Packer Anchoring Device With Expandable End Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods of chemical bonding between annular packers and pipes, such as gluing or vulcanization, do not provide sufficient strength when subjected to high temperatures during petroleum recovery, leading to a risk of packer separation from the body.
Innovation Solution
An expandable annular packer is equipped with a radially slit, angularly shaped end ring made of synthetic material like PTFE, encircling a body and reinforced with a helical metallic clamp to securely attach the packer to the pipe, enhancing mechanical bonding and resistance to temperature-induced separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If chemical bonding methods (gluing or vulcanization) are used to attach the annular packer to the pipe, then the attachment process is simple, but the bonding strength is insufficient under high temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical bonding methods (gluing or vulcanization) with a mechanical anchoring system consisting of an expandable end ring and helical reinforcement. The expandable end ring expands radially to engage with the pipe, while the helical reinforcement clamps the packer material to the pipe, providing mechanical attachment that maintains strength under high temperature conditions where chemical bonds fail.
2Device complexity
If chemical bonding methods are used to attach the packer, then the device structure remains simple, but the reliability of attachment under high temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by expanding the end ring from a compressed state to an expanded state, changing its radial dimensions to engage with the pipe. This phase transition from compressed to expanded configuration provides reliable mechanical attachment that maintains effectiveness under high temperature conditions, unlike chemical bonds that degrade with temperature increase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the packer is designed to swell in contact with fluid, then the isolation function is improved, but the risk of separation from the body increases under high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining swellable packer material with a synthetic expandable end ring made of PTFE and metallic helical reinforcement. This composite structure allows the packer body to swell for isolation while the mechanically robust end ring and reinforcement provide temperature-resistant attachment, preventing separation even when the packer material swells or degrades under high temperature.
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 solution significantly reduces the risk of packer separation from the body, maintaining a secure attachment even under high temperature conditions, thereby ensuring effective isolation in borehole applications.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable end ring which encircles a body... The end ring is slit, see FIG. 3, by a number of first radial slits 20 extending from the inside, and a number of alternate second radial slits 22 extending from the outside. The end ring 14 is thereby sufficiently weakened to expand radially.
Implementation Method 2
The reinforcement 6 is typically formed by stainless wire... The reinforcement which is located in the packer material, is preferably of a helical shape and arranged to clamp the annular packer material to the body.
Data Source
AI summary
A packer-anchoring device between an annular packer and a body, wherein the annular packer is provided, at least at one of its end portions, with an expandable end ring.