Expandable Metal Packer Mandrel Feedthroughs for Component Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packer designs in oil and gas well applications are costly and problematic when routing alternate path systems, control lines, and other components through them while maintaining desired packer functionality.

Innovation Solution

A system and methodology that utilize packers constructed with a mandrel and an expandable metal bladder, featuring feedthroughs that allow for the placement of alternate path tubes, hydraulic lines, electric lines, or other components, enabling improved actuation and use of packers in well strings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If existing packer designs are used, then packer functionality is maintained, but routing alternate path systems and control lines through them becomes expensive and problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost and difficulty of routing componentsVSAvoidability to route alternate path systems and control lines

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The packer is divided into distinct functional segments: a mandrel section with integrated feedthroughs for routing components, and a separate expandable bladder section for sealing functionality. This segmentation allows independent optimization of component routing paths and sealing performance, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mandrel is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, serves as a routing path for alternate path systems and control lines, and maintains packer integrity during expansion. This universal design eliminates the need for separate routing mechanisms, reducing costs while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If packers are designed with integrated feedthroughs, then component routing is facilitated, but packer structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of routing components through packerVSAvoidpacker structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedthroughs are merged directly into the mandrel structure rather than being separate components. This integration allows components to be routed through the packer during assembly without requiring additional routing operations, simplifying the overall device while enhancing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The feedthroughs are pre-formed in the mandrel during manufacturing, creating ready-to-use routing paths before the packer is assembled into the wellbore. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field routing operations and reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If packers are designed with feedthroughs for multiple components, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate multiple component typesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of packer

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mandrel is designed as a universal routing platform with multiple feedthroughs that can accommodate various component types (hydraulic lines, electric lines, alternate path tubes) using the same basic structure. This multi-functionality achieves versatility without proportionally increasing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The packer design allows for parameter changes in the number, size, and positioning of feedthroughs based on specific application requirements. This flexibility enables customization without requiring entirely new tooling or manufacturing processes, controlling cost while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution facilitates efficient routing of components through packers, enhancing their functionality and reducing costs associated with maintaining packer performance in well applications.

Implementation Method 1

an expandable metal bladder which, in turn, is secured around the mandrel via suitable connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the packer may be selectively expanded to effectively form a seal between the production tubing and the surrounding wellbore wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Implementation Method 3

The mandrel is constructed with a feedthrough or a plurality of feedthroughs which enable placement of alternate path tubes, hydraulic lines, electric lines, or other components through the packer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through conduit:

Data Source

PatentUS12312902B2System and methodology for providing bypass through an expandable metal packer

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A technique facilitates improved actuation and use of packers which may be disposed along a well string placed in a borehole, e.g. a wellbore. Each packer may be constructed with or mounted about a tubing and may further comprise a mandrel disposed about or integrally formed with the tubing. The packer may further comprise a sealing element mounted about an expandable metal bladder which, in turn, is secured around the mandrel via suitable connections, e.g. end connections. The mandrel is constructed with a feedthrough or a plurality of feedthroughs which enable placement of alternate path tubes, hydraulic lines, electric lines, or other components through the packer.