Modular Anchor Wedge Sealing Varying Tubular Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seals, such as O-rings, fail to provide adequate sealing for the entire range of nominal tubular diameters encountered in downhole tools due to variations in tubular diameters.
Innovation Solution
A modular tool anchor system that includes an anchor body with an anchor wedge and piston, along with a compression seal and sealing flange, which are threadedly coupled to the anchor body, allowing for radial inward bias and engagement with the tubular to achieve secure coupling and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seals such as O-rings are used, then the sealing structure is simple, but the sealing effectiveness deteriorates due to variations in tubular diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic sealing mechanism where a compression seal is biased radially inward by a seal compression screw to contact the tubular surface. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the seal to adapt to varying tubular diameters, resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and adaptability to different sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sealing parameter from a fixed O-ring configuration to an adjustable compression seal system. By modifying the compression force and contact pressure through the seal compression screw, the system can accommodate different tubular diameters while maintaining effective sealing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a modular anchor system with adjustable components is implemented, then adaptability to varying tubular diameters is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is divided into modular segments including an anchor body, anchor wedge, piston, seal assembly, and fastening mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted or replaced, providing adaptability to different tubular diameters while keeping the overall system manageable through standardized modular interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor body serves multiple functions: it houses the anchoring mechanism, contains the sealing system, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Strength
If anchor wedges are biased radially inward into contact with the tubular, then mechanical coupling strength is improved, but the force required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct high-force mechanical engagement with a progressive anchoring mechanism. The anchor wedge is gradually biased radially inward through controlled actuation, allowing the mechanical coupling strength to build progressively rather than requiring high instantaneous installation force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and gradual engagement before final anchoring. The anchor wedge is first positioned within the anchor body, then progressively biased into contact with the tubular, reducing the peak force required during installation while achieving strong mechanical coupling.
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 modular tool anchor system effectively couples and seals downhole tools to tubulars across varying diameters, ensuring mechanical coupling and fluid sealing, thereby addressing the limitations of traditional seals.
Implementation Method 1
an anchor wedge positioned within a pocket formed in the anchor body, the anchor wedge including a first wedge surface, the first wedge surface engaging a tapered face of the pocket
Implementation Method 2
a wedge drive screw, the wedge drive screw positioned within the piston bore and threadedly coupled to the anchor body
Implementation Method 3
a compression seal, the compression seal being annular and positioned within the anchor body
Data Source
AI summary
A modular tool anchor includes an anchor body positionable about a tubular. The anchor includes an anchor wedge for gripping against the tubular. A wedge drive screw engages a piston that biases the wedge into contact with the tubular as the wedge drive screw is tightened. The anchor also includes a compression seal positioned within the anchor body. A sealing flange abuts the compression seal. As seal compression screws are tightened, the sealing flange engages the compression seal and forces it against the tubular.