Frangible Disc Force Transmitter for High Differential Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frangible well plugs face challenges with high differential pressures causing deformation and increased risk of glass disc contact with metal, requiring precise chamfered surfaces and additional seals to prevent breaking, which complicates manufacturing and operation.
Innovation Solution
A well tool device with a frangible disc and a force transmitting device comprising upper and lower contact rings made of a metal alloy with flexible elements, allowing for axial movement and reducing the need for precise chamfered surfaces, and using a metal alloy with a specific composition (14.5%-15.5% nickel, 7.5%-8.5% zinc, and the remainder copper and impurities) to manage pressure without breaking the glass disc.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If high differential pressure is applied to the glass disc, then the pressure barrier function is improved, but the glass disc deforms and contacts the metal housing causing breaking
Solution Approach 1:
A force transmitting device comprising contact rings and flexible elements is introduced as an intermediary between the glass disc and the metal housing. This mediator allows the glass disc to deform slightly under pressure without contacting the metal housing, thereby transmitting the force safely to the housing while maintaining glass disc integrity at high differential pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elements change their physical state from rigid to flexible under load, allowing axial movement and deformation accommodation. This parameter change enables the system to handle higher differential pressures by allowing controlled deformation without failure.
2Reliability
If precise chamfered surfaces are used for the glass disc and seat, then the risk of glass disc contact with metal is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmitting device with contact rings and flexible elements serves as a mediator that compensates for imprecise chamfered surfaces. By providing a compliant interface, it allows larger tolerances on the chamfered surfaces while still preventing glass disc contact with the metal housing under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elements provide a compliant interface that accommodates variations in chamfered surface geometry. This compliance allows the system to function reliably with less precise manufacturing while maintaining the protective function against glass disc contact.
3Reliability
If additional seals are added to prevent glass disc contact with metal, then the glass disc protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmitting device combines the functions of multiple seals into a single integrated component. The contact rings and flexible elements work together as one assembly to perform both sealing and force transmission functions, eliminating the need for separate seal components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmitting device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a seal to prevent fluid leakage, a force transmitter to protect the glass disc, and a compliant element to accommodate deformation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
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 effectively increases the differential pressure handling capacity of the well tool device, reducing the risk of glass disc deformation and contact with metal, while simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the precision requirements for chamfered surfaces and enhancing the durability of the glass disc under high pressures.
Implementation Method 1
the force transmitting device is comprising an upper contact ring provided between the upper chamfered supporting surface of the frangible disc and the seat; the force transmitting device is comprising an lower contact ring provided between the lower chamfered supporting surface of the frangible disc and the seat
Data Source
AI summary
A well tool device may include a housing having an inner surface defining a through bore. Additionally, the well tool device may include a frangible disc including an upper chamfered supporting surface and a lower chamfered supporting surface and is supported by a seat in relation to the housing. Further, a force transmitting device is provided between the frangible disc and the seat. The force transmitting device may include an upper contact ring provided between the upper chamfered supporting surface of the frangible disc and the seat and a lower contact ring provided between the lower chamfered supporting surface of the frangible disc and the seat.