Remotely Actuated Drag Blocks for Downhole Packer Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Downhole tools equipped with spring-biased drag blocks face challenges in deploying and retrieving these tools, especially in subsea wells, as existing systems lack efficient mechanisms to remotely and selectively move drag blocks between retracted and extended positions without risking damage or getting stuck during deployment and retrieval.

Innovation Solution

A packer assembly with a tubular mandrel and selectively-actuated retention and retraction sleeves allows drag blocks to be moved radially between retracted and extended positions, using retainers and a retraction sleeve with windows to control the drag blocks' position, enabling remote actuation and preventing damage during deployment and retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If drag blocks are configured in radially extended position for gripping casing, then frictional grip and control mechanism function is improved, but risk of damage and getting stuck during deployment and retrieval increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrictional grip reliabilityVSAvoiddamage risk during deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drag blocks are made dynamically positionable through a retention sleeve mechanism that allows radial movement between extended and retracted positions. The retention sleeve can be selectively actuated to release drag blocks from their extended gripping position, enabling them to be retracted for safe deployment and retrieval operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drag blocks are pre-configured in a retracted position during deployment, and the retention sleeve is pre-positioned to enable selective release. This preliminary configuration allows the tool to be deployed safely with drag blocks retracted, then activated to extend and grip the casing when needed for the packing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If drag blocks are held in retracted position during deployment, then ease of insertion and retrieval is improved, but ability to grip casing when needed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment easeVSAvoidcasing grip capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention sleeve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drag blocks and the tool body. It provides a controlled interface that allows drag blocks to be held in a retracted position during deployment, then selectively released to extend and grip the casing when needed, mediating between the conflicting requirements of easy deployment and reliable gripping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If retention sleeve is selectively actuated to release drag blocks, then ability to move between positions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition control flexibilityVSAvoidretention mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention sleeve is actuated by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure applied through a control line from the surface. This allows selective expansion and contraction of the retention sleeve to release or secure the drag blocks, providing a relatively simple actuation mechanism compared to purely mechanical systems while maintaining position control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 allows for safe and controlled deployment and retrieval of downhole tools by maintaining drag blocks in a retracted position during insertion and extending them only when necessary, reducing the risk of damage and hang-ups, enhancing operational efficiency in subsea environments.

Implementation Method 1

spring-biased drag blocks that extend radially outwardly from the tool to frictionally grip the casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Implementation Method 2

frictionally grip the casing or other area in the underground well

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

selectively remotely move the drag blocks to and/or from an extended position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 4

at least one selectively-actuated retention sleeve is disposed between the mandrel and the drag blocks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic actuation: Gas Compressor

Data Source

PatentUS9284814B2Downhole tool with remotely actuated drag blocks and methods

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

Apparatus useful for remotely actuating the drag blocks of a downhole tool includes at least one remotely actuated sleeve configured to allow the drag blocks to move from one position to another when the downhole tool is disposed in a well bore.