Inflatable Packer with Integrated Energy and Triggering Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sealing off parts of the annulus between a well tubular and the formation in oil wells face challenges due to harsh conditions and remote locations, particularly when multiple packers are required along a pre-perforated tubular, making it difficult to control the inflation of inflatable packers without electric cords or hydraulic lines.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising an inflatable packer section, an energy section with a battery-powered energy source, a triggering section for controlling fluid delivery, and a fluid section, which allows for the inflation of packers without external power or hydraulic lines, using mechanisms like RFID technology or acoustic signals for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic pressure or electric cables are used to control packer inflation from the surface, then the packer can be actuated reliably, but the device complexity and difficulty of deployment increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is divided into distinct functional sections: an inflatable packer section, an energy section containing a battery-powered pump, a triggering section with control mechanisms, and a fluid section. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies deployment as each section can be activated in sequence without requiring complex external connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is self-sufficient with an integrated battery-powered energy source that drives the pump to deliver fluid to the packer. The triggering section contains onboard control mechanisms that can be activated by acoustic signals or other remote triggering methods, eliminating the need for external hydraulic lines or electric cables from the surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple packers are deployed along a pre-perforated tubular, then better well control is achieved, but it becomes difficult to seal off perforations to build up pressure for inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is designed to be deployed first in a deflated state through the pre-perforated tubular, and only after reaching the desired location does the triggering section activate the pump to inflate the packer. This preliminary deployment in a compact state allows multiple assemblies to be placed along the tubular without interfering with each other, and inflation occurs only after positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical system of surface-based hydraulic pressure transmission with an onboard battery-powered pump system. This substitution allows each assembly to independently generate the pressure needed for inflation, eliminating the need to seal off perforations to build up pressure from the surface.
3Reliability
If the assembly is made large enough to include all necessary components, then it becomes self-sufficient, but it may obstruct the wellbore or require larger drilling holes
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly utilizes nested configurations where the packer material is stored in a compressed state within the tubular, the pump and battery are housed in compact arrangements, and components are integrated in a space-efficient manner. This nesting allows the full functional assembly to fit within standard wellbore dimensions while maintaining operational independence.
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 reliable and efficient control of packer inflation within the wellbore, allowing for easier and more reliable well production by eliminating the need for electric cords or hydraulic lines, and allowing for the introduction of multiple packers without obstructing the wellbore or disrupting production.
Implementation Method 1
an energy source for the delivering of fluid into the inflatable packer section
Implementation Method 2
prepared for being expanded by fluid
Implementation Method 3
The packer may be actuated by e.g. a ball which is dropped from the surface and into the well to create a seal such that pressure is build up in the wellbore thereby activating inflation of the packer
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly to be run in a well bore in conjunction with a perforated or a non perforated liner comprises an inflatable packer section prepared for being expanded by fluid, and valve means for opening and closing of fluid communication into the inflatable packer section. A fluid section is in fluid communication with said inflatable packer section and comprises a suitable fluid for being delivered into said inflatable packer section,- an energy section comprising an energy source for the delivering of fluid into the inflatable packer section,- a triggering section comprising means for controlling of said energy source and/or for controlling of said valve means thereby being capable of controlling the delivery of said fluid into said inflatable packer section, said triggering section (e.g. comprising an RFID) further being provided with means for communication with a triggering device for initiating the expanding of said inflatable packer section.