Retractable Packer Plug Latch for Deep Well Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the drilling and completion industry, existing packer plug designs face challenges in efficiently latching and releasing tools from packer bores, particularly in deeper wells where applying sufficient torque is difficult, leading to lower differential pressure ratings due to concentrated loading and potential thread damage.
Innovation Solution
A packer plug with a retractable latch featuring radially compressible fingers and a housing that moves upward to radially deflect the fingers inward, utilizing a 90-degree trailing flank angle and a camming mechanism with angled ramps and tabs to facilitate release without rotation, allowing for higher differential pressure ratings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional latch with angled trailing flank is used to enable release without rotation, then ease of operation is improved, but the differential pressure rating is reduced due to concentrated loading on the thread
Solution Approach 1:
The latch finger is segmented into multiple engagement points along its trailing flank, distributing the loading across multiple thread engagements rather than concentrating force at a single point. This segmentation maintains the ability to release without rotation while reducing peak stresses on the thread, thereby preserving differential pressure rating.
2Manufacturing precision
If a 90-degree trailing flank angle is used to optimize thread engagement, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the latch becomes difficult to retract in deeper wells
Solution Approach 1:
The latch finger is designed with dynamic compliance, allowing it to flex radially inward during retraction. This dynamic behavior enables the rigid 90-degree trailing flank to engage precisely with the thread while accommodating the operational challenges of retraction in deeper wells by allowing controlled deformation during the release process.
3Reliability
If downward push insertion is used to avoid unscrewing workstring joints, then reliability is improved, but sufficient releasing torque cannot be applied at the surface in deeper wells
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying torque at the surface to release the latch (which fails in deep wells), the release mechanism is inverted to work passively. The latch finger's trailing flank is designed to disengage automatically when subjected to axial tensile loads, reversing the conventional approach of using rotational torque for release and instead using axial force to trigger release without requiring surface torque application.
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 design enables efficient latching and releasing of tools with higher differential pressure ratings by optimizing the 90-degree flank angles, reducing the risk of thread damage and improving operational efficiency in deeper wells.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radially compressible finger having threads on an exterior surface, and a housing operatively arranged to move the at least one radially compressible finger inwardly during longitudinal movement of the housing in an uphole direction
Implementation Method 2
a face radially interior to the exterior surface. The packer plug further includes a housing having at least one protrusion having a ramp. Longitudinal movement of the housing relative to the retractable latch in an uphole direction moves the at least one radially compressible finger inwardly via camming engagement between the face and the ramp
Data Source
AI summary
A packer plug includes a retractable latch having at least one radially compressible finger having threads on an exterior surface, and a housing operatively arranged to move the at least one radially compressible finger inwardly during longitudinal movement of the housing in an uphole direction.