Controlled-Volume Gland Sealing Element for High-Squeeze Wellbore Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing elements in wellbore applications become unstable and unreliable at high squeeze ratios, limiting their ability to maintain effective seals under high pressure and preventing efficient fluid control and sand control in multi-zone applications.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element is expanded outwardly into a controlled-volume gland opening defined between axially-spaced shrouds, utilizing a dual prop and piston arrangement for high expansion and high-pressure sealing with minimal hydraulic setting force, and incorporating multi-durometer materials, undercuts, and garter springs for enhanced deployment characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional sealing elements are used with high squeeze ratios, then expansion capability is improved, but stability and reliability deteriorate causing unpredictable deployment and element overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is divided into multiple segments that can expand independently within controlled volumes. Each segment is constrained by shrouds that prevent uncontrolled expansion and overlap, allowing high squeeze ratios to be achieved while maintaining deployment stability and reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If sealing element thickness is increased to achieve greater expansion, then expansion capability is improved, but tool profile becomes bulkier and flow area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements expand radially outward into the annular space between the mandrel and casing rather than requiring increased axial thickness. This dimensional approach allows the elements to achieve greater expansion capability while maintaining a slimmer tool profile and preserving flow area between the packer and wellbore.
3Reliability
If conventional sealing elements are used, then sealing function is achieved, but material usage is excessive for the required expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled-volume gland configuration changes the expansion parameters by providing defined annular space between the mandrel and shrouds. This allows thinner sealing elements to achieve the required expansion ratio efficiently, reducing material usage while maintaining reliable sealing effectiveness through precise volumetric control.
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
This configuration allows for a greater percentage squeeze with a slimmer tool profile and increased flow area, achieving reliable sealing and sand control across a wider range of pressures while reducing material usage.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing element may have a degree of compliancy and may be expanded radially outwardly into engagement with the sealing surface by compressing it axially
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a dual prop and piston arrangement for high expansion and high-pressure sealing with minimal hydraulic setting force
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole sealing tool may include a sealing element disposed on a mandrel for lowering into a well. The sealing element may be captured at the ends between the mandrel and a shroud and may span a gland opening between upper and lower shroud portions. Props between the mandrel and the shroud are axially moveable to engage the sealing element and urge the sealing element radially outwardly into a controlled volume defined at the gland opening between the mandrel and a portion of the well to be sealed. A higher squeeze ratio is achievable, allowing for a thinner element and tool profile with greater flowability.