Segmented Plugging Device for Narrow Well Bore Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plugging devices struggle to pass through narrow well bores in their retracted state and expand sufficiently to seal wider sections, limiting their applicability in various oil and gas wells, especially when materials with poor elongation properties are used.
Innovation Solution
A plugging device design featuring a mandrel with a sealing device comprising multiple elastic or ductile bodies that expand radially through axial displacement of supporting devices, allowing for significant diameter increase from retracted to expanded states, utilizing inclined surfaces and extrusion prevention mechanisms to maintain material integrity and prevent extrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the sealing device uses a single sealing body made of elastic or ductile material, then the device can pass through narrow well bores, but the expansion capability is limited and material tension is high
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into multiple sealing bodies (first sealing body, second sealing body, and optionally third sealing body) arranged axially adjacent to each other. Each sealing body expands independently when axially compressed by the supporting devices, allowing the overall device to achieve greater diameter expansion capability while distributing material tension across multiple separate sealing elements rather than concentrating it in a single body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing device is designed for high expansion ratio, then it can seal wider well bores, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple sealing bodies are arranged axially adjacent to each other in a nested configuration around the mandrel, with each sealing body capable of independent radial expansion. This nested arrangement allows the device to adapt to various well bore sizes through controlled expansion of individual sealing bodies while maintaining a relatively compact and organized structural design that does not excessively increase overall device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sealing device uses materials with poor elongation properties, then material integrity is maintained, but expansion capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sealing device into multiple separate sealing bodies, each made of materials with poor elongation properties but good material integrity, the device achieves overall expansion capability through the cumulative effect of multiple bodies expanding in sequence. The axial compression applied by the supporting devices distributes the expansion force across multiple sealing bodies, allowing each material to expand within its elastic limits while maintaining integrity, rather than requiring a single body of material to undergo excessive elongation.
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 device to pass through narrow well bores and effectively seal wider sections while utilizing a broader range of materials, reducing material tension and preventing extrusion, thus enhancing sealing performance and adaptability across different well configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a second, sealing body made of an elastic or ductile material and provided circumferentially around the mandrel
Implementation Method 2
a second, sealing body made of an elastic or ductile material and provided circumferentially around the mandrel
Implementation Method 3
an inner surface of the second, sealing body is engaged with an outer surface of the first body in the expanded state; the second sealing body is moved from the retracted state to the expanded state by an axial displacement of at least one of the supporting devices towards each other
Data Source
AI summary
A plugging device for sealing against an inner surface of a pipe includes a mandrel, a sealing device, and an actuating device. The sealing device includes a first body provided circumferentially around the mandrel, an upper supporting device provided axially above the first body, and a lower supporting device provided axially below the first body. The actuating device is connected to at least one of the supporting devices for actuating the sealing device between a retracted state and an expanded state. The sealing device includes a second, sealing body provided circumferentially around the mandrel. An inner surface of the second sealing body is engaged with an outer surface of the first body in the expanded state. The second sealing body is moved from the retracted state to the expanded state by an axial displacement of at least one of the supporting devices towards each other.