Inflatable Packer Liner Installation for Wellbore Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable packers used in wellbores face challenges in expanding the inner diameter of deformable liners without introducing new restrictions, especially in through-tubing operations where size limitations are stringent, and existing solutions do not effectively secure the liner within the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a deformable liner with a first inflatable packer to radially expand the liner and a second inflatable packer to secure it within the wellbore, allowing for increased inner diameter and secure anchoring without additional restrictions, using materials like stainless steel and reinforced rubber, and employing a hardening fluid for permanent sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a deformable liner is expanded radially to increase inner diameter, then the ability to install additional equipment is improved, but the risk of creating new restrictions in the wellbore increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable liner made of flexible material that can be radially expanded from a compressed delivery state to a deployed state with increased inner diameter. This flexible shell approach allows the liner to be installed through narrow wellbore sections and then expanded to provide the required working diameter without permanently altering the wellbore structure, thereby avoiding creation of new restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable liner is delivered in a compressed, nested configuration within a delivery device or casing, allowing it to pass through restricted wellbore sections. Once positioned, the liner is radially expanded from this nested state to its functional configuration, providing the required inner diameter for equipment installation without leaving permanent restrictions in the wellbore.
2Volume of moving object
If an inflatable packer is used to expand the liner, then the expansion capability is improved, but the complexity of the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes an inflatable packer that employs pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to radially expand the deformable liner. This approach provides controlled, uniform expansion of the liner to the desired inner diameter. The inflatable mechanism allows for adjustable expansion levels and can be deflated for retrieval, simplifying the overall operation compared to permanent expansion methods.
3Reliability
If the liner is secured within the wellbore using traditional methods, then the anchoring reliability is improved, but the ability to maintain expanded configuration is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable packer is positioned and inflated in advance to secure the deformable liner in its expanded configuration within the wellbore. This preliminary action of inflation creates both the mechanical anchoring force against the wellbore wall and the stable expanded configuration simultaneously, ensuring that the liner maintains its deployed state for subsequent equipment installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable packer serves multiple functions: it provides radial expansion force to increase the liner's inner diameter, creates mechanical anchoring against the wellbore wall for secure positioning, and maintains the expanded configuration through continuous pressure. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate anchoring mechanisms while preserving expanded configuration stability.
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 system effectively increases the inner diameter of the well tool by up to three times, securely anchors the deformable liner within the wellbore, and allows for the installation of additional equipment by maintaining a stable and expanded configuration.
Implementation Method 1
A first inflatable packer positioned within the deformable liner is inflated to deform the deformable liner, thereby increasing the inner liner diameter
Implementation Method 2
A second inflatable packer positioned around the deformable liner is inflated to secure the deformable liner within the wellbore
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
A system and methods of its use are described. The system includes a well tool configured to be positioned within a wellbore. The system includes a sleeve defining an inner volume. The sleeve is configured to secure at least a portion of the well tool within the inner volume while the well tool is positioned within the wellbore. The system includes a hollow member positioned within the inner volume and coupled to the well tool. The system includes a rod positioned within the inner volume and coupled to the sleeve. The rod passes through the hollow member to couple to the sleeve. The rod is configured to move the sleeve relative to the well tool in response to a pressure applied on the rod. The hollow member defines a seat configured to receive the rod to restrict movement of the sleeve relative to the well tool.