Downhole Plug Retaining Structure for Controlled Seal Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Downhole plugs with elastic members for wellbore plugging face issues due to uncontrolled deformation, leading to potential breakage of components when the elastic member deforms and enters between the mandrel and retaining member, causing structural failure.

Innovation Solution

A plug design featuring a tubular member with an annular elastic member and a retaining member having an annular inner and outer portion, where the outer portion is movably attached and positioned downstream of the pressure exertion, dispersing the deformation force to prevent breakage, and utilizing degradable materials for the retaining member to facilitate easy removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an elastic member is used to plug the wellbore, then the plugging function is achieved, but uncontrolled deformation causes breakage of other components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplugging reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A retaining member is introduced as an intermediary component between the elastic member and the mandrel. This retaining member has a deformation control portion that mediates the deformation process, preventing the elastic member from directly contacting and damaging the mandrel while still allowing effective plugging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformation control portion of the retaining member is designed to absorb and distribute deformation forces before they can reach the mandrel. This beforehand cushioning prevents excessive stress concentration that would otherwise cause component breakage during the plugging operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the elastic member deforms radially outward, then wellbore plugging is achieved, but the elastic member may enter between the mandrel and retaining member causing constriction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplugging reliabilityVSAvoidconstriction and deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining member acts as an intermediary barrier that prevents the elastic member from entering the space between the mandrel and itself. The deformation control portion provides a controlled path for deformation while blocking the harmful constriction path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining member is pre-installed in position before the elastic member is deployed. This preliminary action establishes a protective structure that guides and limits the elastic member's deformation path, preventing it from entering the mandrel-retaining member interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 prevents breakage of the plug components during deformation, ensuring reliable wellbore plugging with reduced operational load and allowing for efficient post-use disposal of the plug components.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member 102, a retaining member 103 disposed adjacent to the elastic member 102 on one side of the elastic member 102... the elastic member 102 is deformed as a gap between the cone 105 and the retaining member 103 is narrowed due to an axial movement of the mandrel 101. Then, the elastic member 102 extends radially outward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12000232B2Plug, retaining member, and method for well completion using plug

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 KUREHA CORPORATION

AI summary

A downhole plug (10) includes a mandrel (1) having a hollow structure, an annular sealing member (2) attached to an outer circumferential surface of the mandrel (1) and being deformable by exerted pressure, and an annular socket (3) attached, adjacent to the annular sealing member (2), onto the outer circumferential surface of the mandrel (1), downstream of where a pressure is exerted on the sealing member (2). The annular socket (3) is configured to include a socket-inner portion (31) which comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the mandrel (1), and a socket-outer portion (32) in an annular shape having an inner diameter equivalent to or larger than that of the socket-inner portion (31) and movably attached to the socket-inner portion (31). The socket-outer portion (32) includes a face facing the sealing member (2).