Expandable Wellbore Isolation Device With Radial Fins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole tools face challenges in effectively isolating portions of a subterranean wellbore, particularly in maintaining pressure differentials and creating reliable seals without the need for receptacles or specific fittings, which limits their versatility and effectiveness in various wellbore orientations and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore isolation device with a tubular body featuring an expanding section and radially projecting fins that transition from an initial to an expanded configuration, anchoring into surrounding surfaces to create a seal, and a plugging element to restrict fluid communication, allowing for zonal isolation without the need for receptacles or specific fittings, and can be deployed using various conveyance methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wellbore isolation devices are used, then zonal isolation can be achieved, but the devices require receptacles or specific fittings which limit versatility in different wellbore orientations and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation device is designed with a universal structure that can function in any wellbore orientation without requiring specific receptacles or fittings. The expandable body with radial fins can anchor in casing, formation, or open hole regardless of wellbore angle, making the device adaptable to vertical, horizontal, and directional wellbores alike.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the requirement for receptacles or specific fittings from the isolation device system. By extracting this dependency, the device becomes self-contained and can be deployed in any wellbore configuration without needing specialized installation infrastructure.
2Reliability
If the expanding section transitions to expanded configuration, then reliable sealing and anchoring is achieved, but the device cannot be retrieved or moved
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation device employs dynamic characteristics by allowing the expandable section to transition between collapsed and expanded configurations. This dynamic capability enables the device to be deployed in a collapsed state, anchored in an expanded state for reliable sealing, and potentially retrieved by collapsing the expandable section again.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed for secure anchoring in any wellbore position, then versatility is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation device applies local quality by concentrating the anchoring function in the expandable section with radial fins, while the rest of the device maintains a simple tubular structure. This localized complexity achieves universal anchoring capability without making the entire device structurally complicated.
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 device provides reliable zonal isolation and equalizes pressure differentials, enabling secure anchoring and sealing in any wellbore position, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of wellbore isolation across different orientations and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular body includes an expanding section transitionable from an initial configuration to an expanded configuration, where the external surface along the expanding section increases in diameter
Implementation Method 2
A plugging element can be positioned at an end of the tubular body to restrict fluid communication through the inner bore
Implementation Method 3
One or more fins can be projected radially from the external surface of the expanding section. When the expanding section transitions to the expanded configuration, the fins anchor into surrounding surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore isolation device is provided which includes a tubular body having an external surface and an inner bore formed longitudinally through the tubular body. The tubular body has an expanding section transitionable from an initial configuration to an expanded configuration. One or more fins project radially from the external surface of the expanding section. The fins are anchorable into surrounding surfaces when the expanding section transitions to the expanded configuration. A plugging element is positioned, after the expanding section is in the expanded configuration, to restrict fluid communication through the inner bore.