Rotational Wellbore Plug Eliminates Backlash

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wellbore and Christmas tree plugs face issues with seal reliability under high pressure, temperature, and vibration, as well as linear locking mechanisms' backlash, leading to potential failure and hydraulic lock formation when multiple plugs are used in series.

Innovation Solution

A plug design that utilizes rotational force to set and release anchors and seal elements, eliminating the need for jarring actions and reducing linear backlash, featuring a threaded connection for mechanical locking and friction to prevent release, and employing frusto-conical washers for effective sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If linear action setting mechanism is used to create seal, then seal force can be generated, but linear backlash in locking mechanism leads to failure in high temperature, pressure and vibration environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional linear setting mechanism by using a rotational setting mechanism instead. The setting member rotates about the longitudinal axis to deform the seal element radially outward, creating seal force through rotational motion rather than linear displacement. This eliminates backlash issues inherent in linear locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the linear mechanical locking mechanism with a rotational mechanical system. The threaded connection between the setting member and seal activation member converts rotational motion into radial seal force, providing a more reliable locking mechanism that is less susceptible to backlash in harsh environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If jarring action is used to set the seal, then seal can be formed, but plug or surrounding environment can be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal formationVSAvoiddamage to plug or environment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional jarring action by using smooth rotational motion to set the seal. The rotating setting member gradually deforms the seal element radially outward through controlled rotation, eliminating the need for jarring or shock loading that can damage the plug or surrounding environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If metal seal element is used to withstand well pressures, then seal strength is sufficient, but expansion achievable is not sufficient to permit adequate clearance between plug and wellbore

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal strengthVSAvoidplug expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the seal activation mechanism into multiple components: the setting member, the seal activation member, and the frusto-conical washers. This segmentation allows the seal elements to expand radially outward in a controlled manner, creating adequate clearance between the plug and wellbore while maintaining sufficient seal strength through the threaded connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If conventional plug design is used, then sealing function is provided, but hydraulic lock can be formed between plugs when multiple plugs are located in series

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionVSAvoidhydraulic lock formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional seal expansion mechanism by using rotational motion to deform seal elements radially outward rather than linearly. This radial expansion creates adequate clearance between multiple plugs located in series, preventing hydraulic lock formation while maintaining effective sealing between the plug and conduit wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 rotational plug system enhances seal reliability and prevents hydraulic locks, ensuring effective sealing in high-pressure and high-temperature environments while allowing for easy installation and retrieval with reduced risk of damage or failure.

Implementation Method 1

the setting member and the seal activation member are coupled through a threaded connection... rotation of the setting member with respect to the seal activation member in the setting direction sets the at least one anchor and the at least one seal element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the threaded connection is arranged such that friction between the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion prevents the setting member rotating with respect to the seal activation member in the release direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8839872B2Tree plug

Publication Date: 2014.09.23 WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A plug for sealing a conduit. The plug comprises a housing, a setting member, at least one anchor and at least one seal element. Rotation of the setting member with respect to the housing in a setting direction sets the at least one anchor and the at least one seal element.