Packer Seal Extrusion Prevention via Pivoting Leaves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packer assemblies face limitations in annulus differential pressure rating due to extrusion of seal elements, and there is a need to extend lines longitudinally through the seal elements without compromising sealing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A packer assembly design that includes end rings with removable portions and longitudinally extending leaves, which allow lines to be installed from the side and prevent extrusion of the seal element by pivoting radially outward, securing the lines within channels and openings to maintain sealing integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lines are extended longitudinally through the seal element, then data transmission and operational efficiency are improved, but the seal element is prone to extrusion and sealing integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The end ring is segmented into a body portion and removable portions that can be separated to accommodate line installation. The leaves are also segmented structures that can pivot independently to prevent extrusion while allowing line passage through the seal element.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaves provide extrusion prevention in the radial dimension by pivoting outward, while the lines extend through the seal element in the longitudinal dimension. This multi-dimensional approach allows both functions to coexist without interfering with each other.
2Stress or pressure
If the annulus differential pressure rating is increased, then sealing performance is improved, but the seal element becomes susceptible to extrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The leaves are pre-positioned in a radially inward position during installation, but are designed to automatically pivot to a radially outward position when extrusion force is detected, creating a preliminary protective barrier against high differential pressures before extrusion can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaves act as an intermediary structure between the high-pressure annulus environment and the seal element, absorbing and redirecting extrusion forces away from the seal element while allowing the seal to maintain its sealing function under differential pressure.
3Ease of operation
If removable portions are added to the end ring for line installation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removable portions are extracted from the end ring body as separate components that can be detached for line installation and then reattached. This extraction approach simplifies the installation process while the modular nature minimizes the increase in overall 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
The design effectively prevents seal element extrusion and ensures reliable sealing and data transmission through the annulus, enhancing the operational efficiency of packer assemblies in subterranean wells by allowing longitudinal line extension and maintaining sealing integrity during swelling.
Implementation Method 1
a seal element which is extended radially outward into sealing contact with the wellbore and which swells in response to contact with a selected fluid in the well to seal off an annulus
Implementation Method 2
at least one end ring including leaves which are biased radially outward when the seal element extends radially outward, so as to prevent extrusion of the seal element through the annulus
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A packer assembly can include an annular seal element and an end ring including leaves formed on a body of the end ring, whereby the leaves are biased radially outward when the seal element extends radially outward. A method of sealing an annulus in a subterranean well can include positioning a circumferential series of leaves radially outwardly overlying an annular seal element of a packer assembly, and the leaves pivoting radially outward in response to swelling of the seal element. Another packer assembly can include an annular seal element which swells in response to contact with a selected fluid in the well, and an end ring including an end ring body with a removable portion being engaged with the end ring body via interlocking profiles.