Pressure Balanced Annular Seal for Well Diverter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well diverter assemblies face issues with debris displacement through the annulus between the diverter assembly and the casing, which can hinder operation and retrieval, and create pressure differentials that shorten the seal's lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A substantially pressure-balanced annular seal device is used, which is externally disposed on the diverter assembly and slidingly engages both the mandrel and the casing, allowing longitudinal displacement to equalize pressure and prevent debris displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional annular seal device is used in a well diverter assembly, then the seal can prevent debris displacement through the annulus, but the pressure differential across the seal shortens its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter across the seal by introducing a pressure-balancing mechanism. The seal assembly includes a pressure-balancing piston that moves in response to pressure differentials, adjusting the seal position to equalize pressure across the seal interface, thereby preventing pressure-induced degradation while maintaining sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressure-balancing piston as an intermediary element between the high-pressure and low-pressure sides of the seal. This piston transfers pressure forces and enables pressure equalization across the seal interface, protecting the seal from excessive pressure differentials while maintaining the sealing function
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the annular seal device is made more robust to withstand pressure differentials, then the seal lifespan is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is designed to be self-regulating through the pressure-balancing piston mechanism. The piston automatically moves in response to pressure differentials, equalizing pressure across the seal without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms, thereby extending seal lifespan while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
3Stress or pressure
If the annular seal device is made movable to equalize pressure, then the pressure differential is reduced, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-balancing piston automatically responds to pressure differentials by moving to equalize pressure across the seal interface. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems, sensors, or complex actuation mechanisms, thereby reducing pressure differentials while maintaining ease of operation through passive, automatic pressure equalization
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 annular seal device effectively seals off debris and reduces pressure differentials, ensuring reliable operation and extended lifespan by maintaining balanced pressure across the seal.
Implementation Method 1
pressure differential across the annular seal device can be reduced by movement of the annular seal device on the diverter assembly
Implementation Method 2
slidingly engages both the mandrel and the casing
Data Source
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AI summary
A diverter assembly can include a diverter having a deflection surface, and an annular seal device externally disposed and longitudinally displaceable on the assembly in response to a pressure differential being applied across the device. A well system can include a diverter assembly positioned in a casing, the assembly including a diverter and an annular seal device that seals off an annulus between the assembly and the casing, whereby a pressure differential across the device is reduced by movement of the device on the assembly. A method of sealing off an annulus formed between a diverter assembly and a casing can include positioning an annular seal device on a mandrel, the device being slidingly and sealingly engaged with an outer surface of the mandrel, connecting the mandrel to a diverter, and installing the assembly comprising the device, the mandrel and the diverter in the casing.