Helical Slip Assembly Radial Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wellbore slip assemblies are often large and complex, making them costly and time-consuming to run and remove, with a need for a smaller size that facilitates easy removal.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore slip assembly comprising a core and a helical slip, where the core is designed to radially enlarge the helical slip by being wedged into its bore, engaging the slip with the wellbore wall, and featuring a locking mechanism to secure the assembly in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional wellbore slip assemblies are used, then they provide sufficient holding force, but they are large and complex which increases running costs and removal time
Solution Approach 1:
The helical slip is nested within the core assembly, with the slip containing a bore that receives the core. This nested configuration allows the slip assembly to be compact during running while expanding to provide sufficient holding force when set, directly resolving the contradiction between small size and adequate holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip assembly transitions from a compact dynamic state during running to an expanded static state when set. The helical slip radially enlarges along its spiral cut when the core is forced into the bore, transforming the assembly from a small running profile to a large holding profile, thus resolving the size-capability contradiction.
2Device complexity
If traditional wellbore slip assemblies are used, then they provide sufficient holding force, but they are complex which increases manufacturing and removal complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The slip assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the helical slip with spiral cut, the core with tapered outer diameter, and the locking mechanism with separate locks. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing of individual parts while maintaining overall holding capability through their coordinated interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly uses a dynamic setting mechanism where the core is forced into the bore to radially enlarge the slip, rather than requiring complex pre-configured expansion mechanisms. This dynamic transformation from compact to expanded state reduces structural complexity while ensuring reliable holding capability.
3Ease of operation
If the slip assembly is designed to be removable, then it facilitates wellbore access, but it requires additional time and equipment for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-releasing, where the locks engage with the tapered core to hold the slip in the expanded state during operation, but can be easily disengaged by reversing the setting process. This self-service design facilitates both installation and removal without requiring additional complex equipment, reducing both operational difficulty and time loss.
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 allows for a compact and efficient installation and removal of the slip assembly, enabling a larger expansion capability and ease of use across various wellbore sizes and conditions, with the option of using degradable materials for temporary engagement.
Implementation Method 1
wedging a core of the slip assembly into a bore of the helical slip, to apply a force that acts to radially enlarge the helical slip
Implementation Method 2
The core includes an outer diameter tapering towards the lower end... wedging a core of the slip assembly into a bore of the helical slip
Implementation Method 3
a first lock on the outer diameter... a second lock in the bore, the second lock configured to lock with the first lock
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore slip assembly includes a core and a helical slip. The core has an upper end, a lower end, an outer diameter tapering towards the lower end and a ratchet thread on the outer diameter. The helical slip has a base end, a top end, a substantially cylindrical outer surface, a bore with an inner diameter that tapers from the top end toward the base end, a ratcheted surface in the bore and a spiral cut extending from the top end between the outer surface and the bore. A method for installing a slip assembly in a structure includes running the slip assembly into place, and setting the slip assembly by holding the helical slip against axial movement and wedging a core of the slip assembly into a bore of the helical slip to radially enlarge the core and close the spiral cut.