Expandable Metal Slip Ring for Wellbore Seal Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing assemblies in subterranean wellbores face challenges in maintaining a secure, fluid-tight seal due to axial slippage, particularly when subjected to weight or fluid pressure, which can displace the seal assembly within the casing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an expandable metal slip ring in the sealing assembly that reacts with wellbore fluids to expand, providing a sturdy anchor and minimizing axial slippage by expanding to engage the casing securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional slip rings are used in sealing assemblies, then the sealing assembly can be conveyed into the wellbore, but axial slippage occurs when weight or fluid pressure is applied, causing displacement of the seal assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring is designed to dynamically change its radial dimension in response to wellbore conditions. It can expand radially when subjected to outward forces from the wellbore and contract when inward forces are applied, allowing it to maintain optimal engagement with the wellbore wall while accommodating axial loading without permanent deformation or slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip ring utilizes changes in its radial dimension as a response mechanism. By allowing the radial dimension to vary dynamically based on the applied forces (expanding under outward pressure, contracting under inward pressure), the slip ring maintains stable axial positioning while adapting to different wellbore conditions and loading scenarios.
2Reliability
If the slip ring expands radially to engage the casing, then axial slippage is prevented, but the complexity of the sealing assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring employs a flexible metallic construction that allows radial expansion and contraction without requiring complex mechanical actuators or multiple components. The flexible metal structure can elastically deform to engage with the wellbore wall and maintain anti-slip performance while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
3Strength
If the slip ring is made from rigid material to prevent deformation, then structural strength is maintained, but the ability to adapt to wellbore conditions and prevent axial slippage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt its radial dimension in response to wellbore conditions and applied forces. This dynamic behavior enables the slip ring to maintain optimal engagement with the wellbore wall while accommodating axial loading, combining strength with adaptability through controlled elastic deformation of the metallic structure.
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 expandable metal slip ring effectively anchors the sealing assembly, ensuring a reliable fluid-tight seal by expanding to engage the wellbore, thereby preventing axial displacement and maintaining seal integrity under pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the expandable metal ring member comprising a metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a slip ring for use with a sealing assembly, a sealing tool, and a method for sealing an annulus within a wellbore. The slip ring, in at least one aspect, includes an expandable metal ring member having a width (w), a wall thickness (t), an inside diameter (di) and an outside diameter (do), the expandable metal ring member comprising a metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis. The slip ring, in at least one aspect, further includes one or more cuts located in the wall thickness (t) and spaced around a circumference of the expandable metal ring member, the one or more cuts configured to allow the expandable metal ring member to move between a radially reduced state and a radially enlarged state.