Downhole Tool Support Assembly for Sealing Element Deformation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Deformable sealing elements in downhole tools, such as packers and bridge plugs, face issues with permanent deformation due to applied loads, leading to difficulties in retraction and potential seal failure, and existing garter springs often become permanently deformed, requiring complete replacement.

Innovation Solution

A support assembly with elastically deformable support members and guide members that increase in diameter during expansion to support the sealing element, allowing for radial movement and elastic recovery, reducing the likelihood of permanent deformation and facilitating retraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If garter springs are used to support the sealing element, then axial extrusion is prevented, but the springs become permanently deformed after use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of axial extrusionVSAvoidpermanent deformation of support members

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly is divided into multiple support members (first support member and second support member) that can independently deform and recover. Each support member is segmented to allow localized elastic deformation during sealing element expansion, preventing permanent deformation while maintaining support function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support members are designed to be dynamically deformable, allowing them to expand radially when the sealing element is compressed and then recover to their original state. This dynamic elasticity enables the support members to adapt to loading conditions without permanent deformation, resolving the contradiction between providing support and maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the sealing element is compressed axially to expand radially, then sealing engagement is achieved, but permanent deformation occurs making retraction difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing engagementVSAvoidretraction difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support members are positioned beforehand to provide cushioning support to the sealing element during compression. This pre-positioned support prevents excessive deformation by distributing the compressive load, thereby maintaining the sealing element's ability to retract easily after expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The support members act as intermediaries between the sealing element and the actuating forces. They mediate the compression and expansion cycles, allowing the sealing element to achieve proper sealing engagement while preventing permanent deformation that would hinder retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If garter springs are moulded into annular elastomeric sections and bonded, then support function is provided, but manufacturing difficulties arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport functionVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into separate support members that can be manufactured independently and then assembled, rather than moulding complex integrated structures. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the support function through proper positioning and configuration of individual members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 support assembly effectively reduces axial extrusion of the sealing element and prevents permanent deformation, enabling easier retraction and reuse of the tool by allowing the support members to return to their original state after load removal.

Implementation Method 1

elastically deformable support member adapted to be located between the respective end of the sealing element and an actuating member of the downhole tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

guide member having an inclined guide surface along which the support member travels when a force is exerted on the sealing element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2017432B1Support assembly for downhole tool, downhole tool and method

Publication Date: 2018.04.18 HALLIBURTON MFG & SERVICES

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4

AI summary

A support assembly for a deformable sealing element of a downhole tool such as a packer, bridge plug or straddle. The support assembly has first and second support devices at each end of the sealing element with each device having an elastically deformable support member adapted to be located between the respective end of the sealing element and an actuating member of the downhole tool. Additionally, a guide member with an inclined guide surface is provided such that the support member travels along the inclined surface when a force is exerted by the actuating member to expand the sealing element radially into abutment with a surface downhole. The support member moves radially outwards to support the respective end of the sealing element during deformation.