Lockable Mechanical Packer Preventing Premature Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Premature actuation of mechanical packers in well strings can lead to deployment difficulties and operational issues when attempting to isolate sections of a wellbore, as they set before reaching the desired location.

Innovation Solution

A temporary locking mechanism using a releasable locking assembly, comprising a collet, ball, locking dog, or snap ring, held in place by an annular piston, which is selectively released via pressure applied to a piston chamber, preventing premature actuation until the packer reaches the desired borehole location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mechanical packer is deployed without a locking mechanism, then the deployment process is simpler, but the packer may actuate prematurely before reaching the desired location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of premature actuationVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is pre-configured in a locked state during deployment, preventing premature actuation. The collet and locking dog are initially positioned to engage with the setting mandrel, and the piston is pre-loaded in the locked position. This preliminary locking action ensures the packer cannot actuate before reaching the desired location, while the complexity is managed through the inherent mechanical nature of the locking components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Hydraulic pressure is applied to the piston to selectively release the locking mechanism. The hydraulic system provides a reliable and controlled method to transition from the locked state to the actuated state, using fluid pressure to move the piston and disengage the locking dog from the setting mandrel. This approach maintains reliability while managing complexity through the use of standard hydraulic actuation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent premature actuation, then the reliability of packer deployment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled actuation at desired locationVSAvoidpiston and locking assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism components (collet, locking dog, piston) are integrated into the existing packer structure. The locking dog is positioned on the setting mandrel, and the piston is received within the piston chamber that is part of the packer body. This merging of locking functions with the existing actuation system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate locking and actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The piston serves multiple functions: it maintains the locking mechanism in the engaged position during deployment, and when hydraulic pressure is applied, it releases the locking mechanism to enable actuation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for locking and actuation, thereby managing device complexity while ensuring controlled actuation at the desired location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the piston is held in the locked position, then premature actuation is prevented, but the packer cannot be actuated until pressure is applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemporary locking during deploymentVSAvoidactuation control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system automatically actuates the piston when pressure is applied, eliminating the need for manual intervention to release the locking mechanism. The piston responds self-service to the applied hydraulic pressure, transitioning from the locked position to the actuated position. This maintains reliability by ensuring the packer only actuates when the hydraulic system is activated, while simplifying operation through automatic response to pressure application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures that the mechanical packer is securely locked during deployment, preventing premature actuation and allowing controlled actuation at the desired location, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of well string operations.

Implementation Method 1

The piston may be selectively shifted via pressure applied in the piston chamber so as to release the releasable locking mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10808493B2Packer system having lockable mechanism

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A technique facilitates temporary locking of a mechanical packer to prevent inadvertent actuation of the mechanical packer. The mechanical packer may be set via manipulation of a setting mandrel which works in cooperation with a releasable locking mechanism. The releasable locking mechanism may be initially locked against the setting mandrel and held in place via a piston, e.g. an annular piston, received in a piston chamber, e.g. an annular chamber surrounding the setting mandrel. The piston may be selectively shifted via pressure applied in the piston chamber so as to release the releasable locking mechanism, thus enabling actuation of the mechanical packer.