Locking Mandrel Upward Setting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locking mandrels face challenges in being properly set into wellbore landing nipples due to issues like restricted tubing sections, paraffin buildup, and viscous fluids, which often require costly and time-consuming jarring methods, and can result in premature pin shearing and improper placement, especially in deviated wells or those with heavy fluids.
Innovation Solution
A new locking mandrel and running tool combination that eliminates the need for downward jarring by using a collet shifter and expander mandrel to securely set the locking mandrel without shearing pins, allowing upward translation and wedging of locking keys to overcome restrictions and ensure proper placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If downward jarring is applied to move the locking mandrel past tubing restrictions, then the locking mandrel can be positioned beyond constricted sections, but premature pin shearing occurs and the locking mandrel cannot be properly set
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional downward jarring approach by using upward translation of the running tool to set the locking mandrel. The running tool is translated upward, which causes the locking mandrel to be pushed upward into the landing nipple, eliminating the need for downward jarring and preventing premature pin shearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism involving the collet shifter and expander mandrel. The collet shifter engages with the landing nipple profile, and the expander mandrel expands to push the locking keys outward, serving as a mediator that enables proper setting without direct downward jarring force.
2Reliability
If downward jarring is applied to shear the setting pin, then the locking mandrel can be set into the landing nipple, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the locking mandrel on the running tool and pre-configuring the collet shifter and expander mandrel mechanisms. This allows the locking mandrel to be set through upward translation without requiring time-consuming downward jarring operations to shear pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical jarring system with a translation-based setting mechanism. Instead of using impact forces to shear pins, the system uses controlled upward translation of the running tool to automatically engage and set the locking mandrel, reducing time and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking mandrel is moved past restricted sections by jarring, then it can reach the desired landing nipple, but the locking keys cannot overcome paraffin buildup and viscous fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using upward translation instead of downward jarring. This parameter change allows the locking keys to be pushed outward by the expander mandrel with sufficient force to overcome paraffin buildup and viscous fluids, enabling operation in previously inaccessible well conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The expander mandrel acts as an intermediary that transfers the upward translation force to the locking keys, enabling them to overcome harmful factors like paraffin buildup and viscous fluids. The collet shifter also serves as a mediator that engages with the landing nipple profile, providing a reliable connection even in challenging well environments.
4Reliability
If spring loaded lock keys are used to locate the locking profile, then the locking mandrel can be positioned on the landing nipple, but the keys cannot expand sufficiently against paraffin buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The expander mandrel serves as an intermediary that provides the additional force needed to expand the locking keys against paraffin buildup. The locking keys are biased by springs but require the expander mandrel's expansion force to overcome the harmful paraffin barrier and engage the locking profile reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the force parameter by introducing the expander mandrel's expansion force to complement the spring force on the locking keys. This parameter change enables the locking keys to expand sufficiently against paraffin buildup, improving engagement reliability in challenging conditions.
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 reduces the risk of premature pin shearing, allows for secure locking in deviated wells and viscous fluids, and effectively sets the mandrel even in the presence of paraffin buildup, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the locking process.
Implementation Method 1
spring loaded lock keys that are used to locate the corresponding locking profile and lock the locking mandrel in place
Implementation Method 2
An upward force is then applied on the running tool and attached locking mandrel to shear a core retainer pin holding the locking mandrel to the running tool
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mandrel and running tool combination for setting equipment such as flow control devices in wellbore tubing is disclosed. The apparatus uses a translatable collet to move an expander mandrel to wedge against inwardly biased locking keys to force the locking keys outward into the recesses of landing nipples in the wellbore tubing. The translatable collect is released to move only b upward shearing forces on retaining pins and the running tool is released from the locking mandrel only by upward rather than downward shearing forces on retainer pins.