Seal Stinger Insertion in Wellbore Packers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for inserting a seal stinger into a packer in a wellbore to straddle a damaged zone are complex and prone to damage, requiring high impulse forces that can harm equipment and necessitate separate tools for seating the seal stinger and upper packer.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a running tool with a latch that anchors to the lower packer, allowing a ram to push the seal stinger into the packer receptacle without jarring, and simultaneously setting the upper packer using a long stroke, reducing the need for additional tools and minimizing force requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If high impulse forces are applied to insert the seal stinger into the packer, then the seal stinger can be positioned in the packer receptacle, but equipment damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion forceVSAvoidequipment integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using a controlled expansion mechanism for the packer that gradually positions the seal stinger into the receptacle, avoiding sudden high-impact forces. The packer elements expand in a controlled manner to push the seal stinger home without jarring impacts that could damage equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical jarring system with a controlled expansion system. Instead of using impact forces to seat the seal stinger, the system uses controlled radial expansion of the packer elements to gradually and smoothly position the seal stinger into the receptacle, eliminating the need for high-impact mechanical forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If separate tools are used to seat the seal stinger and upper packer, then each component can be positioned accurately, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of seating the seal stinger and positioning the upper packer into a single integrated operation. The controlled expansion of the packer simultaneously achieves both objectives: it positions the seal stinger into the receptacle and sets the upper packer in place, eliminating the need for separate tools and operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The packer expansion mechanism serves multiple functions: it expands to seal against the wellbore, pushes the seal stinger into the receptacle, and positions the upper packer. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized tools while maintaining positioning accuracy for all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of stationary object

If jarring forces are applied to position the straddle assembly deeper in the wellbore, then placement depth increases, but equipment damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement depthVSAvoidequipment integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces impact-based jarring mechanics with controlled expansion mechanics to achieve deeper placement. The gradual radial expansion of the packer allows the straddle assembly to be positioned at greater depths without subjecting equipment to damaging impact forces, as the expansion force is applied smoothly and controllably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies beforehand cushioning by using controlled, gradual expansion rather than sudden impacts to achieve deeper placement. The expansion mechanism is designed to progressively position the assembly to the target depth while cushioning against equipment damage throughout the entire positioning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This approach reduces the risk of equipment damage, simplifies the positioning process, and allows for deeper placement of the straddle assembly by eliminating the need for separate jarring forces, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of hydrocarbon extraction.

Implementation Method 1

The two wellbore packers include a lower packer and an upper packer... The lower packer is positioned along the casing below the zone to be isolated... pushes the upper packer to set the upper packer above the lower packer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Data Source

PatentUS11180970B2Insertion of a seal stinger into a packer positioned in a wellbore to facilitate straddling a damaged zone within the wellbore

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A lower packer, seal stinger, upper packer, running tool, and setting tool is positioned into the wellbore. A force is applied by the setting tool, which causes the seal stinger to be pushed into a seal receptacle of the lower packer. The seal stinger is pushed by pushing the running tool which causes the upper packer to be pushed which causes the seal stinger to be pushed. A force is also applied by an internal rod of the setting tool to pull the running tool which causes the running tool to hold the lower packer in place as the seal stinger is pushed into the seal receptacle. The running tool and setting tool is then removed from the wellbore, wherein the lower packer, seal stinger, and upper packer comprise the straddle assembly.