High Temperature Packer Thermal Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
High temperature packers mounted on tubular strings face destruction due to axial forces caused by thermal expansion and contraction, as existing solutions require manual operation to release the packer body from the mandrel, which is time-consuming and costly, and may damage seals during release.
Innovation Solution
A high temperature packer design featuring a temperature-responsive member that secures the packer heads to the mandrel until a specific temperature is reached, allowing automatic release without manual intervention, using an outwardly biased C-ring that radially expands and disengages from the mandrel, maintaining a stationary packer position while allowing axial movement of the mandrel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the packer body is secured at a fixed axial position on the tubular string, then the depth of the set packer is known and stable, but thermal expansion and contraction of the tubular string places high axial force on the packer body that may result in destruction of the packer sealing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The packer system is divided into two functional segments: the packer body (with sealing elements) that remains stationary, and the mandrel that moves axially with thermal expansion. The connector with temperature-responsive member separates these segments, allowing differential movement while maintaining the seal integrity of the packer body.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary element between the mandrel and packer body. It transmits axial forces during setting operations but releases during thermal expansion through the temperature-responsive member, protecting the packer body from destructive axial forces while maintaining connection when needed.
2Reliability
If a releasing mechanism is provided to allow axial movement of the packer body from the mandrel, then thermal expansion forces are relieved, but the packer body may move axially along the slick joint if not set in initial position, and the position of the packer body relative to the slick joint determines whether necessary expansion and contraction stroke are achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the stationary packer body (with sealing elements) from the movable mandrel. The packer body remains fixed at the desired depth while the mandrel moves axially, eliminating the problem of packer body position drift while still accommodating thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature-responsive member automatically releases the connector when thermal expansion forces are applied, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates based on temperature conditions, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining position control.
3Reliability
If manual operation is required to release the packer body from the mandrel, then the release can be controlled, but the operation is time-consuming and costly, and may damage seals during release
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature-responsive member enables automatic release of the connector when thermal expansion occurs, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system responds autonomously to temperature changes, reducing operational time and cost while maintaining reliable control through temperature-based activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is triggered by changes in temperature rather than manual operation. The temperature-responsive member changes its mechanical properties (yielding or breaking) when thermal expansion reaches a certain level, automatically initiating the release process without human intervention.
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 packer remains functional and sealed during temperature-induced axial movement of the tubular string, eliminating the risk of seal damage and enabling reliable operation without manual manipulation, ensuring a fluid-tight seal and minimizing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature responsive member maintains the connector in position to secure the packer head to the mandrel until the temperature in the well rises to a level such that the temperature responsive member yields
Data Source
AI summary
A high temperature packer (10) force a tubular string in a well, and includes a packer mandrel (12) and an elastomeric packer body (14) positioned circumferentially about the mandrel. An upper packer head (16) and a lower packer head (18) are each positioned about the mandrel and secured to an end of the packer body. A connector (24) axially interconnects at least one of the upper packer head and lower packer head to the packer mandrel, and a temperature responsive member (30) maintains the connector in position to secure the packer head to the mandrel until the temperature in the well rises to a level such that the responsive member yields to allow the connector to release the packer head from the mandrel.