Expandable Packer Tool With Interval Ports for Wellbore Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dual packer configurations in wellbores are susceptible to mechanical stresses, limiting the expansion ratio and drawdown pressure differential, which hampers the effective isolation and collection of formation fluids.
Innovation Solution
A tool with expandable packers and interval ports that form intervals within the wellbore, allowing fluid communication and pressure measurement, along with a mandrel and valves to control fluid flow and pressure, enabling selective fluid access and sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual packer configuration is used to isolate wellbore regions, then fluid collection capability is improved, but mechanical stress resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool divides the wellbore isolation into multiple independent packer units (first packer, second packer, third packer) that can be spaced apart. Each packer can be independently expanded and controlled, allowing the system to maintain fluid collection capability while reducing the mechanical stress concentration that would occur in a dual packer configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional spatial dimensions by adding more packers along the wellbore length and providing multiple ports (packer ports and interval ports) at different locations. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows fluid collection from multiple zones simultaneously while distributing mechanical loads across more contact points with the wellbore wall.
2Productivity
If dual packer configuration is used to isolate wellbore regions, then region isolation is improved, but expansion ratio is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation function is segmented across multiple packers rather than relying on a single dual packer system. Each packer can be expanded independently to achieve optimal contact with the wellbore wall, maximizing the expansion ratio for each individual packer while maintaining overall region isolation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The packers are designed with dynamic expansion capabilities, allowing each packer to be expanded to different degrees based on local wellbore conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables each packer to achieve its maximum expansion ratio independently, improving overall isolation effectiveness.
3Productivity
If dual packer configuration is used to isolate wellbore regions, then fluid collection is improved, but pressure differential capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collection system is segmented into multiple independent flow paths through different packers and ports. Each packer- interval combination can maintain its own pressure differential, allowing the system to accumulate greater total pressure differential capability across multiple zones rather than being limited by a single dual packer pressure balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds pressure differential capability in multiple spatial dimensions by creating isolated intervals between different packer combinations. This allows simultaneous application of drawdown pressure across multiple intervals, effectively multiplying the total pressure differential capability beyond what a single dual packer configuration could achieve.
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
Enhances the ability to isolate and collect formation fluids by increasing the expansion ratio and pressure differential, improving the efficiency of fluid collection and sampling processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first expandable packer (102), a second expandable packer (104)... expandable to abut the wellbore wall to form an interval within the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
The first packer (102) includes a packer port (122) positioned upon the first packer (102) to enable fluid flow through the first packer (102)
Implementation Method 3
a pressure gauge (170) operably coupled to the flow path to measure pressure of fluid flow through one of the packer port (122) and the interval port (132)
Data Source
AI summary
A tool to be used within a wellbore including a wall, the wellbore extending through a formation including formation fluid, includes a first packer and a second packer. The first packer includes a packer port to enable formation fluid flow through the first packer, with the second packer spaced from the first packer. The first packer and the second packer are expandable to abut the wellbore wall to form an interval within the wellbore between the first packer and the second packer, in which the tool further includes an interval port in fluid communication with the interval.