Blowout Preventer Packer Inserts to Prevent Elastomer Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blowout preventers face issues with reduced sealing integrity due to deformation and extrusion of elastomeric material during actuation, particularly in high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, leading to compromised fluid containment in wellbore operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an annular elastomeric packer with circumferentially spaced inserts featuring ribs, feet, and interlocks that resist deformation and maintain sealing integrity by overlapping mating surfaces during actuation, ensuring the elastomeric body is trapped between inserts, thereby preventing extrusion and enhancing the seal between the packer and the tubular member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an annular elastomeric packer is actuated into the closed position, then sealing capability is improved, but the elastomeric material deforms and extrudes reducing sealing integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The packer is divided into multiple circumferentially spaced inserts rather than a continuous ring. Each insert includes a foot with an interlock feature that engages with adjacent inserts, creating segmented but interconnected structure that prevents elastomeric material extrusion while maintaining sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock features extend the sealing mechanism from a two-dimensional annular surface into a three-dimensional structure with circumferential overlap. The feet of adjacent inserts overlap in the circumferential direction, creating a multi-dimensional barrier that traps elastomeric material and prevents extrusion during actuation.
2Reliability
If the packer is actuated under high pressure and temperature, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but elastomeric material extrusion increases reducing seal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous annular packer is segmented into discrete inserts spaced circumferentially around the wellbore. This segmentation creates multiple independent sealing zones that can withstand high pressure and temperature without collective failure, and the gaps between inserts prevent pressure-induced extrusion of elastomeric material.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock features and feet are pre-configured in the inserts before actuation. These features are positioned to engage and overlap before high pressure and temperature conditions occur, creating a pre-established barrier that prevents elastomeric material extrusion even under extreme operating conditions.
3Reliability
If circumferentially spaced inserts with interlocks are added, then prevention of elastomeric extrusion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into each insert component: the insert body provides structural support, the foot provides the sealing surface, and the interlock feature provides both mechanical connection and extrusion prevention. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts compared to traditional designs with distinct components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Each insert is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: sealing against the wellbore, connecting to adjacent inserts, preventing elastomeric extrusion, and withstanding high pressure and temperature. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for specialized components for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
An annular elastomeric packer for a blowout preventer includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced inserts, wherein at least one of the plurality of inserts includes a rib, and a foot pivotally coupled to the rib, and an elastomeric body coupled to the plurality of inserts and including an inner surface, wherein the foot is configured to resist deformation of the elastomeric body in response to the blowout preventer actuating from a first position to a second position.