Downhole Tool Dual-Cone Carrier Ring Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional downhole tools used for wellbore isolation face challenges such as difficulty in removal due to debris accumulation, pre-setting issues, poor sealing, and the need for extensive drilling operations, which are time-consuming and costly, especially in extreme wellbore conditions.

Innovation Solution

A downhole tool with a dual-frustoconical design featuring a carrier ring that elongates by 10-20% without fracturing, a slip with primary and secondary fracture points, and a composite or metal-based construction that can be made of reactive materials, allowing for self-degradation under wellbore conditions, thereby simplifying removal and reducing material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional downhole tools are used for wellbore isolation, then the tool can provide wellbore isolation, but the tool requires extensive drilling operations for removal which are time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore isolationVSAvoidremoval time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The downhole tool is designed as a disposable device that is set in the wellbore to provide isolation and then deliberately destroyed through drilling or corrosion after serving its purpose. This eliminates the need for complex retrieval operations, significantly reducing removal time and costs while maintaining reliable wellbore isolation during the tool's service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If conventional downhole tools are used for wellbore isolation, then the tool can seal the wellbore, but debris accumulation on the tool makes removal difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesealingVSAvoidremoval difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is designed as a disposable device that is intentionally destroyed after serving its sealing purpose. By accepting that the tool will be discarded rather than retrieved, the design eliminates complexity associated with keeping the tool clean and retrievable, while still providing reliable sealing during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If conventional downhole tools are used for wellbore isolation, then the tool can withstand extreme wellbore conditions, but the tool requires extensive drilling operations for removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewithstanding extreme conditionsVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is engineered to withstand extreme wellbore conditions during its service life but is designed to be deliberately destroyed after use. This disposable approach eliminates time-consuming retrieval operations and improves operational efficiency, as the tool's temporary durability during operation does not need to match its durability for retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool incorporates fracture points that allow it to be segmented into smaller pieces for easier removal after use. This segmentation enables the tool to maintain structural integrity during operation while facilitating efficient removal through controlled fragmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If conventional downhole tools are used for wellbore isolation, then the tool can provide isolation, but the tool requires significant material usage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore isolationVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The tool uses a minimal amount of material necessary to provide wellbore isolation during its service life, accepting that the material will be consumed and the tool discarded. This approach reduces overall material usage compared to designing for both operation and retrieval, while still achieving reliable isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 a reliable seal, reduces removal time, and eliminates the need for drilling through, enabling faster and more economical wellbore isolation with improved operational efficiency and cost savings.

Implementation Method 1

a carrier ring that elongates by 10-20% without fracturing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a composite or metal-based construction that can be made of reactive materials, allowing for self-degradation under wellbore conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical degradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS11634965B2Downhole tool and method of use

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 THE WELLBOSS CO LLC

AI summary

A downhole tool suitable for use in a wellbore, the tool having a double cone having a dual-cone outer surface. The downhole tool includes a carrier ring disposed around one end of the double cone, and a slip disposed around or proximate to an other end of the double cone. There is a guide assembly engaged with the slip.