring, with a bulbous base and a cantilevered support member for deformation, along with an intensifier configuration that reduces the setting force required for packer deployment, allowing for increased rubber pressures and improved shear strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional packer designs are used, then sealing capability is maintained, but setting force and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backup ring is designed to articulate relative to the capture ring, transitioning from a static to a dynamic configuration during setting. This dynamic articulation allows the backup ring to deform and articulate during the setting process, reducing the peak setting force required while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup system is segmented into distinct components: a capture ring and a separately articulating backup ring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the backup ring articulating to reduce setting force while the capture ring maintains structural integrity.
2Stress or pressure
If higher rubber pressures are used, then sealing effectiveness improves, but risk of element extrusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is positioned between the backup ring and the packer element to provide beforehand cushioning. This resilient member acts as a buffer that absorbs and distributes the high rubber pressures, preventing direct transmission of peak forces to the element and reducing the risk of extrusion while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
3Length of moving object
If shorter packer design is used, then installation efficiency improves, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The backup ring is nested within the capture ring structure, with the backup ring's bulbous base received within a recess of the capture ring. This nested configuration allows the backup system to be compact while maintaining the structural integrity of both components, achieving a shorter overall packer design without compromising strength.
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 results in a more efficient and cost-effective packer system that requires less force to set, maintains high rubber pressures, and reduces the risk of element extrusion, making it suitable for various well operations.
Implementation Method 1
The support member is cantilevered from the capture ring and deforms to provide additional shear strength to the backup ring during setting
Implementation Method 2
The bulbous base and the recess allow a degree of freedom to the backup ring to articulate relative to the capture ring
Data Source
AI summary
A backup including a capture ring, and a backup ring articulated to the capture ring.