Segmented Support Assembly for Downhole Sealing Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Deformable sealing elements in downhole tools, such as packers and bridge plugs, face issues with permanent deformation and seal failure due to compressive loads, leading to difficulties in retracting the elements and maintaining a seal, especially when subjected to pressure differentials and elevated temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with elastically deformable support members and guide members that provide a continuous surface for the sealing element, featuring inclined guide surfaces and segments that maintain a circumferential seal and prevent elastomeric material migration, allowing for radial expansion and retraction without permanent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressive loads are applied to the sealing element to urge it into abutment with the tubing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but permanent deformation of the sealing element occurs making retraction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple segments that can move independently. These segments allow the support member to expand radially outwardly to support the sealing element during compression, while maintaining the ability to retract by allowing segments to move back to their original positions, thus preventing permanent deformation of the sealing element.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can change its radial position. By making the support member expandable and retractable, it can adapt to the sealing element's deformation during compression and then return to its initial state, enabling the sealing element to be retracted without permanent deformation.
2Reliability
If the sealing element is compressed axially into abutment with the tubing, then sealing engagement is improved, but the sealing element extrudes axially along the wellbore reducing sealing effect
Solution Approach 1:
The support member acts as an intermediary between the sealing element and the external environment. It provides radial support to the sealing element during compression, preventing the sealing element from extruding axially along the wellbore, thus maintaining sealing effectiveness without compromising the sealing engagement.
3Ease of operation
If garter springs are incorporated into the sealing element to address deformation issues, then retraction is improved, but the springs become permanently deformed requiring complete replacement of the sealing element
Solution Approach 1:
The garter springs are removed from the sealing element and replaced with a support member that provides similar support functionality. The support member is designed to expand and retract without permanent deformation, eliminating the need to replace the entire sealing element after use and improving reusability while maintaining retraction capability.
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 support assembly effectively reduces axial extrusion of the sealing element, maintains a continuous seal, and enables full retraction of the sealing element, enhancing the tool's reusability and sealing effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastically deformable support member adapted to be located between the respective end of the sealing element and an actuating member of the downhole tool
Implementation Method 2
a guide member having an inclined guide surface along which the support member travels when a force is exerted on the sealing element by the respective actuating member to expand the sealing element radially
Implementation Method 3
the segments being arranged such that when moved radially outwardly they maintain a continuous surface abutting the respective end of the sealing element
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for a deformable sealing element of a downhole tool, such as a packer or a bridge plug. The assembly comprises a first and a second support device. The first and the second support devices each comprise at least one support member which support member includes a plurality of segments located on an outer surface thereof, the segments being arranged such that when moved radially outwardly they maintain a continuous surface abutting the respective end of the sealing element. A downhole tool having a deformable sealing element and including a support assembly for a deformable sealing element is described.