Retrievable Seal Guide Collapsing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seal guide installations in oil well construction are non-retrievable, leading to delays and increased costs due to the permanent nature of mule shoes and issues with seal stem placement.
Innovation Solution
A fully retrievable seal guide with a cone-shaped tip and collapsing ring, utilizing a spring-loaded mandrel and cam system for easy removal, along with a grapple and collapsible fingers to ensure proper seal stem positioning and prevent fluid backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent mule shoe is used for seal installation, then the seal guide provides stable positioning, but the device cannot be retrieved causing operational delays and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The seal guide transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable design. The collapsing ring mechanism allows the guide to change its configuration - expanded during installation for stable positioning, then collapsed for retrieval through the PBR, resolving the contradiction between stability and retrievability
Solution Approach 2:
The seal guide is designed as a temporary tool that is discarded after use. The collapsing ring enables the guide to be recovered by collapsing its structure and pulling it back through the PBR, eliminating operational delays associated with permanent installations
2Device complexity
If a blunt-tipped mule shoe is used, then the seal guide is simple in structure, but the seal stem wedges behind the PBR and fails to seat properly
Solution Approach 1:
The seal guide employs a cone-shaped tip instead of a blunt end. The conical geometry guides the seal stem smoothly into the PBR, preventing the stem from wedging behind the receptacle and ensuring proper seating while maintaining structural simplicity
3Ease of operation
If a retrievable seal guide is implemented with collapsing ring, then the guide can be removed efficiently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal guide is segmented into distinct functional components: the grapple for attachment, the mandrel for structural support, the collapsing ring for size reduction, and the cone-shaped tip for guidance. This segmentation enables the collapsing mechanism that facilitates easy retrieval while organizing complexity into manageable functional modules
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective installation and removal of seal stems, reducing operational delays and expenses by ensuring proper seating and easy retrieval of the seal guide.
Implementation Method 1
The mandrel is spring loaded with a spring placed under the grapple. When the unit is retrieved, a setting tool pulls the mandrel back until a cam clears the collapsible fingers on the grapple
Implementation Method 2
Near the rear end of the guide is a plug with an O-ring that prevents fluid from backing up through the RSG
Implementation Method 3
The cone-shaped tip prevents the PTSA from sticking on the PBR every time. The RSG aligns with the PBR ensuring that the seal stem is positioned properly every time
Data Source
AI summary
A retrievable seal guide (RSG) for installing a seal stem in a polished bore receptacle. The RSG has an outer grapple. Inside the grapple is a mandrel. At the end of the RSG is a bullet nose guide. The mandrel is spring loaded with a spring placed under the grapple Near the rear end of the guide is a plug with an o-ring. Note that the bullet nose has an opening formed in it. A channel is also formed down the length of the device. Note too that for tight formations of non-perforated liners the plug can be replaced with a stainless-steel ball that acts as a check valve. As the RSG is pulled out, the guide is pulled back, which compresses the spring forcing the mandrel back until a cam clears the collapsible fingers on the grapple, which allows the RSG to be withdrawn.