Subterranean Packer Load Diverter Spring Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compression set packers face challenges in maintaining seal integrity under varying loads transmitted through connected tubulars, as these loads increase internal pressure and reduce the sealing assembly's capacity to resist differential pressure.
Innovation Solution
The mandrel and outer assembly are configured with spring compartments on both sides of the sealing element, allowing load transfer to slip assemblies on the far side, minimizing additional pressure on the sealing assembly by using springs that compress and redirect forces in either direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If loads are transmitted through the connected tubular string, then the sealing assembly's internal pressure increases, but the capacity to resist differential pressure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A load diverter component is introduced as an intermediary between the tubular string and the sealing assembly. This load diverter redirects axial loads around the sealing element through a bypass path, preventing direct transmission of loads to the sealing assembly and maintaining seal integrity while allowing load transmission through the system
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission path is segmented into separate channels: one path for load transmission through the load diverter and bypass mechanism, and another path for differential pressure resistance through the sealing assembly. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function without interference
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the sealing assembly is extended by compressing axially, then the seal against the surrounding tubular is achieved, but the internal pressure in the resilient components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load diverter acts as a mediator that intercepts axial loads before they reach the sealing assembly, allowing the sealing assembly to maintain its extended position for sealing while being shielded from additional compressive loads that would increase internal pressure
3Force
If springs are added to transfer load behind the sealing assembly, then load transfer to slip assembly is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load diverter is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides load transfer, load bypass, and structural support functions. By integrating multiple functions into a single component rather than adding separate springs and mechanisms, the design achieves load transfer capability while minimizing increases in device complexity
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 configuration effectively channels loads around the sealing element, maintaining seal integrity and reducing pressure increases, thereby enhancing the packer's ability to resist differential pressures and handle sustained loads without compromising the sealing assembly's performance.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of springs allow for load transfer behind the sealing assembly to a slip assembly on the far side from the direction of applied tubing load. So that an uphole force through the tubular would compress a spring located uphole of the sealing assembly and transfer such a force to the upper slips on the far side of the sealing assembly.
Implementation Method 2
The springs can be a coil, a stack of Belleville washers, fluid pushed through an orifice, a resilient material or a contained compressible fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A mandrel and a packer outer assembly are formed to create spring compartments on opposed sides of a sealing element. The outer assembly is shear pinned to the mandrel to minimize spring travel during setting. Once set in the normal way the presence of the springs transfers load and sustained loads through the connected tubular string in either direction. A load coming from downhole and acting in an uphole direction first compresses the spring located uphole from the sealing assembly so that the loading goes behind the sealing assembly and into the upper spring and ultimately to the upper slips. The reverse happens when the force is coming from uphole of the sealing assembly and acting in a downhole direction. The springs can be a coil, a stack of Belleville washers, fluid pushed through an orifice, a resilient material or a contained compressible fluid, to name some examples.