Inflatable Downhole Packer Tool With Inverted Latching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the oil and gas industry, inflatable dual-packer tools face challenges with dynamic downhole conditions causing variations in the isolated wellbore interval, leading to artifacts in pressure readings and reduced maximum pressure differential limits due to the orientation of sliding packer rings, which complicates conveyance and data interpretation.

Innovation Solution

A dual packer assembly with a latching mechanism that allows the upper packer ring to move axially with respect to the mandrel during inflation and lock in place during deflation, enabling the packer elements to slide onto the mandrels from opposing ends, thereby increasing the strength of the connection and maintaining a constant volume of the isolated interval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If one sliding packer ring faces the isolated wellbore interval, then the ability to convey the packer tool out of the wellbore is improved, but the maximum pressure differential limit is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to convey packer tool out of wellboreVSAvoidmaximum pressure differential limit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional orientation by having both sliding packer rings face away from the isolated wellbore interval (toward the external wellbore), rather than having one ring face the isolated interval. This inversion allows both rings to clear the mandrel end connector during assembly, enabling a stronger end connector design that increases the pressure differential limit while maintaining conveyance capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If one sliding packer ring faces the isolated wellbore interval, then the ability to convey the packer tool out of the wellbore is improved, but artifacts in pressure readings and measurement data interpretation are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to convey packer tool out of wellboreVSAvoidpressure reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional orientation so that both sliding packer rings face away from the isolated wellbore interval. This inversion eliminates the mechanical connection between the sliding ring and the isolated interval, preventing the transmission of external forces that cause interval volume variations and pressure reading artifacts, thereby improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If both fixed and slidable packer rings pass over the mandrel end connector, then the orientation allows one sliding ring to face the isolated interval, but the size and strength of the end connector are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacker ring orientation for conveyanceVSAvoidend connector strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the mounting orientation so that both sliding packer rings face away from the isolated wellbore interval. This allows both rings to clear the mandrel end connector during assembly without requiring the end connector to be large enough to accommodate one ring facing the isolated interval, thereby enabling a more compact and stronger end connector design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This configuration enhances the differential pressure limit and reduces artificially induced pressure fluctuations, improving the accuracy of pressure data and facilitating the conveyance of the packer tool without risking sticking during upward movement.

Implementation Method 1

The inflatable packer is fluidly connected with the flowline, and is operable to expand against a sidewall of the wellbore upon receiving the fluid from the flowline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The latching mechanism is operable to limit axial movement of the packer ring with respect to the mandrel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11208864B2Inflatable downhole packer tool

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

An inflatable packer assembly configured to be conveyed within a wellbore. The inflatable packer assembly includes a mandrel having a flowline, a first packer ring slidably connected with the mandrel, a second packer ring fixedly connected with the mandrel, a latching mechanism fluidly connected with the flowline, and an inflatable packer fluidly connected with the flowline. The inflatable packer may be disposed around the mandrel and sealingly connected with the first and second packer rings. The inflatable packer may be operable to expand against a sidewall of the wellbore upon receiving a fluid from the flowline. The latching mechanism may be operable to limit movement of the first packer ring with respect to the mandrel, and permit the movement of the first packer ring with respect to the mandrel upon being actuated by the fluid from the flowline.