Frac Plug Flapper Radial Expansion for Zonal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current zonal isolation devices in wellbores often have complex designs with multiple components, which complicates their removal and can lead to shifting or instability, affecting the efficiency and cost of hydraulic fracturing operations.
Innovation Solution
A zonal isolation device with a tubular body, a deformable sealing element, an expansion ring, and an anchoring assembly that radially expands for sealing engagement with the downhole surface, eliminating the need for ratchets and reducing component complexity, allowing for a more stable and cost-effective setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If zonal isolation devices use ratchet mechanisms to retain the device in a set configuration, then the device can be held in place, but the ratchet allows shifting or free play within each increment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ratchet mechanism entirely from the zonal isolation device. Instead of using a ratchet to retain the device in a set configuration, the invention relies on the anchoring assembly and sealing element to provide continuous retention without incremental shifting. This extraction of the problematic component directly eliminates the free play issue while maintaining device retention through alternative mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If zonal isolation devices include numerous constituent parts, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the complexity complicates removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates numerous constituent parts by removing the ratchet mechanism and simplifying the overall device architecture. The invention achieves functional capability through a streamlined design that includes primarily a setting tool adapter, anchoring assembly, and sealing element. This reduction in component count directly facilitates easier removal while maintaining the necessary functions for zonal isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The anchoring assembly and sealing element work together as unified structures that provide both retention and sealing functions. The setting tool adapter integrates the setting mechanism with the device body, eliminating the need for separate complex components. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If zonal isolation devices use complex designs with multiple components, then the device can provide robust isolation, but the complexity increases cost and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex components such as the ratchet mechanism and numerous intermediate parts from the zonal isolation device. The invention achieves robust isolation through a simplified structure consisting of essential components only: the setting tool adapter, anchoring assembly, and sealing element. This extraction of unnecessary complexity directly reduces cost and improves efficiency while maintaining isolation reliability through the effectiveness of the remaining core components.
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 solution provides a simpler, more stable zonal isolation system with fewer components, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of hydraulic fracturing operations by ensuring a secure seal without shifting and facilitating easier dissolution or removal.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable sealing element
Implementation Method 2
an expansion ring... that radially expands for sealing engagement with the downhole surface
Data Source
AI summary
Zonal isolation devices, systems, and methods for use are provided. In some embodiments, the zonal isolation device comprises a tubular body having a fluid communication pathway formed along a longitudinal axis comprising: a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore forming at least a portion of the fluid communication pathway; a support ring disposed within the bore of the sealing element; a rotatable sealing component coupled to the support ring; a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; and an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge. In certain embodiments, the tubular body further comprises an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly.