Expandable Support Ring Axial-to-Radial Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packing element containment systems fail when exposed to prolonged high working pressures and large extrusion gaps, leading to ineffective zonal isolation in boreholes.

Innovation Solution

A packing element containment system that includes a support member with a support ring engagement section, where the support ring shifts axially to convert movement into radial expansion, providing support and containment for the packing element through an anti-extrusion ring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional packing element containment systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the system fails under prolonged high working pressures and large extrusion gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainment reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support ring is designed to dynamically expand radially in response to axial compression forces. The ring transitions from an initial smaller diameter to a larger expanded diameter, actively adapting to the extrusion gap and high pressure conditions rather than maintaining a fixed static structure. This dynamic response enables the system to maintain containment reliability under varying downhole conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The containment system is divided into distinct functional segments: the support member with engagement section, the expandable support ring, and the anti-extrusion ring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the support ring expands to bridge gaps while the anti-extrusion ring contains the packing element, achieving high reliability through specialized modular components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the support ring is made rigid to prevent extrusion, then extrusion resistance improves, but the ability to adapt to extrusion gaps decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextrusion resistanceVSAvoidgap adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support ring transitions from a flexible collapsed state to a rigid expanded state through axial compression. When the ring expands to its larger diameter, it becomes rigid and provides strong extrusion resistance. The ring maintains this rigid expanded configuration under high pressure to prevent packing element extrusion, while initially adapting to the gap through the expansion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support ring's key parameter - its diameter - changes from an initial smaller diameter to a larger expanded diameter in response to axial forces. This parameter change enables the ring to adapt to different extrusion gap sizes while maintaining the ability to provide rigid support when expanded, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and extrusion resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the support ring expands radially to contain the packing element, then containment effectiveness improves, but the axial space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainment effectivenessVSAvoidaxial space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support ring converts axial compression forces into radial expansion through a mechanical transformation. Instead of requiring additional axial space for containment, the system uses axial force applied along the length of the support member to generate radial outward force that expands the ring perpendicular to the axial direction. This dimensional transformation achieves effective containment while minimizing axial space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support ring dynamically transforms from an axial compression configuration to a radial expansion configuration. During deployment, the ring collapses axially to fit within the conveyance tubular, then expands radially when axial force is applied downhole to provide containment. This dynamic behavior allows the ring to provide effective radial containment while requiring minimal axial space during both deployment and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system effectively translates axial force into radial expansion, preventing extrusion of the packing element and maintaining zonal isolation even under high pressures, enhancing the reliability of downhole operations.

Implementation Method 1

The support ring is configured and disposed to shift relative to the support member converting an axial movement of one of the support ring and the support member to a radial expansion of the support ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10087704B2Expandable support ring for packing element containment system

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A packing element containment system includes a support member extending from a first end to a second end. One of the first and second ends includes a support ring engagement section. A support ring is carried by the support ring engagement section of the support member. The support ring is configured and disposed to shift relative to the support member converting an axial movement of one of the support ring and the support member to a radial expansion of the support ring to provide one of a support to an anti-extrusion ring and containment for a packing element.