Ball-Activated Valve Packer for Annulus Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a simple and effective way to seal an annulus around a drill-pipe during down-hole drilling, especially in open-hole conditions, without using complex electronics or wired devices, and do not allow for communication with tools/sensors above and below the seal.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a deflated packer on the drill-pipe that uses a ball-activated valve to inflate with drilling fluid, forming a seal in the annulus, allowing for quick deployment of a temporary barrier and maintaining access for communication and control cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing methods (LossMaster, ECPs) are used, then sealing capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to requirements for complex electronics, battery-operated devices, or wired pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex electronic components, batteries, and wired connections from traditional sealing systems. Instead, it uses a purely mechanical ball-activated valve system combined with hydraulic inflation using circulating drilling fluid, thereby achieving sealing capability while dramatically reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the circulating drilling fluid already present in the wellbore to inflate the packer, eliminating the need for separate power sources or complex control systems. The ball-activated valve automatically controls fluid flow to and from the packer based on ball position, providing self-regulating operation without electronic control
2Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used, then sealing is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to operate while drilling fluid is circulating
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses hydraulic pressure from circulating drilling fluid to inflate the packer and actuate the ball-activated valve. The system is designed to operate seamlessly during normal drilling fluid circulation, allowing sealing to be achieved without interrupting the drilling operation or requiring special operating conditions
3Reliability
If complex electronic systems are used for sealing, then sealing capability is improved, but loss of time increases due to deployment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The packer is pre-positioned on the drill-string in a deflated state before reaching the target depth. Upon arrival, the ball is simply dropped to activate the valve and inflate the packer using already-circulating drilling fluid, enabling extremely rapid deployment without complex positioning or activation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex electronic control systems with a simple mechanical ball-activated valve mechanism. The ball's gravitational descent and positioning trigger automatic valve operation and packer inflation, eliminating the need for electronic signaling, programming, or complex control sequences that would increase deployment time
4Loss of information
If wired pipe or complex electronics are used, then communication capability is achieved, but adaptability deteriorates due to encumbrance of cable access
Solution Approach 1:
The drill-string is segmented into regions above and below the packer, with the packer acting as a seal. Communication cables can pass through the drill-string bore independently of the packer sealing function, allowing tool/sensor communication both above and below the seal without physical encumbrance from wired connections
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 method provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for sealing annuli during drilling, improving well-control situations by allowing for rapid deployment and evaluation of issues, and maintaining communication through the drill-pipe, even in open-hole conditions.
Implementation Method 1
opening one or more ports to said packer using a ball-activated valve
Implementation Method 2
circulating drilling fluid to inflate said packer through said one or more ports, to thereby form a seal in the annulus around the drill-pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A method of sealing an annulus around a drill-pipe when drilling down-hole includes providing a deflated packer on a drill-pipe when drilling down-hole; opening one or more ports to the packer using a ball-activated valve; and circulating drilling fluid to inflate said packer through said one or more ports, to thereby form a seal in the annulus around the drill-pipe. An apparatus to carry out this method is also provided.