Field-Adjustable Frangible Disc Assembly for Downhole Pressure Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frangible seal systems in wellbore tubulars are not field-adjustable, requiring disassembly and reassembly to change pressure-response characteristics, which introduces risks of seal failure and are unsuitable for long-term placement due to seal exposure to harsh wellbore fluids.
Innovation Solution
A field-adjustable downhole device with a tubular body, a moveable piston, and a breakable domed disc that segregates wellbore zones, featuring a détente mechanism to control pressure differentials, allowing adjustment without disassembly, and a guillotine to break the disc, with seals protected from wellbore fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If frangible seal systems use multiple body pieces joined together with seals exposed to wellbore fluid, then the device can be assembled and sealed, but the seals deteriorate due to exposure to harsh wellbore fluid environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the seals from the harsh wellbore fluid environment by incorporating them into a sealed chamber that is isolated from direct contact with wellbore fluids. The chamber contains the frangible disc and sealing elements, protecting them from deterioration while maintaining the pressure control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sealed chamber as an intermediary barrier between the wellbore fluid environment and the seals. This intermediate structure allows the device to function in harsh environments while protecting the sensitive sealing elements from direct exposure to corrosive fluids.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frangible seal systems require disassembly and reassembly to change pressure-response characteristics, then new discs can be installed, but seal failure risk increases due to field disassembly without controlled environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of pressure-response characteristics by allowing the frangible disc to be replaced in the field without disassembling the sealed chamber. The design permits access to the disc through the sealed assembly, enabling pressure threshold adjustments while maintaining seal integrity throughout the process.
3Ease of operation
If seals are exposed to wellbore fluid environment, then the device can be installed in-line, but the seals deteriorate making the subassembly unsuitable for long-term placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the seals from direct exposure to wellbore fluids by placing them within a sealed chamber that isolates them from the harsh external environment. This allows the device to remain in-line installed while extending seal life and overall device durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert or protected environment within the sealed chamber, shielding the seals from corrosive wellbore fluids. This protected internal environment maintains seal integrity over extended periods while the device remains installed in the wellbore.
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
Enables pressure control and segregation of wellbore zones with adjustable thresholds, extending device lifespan by protecting seals from harsh environments and allowing field-adjustable pressure settings without complex assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A piston moveable within an inner bore of the device body, the piston having features into which détente means may extend
Implementation Method 2
A guillotine within the inner bore on one side of the disc toward the direction in which the piston is slideable, where the guillotine is of a shape and is positioned such that when the piston and its attached disc moves after the détente means release the piston to move, the surface of the disc inside the ledge strikes the guillotine and the disc is thereby impacted and broken away
Data Source
AI summary
A well apparatus for pressure control in a tubular string includes: a frangible disc seal for holding pressure; a structure slideably moveable within the inner bore of a body of the apparatus; a plurality of pins coupled between the body and the structure for holding the structure in place until a force applied against the structure exceeds a threshold force selected to overcome the plurality of pins, the structure being moveable to slide within the inner bore when the plurality of pins are overcome, wherein the apparatus is field-adjustable including a plurality of tool access ports extending from an outer surface of the tubular body through the tubular body, each tool access port positioned to permit access from the outer surface to a pin of the plurality of pins, to enable removal, replacement or refitting of the pin via the access port in the body.