Expandable Metal Packer Feedthroughs for Control-Line Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packer designs in oil and gas wells are expensive and problematic for routing components like control lines and alternate path systems through them while maintaining desired functionality.
Innovation Solution
A packer system with an expandable metal bladder and couplings featuring holes for feedthroughs that allow components to bypass the packer without affecting its operation, using an expandable metal bladder for sealing and couplings with holes for routing components through the tubing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing packer designs are used, then packer functionality is maintained, but routing components through them becomes expensive and problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The packer is divided into separate functional components: the packer body for sealing, and separate couplings with integrated feedthroughs for component routing. This segmentation allows the routing function to be simplified in the couplings while the packer body maintains its sealing functionality independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The couplings serve multiple functions: they connect the packer body to the well string, provide structural support, and integrate feedthroughs for routing control lines and alternate path systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate routing components, reducing cost and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If packers are designed with integrated routing paths, then component routing is simplified, but packer sealing functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The routing function is segmented into separate couplings that are attached to the packer body, keeping the sealing surfaces free of obstructions. The feedthroughs in the couplings provide routing paths without interfering with the packer's sealing contact with the wellbore wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The couplings act as intermediary elements between the packer body and the routed components. They provide the necessary feedthroughs for control lines and alternate path systems while maintaining the integrity of the packer's sealing function through their attachment to the packer body.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates improved actuation and use of packers which may be disposed along a well string placed in a borehole, e.g. a wellbore. Each packer may be constructed with a tubing, sometimes referred to as a mandrel, and an expandable metal bladder secured around the tubing via connections. The packer may further comprise a sealing element mounted about the expandable metal bladder. The packer also comprises couplings, e.g. a first coupling and a second coupling, connected at opposite ends of the tubing. The couplings each having a hole therethrough to provide a feedthrough running from an exterior to an interior of the tubing at both ends of the tubing.