Inflatable Well Packer Multiple Set Unset Cycle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inflatable packer systems for subterranean wells face challenges in efficiently setting and unsetting the packer multiple times in a single trip, which is essential for various well operations and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a flow controller that allows the inflatable packer assembly to be set and unset multiple times by controlling the inflation and deflation of the seal element through a flow passage with a flow restrictor, enabling fluid communication to be selectively permitted or prevented between different sections of the flow passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional inflatable packer system is used, then the packer can be set and unset, but it cannot be efficiently set and unset multiple times in a single trip

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of set/unset cycles per tripVSAvoidcomplexity of flow control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow passage is segmented into multiple sections with selective openable/closeable flow paths between them. This segmentation allows independent control of fluid communication between different well sections, enabling multiple set/unset cycles by selectively opening or closing specific flow paths without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow controller incorporates dynamically openable and closeable flow paths that can be adjusted during operation. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition between different flow configurations (isolating or communicating well sections) multiple times during a single trip, enabling repeated packer setting and unsetting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the packer is set multiple times in a single trip, then operational efficiency is improved, but control over inflation and deflation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidease of controlling inflation/deflation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flow passage is divided into multiple sections with selective flow paths between them, allowing independent control of fluid communication. This segmentation enables operators to control inflation and deflation by selectively opening or closing specific flow paths, simplifying the control process for multiple set/unset cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow controller acts as an intermediary mechanism between the inflation fluid source and the packer elements. By providing selective flow paths that can be opened or closed, it mediates the inflation/deflation process, making it easier to control multiple set/unset operations without direct complex intervention in each packer element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the flow passage allows fluid communication between sections, then the packer can be inflated and deflated, but isolation between well sections cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to inflate/deflate packerVSAvoidisolation between well sections

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow passage is segmented into multiple sections with selective openable/closeable flow paths. This segmentation enables the system to provide fluid communication between sections when needed for inflation/deflation, while maintaining isolation when flow paths are closed, thus achieving both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow controller provides dynamic control over fluid communication between flow passage sections. By selectively opening or closing flow paths during different operational phases, the system can maintain isolation between well sections when the packer is set, while enabling fluid communication when inflation or deflation is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution enables the packer assembly to be reliably set and unset multiple times in a single trip, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility in well operations by maintaining isolation between well sections.

Implementation Method 1

a flow restrictor between first and second sections (36a, 36b) of the flow passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow restriction:

Implementation Method 2

An inflatable seal element of the packer is internally pressurized, causing it to expand radially outward and thereby seal off the annulus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-induced expansion:

Data Source

PatentEP4006300B1Multiple setting and unsetting of inflatable well packer

Publication Date: 2025.05.07 WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

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AI summary

A system (10) for use in a subterranean well comprises a tubular string (12) with an inflatable packer assembly (20) which can include an inflatable seal element (26) having an internal inflation chamber (38), a flow passage (36) extending longitudinally through the inflatable packer assembly (20), a flow restrictor (50) between sections (36a, b) of the flow passage (36). A first selectively openable and closeable flow path (84) is disposed between the first flow passage section (36a) and an inflation chamber (38) of the seal element, and a second selectively openable and closeable flow path (52) is disposed between the second flow passage section (36b) and the inflation chamber (38).