Backup Ring S-Section Design for Downhole Seal Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backup systems in the resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries fail to maintain reliability under high pressures during downhole operations, as they are not designed to handle the increased pressures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A backup system with an anchor portion, operable portion, and S section design that provides equal thickness from the centerline to the outside surface, allowing for greater strength and a deeper concavity, facilitating easier setting and higher load ratings, paired with a gauge ring having a contact surface with a back angle to prevent deformation and ensure securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art backup designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but reliability under high pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backup ring employs non-uniform thickness distribution with varying wall thicknesses in different sections (thinner in some areas, thicker in others) to optimize performance. This local quality variation allows the backup to achieve higher pressure ratings and reliability while managing material usage and structural integrity appropriately in each region.
2Strength
If backup thickness is increased for strength, then load rating improves, but resistance to setting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup ring uses strategically varied thicknesses - thinner sections where high strength is not critical and thicker sections where load bearing is essential. This local optimization provides sufficient load rating while keeping overall resistance to setting manageable for proper installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the thickness parameter across different sections of the backup ring. By carefully selecting and varying the thickness parameter in different regions, the design achieves the necessary strength and load rating while controlling the resistance to setting within acceptable ranges for ease of installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A backup includes an anchor portion, an operable portion extending from the tip of the anchor portion, and an S section having a curvilinear line therein and where a substantially constant thickness of material from the line to an inside surface of the S section and a substantially nonconstant thickness of material from the curvilinear line toward an outside surface. A backup system including a backup, a gauge ring engageable with the anchor portion, the gauge ring including a contact surface with a back angle configured to engage the S section when the backup is set. A seal system including a mandrel, a backup, disposed on the mandrel, a gauge ring disposed on the mandrel and configured to interact with the backup; and a seal element disposed on the mandrel.