Rotatable Cup Sealing Apparatus for In Situ Milling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole sealing technologies face challenges in being millable or machinable in situ, which is necessary for certain wellbore operations, as they are not designed to withstand drilling or milling processes without being compromised.
Innovation Solution
A downhole sealing apparatus with a cup sealing assembly that is rotatably coupled to a mandrel, featuring a mechanical interlock and radially extending interlocks, allowing it to be securely locked and machined in place, and includes a radially expandable seal support member and a cup sealing element that can be expanded by fluid pressure to establish a seal, while being made from millable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a downhole sealing apparatus is designed to be securely locked to a mandrel, then sealing reliability is improved, but the apparatus cannot be milled or machined in situ
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing apparatus employs a rotatable coupling mechanism that transitions from a locked state during sealing operation to a rotatable state during milling operations. The mechanical interlock with radially extending members allows the apparatus to be securely locked to the mandrel for sealing, then permits rotation when needed for milling, providing dynamic adaptability between conflicting operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a mechanical interlock system with radially extending members for secure locking, and a rotatable connection system for milling operations. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function while working together to resolve the contradiction between secure locking and millability
2Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical interlock is used to secure the cup sealing assembly to the mandrel, then sealing stability is improved, but the apparatus becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical interlock with radially extending members serves multiple functions: it provides secure locking of the cup sealing assembly to the mandrel, enables rotational movement when needed, and maintains sealing stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving sealing stability
3Ease of manufacture
If the cup sealing assembly is made from millable materials, then ease of milling is improved, but sealing durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing apparatus utilizes composite material construction where the structural components are made from millable materials that can be easily machined, while the sealing elements use durable sealing materials. This composite approach allows different material properties to be optimized for their specific functions: millability for structural parts and durability for sealing surfaces
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 the sealing apparatus to be effectively milled or machined in situ, maintaining its sealing functionality and allowing for efficient wellbore operations without compromising the seal, and can be easily removed or retained in place as needed.
Implementation Method 1
a cup sealing element that can be expanded by fluid pressure to establish a seal
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole sealing apparatus includes a cup sealing assembly defining a central bore to permit mounting on a mandrel. At least a portion of the cup sealing assembly is configured to be rotatably coupled to a mandrel. Such a downhole sealing assembly may be millable when in situ.