Internal-Actuated Packer Sleeve for Wellbore Isolation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wellbore completion strings face challenges in setting mechanically-set packers when the outside of the packer is not accessible, as conventional methods require external force application, which is not feasible in all configurations, particularly in fracturing and sand packing operations.

Innovation Solution

The development of a mechanically-set packer design that includes a packer body with a movable sleeve and an attachment device accessible from inside the packer body, allowing for radial expansion and setting of the packer element using a running tool conveyed from the surface, enabling internal force application to set the packer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanically-set packers use external sleeve actuation, then the packer can be set by applying force to the sleeve on the outside of the packer body, but the outside of the packer must be accessible which limits application in fracturing and sand packing strings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacker setting accessibilityVSAvoidapplication in fracturing and sand packing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional packer setting approach by moving the attachment device from the outside of the packer body to the inside. Instead of pushing the sleeve from the external side, the attachment device is now positioned on the internal side of the packer body and pushes the sleeve from inside outward, enabling setting in configurations where external access is unavailable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimension of force application by transitioning from external radial compression to internal axial pushing. The attachment device moves along the internal bore of the packer body in the axial direction, converting axial motion into radial sleeve displacement, thereby enabling setting operations from the internal dimension rather than external.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If packers are set from outside the wellbore, then the sleeve can be accessed by running tools, but external access is not possible in all wellbore configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverunning tool accessVSAvoidwellbore configuration compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reverses the access direction by positioning the attachment device inside the packer body's bore. Instead of requiring running tools to access the sleeve from outside the wellbore, the attachment device is now accessible from inside the packer body, allowing setting operations in wellbore configurations where external access is blocked or impossible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the attachment device is moved to inside the packer body, then the packer can be set in configurations with limited external access, but the attachment device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess configuration flexibilityVSAvoidattachment device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the packer body into distinct functional zones: the attachment device is positioned in the internal bore area while the sleeve remains on the external surface. This segmentation allows the attachment device to be independently designed and operated within the internal space, simplifying the overall structure despite the internal positioning requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the internal bore space as an intermediary medium between the running tool and the sleeve. The attachment device acts as an intermediary component that transfers force from the running tool (accessed internally) to the sleeve (positioned externally), enabling the setting function without direct external access to the sleeve itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution allows for the effective isolation and treatment of well zones by enabling the deployment and setting of packers from within the wellbore, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency in fracturing and sand packing processes, even in scenarios where external access is limited.

Implementation Method 1

a packer element on the outer surface of the packer body that expands radially outward from the packer body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Implementation Method 2

a movable sleeve on the outer surface of the packer body that expands the packer element when pushed against the packer element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10036237B2Mechanically-set devices placed on outside of tubulars in wellbores

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

In one aspect, a device for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a body having an outer surface and a bore therethrough, an element on the outer surface of the body that expands radially outward from the body, a movable sleeve on the outer surface of the body that expands the element when pushed against the element, and an attachment device connected to an inside surface of the movable sleeve and accessible from inside the body so that the attachment member may be moved from inside the body to move the sleeve to set the device.