Segmented Ring Assembly for Downhole Fluid Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole operations in oil and gas wells face challenges in forming reliable fluid barriers and seals, particularly in perforating and stimulation processes, where existing solutions lack efficiency and versatility in deploying and expanding segmented ring assemblies to effectively engage with various well components.
Innovation Solution
A segmented ring assembly composed of arcuate segments that can be compressed to produce radial and tangential forces, forming metal-to-metal fluid seals and expanding to create a continuously extending ring for receiving untethered objects, thereby facilitating fluid barriers and seals within the well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a segmented ring assembly is deployed in the well to form fluid barriers and seals, then the reliability of fluid sealing is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the segmented structure and deployment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The ring assembly is divided into multiple arcuate segments that can be compressed and expanded. Each segment contains sealing surfaces that engage with adjacent segments to form metal-to-metal fluid seals. The segmentation allows the assembly to be deployed in a compressed state and expanded to form a continuous ring with reliable sealing between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented ring assembly is deployed within a cylindrical tube or conveyance mechanism. The segments are nested within the tube in a compressed configuration, allowing them to be transported to the well location. Upon deployment, the segments expand outward from the tube to form the expanded ring assembly with sealing surfaces engaged.
2Reliability
If the segmented ring assembly is compressed to produce radial and tangential forces for forming seals, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented ring assembly is pre-configured with sealing surfaces and geometric features that facilitate seal formation upon compression. The segments are designed with complementary mating surfaces that automatically align and engage when compressed between the first fixed element and the second unfixed element, reducing the force required to achieve effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring assembly segments are designed with arcuate shapes and curved sealing surfaces that conform to the cylindrical geometry of the wellbore or tube. The curved surfaces distribute compression forces more evenly and create effective metal-to-metal seals through radial and tangential force components generated during compression.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ring assembly is expanded to form a continuously extending ring for receiving untethered objects, then the versatility of downhole operations is improved, but the volume occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring assembly transitions between two dynamic states: a compressed state for deployment and transport within the cylindrical tube, and an expanded state for downhole operations. The segments are designed to flex and expand radially when force is applied, transforming the assembly from a compact configuration to an expanded continuous ring that can receive untethered objects such as balls or plugs for various downhole operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring assembly utilizes radial expansion to transition from a compact linear configuration during deployment to a three-dimensional expanded ring structure for operations. By expanding in the radial dimension, the assembly forms a continuous ring with sufficient volume to receive and retain untethered objects while maintaining a compact form factor during transport through the wellbore.
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 enables efficient deployment and operation of downhole tools by forming reliable fluid barriers and seals, enhancing the effectiveness of perforating and stimulation processes, allowing for multiple stages of well operations with improved fluid management and tool engagement.
Implementation Method 1
using the second element to compress the assembly to produce radially and tangentially acting forces on segments of the assembly
Implementation Method 2
produce radial and tangentially acting forces to form metal-to-metal fluid seals between the segments
Data Source
AI summary
A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying a segmented ring assembly in the well; and disposing the segmented ring assembly between a first element fixed in place in the well and a second unfixed element. The technique includes using the second element to compress the assembly to produce radially and tangentially acting forces on segments of the assembly.