Downhole Tool Reversibly Expandable Sealing Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole tools for fracturing and stimulating underground formations are time-consuming, expensive, and face challenges with power limitations due to restricted well diameters, leading to inefficiencies in fracturing and stimulation processes, especially in long horizontal wells.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with reversibly expandable sealing elements, anchoring devices, and electromotors, equipped with mechanically activatable release mechanisms, allows for stable operation and mechanical disengagement in case of communication failure, utilizing fluid-carrying strings for power and axial force application to manage pressure differences and ensure tool release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electromotors are used to operate sealing elements and anchoring devices downhole, then automation and operational control are improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole tool is divided into functionally independent segments: electromotors for automated operation, mechanically activatable release mechanisms for emergency disengagement, and separate sealing elements. This segmentation allows the automated systems to operate independently while the mechanical release mechanisms provide a simplified backup system that activates only in failure scenarios, thereby improving automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If mechanically activatable release mechanisms are added for emergency disengagement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanically activatable release mechanisms are designed to automatically engage and disengage components based on predetermined conditions or manual activation, without requiring complex control systems. The shear pins and mechanical linkages self-activate when subjected to excessive forces or specific operational conditions, providing reliable emergency release functionality through passive mechanical means rather than active control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reversibly expandable sealing elements are used to isolate zones, then fracturing and stimulation capability is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements are designed to be dynamically adjustable between expanded and retracted states based on operational requirements. Electromotors provide controlled expansion and retraction of the sealing elements, allowing the system to adapt to different well conditions and isolation requirements. The mechanically activatable release mechanisms provide a fail-safe that automatically engages if the dynamic control systems fail, maintaining versatility while managing complexity through conditional activation.
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
Enhances the efficiency and reliability of fracturing and stimulation processes by maintaining tool stability and enabling mechanical release in case of failure, reducing the risk of tool entrapment and improving power distribution through independent electromotor operation and pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electromotors arranged at least to operate the two reversibly expandable sealing elements and the first anchoring device
Implementation Method 2
Large pressure differences between an annulus between the two reversibly expandable sealing elements, when these are in an expanded position, and the well pressure will cause great forces to act axially on the downhole tool
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool is arranged for connection to a fluid-carrying string. The downhole tool includes: a first reversibly expandable sealing element; a second reversibly expandable sealing element placed at an axial distance from the first reversibly expandable sealing element; one or more fluid ports positioned between the two reversibly expandable sealing elements and arranged to be put in fluid communication with the fluid-carrying string; a first anchoring device arranged to engage a pipe body in a well; and one or more electromotors arranged at least to operate the two reversibly expandable sealing elements and the first anchoring device. The downhole tool further includes a first mechanically activatable release mechanism arranged at least to disengage the first anchoring device from the pipe body. A method is for utilizing a downhole tool.