Over Element Line Protector for Packer Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for sealing lines in packer systems require significant rig time and cost due to the need for splicing line stubs, which can be avoided by routing lines outside the packer element but pose a risk of damage during deployment.

Innovation Solution

An over element line protector with a body having specific curvatures and a passageway to protect lines, allowing them to be routed outside the packer element without splicing, using a reinforcing member and hold down features for secure attachment and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lines are routed radially inwardly or through the element at manufacture, then sealing and protection are ensured, but significant rig time and cost are required due to splicing operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing and protectionVSAvoidrig time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The line is routed through the element body during manufacture before deployment, allowing the line to be pre-positioned and protected within the element structure. This preliminary routing eliminates the need for splicing operations at the rig site, saving significant rig time while maintaining sealing and protection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If lines are routed outside the element, then rig time is reduced by eliminating splicing, but the lines are exposed to damage risks during deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverig timeVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The line is nested within a dedicated passageway that is integrated into the element body structure. This nested configuration protects the line from external damage during deployment while allowing the line to extend outside the element for connection to external systems, eliminating the need for splicing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If lines are routed outside the element, then splicing operations are eliminated, but the lines remain unprotected during deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelimination of splicingVSAvoidprotection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated passageway structure serves as an intermediary between the line and the external environment. This passageway is integrated into the element body and provides mechanical protection and sealing for the line as it passes through the element, eliminating the need for splicing while maintaining protection and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11549328B2Over element line protector and method

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

An over element line protector comprises a body having a first major surface including a first curvature of a first radius and a second major surface including a second curvature having a second smaller radius. The second radius is smaller than the first radius. The body has a longitudinal extent and a central region aligned with and along the longitudinal extent. The central region is of a first thickness. Wing regions extend laterally from the central region and have a second smaller thickness than the first thickness. A passageway is located in the central region extending along the longitudinal extent of the body configured to protect a line therein.