Compact Downhole Tool Single Frustoconical Member Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools for sealing wellbores often require multiple frustoconical members and sets of slips, which can lead to increased complexity and reduced compactness, making them less efficient for high-pressure and high-flow rate applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact downhole tool design featuring a single frustoconical member and a single set of slips, with internal buttons to enhance frictional force, allowing for efficient sealing and high-pressure resistance while maintaining a compact form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple frustoconical members and sets of slips are used, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frustoconical members and sets of slips into a single integrated frustoconical member with a single set of slips. The frustoconical member features a conical outer surface that engages with the slips, which are arranged radially around the central axis. This unified structure achieves reliable sealing while reducing device complexity and improving compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The single frustoconical member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sealing surface, engages the slips for radial expansion, and maintains structural integrity under high pressure. The conical surface geometry enables both the sealing action and the mechanical engagement of the slips in a unified component.
2Reliability
If multiple frustoconical members and sets of slips are used, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the tool length to diameter ratio increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sealing and engagement mechanisms into a single compact frustoconical member with radial slips, eliminating the need for multiple stacked components. This integration dramatically reduces the axial length of the tool while maintaining the sealing reliability through the efficient radial expansion mechanism.
3Strength
If internal buttons are added to the slips, then the frictional force and pressure resistance are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slips are equipped with internal buttons or protrusions at specific locations on their inner surfaces. These localized features concentrate the engagement force with the frustoconical member, increasing frictional force and pressure resistance at critical points without requiring complex structures throughout the entire slip body.
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 compact downhole tool effectively seals wellbores under high pressures and flow rates, achieving a low ratio of tool length to diameter, and can withstand pressures up to 12 kpsi and flow rates of up to 80 million standard cubic feet per day.
Implementation Method 1
Many such downhole tools used for sealing a wellbore employ slips to contact casing in the wellbore with sufficient friction under pressure to hold the downhole tool in place
Implementation Method 2
Various types of downhole tools may also employ an elastomeric member and spherical element with a cone and slip arrangement to effect a seal in the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A compact downhole tool, such as a frac plug, may include a single frustoconical member and a single set of slips. The slips may further include an internal button that engages with the frustoconical member. Various elements in the downhole tool may be dissolvable or degradable.