Nested Garter Spring Structure for Wellbore Seal Crack Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sealing tools used in wellbore operations suffer from internal linear cracking due to axial pressure, which compromises the ability of the seal assembly to maintain a seal between the bridge plug and the wellbore, allowing pressure to escape.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of spacer elements, such as small springs, within the coiled spring member to reinforce the rubber volume between spaced balls, maintaining ball position and reducing the likelihood of cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single coiled spring member is used in the seal assembly, then the device complexity is low, but internal linear cracking occurs due to axial pressure compromising sealability
Solution Approach 1:
The single coiled spring member is divided into multiple separate coiled spring members (first, second, third, and fourth coiled spring members) arranged in a stacked configuration. This segmentation allows each spring to bear a portion of the axial load, reducing the stress concentration that causes internal linear cracking and improving overall sealability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly uses a composite structure combining multiple coiled spring members with different orientations (radial and axial arrangements) and materials. This composite approach creates a more robust system that distributes axial pressure across multiple elements, preventing the cracking that occurs in single-spring designs while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple coiled spring members are stacked to reduce cracking, then the sealability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple coiled spring members are arranged in a nested or stacked configuration where they fit together in a compact manner. The radial and axial arrangements allow the springs to be positioned efficiently within the seal assembly, minimizing the space required and reducing overall structural complexity despite using multiple spring elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple coiled spring members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide sealing force, distribute axial pressure, and maintain the position of the seal element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved sealability.
3Reliability
If radial and axial arrangements of coiled spring members are used, then internal stresses are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is segmented into distinct radial and axial arranged coiled spring members, allowing each to be optimized for its specific orientation and function. This segmentation enables better stress distribution as each spring group handles specific directional loads, while the modular nature facilitates standardized manufacturing processes for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the seal assembly use different spring arrangements (radial vs. axial) tailored to the local stress conditions. This local optimization ensures that each area has the appropriate spring configuration for its specific loading conditions, improving overall stress distribution while allowing standardized manufacturing of each localized spring component.
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 inclusion of spacer elements significantly reduces internal stresses and cracking, enhancing the sealability and durability of the seal assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a seal element encircling the mandrel and configured to radially deform into contact with a wall of a wellbore
Implementation Method 2
a garter spring coupled with the seal element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a garter spring, a downhole tool and a well system. The garter spring, in one aspect, includes an outer coiled spring member having an inside diameter (ID1) and an outside diameter (OD1). The garter spring, in accordance with this aspect, further includes a middle coiled spring member having an inside diameter (ID2) and an outside diameter (OD2) located within the inside diameter (ID1) of the outer coiled spring member. The garter spring, in accordance with this aspect, additionally includes an inner coiled spring member having an inside diameter (ID3) and an outside diameter (OD3) located within the inside diameter (ID2) of the middle coiled spring member. coiled spring member, and a plurality of spaced balls located within an inside diameter (ID) of the coiled spring member.