Pack-off Device with Cable Feedthrough for Smaller Boreholes

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pack-off devices in the downhole drilling and completions industry require larger diameters to accommodate auxiliary components, increasing time and material costs, and there is a need for designs that can function effectively in smaller boreholes.

Innovation Solution

A pack-off device with a body featuring a primary feedthrough and auxiliary feedthroughs, along with a projection and seal elements, that allows for the isolation of areas by landing at a restriction and sealing without the need for complex components like slips or pistons, thereby minimizing radial dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydraulic pistons, setting devices, slips, or other actuatable components are used to accommodate isolation in a redundant ESP system, then the isolation function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and the casing diameter requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation functionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes complex actuatable components (hydraulic pistons, setting devices, slips) from the packer system, extracting only the essential elements needed for isolation functionality. The simplified design uses a basic setting mechanism with seal elements that expand radially to engage the casing bore, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining the isolation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex mechanical components to achieve isolation, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple setting mechanism that triggers radial expansion of seal elements. The isolation function is achieved not through complex actuation but through the fundamental expansion and engagement of sealing components against the casing wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If hydraulic pistons, setting devices, slips, or other actuatable components are used to accommodate isolation in a redundant ESP system, then the isolation function is achieved, but the casing diameter requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation functionVSAvoidcasing diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes complex actuatable components (hydraulic pistons, setting devices, slips) from the packer system, extracting only the essential elements needed for isolation functionality. The simplified design uses a basic setting mechanism with seal elements that expand radially to engage the casing bore, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining the isolation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex mechanical components to achieve isolation, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple setting mechanism that triggers radial expansion of seal elements. The isolation function is achieved not through complex actuation but through the fundamental expansion and engagement of sealing components against the casing wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If larger diameter casings are used to accommodate complex components, then the isolation function is achieved, but the completion time and material cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation functionVSAvoidcompletion time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes complex actuatable components (hydraulic pistons, setting devices, slips) from the packer system, extracting only the essential elements needed for isolation functionality. The simplified design uses a basic setting mechanism with seal elements that expand radially to engage the casing bore, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining the isolation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex mechanical components to achieve isolation, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple setting mechanism that triggers radial expansion of seal elements. The isolation function is achieved not through complex actuation but through the fundamental expansion and engagement of sealing components against the casing wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables reliable isolation in smaller boreholes with reduced material and time requirements, optimizing the deployment of completion systems in smaller diameters while maintaining effective sealing and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

at least one seal element arranged with the body for sealing the device against the adjacent structure when the projection is engaged with the restriction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8991508B2Pack off device with cable feedthrough

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A pack-off device, including a body having a first feedthrough and a second feedthrough formed therein. A projection extends from the body and is operatively arranged to engage a restriction of an adjacent structure. At least one seal element is arranged with the body for sealing the device against the adjacent structure when the projection is engaged with the restriction. A method of arranging and operating a completion system is also included.