Electrically Actuated Inflatable Packer Shifting Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore packers lack real-time, on-demand control capabilities and require complex hydraulic circuits and sequential fluid pumping, limiting their efficiency and flexibility in isolating wellbore zones for various operations like production and fracturing.
Innovation Solution
An electrically actuated inflatable packer assembly with a shifting sleeve and electric actuator that allows for real-time inflation and deflation without requiring pipe movement or closed circuit hydraulics, using common fluids like water to control the packer configuration via alignment of ports for fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic circuits and sequential fluid pumping are used to control packers, then packer inflation and deflation can be achieved, but operational complexity increases and real-time on-demand control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic control circuits with a simpler mechanical shifting sleeve mechanism that is electrically actuated. The shifting sleeve mechanically aligns or misaligns ports to control fluid flow to the packer, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic valves and pumping sequences while enabling real-time on-demand control through electrical signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: an electric actuator that provides driving force, a shifting sleeve that provides mechanical movement, and port alignment features that provide fluid control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining real-time control capability.
2Productivity
If pipe movement is required to control packer configuration, then packer inflation and deflation can be achieved, but operational flexibility and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic shifting sleeve that can be electrically actuated to change its position and align different ports with the inflation port. This dynamic port alignment mechanism allows the packer configuration to be changed on-demand without requiring pipe movement, thereby improving both operational efficiency and flexibility. The system can rapidly transition between inflated and deflated states through electrical actuation alone.
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
Enables reliable, on-demand control of packers for selective stimulation and injection in wellbores, reducing operational complexity and enhancing the flexibility of well intervention services without the need for sequential fluid pumping or pipe movement.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable packer in fluid communication with the inflate port
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable packer assembly may include a housing and a shifting sleeve disposed within the housing. The shifting sleeve may have one or more sleeve ports formed therein. An actuator may be coupled with the shifting sleeve. The actuator may be electrically actuated between a plurality of positions. One or more inflatable packers may be coupled with the housing, the housing having one or more ports formed therein. Actuation of the actuator may shift the shifting sleeve in order for the one or more sleeve ports to enter into fluid communication with the one or more ports of the housing in order to inflate or deflate the inflatable packers.