Retrievable Inflatable Plug With Separate Seal And Anchor Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable plug designs for deep gas wells fail to meet stringent sealing standards, such as V0 and V3, due to inadequate grip against differential pressure and fluid trapping issues, particularly in permanent applications.
Innovation Solution
A retrievable inflatable plug system with distinct seal and anchor elements featuring overlapping metallic ribs and valving systems, allowing separate or simultaneous inflation and deflation, with stiffener rings to enhance grip and prevent fluid trapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If separate seal and anchor inflatables are used with embedded ribs, then anchoring grip is enhanced, but fluid trapping occurs and sealing standards are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The packer is divided into separate seal and anchor inflatables, each with distinct functions. The seal inflatable has embedded ribs for sealing while the anchor inflatable has continuous ribs for gripping, preventing fluid trapping by separating the sealing function from the anchoring function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the packer have different rib configurations tailored to their specific functions. The seal portion has embedded ribs that allow fluid passage, while the anchor portion has continuous exposed ribs for maximum grip, optimizing each local region for its intended purpose.
2Strength
If stiffener rings are added to enhance grip, then anchoring strength improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffener rings are integrated with the anchor inflatable as a single combined component rather than separate parts. This merging of functions provides the necessary anchoring strength while minimizing additional complexity by combining structural support and anchoring into one element.
3Ease of operation
If overlapping ribs are used in seal element, then fluid displacement is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is segmented into overlapping rib sections that create channels for fluid displacement. This segmentation allows fluid to be pushed ahead of the expanding seal element, improving fluid displacement while the modular rib structure facilitates manufacturing through standard forming processes.
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 system effectively meets V0 and V3 sealing standards by maintaining a strong grip and preventing fluid accumulation, enabling reliable well abandonment and subsequent service restoration.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable element has embedded in it a plurality of ribs... as the inflatable continues to enlarge under increasing inflate fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
a sealing element that has overlapping metallic rib segments embedded in the opposed ends of the sealing element so that the unreinforced middle section of the sealing element comes out first to displace well fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A retrievable inflatable plug system features distinct seal and anchor elements where the seal element features overlapping ribs preferably metallic and preferably overlapping. The ribs extend the substantial length of the packer and are disposed under the annularly shaped sealing element. The anchor features exposed continuous ribs extending from opposed ends with one or more stiffener rings disposed on the exposed ribs. The elements can be inflated separately or together and include valving systems to allow deflation for selective removal of the plug to put a well back into service.