Packer End Ring Polymer Gripping Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packer technologies face challenges in reliably sealing annuli in subterranean wells under differential pressure while being economical and efficient in construction.
Innovation Solution
A packer system incorporating an end ring with a polymer gripping device that grips a base pipe, utilizing a polymer composition material injected into an annular space between the end ring and the base pipe to prevent longitudinal displacement of the seal element, enhancing the packer's differential pressure resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical gripping devices are used to prevent longitudinal displacement of the seal element, then the packer can withstand differential pressure, but the construction cost increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gripping devices (such as threaded connections, clamps, or mechanical fasteners) with a polymer composition material that chemically bonds to the base pipe. This polymer material is injected into the annular space between the end ring and base pipe, where it cures to form a strong adhesive bond that prevents longitudinal displacement of the seal element. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical assembly steps, reduces manufacturing complexity, and lowers construction costs while maintaining reliable differential pressure resistance.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical gripping devices are used to secure the seal element, then the packer can withstand differential pressure, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer composition material is prepared in advance in a injectable form, allowing it to be quickly pumped into the annular space between the end ring and base pipe during installation. The material then cures in situ to form the gripping device that secures the seal element. This preliminary preparation and in-situ curing process eliminates the need for time-consuming mechanical assembly steps, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable differential pressure resistance.
3Ease of manufacture
If a polymer composition material is injected into the annular space to grip the base pipe, then the construction cost decreases and installation becomes more convenient, but the reliability of preventing longitudinal displacement must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the chemical and physical parameter changes of the polymer composition material during curing. The material is injected in a liquid or semi-liquid state, allowing it to flow into the annular space and conform to the base pipe surface. As it cures, it undergoes polymerization, transforming from a fluid state to a solid state with high shear strength and bonding capability. This parameter change ensures the polymer develops sufficient gripping force to prevent longitudinal displacement of the seal element, achieving reliable differential pressure resistance with simpler and more economical construction.
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 system effectively retains the seal element on the base pipe, improving differential pressure resistance while being economical to manufacture and convenient to install, with the polymer composition material swelling to apply increased gripping force and closing off radial gaps.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer composition material swelling to apply increased gripping force
Implementation Method 2
a gripping device is contained in an end ring, so that the gripping device grips a base pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A packer can include an end ring positioned proximate a seal element on a base pipe, and a gripping device positioned in an annular space between the end ring and the base pipe, the gripping device comprising a polymer composition material. A method of constructing a packer can include positioning an end ring on a base pipe, and then injecting a gripping device into an annular space between the end ring and the base pipe, whereby the gripping device grips the base pipe. Another method of constructing a packer can include positioning a gripping device in an annular space between an end ring and a base pipe, so that the gripping device grips the base pipe, the gripping device comprising a polymer composition material.