Retrieval Tool Elongation for Sealing Assembly Diameter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore sealing assemblies face challenges in efficiently returning to a smaller diameter after expansion to navigate through tubing string restrictions, with elastomeric materials returning more easily than non-elastomeric materials like metal, leading to difficulties in retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A retrieval tool that elongates to reduce the diameter of the sealing assembly by lengthening the plug, allowing the non-elastomeric material to return to its original diameter, aided by the shape memory of the elastomeric material, facilitating easier retrieval through narrow passageways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sealing assembly is expanded to increase diameter for sealing, then the sealing capability is improved, but the difficulty of retrieval through tubing restrictions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing assembly incorporates a dynamically changeable diameter structure that can transition between expanded and collapsed states. The plug body includes collapsible elements that allow the diameter to be reduced from the expanded sealing state back to a smaller retrieval state, enabling easy passage through tubing restrictions during retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes in the physical state of the sealing assembly, specifically changing the diameter parameter. The assembly is designed to maintain a large diameter when set for sealing, then transition to a smaller diameter for retrieval by collapsing the plug body and retracting sealing elements, allowing passage through narrow passageways.
2Strength
If non-elastomeric material is used for the seal, then the seal strength is improved, but the ability to return to original diameter is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing assembly employs composite material construction combining non-elastomeric materials (such as metal or rigid polymers) for the plug body to provide strength and seal integrity, with elastomeric components incorporated for the sealing elements and collapsible structures. This composite approach allows the non-elastomeric material to provide strong sealing while the elastomeric portions facilitate diameter recovery and collapse during retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug body is segmented into collapsible sections that can be compressed and folded during retrieval. This segmentation allows the rigid non-elastomeric material to be divided into manageable sections that can be collapsed together, enabling the assembly to return to a smaller diameter for easy retrieval while maintaining seal strength when expanded.
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 assembly to be effectively returned to a smaller diameter, improving its passage through tubing string restrictions and enhancing the ease of retrieval to the surface, while maintaining a strong metal-to-metal seal.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric material may more easily return to a smaller diameter after expansion more easily than the non-elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
A retrieval tool may be used that may elongate to reduce a diameter of the sealing assembly by lengthening the plug
Data Source
AI summary
Assemblies and methods are provided for retrieving a sealing assembly from within a tubing string positioned downhole in a wellbore. The sealing assembly may include a plug that may include a non-elastomeric material at least partially surrounding an elastomeric material. The sealing assembly may be run downhole in the wellbore with the plug at an original diameter. The sealing assembly may be set such that the plug is expanded to a set diameter. The retrieval tool may be coupled to the sealing assembly and may be extended in a first direction. The extension of the retrieval tool may lengthen the sealing assembly. The lengthening of the sealing assembly may extend the length of the plug and may thereby reduce the diameter of the plug. In some aspects, the retrieval tool may reduce the diameter of the plug back to the original diameter.