Deformable Element Annulus Sealing for Directional Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for sealing across an annulus in directional drilling, such as horizontal wells, are costly and complex, and existing packers require significant size to isolate pressure, leading to uncertainty in the condition of severed casing sections and potential pressure depletion.
Innovation Solution
A deformable element configured to flex across an annulus in response to pressure applied to its inner surface, utilizing seals and flex joints to form a seal without increasing the outside diameter or decreasing the inner diameter of the tool, allowing for a smaller footprint while maximizing internal diameter, and featuring a body with tapered portions and a stem that can bow outward to form a seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional packer is used to isolate pressure in directional drilling, then the annulus can be sealed, but the tool requires significant size increase to accommodate the piston mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible deformable element with a metallic body and elastomeric coating that can bend and conform to the annulus geometry. This flexible membrane structure replaces the rigid piston mechanism of conventional packers, enabling pressure isolation without requiring significant tool size increase. The flexible element deforms under pressure to create the seal, eliminating the need for a large-diameter piston chamber.
2Reliability
If the outside diameter of the tool is increased to accommodate pressure isolation mechanisms, then sealing capability is improved, but the inner diameter decreases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible deformable element achieves pressure isolation through deformation rather than through a large-diameter piston structure. This allows the tool to maintain a small outside diameter while still providing effective sealing, thereby preserving a large inner diameter for fluid flow and operational productivity.
3Volume of moving object
If a deformable element is used to seal across the annulus, then the tool footprint is reduced, but the element must withstand significant pressure forces
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable element is constructed as a composite structure with a metallic body providing structural strength and pressure resistance, covered by an elastomeric coating that provides sealing capability and flexibility. This composite construction allows the element to withstand significant pressure forces while maintaining a compact footprint and flexible sealing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable element utilizes changes in material properties under pressure - the metallic body maintains structural integrity while the elastomeric coating deforms to create the seal. The element transitions from a rigid-like state during insertion to a flexible deformed state under pressure, optimizing both strength and sealing performance.
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 deformable element effectively seals across the annulus without the need for significant size increases, maintaining a seal even after pressure is reduced and preventing hydrostatic head from affecting cement curing, thus reducing operational complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable element that is configured to flex across an annulus responsive to being introduced to pressure force
Implementation Method 2
The deformable element may include seals, flex joints, and a body... the stem may be configured to bow outward to increase a distance from the outer diameter of the tool to the inner surface of the body, which may form a seal across the annulus
Data Source
AI summary
A tool with a deformable element that is configured to flex across an annulus based on a force being applied to an inner surface of the deformable element. The deformable element may be configured to be positioned within a chamber that is covered by a first rupture disc. The deformable element may include seals, flex joints, and a body.