BOP Packer Inserts with Fixed Extensions for Peel Resistance

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blowout preventer (BOP) packers face challenges with adhesion and engagement, leading to reduced service life, increased wear, and instability during drilling operations due to lack of structural features that enhance sealing and pressure control.

Innovation Solution

The incorporation of elastomer-contacting inserts with fixed and movable extensions, such as protrusions, ribs, and indentations, within the elastomer body of the packer to improve adhesion and engagement, enhancing the packer's operational stability and longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional smooth inserts are used in the packer, then the device complexity is low, but the adhesion and engagement with the elastomer body deteriorates, leading to reduced service life and increased wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidinsert structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert structure incorporates fixed extensions with elastomer-contacting surfaces that have specific geometric features (protrusions, ribs, indentations) at localized regions. These local structural variations create enhanced adhesion and engagement points without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire insert, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed extensions are pre-configured with specific geometric features during manufacturing that are designed to engage with the elastomer body in advance. This preliminary structuring ensures optimal adhesion and engagement from the start of operation, preventing wear and degradation over time without requiring complex operational adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If inserts without elastomer-contacting features are used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the adhesion and sealing capabilities of the packer deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidinsert fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insert structure incorporates fixed extensions with elastomer-contacting surfaces that have specific geometric features (protrusions, ribs, indentations) at localized regions. These local structural variations create enhanced adhesion and engagement points without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire insert, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The insert structure combines rigid material with strategically designed geometric features that create composite-like functionality. The fixed extensions with elastomer-contacting surfaces act as integrated reinforcement elements that enhance sealing capability while being fabricated as a single piece, maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If the elastomer body lacks structural engagement features, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability during drilling operations and pressure control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidpacker structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert structure incorporates fixed extensions with elastomer-contacting surfaces that have specific geometric features (protrusions, ribs, indentations) at localized regions. These local structural variations create enhanced adhesion and engagement points without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire insert, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed extensions are pre-configured with specific geometric features during manufacturing that are designed to engage with the elastomer body in advance. This preliminary structuring ensures optimal adhesion and engagement from the start of operation, preventing wear and degradation over time without requiring complex operational adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 improved peel resistance, increased service life, reduced wear, and enhanced sealing capabilities, allowing the packer to withstand more open/close cycles and maintain effective pressure control during drilling operations.

Implementation Method 1

one or more fixed extensions that extend from the elastomer-contacting surface to engage the elastomer body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

an elastomer body and one or more inserts coupled to the elastomer body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12152458B1Packer assembly for blowout preventer

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A packer for a blowout preventer includes an elastomer body and one or more inserts coupled to the elastomer body. At least one insert of the one or more inserts includes an insert body with an elastomer-contacting surface and one or more fixed extensions that extend from the elastomer-contacting surface to engage the elastomer body.