Wellbore Packer Slip Setting via Bypassed Axial Force Path

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wellbore packers face challenges in efficiently applying axial force to set slips and seal elements without prematurely engaging or losing energy through elastomeric seal elements, leading to inconsistent sealing and potential seal failures during well testing operations.

Innovation Solution

A wellbore packer design that includes a setting mechanism to apply axial force along a force path, bypassing the seal member to set the slip first, and then transferring the force to the seal element, utilizing a sliding shoe assembly to minimize energy loss and delay seal element activation until slips are securely engaged with the casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If axial force is applied through the seal member to set the slip, then the slip can be engaged with the casing, but energy is lost through premature compression of the elastomeric seal element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial force applicationVSAvoidenergy loss through seal compression

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The force application path is segmented into two distinct phases: first, axial force is applied to set the slip and engage it with the casing; second, after the slip is securely engaged, axial force is then applied to compress the seal element. This segmentation prevents energy loss by ensuring the seal element is not compressed until necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slip is set and engaged with the casing as a preliminary action before the seal element is compressed. This preliminary engagement of the slip provides a stable foundation and prevents premature seal compression, thereby reducing energy loss during the setting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If axial force is applied to compress the seal element, then sealing is achieved, but the slip may not be securely engaged first leading to inconsistent sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidsealing consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The slip setting is performed as a preliminary action before seal element compression. This ensures that the slip is securely engaged with the casing prior to sealing, providing a stable foundation and ensuring consistent sealing results across different operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides mechanical feedback through the sequential setting process: the slip engagement status is indicated by the mechanical state of the packer, which then determines when seal compression should occur. This feedback mechanism ensures that sealing only proceeds after successful slip engagement, maintaining consistent sealing quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the seal element is compressed during slip setting, then sealing occurs, but energy is lost and seal failures may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal reliabilityVSAvoidenergy loss during setting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The setting process is segmented into distinct phases: slip setting phase followed by seal compression phase. This segmentation eliminates unnecessary energy loss by preventing seal compression during the slip setting phase, while still achieving reliable sealing in the second phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The potential harm of premature seal compression is converted into a benefit by using the sequential setting process. The slip engagement serves as a mechanical indicator that guides when seal compression should occur, transforming what could be a source of energy loss and seal failure into a controlled, reliable process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 design enhances the reliability of wellbore packers by maintaining seal integrity, reducing energy loss, and allowing for lower hydrostatic pressure operation, thereby improving the consistency and effectiveness of well testing operations.

Implementation Method 1

a seal element adapted to seal off a wellbore annulus when compressed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The elastomer ring may be expanded radially in various manners including mechanical manipulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

an assembly adapted to transfer the axial force around the intervening seal member to the slip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

the packer includes a sealing portion, typically an elastomer portion, which is expanded radially out from the mandrel to engage the wellbore wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial Expansion: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS8322450B2Wellbore packer

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A wellbore packer having a setting mechanism adapted to apply an axial force along a force path; a seal member connected with the setting mechanism along the force path, the seal member set in response to the application of the axial force; a slip connected with the setting mechanism downstream of the seal member along the force path, the slip set in response to the application of the axial force; and an assembly adapted to transfer the axial force around the intervening seal member to the slip.