Cylindrical Repair Device for Small-Diameter Casing Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for repairing anomalies in production or casing pipes, such as holes or splits, are limited in their ability to effectively restore mechanical integrity, especially for pipes with diameters less than 114.3 mm (4.5 inches), due to requirements for specialized equipment and longer downtime.
Innovation Solution
A novel device and method that utilizes a cylindrical assembly of seven longitudinally hollow sections, equipped with mechanical anchors and packers, to isolate and repair anomalies in pipes with diameters ranging from 60.325 mm to 114.3 mm, allowing for quick installation and reduced operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing repair technologies are used for small-diameter pipes, then repair capability is achieved, but equipment complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where the repair device is inserted within the production tubing or casing. The cylindrical assembly with hollow sections allows the device to be deployed inside the existing pipe without requiring external specialized equipment, thus reducing equipment complexity while maintaining repair capability for small-diameter pipes
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be applicable to a range of small-diameter pipes (60.325 mm to 114.3 mm) and can repair various anomalies including holes and splits. The universal design eliminates the need for specialized equipment for each specific repair scenario, reducing overall equipment complexity
2Reliability
If existing repair technologies are used for small-diameter pipes, then repair capability is achieved, but installation time and production suspension increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-assembled as a complete cylindrical assembly with all necessary components (mechanical anchors, packers, hollow sections) before deployment. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming on-site assembly operations and enables quick installation within the production tubing, significantly reducing downtime and production suspension
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into seven hollow cylindrical sections that can be assembled in a modular fashion. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly and deployment, reducing the time required for installation while maintaining the ability to restore mechanical integrity effectively
3Reliability
If repair device is installed in small-diameter pipes, then mechanical integrity is restored, but device must accommodate pipe movements under production loads
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including expandable packers and mechanical anchors that can adapt to pipe movements. The packers can expand radially to maintain sealing contact while the mechanical anchors provide longitudinal positioning, allowing the device to accommodate thermal expansion, contraction, and movement under production loads while maintaining mechanical integrity restoration
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 effectively restores mechanical integrity in pipes of smaller diameters, reduces downtime and production suspension, and lowers associated costs, while also accommodating pipe movements due to production loads and withstanding high pressures.
Implementation Method 1
The lower mechanical Anchor has a mechanical system that helps fix the Device inside the production pipe
Implementation Method 2
Fixation is performed by mechanical interference between the production tubing or casing and the Anchor Wedges
Implementation Method 3
sealing is performed by mechanical interference between a deforming polymer ring, also called Seal, during installation of Device D and the inner wall of the production tubing or casing
Data Source
AI summary
The technology of this invention is oriented to the development and installation of a novel Device for restoring the mechanical integrity of casing or production tubing in hydrocarbon wells with diameters in the range of 2.375 inches to 4.500 inches nominal, providing a permanent and resilient seal over splits, perforations and/or holes in the tubing, installed with slickline unit, and includes:1) A procedure for the diagnosis, design and potential effectiveness of the Device in a well.2) A procedure for the installation of the Device in the well,3) A procedure for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Device,4) A procedure for the Device recovery.