Coil Shiftable Packer for Independent Steam Zone Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) techniques lack the ability to independently set or unset packers in a wellbore, limiting the flexibility and control over steam injection zones.

Innovation Solution

A coil shiftable packer assembly with a mandrel, push sleeve, and shift sleeve mechanism, allowing for independent setting and releasing of packers using a hydro-mechanical shifting tool, enabling selective isolation of steam zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If all packers in the injection well are set simultaneously or in close sequential order using hydraulic pressure, then the injection tubing string can be quickly established, but the ability to independently set or unset individual packers is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of establishing injection tubing stringVSAvoidindependent setting capability of packers

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The packer setting mechanism is segmented into independent controllable units. Each packer has its own shift sleeve that can be independently actuated by the shifting tool, allowing individual packers to be set or unset separately while maintaining overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packer system transitions from a static simultaneous-setting configuration to a dynamic independently-controllable system. The shift sleeve and collet mechanism enables each packer to be actuated on-demand, providing adaptability while maintaining efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a packer mechanism allowing independent setting is implemented, then flexibility and control over steam injection zones is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and control over steam injection zonesVSAvoidcomplexity of packer mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shifting tool is designed as a universal device that can actuate multiple packers and steam diverters along the tubing string. This multi-functional tool reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for different actuation mechanisms for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shift sleeve is nested within the mandrel, and the collet is nested within the shift sleeve structure. This nested arrangement compactly houses the independent setting mechanism without significantly increasing external dimensions or overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If a ratchet mechanism is used to maintain the push sleeve in the set position, then the packer element remains expanded, but the mechanism requires additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance of packer expansion positionVSAvoidnumber of components in actuation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ratchet mechanism provides self-locking functionality that automatically maintains the packer in the expanded position without requiring continuous external force or additional active components. The shear pin provides automatic release capability, making the system self-regulating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables flexible and controlled creation of multiple steam injection zones by allowing individual actuation of packers and steam diverters, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility in steam distribution.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one shear pin connecting the push sleeve and the ratchet ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Implementation Method 2

compressing the packer element longitudinally to expand radially outwards

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPoisson's effect: Poisson's Effect

Implementation Method 3

the push sleeve is maintained in the set position by the ratchet ring engaging the mandrel ratchet section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS12352129B2Coil shiftable packer

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 TIER 1 ENERGY SOLUTIONS

AI summary

A packer assembly includes (a) a mandrel bearing an expandable packer element, the mandrel having a ratchet section, a lower collet retaining shoulder, and defining a plurality of longitudinal slots; (b) a push sleeve connected to a ratchet ring by at least one shear pin, wherein the ratchet ring is disposed between push sleeve and the mandrel and engages the mandrel ratchet section; (c) a shift sleeve comprising an inner shift sleeve slidingly disposed within the mandrel and having a lower collet, the inner shift sleeve defining a profile for engaging a shifting tool, and an outer shift sleeve slidingly around the mandrel and connected to the inner shift sleeve with a plurality of bolts, wherein each bolt passes through a longitudinal slot defined by the mandrel; (d) wherein the shift sleeve and push sleeve is moveable between a running position and a released position. Also disclosed are methods of using a packer actuated by a sliding sleeve.