Degradable Anchor Device With Granular Gripping Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring devices for downhole applications in hydrocarbon production require costly and time-consuming removal or destruction after use, lacking predictable degradation characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A degradable slip ring system comprising a substrate with a first hardness and a granular gripping material with a second hardness greater than the substrate, applied to the outer extent to provide anchoring performance while allowing predictable degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a degradable substrate is used for anchoring devices, then the device can degrade after use eliminating removal operations, but the substrate lacks sufficient hardness to provide effective anchoring performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a degradable substrate with granular gripping material having different properties. The substrate provides degradability while the granular material provides hardness and anchoring strength, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation (degradation) and strength (anchoring performance).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different regions with different properties: the substrate material provides degradability in certain regions while the granular gripping material provides hardness in specific contact regions, allowing both softness for degradation and hardness for anchoring in different locations of the same device.
2Strength
If a harder material is used to improve anchoring performance, then the anchoring strength increases, but the device becomes more difficult to degrade after use
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure allows the granular gripping material to provide hardness for anchoring while the degradable substrate maintains controllability for degradation, resolving the contradiction between strength and degradation time.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions have different durability characteristics: the granular material regions provide long-term strength where needed, while the substrate regions are designed for controlled degradation, allowing the device to have both high strength and predictable degradation timeline.
3Strength
If granular gripping material with higher hardness than substrate is applied, then anchoring performance improves, but the granular material may damage the softer substrate during expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The harder granular material is applied only to the outer gripping surface where contact with the casing is needed, while the substrate remains softer in the bulk to avoid self-damage during expansion. This localized application resolves the contradiction between anchoring strength and substrate protection.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an anchoring device is disclosed, including: a degradable substrate with a first hardness; and a granular gripping material associated with the outer extent of the degradable substrate, wherein the granular gripping material has a second hardness greater than the first hardness. In certain embodiments, the granular gripping material is degradable. In another aspect, a method to anchor a downhole device is disclosed, including: providing a degradable substrate with a first hardness; and applying a granular gripping material to the outer extent of the degradable substrate, wherein the granular gripping material has a second hardness greater than the first hardness.