Liner Setting Tool with Elastomer Sheaths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for setting a liner in a wellbore struggle to achieve a secure and effective seal between the liner and the intermediate casing string, particularly due to engineering and geological challenges, which can lead to leakage and instability in the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a setting tool with a stretching mandrel and banded elastomer sheath, where axial movement of the mandrel forms protuberances and grooves on the liner top, allowing the elastomer to sealantly engage with the intermediate casing string, ensuring a concentric seal. This involves a screw shaft or roller screw mechanism to generate rotational movement of the mandrel, creating a helical profile that anchors the liner top to the casing string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liner is set in a wellbore using conventional methods, then the liner can be installed, but achieving a secure and effective seal between the liner and intermediate casing string is difficult, leading to leakage and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric sealing element that is flexible and can deform to conform to the intermediate casing string surface. This flexible sealing element is positioned at the top of the liner and engages with the casing string to create a reliable seal, preventing leakage between the liner and casing string.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretching mandrel is used to pre-form grooves and protuberances on the liner top surface before the sealing element is fully engaged. This preliminary action creates an optimized sealing geometry that enhances the effectiveness of the seal when the liner is fully set in the wellbore.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional setting methods are used, then the liner can be installed, but the connection between liner and casing string is unstable due to engineering and geological challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The stretching mandrel creates grooves and protuberances with specific curved geometries on the liner top surface. These curved features work together with the elastomeric sealing element to distribute stresses and create a stable, secure connection between the liner and intermediate casing string, enhancing wellbore stability.
3Reliability
If the liner top is simply attached to the setting tool, then the installation is simple, but the seal between liner and casing string is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing element acts as an intermediary between the liner top and the intermediate casing string. This sealing element transfers and distributes the engagement forces, creating an effective seal while allowing the setting apparatus to remain relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretching mandrel changes the geometric parameters of the liner top surface by creating grooves and protuberances. These parameter changes optimize the sealing interface without requiring complex modifications to the setting apparatus itself.
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 solution provides a reliable and concentric seal between the liner and the casing string, preventing leakage and enhancing the stability of the wellbore by forcing the elastomer into an extrusion gap, effectively anchoring the liner and ensuring a secure connection.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer band is force formed and molded into the extrusion gap and sealingly engages with the inner portion of the intermediate casing
Implementation Method 2
a roller screw, operatively attached to the setting tool, with the roller screw having thread means so that a rotational movement imparted to the work string causes a forward, rotational movement of the stretching mandrel
Implementation Method 3
engaging the stretching mandrel with the inner portion of the liner top so that a protuberance is formed on an inner surface of the liner top and a groove on an outer surface of the liner top is formed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for setting a liner in a wellbore that includes a setting tool attached to a work string. The setting tool includes a stretching mandrel and a liner top releasably attached to the setting tool. The liner top includes banded elastomer sheaths positioned in multiple locations along its length. The apparatus may also include a roller screw, operatively attached to the setting tool, so that a rotational movement imparted to the work string causes a forward, rotational movement of the stretching mandrel and engages the stretching mandrel with an inner portion of the liner top so that a protuberance is formed on the inner portion of the liner top and a groove is formed on an outer surface of the liner top.