Packer with Dual Axial Penetrator Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packer designs for wellbore completions are limited in smaller diameters due to the large cross-sectional area of conventional penetrators, allowing only a single penetrator for fluid passage, which restricts the number of devices that can be accessed downhole.
Innovation Solution
A packer design with two pathways and ports of different dimensions, allowing two penetrators to be used, enabling multiple devices to be connected through independent signal-bearing lines without increasing the packer's diameter, reducing real estate and potential leak paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single penetrator is used in smaller diameter packers, then the packer diameter can be kept small, but the number of devices that can be accessed downhole is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The packer body is segmented into multiple pathways, each with its own port and opening. This segmentation allows multiple penetrators to be accommodated independently within the same packer body, enabling access to multiple downhole devices without requiring a larger overall diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the packer diameter to accommodate more penetrators, the invention utilizes the axial dimension by creating multiple pathways through the packer body. Each pathway has ports at different ends, allowing penetrators to pass through in different directions, effectively using three-dimensional space to resolve the contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple penetrators are used, then more devices can be connected downhole, but the cross-sectional area and real estate of the packer increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pathways are nested within the packer body structure, with each pathway containing its own port-opening configuration. This nesting allows multiple penetrators to be housed within the same external diameter envelope, preventing an increase in packer real estate while accommodating multiple penetrators.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane arrangement to a multi-dimensional pathway system where penetrators can enter at one end and exit at the other end of the packer body. This dimensional approach allows multiple penetrators to coexist without increasing the packer's cross-sectional area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If penetrators are used to access downhole devices, then device connectivity is enabled, but potential leak paths are created
Solution Approach 1:
Each pathway is designed with specific port and opening dimensions tailored to its function. The ports are dimensioned to receive penetrators while the openings at the opposite end are smaller, creating localized sealing zones. This local quality optimization ensures proper sealing at each penetration point, minimizing leak paths while maintaining device connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A packer including a body having a first axial end and a second axial end, an element disposed about the body, and a flow passage within the body extending from the first axial end to the second axial end. The body defines a first pathway including a first port dimensioned and configured to receive a first penetrator and a second opening having a dimension smaller than the first port, the first port being located at the first axial end of the body and the second opening being located at the second axial end of the body. A second pathway defined by the body includes a second port dimensioned and configured to receive a second penetrator and a first opening having a dimension smaller than the second port, the second port being located at the second axial end of the body and the first opening being located at the first axial end of the body.