Radially Expandable Sleeve Load Distributor for Downhole Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools in the downhole hydrocarbon recovery and carbon sequestration industries face issues with excessive loading causing damage and uneven loading when setting multiple tools with a single longitudinal movement.
Innovation Solution
A load distributing apparatus comprising a radially expandable sleeve and a wedge that increases longitudinal loading until a selected dimension is reached, then maintains a constant load, allowing for controlled setting of tools without overloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single longitudinal movement is used to set multiple tools, then productivity is improved, but excessive loading occurs on one tool while providing insufficient loading on another tool
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the loading process into segments by using multiple sleeves, each responsible for loading a specific tool. The first sleeve loads the first tool, then the second sleeve loads the second tool, allowing controlled loading of multiple tools without excessive force on any single tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus introduces intermediate sleeves as mediators between the wedge and the tools. These sleeves distribute the loading force from the wedge across multiple tools sequentially, preventing direct excessive loading on any single tool while maintaining efficient setting of multiple tools.
2Ease of operation
If longitudinal loading is applied to set tools, then tools can be set effectively, but excessive loading can cause damage to the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus provides beforehand cushioning by using sleeves with controlled expansion characteristics. The sleeves expand radially as the wedge applies longitudinal force, cushioning the loading process and preventing excessive forces from being transmitted directly to the tools, thereby preventing damage while maintaining setting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes parameter changes by controlling the radial expansion of the sleeves as the wedge moves longitudinally. The sleeves expand from an initial diameter to a larger diameter, changing the load distribution parameters and preventing excessive loading on the tools while maintaining effective setting.
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
Prevents damage to tools by maintaining a constant load after initial expansion, ensuring proper setting of multiple tools without backlash or excessive stress.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge in operable communication with the sleeve such that longitudinal movement of the wedge relative to the sleeve causes an increase in longitudinal load on the sleeve by the wedge
Implementation Method 2
a sleeve configured to be radially expandable... expanding the sleeve with the wedge... maintains a substantially constant load on the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A load distributing apparatus including, a sleeve configured to be radially expandable, and a wedge in operable communication with the sleeve. The longitudinal movement of the wedge relative to the sleeve causes an increase in longitudinal load on the sleeve by the wedge until an expanded portion of the sleeve reaches a selected dimension of the wedge after which continued movement of the wedge relative to the sleeve maintains a substantially constant longitudinal load on the sleeve.