Expandable Elastomer Plug With Support Rings for Wellbore Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomeric packers used for sealing in wellbores and pipelines face deformation and extrusion under high pressure due to softening at high temperatures, requiring axial support to maintain the seal effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates expandable support rings and a ratchet section with tapered surfaces to apply axial force, ensuring the elastomeric packer expands radially while preventing deformation and extrusion, along with an anchoring section for secure placement and a spring package for maintaining tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastomeric packer is compressed radially to seal against the wellbore wall, then the sealing capability is improved, but the packer deforms and extrudes under high pressure due to softening at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The packer is divided into multiple segments or layers, including an inner elastomeric packer and an outer support structure. This segmentation allows the elastomeric material to provide sealing while the outer structure prevents deformation and extrusion under high pressure and temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material construction combining elastomeric materials with high-strength support structures. The elastomeric layer provides sealing capability while the composite outer layer resists deformation and extrusion, solving the problem of packer instability under high temperature and pressure.
2Ease of operation
If the outer diameter of the plug is made smaller than the wellbore diameter for insertion, then the ease of insertion is improved, but axial compression force is required to expand the packer radially which causes deformation under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The packer is designed with dynamic expansion capability, allowing it to transition from a compact insertion state to an expanded sealing state. The tapered surfaces and expansion rings enable controlled radial expansion when axial force is applied, while the support structure maintains stability during this dynamic process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes in the packer's physical state, transitioning from a compressed insertion configuration to an expanded sealing configuration. The tapered surfaces convert axial compression force into radial expansion, changing the geometric parameters of the packer to achieve sealing while maintaining structural stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If support rings are added to prevent elastomeric packer deformation, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses flexible support rings and thin-walled expansion structures that provide necessary structural stability while maintaining simplicity. These flexible components can expand and contract with the elastomeric packer while preventing excessive deformation, achieving structural support without complex rigid frameworks.
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 solution effectively maintains the seal by preventing elastomeric packer deformation and extrusion, ensuring reliable sealing under high pressure and temperature conditions, and securely anchoring the plug in the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric packer must be compressed in a longitudinal direction so that it expands radially against the tubular wall
Implementation Method 2
The at least one expansion ring is made with a tapered surface configured so that the application of an axial force in a longitudinal direction of the downhole plug results in the simultaneous expansion of the elastomeric packer and the at least one expansion ring
Implementation Method 3
A ratchet section with a sleeve may be provided in such a manner that axial movement of the sleeve exerts an axial force on the support ring. The ratchet section contains components locking the sleeve against movement in a direction away from the support ring and allowing movement of the sleeve in a direction towards the support ring
Implementation Method 4
An anchoring section for anchoring the downhole plug in a wellbore or tubular section includes at least one anchor provided with teeth able to grip and hold on to a wall of the wellbore or tubular section
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a downhole plug with an expandable elastomeric packer (1) having two ends, surrounding a main section (25). The intended application of the downhole plug is for sealing wellbores and tubulars (4). At least one expansion ring (13) adjoins at least one of said two ends of the elastomeric packer (1), and at least one support ring (15) applies an axial force (16) in a longitudinal direction of the downhole plug. At least one of said two ends of the elastomeric packer (1) is made with a tapered surface. The at least one expansion ring (13) is made with a tapered surface configured in such a manner that the application of the axial force (16) in a longitudinal direction of the downhole plug leads to the simultaneous expansion of the elastomeric packer (1) and the at least one expansion ring (13).