Opposed Slip Packer Retrieval via Sealing Element Relaxation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for retrieving opposed slip type packers and other downhole tools in high pressure and temperature environments are inefficient and unreliable, often resulting in tool destruction and requiring multiple trips within the wellbore.

Innovation Solution

A method that reduces compressive forces on the sealing elements of the downhole tool before unsetting the slip assemblies, allowing for the retrieval of the entire tool and its components in a single trip, using a sealing element retainer assembly that relaxes compression forces without damaging the slip assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current retrieval methods are used for opposed slip type packers, then the tool can be retrieved, but the tool or parts thereof must be destroyed by drilling, milling or other destructive means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrieval reliabilityVSAvoidtool destruction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the retrieval process into distinct sequential steps: first releasing the sealing element from the casing, then disengaging the slip assemblies from the casing, and finally retrieving the tool. This segmentation allows each component to be released in the proper order without destructive forces, eliminating the need for drilling or milling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs the preliminary action of releasing the sealing element from the casing before attempting to disengage the slip assemblies. By first moving the sealing element retainer assembly to release the sealing element, the tool creates the necessary conditions for subsequent slip assembly disengagement without damage, ensuring reliable retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If current retrieval methods are used, then the tool can be removed from the wellbore, but multiple trips within the wellbore are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrieval efficiencyVSAvoidmultiple trips

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables continuous retrieval operations by maintaining the tool in a recoverable state throughout the entire retrieval process. The sealing element retainer assembly and slip assembly disengagement mechanism work in sequence without requiring the tool to be abandoned or destroyed, allowing the entire tool to be retrieved in a single continuous operation without multiple trips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If compressive forces on the sealing element are not reduced, then the sealing element remains engaged with the casing, but the slip assemblies cannot be disengaged without damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisengagement reliabilityVSAvoidcompressive forces on sealing element

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the sealing element from its engaged state with the casing by moving the sealing element retainer assembly. This extraction of the sealing element's engagement forces allows the slip assemblies to be disengaged from the casing without experiencing damaging compressive forces, enabling reliable retrieval of all tool components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention provides beforehand cushioning by designing the sealing element retainer assembly to control the release of compressive forces. The retainer assembly gradually reduces the compressive forces on the sealing element before slip assembly disengagement, preventing sudden force releases that could damage the tool components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 method enables a more reliable and efficient retrieval of downhole tools by relaxing compressive forces on the sealing elements, allowing for the complete retrieval of the tool and its components in a single trip, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of tool damage.

Implementation Method 1

The sealing element is relaxed by allowing radial contraction without allowing longitudinal expansion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial contraction:

Data Source

PatentUS8291989B2Retrieval method for opposed slip type packers

Publication Date: 2012.10.23 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method is provided which releases and retrieves an opposed slip downhole tool by reducing the compressive forces on the sealing elements prior to unsetting the slip assemblies. Further, the method does so without damaging the slip assemblies. The method provides for the retrieval of the entire downhole tool including all of its component parts, requiring but a single trip within the wellbore. When the tool is to be retrieved, the sealing element is disengaged from the casing by relaxing the compression forces on the sealing element. Then the slip assemblies are disengaged from the casing such that the slip assemblies are no longer in gripping engagement with the casing. The tool is then retrieved from the wellbore. The step of disengaging the sealing assembly can be performed by radially contracting the sealing element with or without longitudinally expanding the sealing element.