Cone Packer Plugging Device Radial Expansion Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plugging devices for hydrocarbon well pipes face challenges in withstanding high pressures and temperatures for extended periods while maintaining the ability to be retracted after use, often resulting in packer element deformation that complicates retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A plugging device featuring a cone packer system with sliding surfaces and supporting arms that allow for radial expansion and retraction, utilizing a connection device to limit axial displacement and a guiding system to prevent rotation, ensuring a durable and retrievable seal under high pressure and temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the packer element is expanded to seal the well pipe under high pressure and temperature, then the sealing capability is improved, but the packer element becomes deformed which complicates retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The packer element is divided into multiple segments that can expand and contract independently. Each segment is supported by separate supporting arms that can move relative to each other, allowing the packer to maintain its shape during expansion and contraction while preventing deformation that would complicate retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting arms are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to adapt their position during expansion and contraction. The arms can pivot at connection points and slide along guide surfaces, enabling dynamic adjustment that maintains packer element geometry under high pressure and temperature while facilitating smooth retrieval
2Ease of operation
If the plugging device is designed with a narrow diameter in retracted state to pass restrictions, then the ease of installation is improved, but the device complexity increases to ensure proper expansion and retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting arms and packer elements are arranged in a nested configuration where components are contained within each other in the retracted state. This allows the device to pass through narrow restrictions while maintaining all necessary components for proper expansion and controlled retraction without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting arms serve multiple functions: they support the packer elements during expansion, guide the retraction movement, prevent deformation, and enable passage through restrictions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while ensuring proper expansion and retraction
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 device effectively maintains a pressure-tight seal under high pressure and temperature conditions for extended periods and can be reliably retracted, preventing packer element deformation and ensuring smooth retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding surface is provided on the first and second packer supporting device for sliding up and down the tapering surface of the first or second cone
Implementation Method 2
a cone device comprising a first cone and a second cone, each having their base faced towards each other and each comprising a tapering surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plugging device (1), comprising a packer device (4) for pressure tight sealing of a pipe. The packer device (4) comprises a cone device (10) comprising a first cone (12) and a second cone (14), each having their base faced towards each other and each comprising a tapering surface (12a, 14a). A first packer supporting device (20) is provided on a first side of the cone device (10), a second packer supporting device (22) is provided on a second side of the cone device (10) and a packer body (50) provided is between the first packer supporting device (20) and the second packer supporting device (22). The first and second packer supporting devices (20, 22) comprise supporting arms (24) having a first end (24a) movably connected to the plugging device (1) and a second end (24b) connected to either a front supporting element (30) or a rear supporting element (40). A sliding surface is provided on the first and second packer supporting device (20, 22) for sliding up and down the tapering surface (12a, 14a) of the first or second cone (12, 14), thereby bringing the packer device (4) between its expanded and retracted positions respectively. The front supporting elements (30) and the rear supporting elements (40) comprise front surfaces (32, 42), where the front surfaces (32, 42) are faced towards the base of the first and second cones (12, 14) and provide an extrusion barrier surface for the packer body (50) in the expanded position.