Flexible Anchor Seat for Cementing Mandrel Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cementing tools for wellbores face challenges in maintaining the integrity of the cementing process due to the movement of anchor rings, which can compromise the cement job if they shift or fall, leading to cement loss and reduced integrity.
Innovation Solution
A flexible anchor seat and deformable retainer mechanism is used to securely position a sliding sleeve within a mandrel, ensuring it remains in place during cementing operations by deforming radially to fit into a groove profile, preventing axial movement and maintaining the integrity of the cementing ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional anchor ring is used to hold the opening sleeve and cementing plug, then the retention function is provided, but the anchor ring may move or fall through the tool during cementing operations, compromising cement integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible anchor seat made of elastomeric material that can deform radially inward during insertion and then expand to engage with the mandrel groove profile. This flexibility allows the anchor seat to securely hold the opening sleeve and cementing plug while preventing axial movement during cementing operations, resolving the contradiction between providing retention function and maintaining stability under pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor seat changes its physical state from a compressed, deformable condition during insertion to an expanded, rigid condition when engaged with the mandrel groove profile. This parameter change allows the same component to be easy to install yet provide strong retention force during operation, addressing both ease of operation and reliability requirements
2Ease of manufacture
If the anchor ring is designed to be easily manufactured and installed, then manufacturing and installation simplicity is improved, but the anchor ring may not provide sufficient retention under pressure during cementing activities
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric anchor seat can be manufactured as a simple flexible ring that compresses for easy insertion into the mandrel through the retainer mechanism. Once in place, it expands to engage the groove profile, providing strong retention under pressure without complex manufacturing or installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor seat transitions from a dynamic, deformable state during installation to a static, engaged state during operation. This dynamic behavior allows simple insertion followed by secure retention, satisfying both ease of manufacture/installation and reliability under pressure requirements
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
This solution effectively prevents the movement of the anchor ring, ensuring the cementing process integrity is maintained, reducing the risk of cement loss and simplifying post-cementing operations by allowing easy removal of components.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible anchor seat will deform radially inwardly as it is inserted into the mandrel and when it reaches the anchoring position will expand radially outwardly preferably to its relaxed condition
Implementation Method 2
The retainer will deform radially inwardly as it is inserted into a fully inserted position in the anchor seat at which point it will expand radially outwardly and will help to hold the flexible anchor seat in the anchoring position
Data Source
AI summary
An anchoring device for stopping movement of a sliding component in a mandrel or case is disclosed. The anchoring device includes an elastically deformable anchor seat and an elastically deformable anchor retainer insertable into the anchor seat. The anchor seat has a groove profile thereon which will mate with a groove profile on the mandrel in an anchoring position. The retainer is insertable into the anchor seat and will hold the anchor seat in the anchoring position.