Frangible Disk Sub Controlled Rupture Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Frangible disks used as temporary barriers in resource recovery and fluid sequestration require high applied pressures for rupture, which can damage other wellbore components or necessitate costly reinforcement, making them undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A frangible disk sub with a housing, a break mechanism, a movable carrier supporting the disk, and a release mechanism that restrains movement until a threshold load is exceeded, allowing controlled rupture without high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high applied pressures are used to cause frangible disk rupture, then the disk can be reliably ruptured, but other wellbore components may be damaged or construction costs increase due to requiring higher pressure-resistant components
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pressure application function into two separate components: a carrier that applies localized mechanical force through a hard point member, and a frangible disk that ruptures at a lower threshold. This segmentation allows the disk to rupture reliably without requiring the entire wellbore system to withstand high pressures, thereby avoiding damage to other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pressure source and the frangible disk. It concentrates the applied load through a hard point member onto the disk, enabling controlled rupture at lower overall system pressures. This intermediary structure protects other wellbore components from exposure to high pressures while ensuring reliable disk rupture.
2Reliability
If high applied pressures are used to cause frangible disk rupture, then the disk can be reliably ruptured, but construction costs increase due to requiring higher pressure-resistant components
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pressure application function, the system allows the majority of wellbore components to be manufactured for lower pressure applications, reducing construction costs. Only the localized carrier and disk assembly needs to handle the rupture pressure, enabling cost-effective manufacturing of the overall wellbore system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies high localized pressure only where needed (at the hard point member contact with the disk) rather than requiring the entire wellbore to withstand high pressures. This local quality approach allows standard, lower-cost components to be used throughout the wellbore while achieving reliable disk rupture at the specific location.
3Ease of operation
If a release mechanism is added to restrain carrier movement until threshold load is exceeded, then controlled rupture at specific load is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is designed to automatically respond to the threshold load condition without requiring external control systems. When the predetermined load is exceeded, the mechanism self-activates to release the carrier, allowing the disk to rupture. This self-service approach provides controlled operation while minimizing the complexity of control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism utilizes changes in mechanical parameters (load, position) to trigger the rupture sequence. When the applied load exceeds the predetermined threshold, the physical state of the release mechanism changes, automatically initiating carrier movement and disk rupture. This parameter-based control achieves ease of operation with minimal complexity.
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 controlled and efficient rupture of the frangible disk at a specific load, reducing the risk of damaging other components and minimizing construction costs by avoiding the need for high-pressure-resistant materials.
Implementation Method 1
rupturing the frangible disk with the break mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A frangible disk sub including a housing, a break mechanism disposed in the housing a carrier movably disposed in the housing, a frangible disk supported by the carrier and movable with the carrier into contact with the break mechanism, and a release mechanism restraining movement of the carrier until a threshold load is exceeded. A method for rupturing a frangible disk including exceeding a threshold load with on the sub, releasing the release mechanism, moving the carrier and the frangible disk toward and into contact with the break mechanism, and rupturing the frangible disk with the break mechanism. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string in the borehole, and a frangible disk sub disposed within or as a part of the string.