Packer Internal Slip Design for Minimum-Backlash Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packer systems suffer from backlash issues due to independent body lock rings, leading to loss of setting force and relaxation of packer elements, which affects sealing performance and increases manufacturing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A new locking system that removes the independent body lock ring and incorporates a stroke sleeve with integrated teeth to directly ratchet with the base, eliminating backlash and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an independent body lock ring is used in packer systems, then the locking function is provided, but backlash occurs causing loss of setting force and relaxation of packer elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lock ring function into the stroke sleeve by integrating teeth directly into the stroke sleeve structure. The stroke sleeve teeth engage with the base teeth to provide the locking function, eliminating the need for a separate independent body lock ring. This integration removes the backlash associated with multiple separate components while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the lock ring function from its traditional independent form and incorporates it directly into the stroke sleeve. By taking out the separate lock ring component and integrating its locking capability into the stroke sleeve teeth, the design eliminates backlash while reducing component count.
2Reliability
If an independent body lock ring is used, then locking is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring function is merged into the stroke sleeve by integrating teeth directly into the stroke sleeve structure. This reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate lock ring component is extracted and its function is incorporated into the stroke sleeve. This eliminates an additional manufacturing step and reduces assembly complexity, making the overall system easier and less expensive to manufacture.
3Reliability
If independent body lock rings are used, then locking is provided, but additional components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring function is combined with the stroke sleeve by integrating teeth into the stroke sleeve structure. This eliminates the need for a separate independent lock ring component, reducing the total number of components while maintaining the setting force and locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stroke sleeve is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the radial stroke for packer expansion and simultaneously provides the locking function through integrated teeth. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated lock ring components.
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
This design enhances sealing performance, reduces cost, and improves reliability by minimizing backlash and eliminating the need for an extra component, while being versatile for various packer systems.
Implementation Method 1
the stroke sleeve teeth and the base teeth configured to directly ratchet along one another to hold the sealing/anchoring element in the radially expanded state
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sealing/anchoring subassembly, a well system, and method. The sealing/anchoring subassembly, in one aspect, includes a mandrel, as well as a sealing/anchoring element positioned about the mandrel, the sealing/anchoring element configured to move between a radially retracted state and a radially expanded state. The sealing/anchoring subassembly, according to this aspect, also includes a ratch latch body coupled to the sealing/anchoring element, the ratch latch body configured to hold the sealing/anchoring element in the radially expanded state. The ratch latch body, in one aspect, may include a stroke sleeve having a plurality of stroke sleeve teeth disposed thereon, and a base having a plurality of base teeth disposed thereon, the stroke sleeve teeth and the base teeth configured to directly ratchet along one another to hold the sealing/anchoring element in the radially expanded state.