Elastic Composite Packer for High Temperature Extrusion Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packer designs in resource exploration systems are limited to operating below 450° F (232° C) due to elastomeric material degradation, restricting their deployment in higher temperature conditions.

Innovation Solution

A packer body formed from an elastic composite material with one-dimensional, periodic, or random elastic structures and a filler material, which provides enhanced thermal stability and mechanical properties, allowing deployment in high-temperature environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional elastomeric materials are used for packer bodies, then the packer can be deployed and expanded to engage the well bore, but the packer deteriorates and loses functionality at temperatures above 450° F. due to material degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperatureVSAvoidmaterial stability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The packer body is constructed from a composite material consisting of an elastic structure (such as a foam or cellular structure) combined with a filler material. This composite construction allows the packer to maintain its elastic properties necessary for expansion and sealing while simultaneously withstanding temperatures exceeding 450° F., thereby resolving the contradiction between operating temperature and material stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If the packer is designed to operate at high temperatures exceeding 450° F., then thermal stability is improved, but the complexity of the material composition increases due to the use of elastic composite structures with fillers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal resistanceVSAvoidmaterial structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the packer material by transitioning from traditional homogeneous elastomers to a composite structure with specific elastic properties. The elastic structure combined with filler material creates a new material paradigm that achieves high-temperature resistance while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties for packer function, thus managing the complexity through parameter optimization rather than simple material substitution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 elastic composite packer maintains structural integrity and sealing capabilities at temperatures exceeding 450° F (232° C), supporting pressures up to 2000 psi and demonstrating high extrusion resistance and corrosion resistance.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal stability:

Implementation Method 2

A packer comprising a body formed from an elastic composite material having one of a one-dimensional elastic structure, a periodic elastic structure, and a random elastic structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10450828B2High temperature high extrusion resistant packer

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A packer includes a body formed from an elastic composite material having one of a one-dimensional elastic structure, a periodic elastic structure, and a random elastic structure and a filler material.