Interventionless Packer Setting via Wellbore Profile Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packer setting methods in wellbores, especially in deep water and deviated wells, require intervention such as tripping a plug or applying surface pressure, which increases rig time and costs, and may not function effectively when the wellbore annulus and production tubing cannot be pressured simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An interventionless set packer system that uses a packer mandrel with a slidably disposed piston and a release assembly, which resists pressure differences between the wellbore and a chamber to longitudinally shift the piston relative to the seal assembly, allowing the packer to be set without surface tubing pressure or annular pressure, utilizing a collet assembly, split ring, or time delay mechanism for controlled actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydraulic setting method is used with tubing plug, then packer can be set effectively, but rig time increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the tubing plug from the setting system entirely. Instead of requiring a plug to be tripped through the tubing to set the packer, the system uses a release assembly that is actuated by a profile in the wellbore, eliminating the need for plug tripping operations and reducing rig time while maintaining reliable packer setting
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a release assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the wellbore profile and the piston. This release assembly is actuated by engagement with a profile in the wellbore, which then triggers the piston to move and set the packer, providing a reliable setting mechanism without requiring direct hydraulic intervention through a plug
2Ease of operation
If bottom-up hydrostatic setting module is used, then interventionless setting is achieved, but it cannot function when wellbore annulus and production tubing cannot be pressured simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the natural hydrostatic pressure already present in the wellbore annulus to actuate the piston. The release assembly is triggered by a profile in the wellbore, allowing the system to set itself using existing wellbore conditions without requiring additional surface intervention or simultaneous pressuring of the annulus and tubing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal setting mechanism that works in multiple wellbore configurations. The release assembly actuated by a wellbore profile can function in both conventional and challenging wellbore configurations, including cases where the annulus and tubing cannot be pressurized simultaneously, thereby increasing adaptability while maintaining ease of operation
3Ease of operation
If release assembly is actuated by profile in wellbore, then setting can proceed without surface pressure application, but requires specific wellbore profile features
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore profile features are created in advance during wellbore preparation or casing installation. These pre-formed profiles serve as built-in actuation mechanisms that will trigger the release assembly when the packer reaches the desired depth, eliminating the need for surface pressure application during the setting operation
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 the setting of packers without the need for surface intervention, reducing rig time and costs, and ensuring reliable sealing in challenging wellbore configurations by utilizing hydrostatic pressure and controlled actuation mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrostatic setting module may be actuated by applying pressure to the production tubing and the wellbore at the surface, with the setting force being generated by a combination of the applied surface pressure and the hydrostatic pressure associated with the fluid column in the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
Surface pressure is applied to the production tubing and the wellbore annulus until the port isolation device actuates, thereby allowing wellbore fluid to enter the initiation chamber on the one side of the piston while the chamber engaging the other side of the piston remains at the evacuated pressure. This creates a differential pressure across the piston that causes the piston to move
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3A
Figure 2B~3B
AI summary
A packer (200) for establishing sealing engagement with a surface disposed in a wellbore includes a packer mandrel (202) and a seal assembly slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (202). The seal assembly has a running position and a radially expanded sealing position. A piston (206) is slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (202) and operably associated with the seal assembly. A release assembly (220) is disposed about the packer mandrel (202) and is releasably coupled to the piston (206) such that actuation of the release assembly (220) decouples the release assembly (220) from the piston (206) allowing the piston (206) to shift longitudinally relative to the packer mandrel (202) to operate the seal assembly from the running position to the radially expanded sealing position, thereby setting the packer (200).