Downhole Packer Ring Segmentation for Continuous Line Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional packer assembly systems in wellbore operations often fail to accommodate communication and control lines effectively, leading to incomplete sealing and signal degradation due to the need for splices, which create weak points and compromise the integrity of the seal.
Innovation Solution
A packer system with a mandrel and ring components that include key members and gaps, allowing a line to bypass the packing element without splices by interlocking and unlocking key members to enable or restrict access through the rings, ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted line for communication and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a line is run through the packing element or through the mandrel, then the line can be installed, but the packer assembly cannot seal completely
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into two halves that can be separated to create a gap, allowing the line to pass through while maintaining seal integrity when closed
Solution Approach 2:
A key member acts as an intermediary mechanism to control the gap opening and closing, enabling line passage while maintaining sealing when closed
2Ease of manufacture
If splices are used in the line, then the line can be installed through the packer, but signal quality degrades and weak points are created
Solution Approach 1:
The line is extracted from the packing element and routed through the ring structure, eliminating the need for splices and maintaining signal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The line maintains continuous integrity by passing through the ring structure without splices, ensuring uninterrupted signal transmission
3Reliability
If key members are inserted into gaps, then the ring structure is interlocked and sealed, but the line cannot pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure transitions from a closed interlocked state (when key members are inserted) to an open state (when key members are removed), allowing dynamic access for line installation while maintaining seal integrity during operation
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for use in a wellbore that includes a mandrel having an interior and an exterior with a plurality of keyed ring members along the exterior of the mandrel having an external line that runs the length of the tool. The tool may include a packing element positioned between at least a first keyed ring member and a keyed second ring member. A line is run between the exterior of the mandrel and an interior of the packing element, through an inner bore of the first ring, and through an inner bore of the second ring. Key members may be removed from the ring members to permit the insertion of the line through the packer system. The key members may be removed to removal of a ring component from the packer system. The key members and ring component enable a tool to be constructed onsite at a wellbore.