Deformable Liner Installation Using Dual Inflatable Packers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable packers used in wellbores face challenges in expanding to match the inner diameter of the wellbore while maintaining a fluid-tight seal, especially when the existing restrictions in the wellbore limit the size of devices that can be installed, and existing solutions do not effectively secure the liner within the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
A well tool system utilizing a deformable liner with a first inflatable packer positioned within and a second inflatable packer around it, where the first packer inflates to expand the liner radially and the second packer seals against the wellbore wall, using a hardening fluid to solidify and secure the liner, with a tubular connection that breaks to facilitate removal of the inflation tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inflatable packer is used to expand the liner, then the device complexity is reduced, but the liner cannot achieve sufficient expansion ratio to match wellbore restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The packer system is divided into two separate inflatable packers (first and second packers) that operate independently. The first packer expands the deformable liner while the second packer provides sealing against the wellbore. This segmentation allows each packer to be optimized for its specific function, achieving the required expansion ratio without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first inflatable packer is positioned inside the deformable liner, while the second inflatable packer is positioned outside the liner. This nested configuration allows both packers to operate simultaneously with different functions - the inner packer expands the liner and the outer packer seals against the wellbore, maximizing adaptation to wellbore restrictions.
2Reliability
If the tubular connection is made strong to prevent fluid loss, then fluid containment is improved, but the inflation tool cannot be removed after use
Solution Approach 1:
An engineered weak point is incorporated into the tubular connection at a predetermined location. This weak point is designed to break under specific tension conditions. The backflow prevention device is positioned to ensure fluid containment during inflation, while the weak point allows for controlled disconnection when tension is applied during tool removal, resolving the contradiction between strong containment and easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular connection acts as an intermediary element between the inflation tool and the second packer. It provides fluid containment during operation through its intact structure, but allows for tool removal through its engineered weak point that breaks under tension, serving both functions of reliability and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the liner is expanded to match the wellbore inner diameter, then equipment deployment is facilitated, but the device size must exceed wellbore restrictions during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a deformable liner that can change its diameter dynamically. During installation, the liner maintains a compact size to pass through wellbore restrictions. Once positioned, the first inflatable packer inflates the liner to expand it to the required diameter for equipment deployment. This dynamic transformation allows the system to overcome the contradiction between initial size constraints and final functional size.
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 system allows for the installation of a liner with an expanded inner diameter that matches or exceeds the wellbore's smallest restriction, enabling secure anchoring and sealing within the wellbore, allowing for the deployment of additional equipment without introducing new size limitations.
Implementation Method 1
The first inflatable packer is inflated to deform the deformable liner, such that an inner liner diameter of the deformable liner, after the deformable liner is deformed, is equal to or greater than the initial outer diameter of the well tool
Implementation Method 2
The first inflatable packer is inflated to deform the deformable liner
Implementation Method 3
The second inflatable packer is inflated to sealably contact an inner wall of the wellbore
Implementation Method 4
The second inflatable packer is inflated to sealably contact an inner wall of the wellbore
Implementation Method 5
Inflating the second inflatable packer can include flowing a hardening fluid into the second inflatable packer. Inflating the second inflatable packer can include allowing the hardening fluid to solidify within the second inflatable packer, such that the second inflatable packer remains permanently inflated
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
A well tool and methods of its use are described. The well tool includes a deformable liner configured to be positioned within a wellbore. The deformable liner is configured to be deformed radially. The well tool includes a first inflatable packer configured to be positioned within the deformable liner. The first inflatable packer is configured to be inflated while positioned within the deformable liner to deform the deformable liner radially. The well tool includes a second inflatable packer configured to be positioned around the deformable liner. The second inflatable packer is configured to be inflated to an inner wall of the wellbore.