Retrievable Packer Push Rod Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retrievable packer systems face issues with releasing from wellbore locations due to the fragility of release components like snap rings, which can break under required force, leading to damage and increased costs for retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A retrievable packer system utilizing push rods and a lower cone with channels to move the slip device from a set position back to a run-in position, allowing for a range of forces to be applied and reducing the risk of damage to release components, with the push rods distributed around the lower cone for balanced force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If snap rings are used as release components, then the packer can be released from the wellbore location, but the snap rings can break under the required force causing failure to release
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into multiple push rods distributed around the lower cone, each independently capable of applying force. This distributes the total release force across multiple components rather than relying on a single snap ring, reducing the risk of complete failure and allowing gradual force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The push rods act as intermediary components between the retrieval mandrel and the upper cone/slip device assembly. Instead of directly loading the snap ring with high release forces, the push rods gradually push the upper cone away, mediating the force transfer and protecting the snap ring from breaking.
2Ease of operation
If high force is applied to release the slip device from the wellbore wall, then the packer can be retrieved, but the release components may suffer fatal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The push rods provide beforehand cushioning by gradually pushing the upper cone away from the lower cone before the snap ring is fully loaded. This progressive force application cushions the release process, preventing sudden high-force impacts that could damage the snap ring or other release components.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism transitions from a static snap ring design to a dynamic push rod system that can progressively apply force. The push rods can be extended incrementally, allowing the system to adapt the release force to the actual resistance encountered, avoiding excessive force application that could cause damage.
3Productivity
If conventional release methods are used, then the packer can be released, but expensive equipment and time-consuming retrieval methods are required
Solution Approach 1:
The push rods are integrated into the packer system itself, allowing the packer to perform its own release operation without requiring external cutting tools or specialized retrieval equipment. The retrieval mandrel simply needs to engage the push rods, and the system self-releases by pushing the upper cone away, significantly reducing retrieval time and eliminating the need for expensive intervention equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
The retrievable packer system includes a packer mandrel, a lock ring, an upper cone, a lower cone, a slip device, a retrieval mandrel, and a plurality of push rods. The lock ring is attached to the packer mandrel, followed by the upper cone, the slip device, the lower cone, and the retrieval mandrel. The lower cone has lower cone rod channels, and the push rods anchored on the retrieval mandrel slide through respective channels toward the upper cone. The packer system is run into the borehole with each rod in the first position relative to a tip end of the lower cone and the slip device in the run-in position. The packer system is set and can be locked at a location in the borehole. Each push rod can push the upper cone to return the slip device to the run-in position for retrieval of the packer system.