Expandable Packer with Fibre Plug for Well Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geophysical well logging methods face complexity in structure and positioning of plugs and packers, which hinder efficient insulation of well zones during drilling activities.
Innovation Solution
A packer or temporary plug device featuring a case made of low-soluble materials and filled with fibres from organic or glass polymers, which expands in situ using a spring or hinged mechanism, allowing for simplified positioning and easy removal, and can form a dense plug to prevent fluid passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex plug structures with multiple components are used to prevent fluid passage, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and positioning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the case structure from the sealing function by using a simple cylindrical case that expands radially, while the sealing is achieved through fibres and liquid-passage preventing substance. This segmentation allows the case to be simple while the sealing mechanism remains effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is designed to be deformable and expandable within the wellbore, transforming from a compact transport state to an expanded sealing state. This dynamic transformation allows a simple initial structure to achieve complex sealing functionality when deployed.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex positioning mechanisms are implemented to ensure accurate packer placement, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses its own expandable case structure to achieve positioning and sealing without requiring external positioning mechanisms. The case expands against the wellbore wall to self-position and secure the device, eliminating the need for complex external positioning systems.
3Ease of operation
If easily deformable case materials are used to facilitate in-well expansion, then ease of expansion is improved, but case structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The case material properties are selected to balance deformability for expansion with sufficient strength to maintain structural integrity during transport and deployment. The case is designed to be easily deformable under expansion forces while maintaining adequate strength through material selection and structural design.
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
Simplifies the positioning and reduces the cost of packer placement in wells while enabling effective insulation of well zones, allowing for both temporary and permanent plug formations using standard well tools.
Implementation Method 1
which expands in situ using a spring or hinged mechanism
Implementation Method 2
which expands in situ using a spring or hinged mechanism
Implementation Method 3
the liquid-passage preventing substance is a pack of fibres made of organic or natural polymers and/or glass fibre
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to geophysical research techniques, more particularly, to geophysical well logging methods, and may be used to seal near-wellbore formation during logging activities.