Rigid Intermediate Containment Ring for High-Pressure Packer Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole tools face challenges in effectively sealing and communicating with the wellbore formation to collect samples or inject fracking fluids, often resulting in leakage and limited fracturing pressures due to the deformation of elastomeric rings under high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A packer design comprising a rigid base, inner elastomeric ring, rigid intermediate containment ring, and outer elastomeric ring, which provides a concentric and bi-directional sealing mechanism to maintain fluid communication and withstand high pressures, including the use of a rigid fluid tube and optional filter, to prevent deformation and enhance sealing and fracturing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric rings are used for sealing in packers, then sealing capability is improved, but deformation under high pressure occurs leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The packer employs a composite sealing system combining elastomeric rings with a rigid intermediate containment ring. The elastomeric rings (inner and outer) provide conformal sealing capability against the wellbore formation, while the rigid intermediate containment ring provides structural support to prevent deformation under high fracturing pressures. This composite approach allows the sealing system to simultaneously achieve both sealing reliability and deformation resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid intermediate containment ring acts as an intermediary structural element between the inner and outer elastomeric rings. It provides mechanical support to the elastomeric rings, preventing them from deforming under pressure while allowing them to maintain their sealing function. The containment ring mediates between the pressure loads and the elastomeric sealing elements.
2Device complexity
If single elastomeric ring design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing durability under varying pressures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple functional components: an inner elastomeric ring for primary sealing, a rigid intermediate containment ring for structural support, and an outer elastomeric ring for secondary sealing and pressure distribution. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, enhancing overall sealing durability under varying pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-ring design creates a composite sealing structure that combines the advantages of elastomeric materials (flexibility, conformability) with rigid materials (structural strength, deformation resistance). This composite approach extends the duration and reliability of sealing performance under varying wellbore conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastomeric rings are used for sealing, then adaptability to wellbore conditions is improved, but deformation under high pressure causes leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of elastomeric rings with rigid containment structure allows the packer to adapt to varying wellbore conditions (different diameters, surface irregularities) while maintaining leakage prevention. The elastomeric rings provide conformability to the formation wall, and the rigid intermediate ring ensures structural integrity under high pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid intermediate containment ring serves as a mediator that protects the elastomeric sealing rings from excessive deformation under high pressure while allowing them to maintain their adaptability to wellbore geometry. This intermediary structure enables the elastomeric rings to function effectively across a range of pressure conditions.
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 packer design improves sealing durability, adaptability, and deformation resistance, allowing for effective fluid sampling and injection while maintaining a strong seal under varying wellbore conditions and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
an inner elastomeric ring carried by the rigid base and having a third opening aligned with the second opening, and an outer elastomeric ring carried by the rigid base and surrounding the rigid intermediate containment ring
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool for a wellbore within a geological formation may include a housing to be lowered into the wellbore, a probe carried by the housing having a first opening therein, and a packer carried by the probe. The packer may include a rigid base having a second opening therein aligned with the first opening, an inner elastomeric ring carried by the rigid base and having a third opening aligned with the second opening, a rigid intermediate containment ring carried by the rigid base and surrounding the inner elastomeric ring, and an outer elastomeric ring carried by the rigid base and surrounding the rigid intermediate containment ring.