Helical Backup Element Radial Expansion for Extrusion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annular sealing devices in the hydrocarbon recovery industry face challenges with extrusion of the sealing element due to pressure differentials, as prior art backup rings lack sufficient rigidity and are either costly or complex, and often rely on resilient materials that are not adaptive enough for unexpected conditions.
Innovation Solution
A helical backup element with a tubular body and helical opening, made from composite materials with high tensile and shear resistance, which expands radially upon axial compression to occupy the annular space effectively, utilizing frustoconical surfaces for enhanced outward movement and resistance to extrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If resilient materials are used in backup rings to enable them to function, then the backup rings can expand radially upon compression, but they lack sufficient rigidity to prevent extrusion of the primary seal in some conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The backup element is constructed from composite materials combining a rigid structural framework with reinforcement elements, providing both the rigidity needed to prevent seal extrusion and the controlled expandability to occupy annular space. The composite structure integrates high-strength components that maintain structural integrity under compression while enabling radial expansion.
2Strength
If metal backup rings with multiple petals or interactive structures are used to attain larger diametrical dimension, then they provide structural support, but they are more costly and have relatively narrow adaptiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The backup element incorporates dynamic characteristics through its ability to expand radially upon axial compression, adapting to varying annular space conditions. The structure transitions from a compact state during installation to an expanded state during operation, providing structural support when needed while maintaining adaptability to different wellbore conditions and unexpected situations.
3Volume of moving object
If conical components are splayed open to large diameter when compressed, then they expand to occupy annular space, but they require stretchable or resilient properties that reduce rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The backup element utilizes a helical configuration that transforms axial compression forces into radial expansion through a three-dimensional geometric mechanism. The helical structure converts linear compressive movement into rotational and radial motion, achieving large diametrical expansion without requiring the material to stretch or rely solely on resilient properties, thereby maintaining rigidity during the expansion process.
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 helical backup element provides superior extrusion resistance and adaptability by expanding radially to occupy the annular space, ensuring effective sealing even under varying conditions, while being more rigid and cost-effective compared to prior art solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A helical backup element includes a tubular body of material and a helical opening in the tubular body. Upon axial compression the element will tend to expand in a radial direction
Implementation Method 2
In addition, in one embodiment element 10 is caused to ride up on at least one frustoconical surface... Such surfaces will quite clearly urge element 10 in a radially outward direction
Data Source
AI summary
A helical backup element includes a tubular body of material and a helical opening in the tubular body.