Heat-Shrink Elastomeric Elements for Downhole Tool Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limitations in size and shape of elastomeric elements for downhole tools and surface equipment restrict their versatility and application, as they are often standardized to fit specific dimensions, and profile variances on these tools can hinder the placement of elastomeric elements, requiring removal of components and increasing operational downtime.
Innovation Solution
The development of heat-shrink elastomeric elements made from thermoset shape memory polymers, which can be manufactured to fit various dimensions and adapt to profile variances by being heated to shrink and fit over downhole tools or surface equipment, allowing for adjustable dimensions and properties such as swellability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If elastomeric elements are produced in standard shapes and sizes to fit standard profiles, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but versatility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric element utilizes temperature-induced parameter changes to transform from a relaxed state to a contracted state. By changing the temperature parameter, a single element can adapt to multiple sizes and shapes, eliminating the need for multiple standardized elements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric element transitions from a static standardized form to a dynamic form that can change its dimensions and shape in response to temperature variations. This dynamic capability allows one element to perform the function of multiple standardized elements with different dimensions.
2Manufacturing precision
If elastomeric elements are made with fixed dimensions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to profile variances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The element maintains precise manufacturing dimensions in its relaxed state but gains adaptability through temperature-induced parameter changes. When heated, the element contracts to accommodate profile variances and irregularities, allowing a single precisely-manufactured element to fit multiple configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The element transitions from a static precisely-dimensioned form to a dynamic form that can adjust its dimensions. This dynamic behavior enables the element to adapt to profile variances such as threaded sections, collars, and shoes while maintaining the benefit of precise manufacturing in its initial state.
3Ease of operation
If components are removed from downhole tools to accommodate elastomeric elements, then ease of installation is improved, but operational downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric element functions as a flexible shell that can be stretched and expanded to fit over existing tool components without removal. The flexibility allows it to accommodate threaded sections, collars, and shoes, eliminating the need for component removal and reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic expanding and contracting capability of the elastomeric element allows it to be installed over existing components in a stretched state, then contracted in-place to provide the sealing function. This eliminates the time-consuming process of removing and reinstalling tool 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 heat-shrink elastomeric elements provide a versatile solution that can fit a wide range of dimensions and adapt to profile variances, reducing downtime and increasing the versatility of elastomeric applications in oilfield operations while maintaining sealing and clamping functionality.
Implementation Method 1
heating the thermoset elastomeric element to a temperature of at least the glass transition temperature of the thermoset elastomeric element
Implementation Method 2
heat-shrink elastomeric elements comprising thermoset shape memory polymers
Implementation Method 3
adjusting the first shape of the thermoset elastomeric element to produce a second shape of the heat-shrink elastomeric element; heating the heat-shrink elastomeric element to shrink the heat-shrink elastomeric element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods and systems for manufacturing and using heat-shrink elastomeric. An example method of manufacturing a heat-shrink elastomeric element comprises providing a thermoplastic elastomeric element having a first shape; modifying the thermoplastic elastomeric element to produce a thermoset elastomeric element having the first shape; heating the thermoset elastomeric element to a temperature of at least the glass transition temperature of the thermoset elastomeric element; adjusting the first shape of the thermoset elastomeric element to produce a second shape with at least one dimension greater than that of the first shape; and cooling the thermoset elastomeric element to a temperature below that of the glass transition temperature of the thermoset elastomeric element to produce the heat-shrink elastomeric element.