Well Packer Mandrel Lock Device Nonrotating Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well packers face challenges in effectively sealing and gripping wellbore surfaces without causing damage to the mandrel or improper operation, particularly in maintaining one-way displacement of sealing and gripping elements post-activation.
Innovation Solution
A mandrel lock device with a body lock ring and bias sleeve is used to prevent rotation and ensure one-way displacement of the wedge device and seal elements relative to the mandrel, allowing for secure sealing and gripping without damaging the mandrel surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional setting mechanism is used to compress seal elements and extend slips, then the packer can seal and grip the wellbore, but the mandrel may rotate or the sealing/gripping elements may retract improperly
Solution Approach 1:
The setting mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a mandrel lock device with teeth that engages with the mandrel, a separate wedge device for one-way displacement, and independent seal elements and slips. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with others, ensuring reliable sealing and gripping while preventing mandrel rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel lock device acts as an intermediary between the setting mechanism and the mandrel. Its teeth engage with corresponding teeth on the mandrel to prevent rotation, while the wedge device serves as an intermediary to transmit setting forces in one direction only. These intermediary components mediate the interaction between moving parts, ensuring controlled one-way displacement and preventing improper retraction.
2Ease of manufacture
If the packer allows rotation during setting, then the mechanism can be activated, but the mandrel surface may be damaged or the operation may become improper
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel lock device with engaging teeth is pre-configured to prevent mandrel rotation before the setting operation begins. This preliminary anti-action counteracts any potential rotational forces that could damage the mandrel surface, allowing the setting mechanism to be activated safely without causing harmful effects to the mandrel.
3Ease of operation
If the sealing and gripping elements are allowed to retract freely, then the packer can be installed, but the elements may not maintain proper engagement with the wellbore surface
Solution Approach 1:
The packer employs dynamic one-way displacement characteristics through the wedge device and mandrel lock mechanism. During installation, the elements can move freely in the setting direction, but after activation, they are locked in place and cannot retract. This dynamic behavior allows easy installation while ensuring reliable engagement maintenance during production.
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 mandrel lock device ensures stable and secure sealing and gripping of the wellbore surfaces, preventing retraction of the sealing and gripping elements and maintaining engagement, thus enhancing the operational reliability and longevity of the packer assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a bias sleeve which urges the body lock ring toward gripping engagement with the mandrel in response to displacement of the structure in the second direction relative to the mandrel
Data Source
AI summary
A method of constructing a packer assembly can include installing a body lock ring on a mandrel, and then outwardly surrounding the body lock ring with a structure displaceable relative to the mandrel by a setting mechanism. A packer assembly can include a setting mechanism which displaces a structure relative to a mandrel, and a mandrel lock device which permits one way displacement of the structure relative to the mandrel, the mandrel lock device including a body lock ring and a bias sleeve which urges the body lock ring into gripping engagement with the mandrel, the bias sleeve and the structure being separate elements of the packer assembly. The bias sleeve can be secured against rotation relative to the mandrel while the structure is rotatable relative to the mandrel.