Thermally Expandable Casing Collar for Thermal Expansion Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Casing strings in oil and gas wells experience deformation, collapse, or buckling due to thermal expansion and tensile forces during steam injection, leading to reduced production capacity and maintenance costs, especially in heavy oil applications where high temperatures cause significant thermal effects.
Innovation Solution
A joint element for casing strings featuring shear members and fixing members that allow axial and rotational movement, enabling the casing string to expand or contract while maintaining structural integrity, with the option to be placed anywhere along the string and used in both cemented and un-cemented applications, utilizing materials like steel and brass for enhanced shear resistance and sealing integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the casing string is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then strength and stability are improved, but thermal expansion causes deformation, collapse, or buckling under high temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The joint element is divided into multiple longitudinal parts (at least two) that can move independently relative to each other along the casing string axis. This segmentation allows each part to accommodate thermal expansion independently while maintaining overall structural integrity through connection means such as shear members and fixing members.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint element transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where longitudinal parts can move axially relative to each other. This dynamic capability allows the joint to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction forces while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the joint element allows axial movement to accommodate thermal expansion, then thermal stability is improved, but the ability to transfer axial forces and rotating torques during installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Shear members and fixing members are pre-installed in the joint element to provide preliminary resistance against axial forces and rotating torques during installation. These components actively counteract installation forces before thermal expansion occurs, allowing the joint to maintain structural integrity during make-up while still permitting movement during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint element's mechanical properties change based on operational conditions. During installation, shear members and fixing members provide high stiffness to transfer forces and torques. During operation, when thermal expansion forces exceed certain thresholds, the connection between longitudinal parts changes to allow movement, effectively changing the mechanical parameters from rigid to flexible.
3Reliability
If the joint element uses complex connection means to prevent deformation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire joint element complex, the invention applies specific functional features locally: shear members and fixing members are positioned at specific locations within the joint element where they are needed to provide force transfer and deformation prevention, while other regions maintain simplicity to facilitate manufacturing and assembly.
4Ease of operation
If the joint element is designed for easy installation without special equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to ensure pressure integrity and sealing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The joint element merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: connection means for joining casing sections, shear members for force transfer, fixing members for torque resistance, and sealing elements for pressure integrity all combine in one element. This allows standard installation equipment to achieve both ease of installation and reliable pressure integrity simultaneously.
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 joint element effectively prevents deformation and ensures continuous production capacity by allowing thermal expansion and contraction, transferring axial forces and rotating torques, while maintaining pressure integrity and allowing for easy cement removal and installation without special equipment.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal expansion of the casing can over time cause large damages to the cemented casing
Implementation Method 2
axial forces and rotating torques are allowed to be transferred through the casing string during installation
Data Source
AI summary
A joint element connects casing sections of a casing string for transporting fluids and/or gases. The joint element includes a first longitudinal part arranged to be at least partly overlapping a second longitudinal part or a casing section. The first longitudinal part is connected with the second longitudinal part or with the casing sections in a mounted state with the first longitudinal part adapted to move axially relative to the second longitudinal part or the casing sections in an operative state. The joint element includes at least one shear member with a predefined shear value and the shear member is adapted to shear when an axial force exceeding the total shear value of the shear member is exerted, allowing a relative axial movement between the first longitudinal part and the second longitudinal part or the casing sections.