Downhole Packer Friction Layer for Liquid Pocket Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the expansion of a metal patch within a well tubular metal structure, trapped liquid between the patch and the structure hinders full expansion and proper sealing due to the lack of escape routes through leaks or perforations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole packer assembly with an expandable tubular element made of elastomeric or rubber material, featuring a friction-enhancing outer layer of grains or a friction-enhancing material applied to the outer face, which increases friction and prevents liquid entrapment, ensuring even expansion and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If liquid is used to expand the metal patch within a sealed well tubular structure, then the patch can be expanded radially, but liquid becomes trapped in pockets between the patch and the structure, hindering full expansion and proper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the expandable tubular element by adding a friction-enhancing material to its outer surface. This increases the friction coefficient between the element and the metal patch, allowing the liquid pressure to be transmitted more effectively and uniformly across the patch surface, preventing liquid entrapment and ensuring complete expansion for proper sealing.
2Strength
If the well tubular metal structure has no leaks or perforations, then structural integrity is maintained, but liquid cannot escape and becomes trapped between the expanding patch and the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface friction parameter of the expandable tubular element by applying a friction-enhancing material. This allows the expansion process to proceed smoothly within the intact, sealed structure by ensuring uniform force distribution, eliminating the need for leaks or perforations while maintaining both structural integrity and operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If the expandable tubular element has low friction material, then it can expand smoothly, but liquid becomes trapped in pockets, preventing uniform expansion and proper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the friction parameter of the expandable tubular element's outer surface by applying a friction-enhancing material. This creates the ideal friction level that maintains smooth expansion while preventing liquid entrapment, ensuring both operational smoothness and sealing quality are achieved simultaneously.
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 increased friction between the expandable tubular element and the metal patch ensures uniform expansion, preventing pocket formation and ensuring a proper seal by controlling the expansion process and preventing uneven thinning.
Implementation Method 1
the expandable tubular element comprises an elastomeric or rubber material having a friction coefficient, wherein the expandable tubular element comprises a friction-enhancing material providing a higher friction coefficient of the outer face than the friction coefficient of the elastomeric or rubber material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a downhole packer assembly for expansion of a metal sleeve, such as a metal patch, in a well downhole in a well tubular metal structure, comprising a body part and an expandable tubular element surrounding the body part and each end of the expandable tubular element being connected with the body part, providing an expandable space therebetween, the expandable space being fillable with liquid during expansion, the expandable tubular element having an outer face and an inner face, the expandable tubular element comprising an elastomeric or rubber material having a friction coefficient, wherein the expandable tubular element comprises a friction-enhancing material providing a higher friction coefficient of the outer face than the friction coefficient of the elastomeric or rubber material. The invention also relates to a downhole system comprising the downhole packer assembly and a positive displacement pump for expanding the expandable tubular element.