Selective Seal Stem Anchor for Tubing Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal stem anchoring systems in well operations face challenges in maintaining integrity under heavy loads while accommodating changes in tubing length due to temperature fluctuations, often compromising the tie back receptacle (TBR) with axial loads.
Innovation Solution
A seal stem anchor assembly featuring a tubular portion with body lock threads, an activation module, anchor slips, and a helical spring that selectively anchors the seal stem, allowing it to carry heavy loads and move freely with temperature-induced length changes without loading the TBR, utilizing a pocket slip anchor assembly and activation module to manage load transfer and presetting prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the seal stem is continuously anchored to support heavy loads, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but the tie back receptacle becomes overloaded and compromised by axial loads
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system transitions from a static continuous anchor to a dynamic selective anchor that can deploy and release based on operational conditions. The activation module responds to changes in tubing length due to temperature fluctuations, allowing the seal stem to be anchored when needed to support heavy loads, and released when temperature changes occur to prevent axial loading of the TBR
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in tubing length caused by temperature fluctuations to control anchor activation. When temperature changes cause tubing expansion or contraction, the activation module detects this parameter change and accordingly activates or deactivates the anchor, preventing TBR overload while maintaining load-bearing capacity when stable conditions exist
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seal stem is allowed to float freely to accommodate temperature changes, then thermal expansion is accommodated, but heavy loads cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system provides dynamic adaptability by automatically deploying when thermal stress is not present to support heavy loads, and releasing when temperature fluctuations occur to allow free movement. This dynamic behavior enables the system to switch between load-bearing mode and thermal accommodation mode as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The activation module is designed to automatically detect changes in tubing length caused by temperature fluctuations and self-regulate the anchor state without external intervention. The system serves itself by using the thermal expansion/contraction detection to automatically activate or deactivate the anchor, eliminating the need for manual control
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 system effectively anchors the seal stem to support heavy loads and accommodates tubing length changes, ensuring the TBR remains unloading and intact, with the anchor deploying and redeploying as needed, enhancing operational reliability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a helical spring positioned and biased so as to push the activation module away from the cone
Implementation Method 2
body lock threads disposed about an external portion
Data Source
AI summary
A seal stem anchor assembly of the present disclosure includes: a tubular portion having body lock threads disposed about an external portion; and an anchor assembly including an activation module about the tubular portion and proximate the body lock threads, a cone, one or more anchor slips extending between the activation module and the cone, and a helical spring positioned and biased so as to push the activation module away from the cone.