Resettable Backup Ring for Tubular Seal Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Annular seals in hydrocarbon recovery systems face extrusion issues due to high differential pressures across the seal, where the seal can be extruded through a small gap between the tubular surfaces, despite various configurations aimed at limiting this, there is a need for improved methods to handle higher pressure differentials effectively.
Innovation Solution
A resettable antiextrusion system comprising a backup ring, a ramp, and a gauge ring, where the backup ring is displaced radially to occupy the clearance space entirely, preventing extrusion, and can be retracted to a smaller dimension for system repositioning, utilizing a frustoconical surface and threaded connections for axial movement and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal is designed to resist extrusion under high differential pressure, then the seal's extrusion resistance is improved, but the seal may become stuck or damage other tools due to inability to retract
Solution Approach 1:
The backup ring is segmented with radial openings that allow it to be divided into sections. This segmentation enables the ring to expand radially to fill the clearance space and prevent extrusion, while also allowing it to be compressed back for retrieval without becoming stuck in the annular seal assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup ring transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that can change its radial dimension. By applying compressive force, the ring expands radially to occupy the clearance space and prevent extrusion. When the force is removed, the ring can be compressed back to its original smaller dimension, enabling retrieval and multiple cycles of operation.
2Reliability
If the backup ring is expanded to fill the clearance space entirely, then extrusion prevention is improved, but the system complexity increases due to expansion and retraction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The backup ring utilizes the applied compressive force itself to achieve expansion. The force that drives the annular seal into the clearance space also causes the backup ring to expand radially through its segmented structure. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate expansion actuators or complex mechanical systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable extrusion prevention.
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
Effectively prevents extrusion under high differential pressures while allowing for multiple cycles of setting and unsetting, ensuring reliable sealing without risk of becoming stuck or damaging other tools, by maintaining a full clearance obstruction and allowing for repositioning without exceeding the gauge size.
Implementation Method 1
A ramp 24 exhibits a frustoconical surface 26 that interacts with the backup ring 22 during axial compression of system 10 to cause the backup ring 22 to gain in radial dimension
Implementation Method 2
The two threads are complementary and engage one another through the openings 30 when the backup ring 22, ramp 24 and gauge ring 16 are assembled
Data Source
AI summary
A resettable antiextrusion system including a backup ring, a ramp in operable communication with the backup ring, and a gauge ring attached to the ramp. A method for sealing a tubular.