Sealing System with Self-Energizing Anchor and Beam Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional through-tubing sealing systems in the oil and gas industry face challenges with high expansion requirements, where the independence of anchoring and sealing systems leads to inefficient load distribution, and the reliance on initial pack-off force results in compromised seal performance due to temperature and pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A sealing system with a housing, annular seals, and a seal backup with an anchor surface, where the annular seal and anchor surface are energized by an actuation force to form a secure contact with the tubular conduit, utilizing a self-energizing mechanism and beam springs to maintain engagement under varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical through tubing sealing systems use independent anchoring and sealing systems activated by linear displacement, then the seal can be set in place, but the overall length of the system increases and the displacement necessary to set the seal is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anchoring system and sealing system into a single integrated unit where the seal backup serves dual functions as both the anchor and the backup for the sealing element. This merging eliminates the need for separate anchoring components and reduces the overall system length and setting displacement required.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal backup is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as the anchor to secure the seal in place, provides mechanical backup support for the sealing element, and enables the self-energizing mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and shortens the system length.
2Reliability
If conventional mechanical sealing systems rely on initial pack off force applied to the sealing element, then the seal can be installed, but seal performance is compromised when temperature and pressure change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-energizing mechanism where the sealing system automatically increases its own sealing force in response to applied pressure. The fluid pressure acts on the seal backup to force the sealing element tighter against the tubular conduit, and the same pressure forces the anchor surface into tighter engagement with the conduit wall, eliminating reliance on initial pack-off force alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system utilizes changes in pressure and temperature conditions to its advantage. Instead of resisting these changes, the design allows the sealing force and anchoring force to increase automatically in response to applied pressure, adapting the system's performance parameters to match the operating conditions.
3Ease of operation
If inflatable through tubing seals use an inflate medium to expand the seal, then mechanical displacement is reduced, but the integrity of the setting medium varies due to chemical, thermal and mechanical response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the inflatable medium mechanism with a mechanical self-energizing system. Instead of using gas or liquid pressure to expand the seal, the system uses the well's own fluid pressure acting on the seal backup structure to mechanically force the sealing element and anchor surface into engagement, eliminating the need for separate inflate media and their associated reliability issues.
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 solution reduces the displacement needed for seal placement, maintains seal integrity across changing conditions, and enhances anchoring performance, allowing the system to withstand pressures from multiple directions while being compact and adaptable to various diameters.
Implementation Method 1
beam springs for maintaining engagement
Implementation Method 2
beam springs for maintaining engagement
Implementation Method 3
a first portion of the annular seal forms a contact seal with the tubular conduit
Implementation Method 4
a second portion of the annular seal presses the anchor surface to maintain contact between the anchor surface and the tubular conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing system and method for sealing a tubular conduit, the sealing system includes a housing, at least one annular seal surrounding the outer surface of the housing, at least one seal back-up mounted on the housing outer surface, and seal and anchor energising means for urging the annular seal and the anchor surface into contact with the tubular conduit in response to an actuation force.