Packer Setting Device With Compressible Fluid Buffer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packer setting devices face challenges in deep wells due to high hydrostatic pressures, leading to premature actuation and component damage, particularly with pressures exceeding 20,000 psi.

Innovation Solution

A packer setting device utilizing a compressible fluid chamber and an incompressible fluid chamber, where the incompressible fluid is selectively flowed into the compressible chamber through a tortuous, fluid-restrictive path to control the setting mechanism, and a trigger device such as a frangible rupture disc or electronically actuated valve is used to manage hydrostatic pressure for controlled actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If hydrostatic pressure is used to set the packer, then the setting force is sufficient for deep well applications, but premature actuation and component crushing damage occur at pressures of 20,000 psi or greater

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting forceVSAvoidpremature actuation resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid chamber is divided into multiple small-diameter chambers filled with compressible fluid, separated from the main incompressible fluid chamber by a trigger device. This segmentation allows the system to withstand high hydrostatic pressures without premature actuation while still providing sufficient setting force when the trigger is activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compressible fluid in the small-diameter chambers acts as a cushioning medium that absorbs excess hydrostatic pressure before it can cause premature actuation or component damage. This prior cushioning protects the setting mechanism from the harmful effects of high pressure while maintaining the ability to set the packer when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Volume of moving object

If large volume chambers are used in the setting device, then the setting mechanism has sufficient volume, but the chambers are prone to crushing damage at great depths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid chamber volumeVSAvoidcrushing resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single large volume chamber, the system employs multiple small-diameter chambers filled with compressible fluid. This segmentation maintains the necessary total volume for the setting mechanism while each individual chamber is too small to be prone to crushing damage at deep well pressures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical state of the fluid from incompressible to compressible in the small-diameter chambers. This parameter change allows the chambers to accommodate pressure variations without crushing, while still providing sufficient volume for the setting function when the trigger is activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the incompressible fluid is flowed rapidly into the compressible chamber, then the setting action is fast, but rapid or undesired setting occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting speedVSAvoidcontrolled setting

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path includes a tortuous, fluid-restrictive section that creates localized resistance to fluid flow. This local quality modification ensures that the incompressible fluid flows into the compressible chamber at a controlled rate, preventing rapid or undesired setting while still achieving the setting action at an acceptable speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides a buffered setting mechanism that prevents rapid or premature setting, ensuring reliable operation even at high pressures and preventing damage to components, allowing for effective sealing in deep well conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a compressible fluid chamber... filled with a compressible fluid at a relatively low or atmospheric pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressibility:

Implementation Method 2

The substantially incompressible fluid is preferably metered into the compressible fluid chamber along a tortuous, fluid-restrictive flow path to limit the rate of flow of fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid restriction through tortuous path:

Implementation Method 3

the trigger mechanism is a frangible rupture disc that is destroyed by increasing hydrostatic pressure within the wellbore annulus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrangible rupture:

Data Source

PatentUS7891434B2Packer setting device for high hydrostatic applications

Publication Date: 2011.02.22 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A packer setting device provides a buffered setting mechanism as a substantially incompressible fluid is selectively flowed into a compressible fluid chamber to compress a compressible fluid. This fluid transfer causes movement of a setting sleeve so that an associated packer device is set within a wellbore.