Fill-Up Tool Dual Sealing for Casing Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fill-up tools for casing running operations face challenges in maintaining sealing integrity against pressure fluctuations during wellbore operations, leading to potential damage and reduced effectiveness in preventing casing collapse.
Innovation Solution
A fill-up tool equipped with a mandrel, primary and secondary sealing members, where the secondary sealing member is selectively activatable by rotation or hydraulic pressure to provide additional sealing capacity, and a load transfer assembly to manage upward forces, ensuring robust sealing and minimizing wear on the primary sealing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sealing member is used in the fill-up tool, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of sealing against pressure fluctuations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two distinct sealing members: a primary sealing member that provides continuous sealing during normal operations, and a secondary sealing member that activates only when needed. This segmentation allows each sealing member to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary sealing member is designed to be selectively activatable, transitioning from a dormant state to an active sealing state in response to pressure fluctuations. This dynamic configuration allows the sealing system to adapt to changing operational conditions, providing enhanced reliability when needed while maintaining simplicity during normal operations.
2Reliability
If the primary sealing member remains constantly engaged, then the sealing reliability is maintained, but the sealing member wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary sealing member is designed to activate only when pressure fluctuations exceed normal operating ranges, allowing the primary sealing member to remain disengaged or minimally engaged during normal operations. This dynamic activation pattern significantly reduces wear on the primary sealing member while maintaining sealing reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides protective cushioning for the primary sealing member by having the secondary sealing member absorb the impact of extreme pressure fluctuations before they can damage the primary sealing member. This prior protection extends the service life of the primary sealing member while maintaining overall sealing reliability.
3Reliability
If the secondary sealing member is always activated, then the sealing reliability against pressure kicks is improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary sealing member is designed to activate automatically in response to pressure fluctuations without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by detecting pressure conditions and activating the appropriate sealing member, maintaining reliability while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The selective activatability of the secondary sealing member allows it to transition between dormant and active states based on operational needs. This dynamic behavior provides enhanced pressure kick resistance only when necessary, avoiding the operational complexity and potential harm of continuous activation while maintaining reliability during critical events.
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 tool effectively maintains sealing integrity against pressure fluctuations, reducing the risk of casing damage and ensuring reliable fluid circulation and pressure control during casing running operations.
Implementation Method 1
a selectively operable secondary sealing member... activatable by rotation of the mandrel
Implementation Method 2
selectively operable secondary sealing member activatable by rotation of the mandrel
Data Source
AI summary
A fill up tool includes a mandrel; a primary sealing member disposed around the mandrel; and a selectively operable secondary sealing member activated by rotation of the mandrel. In another embodiment, the selectively operable secondary sealing member is activated using hydraulic pressure.