Segmented Barrier Device Prevents Elastomer Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomeric sealing elements in wellbore tools often extrude under high compressive forces, compromising sealing integrity due to the inability to remain static, especially in hydraulic fracturing operations where high differential pressures are established.
Innovation Solution
A segmented barrier device with circumferentially overlapping segments and leaf springs that radially expand to prevent extrusion of the sealing element, maintaining a robust seal by forming a continuous circumferential profile and using a jacket to cover gaps between segments, ensuring the sealing element does not ooze or squeeze into gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high compressive force is applied to the elastomeric sealing element to achieve sufficient radial expansion and form a hydraulic seal, then sealing integrity is improved, but the sealing element may ooze, squeeze or be extruded into gaps between the barrier device and surrounding structure
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier device is divided into multiple circumferentially spaced segments that can independently expand and contract. This segmentation allows the barrier device to apply localized compressive forces to the sealing element while maintaining flexibility, preventing extrusion into gaps between segments while ensuring sufficient radial expansion for hydraulic seal formation
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier device incorporates movable segments that can dynamically adjust their radial position. The segments expand radially outward when compression is needed to prevent extrusion, and can contract or flex to accommodate the sealing element's expansion, maintaining optimal contact pressure without causing harmful extrusion
2Reliability
If the barrier device is designed with a continuous circumferential profile to prevent extrusion gaps, then extrusion prevention is improved, but device complexity increases due to segmented construction with overlapping segments and biasing members
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier device uses multiple segments that overlap circumferentially to form a continuous profile. Each segment is independently movable and can be equipped with biasing members, allowing the complex function of extrusion prevention to be achieved through modular, manageable components rather than a single complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple segments with overlapping profiles are combined to create a continuous circumferential barrier. The overlapping design allows individual segments to work together as a unified structure, where the combined effect of multiple simple segments achieves the extrusion prevention function that would be difficult to implement with a single complex component
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 solution effectively prevents extrusion of the sealing element, maintaining sealing integrity even under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, ensuring reliable wellbore isolation and preventing damage to the sealing element.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing element is elastically deformable to expand radially outward in response to an axial compression force applied between the compression surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of biasing members coupled between the housing and the plurality of segments, each biasing member urging a respective segment to a radially retracted position with respect to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore isolation tool, e.g., a bridge plug, provides the ability to seal portions of a well from production or to temporarily seal zones of a well from treatment. A bridge plug may include a sealing element supported by one or more segmented barrier devices that operate to prohibit extrusion of the sealing element as the sealing element is subjected to an axial force. The segmented barrier device may operate passively as segments are driven radially outward by the radial expansion of the sealing element when subject to the axial force and driven radially inward by leaf springs when the axial force is removed. Segments of the segmented barrier device may circumferentially overlap and form a generally flat shoulder supporting the sealing element. The segmented barrier device may include a jacket covering the segments, and a sealing element may be supported by a segmented barrier device on each axial end.