Downhole Sealing Assembly With Axially Expanding Ring Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional downhole packers face challenges in maintaining a positive seal under system pressure and effectively sealing against large debris such as gravel and silt, particularly in oil and gas wells, as they require high inflation pressures and may not adapt to irregular surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A downhole sealing tool with multiple alternating deflection and deformable rings, each with angled sides, that axially compress to expand and form seals against the casing or liner, utilizing metal or elastomeric materials for durability and adaptability, and a ratchet ring mechanism to maintain the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional downhole packers use high inflation pressure to maintain a positive seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is divided into multiple discrete rings (compressible rings, deformable rings, deflection rings) rather than using a single inflated element. This segmentation allows the seal to be set through mechanical compression and maintain pressure through elastic deformation of individual rings, eliminating the need for continuous high-pressure inflation while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pneumatic/hydraulic inflation system with a mechanical compression system. The set tool compresses the sealing rings axially, transforming them from a non-compressed configuration to a compressed configuration, which radially expands the rings to engage the casing wall. This mechanical system maintains the seal without requiring continuous high-pressure fluid injection
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional packers use single-element elastomeric seals, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to irregular surfaces and debris sealing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple rings with different material properties and deformation characteristics (compressible rings, deformable rings, deflection rings). Each ring type contributes differently to surface adaptation, allowing the overall system to conform to irregular surfaces and effectively seal against debris while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular ring components
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing assembly uses composite construction with multiple ring types made from different materials (metal, elastomer, or other suitable materials) to achieve both surface adaptability and debris sealing capability. The combination of compressible, deformable, and deflection rings creates a composite sealing system that adapts to irregular surfaces while blocking debris
3Reliability
If downhole packers include multiple components for sealing and positioning, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated sealing assembly consisting of coordinated rings that work together. The compressible rings, deformable rings, and deflection rings are arranged in sequence and compressed together as a unit, merging multiple sealing mechanisms into one compact assembly that improves sealing performance while limiting overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously provides sealing against the casing wall, debris blocking capability, and positioning function within the wellbore. The same set of rings performs multiple functions: sealing, debris prevention, and mechanical engagement with the casing, reducing the need for separate components
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 tool provides reliable sealing at high temperatures and pressures, effectively blocking debris and adapting to irregular surfaces, with a simplified assembly process and reduced component count, ensuring secure attachment to the well casing and liner.
Implementation Method 1
each deformable ring has angled sides complementary to the angled sides of the deflection rings such that the deformable ring is wider away from the cylindrical mounting surface; and wherein, in response to the multiple rings being axially compressed from a non-compressed configuration to a compressed configuration, each expandable ring is pushed away from the cylindrical mounting surface by the complementary angled sides
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet ring housing having an inner core and an outer core connected by a ratchet ring, which allows the inner core to be moved axially in only one permitted direction with respect to the outer core
Data Source
AI summary
A Downhole Sealing Tool is disclosed. The tool includes a tubular section with multiple rings mounted on a cylindrical mounting surface. The multiple rings include alternating deflection and deformable rings. Each deflection ring and each deformable ring have complementary angled sides. In response to the multiple rings being axially compressed, each expandable ring is pushed away from the mounting surface by the complementary angled sides to form a seal.