Sequential Actuation of Packer Sealing Element and Slips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packer systems for well applications face challenges in securely sealing and gripping the borehole surface, particularly in ensuring that the slips engage effectively to maintain a secure seal.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a packer with a center structure, a packer element structure featuring a radially expandable sealing element, and an actuator member connected via a release mechanism. This configuration allows for sequential actuation of the sealing element and slips, creating a jarring effect to ensure secure engagement with the borehole surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the packer uses simultaneous expansion of sealing element and slips, then the setting process is simpler, but the slips may not securely bite into the borehole surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslip engagement reliabilityVSAvoidactuation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation process is segmented into two distinct phases: first expanding the sealing element, then expanding the slips. This is achieved through a sequential valve mechanism that controls fluid distribution, allowing each component to be set in the optimal sequence for maximum reliability without requiring complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element is expanded first as a preliminary action before the slips are expanded. This preliminary sealing creates a controlled environment and ensures the borehole surface is properly prepared for slip engagement, improving the likelihood of secure biting while maintaining a relatively simple actuation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the packer uses sequential actuation with release mechanism, then the slips engage more securely, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveborehole isolation reliabilityVSAvoidrelease mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A release mechanism acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the slips. This intermediary component controls the timing of slip expansion, ensuring they are set after the sealing element is properly positioned. The release mechanism uses a simple shear-pin or frangible link design that adds minimal complexity while significantly improving borehole isolation reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static connected state to a dynamic sequential actuation state. The release mechanism allows the actuator to first expand the sealing element, then dynamically shifts to expand the slips afterward. This dynamic sequencing improves reliability by ensuring proper engagement sequence without requiring overly complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the packer uses sequential setting motion, then the slips bite more effectively into challenging metallurgies, but the actuation process takes longer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip securityVSAvoidsetting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation process uses periodic fluid distribution through the sequential valve, alternating between expanding the sealing element and then the slips. This periodic action allows each component to be set with sufficient force and time for effective engagement into challenging metallurgies, while the automated fluid control minimizes overall setting time compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 ensures a secure seal and grip along the borehole, reducing the risk of leakage and maintaining a reliable wellbore isolation, even in challenging metallurgies.

Implementation Method 1

a sealing element mounted along an expandable base such that the sealing element may be radially expanded

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Implementation Method 2

A plurality of slips may be located on the actuator member such that linear movement of the actuator member causes successive movement of the packer sealing element and then the slips in the radially outward direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear movement:

Implementation Method 3

The packer may be constructed such that this sequential setting motion creates a jarring effect to ensure the slips securely bite into the surrounding wellbore surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJarring effect:

Data Source

PatentUS12286861B2Combined actuation of slips and packer sealing element

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A technique facilitates actuation of a packer to a sealing and gripping position along a borehole. The packer includes a packer element structure mounted about a center structure. The packer element structure includes a sealing element mounted along an expandable base such that the sealing element may be radially expanded. Additionally, the packer includes an actuator member connected to a portion of the packer element structure via a release mechanism, e.g. a shear member. A plurality of slips may be located on the actuator member such that linear movement of the actuator member causes successive movement of the packer sealing element and then the slips in the radially outward direction. The packer may be constructed such that this sequential setting motion creates a jarring effect to ensure the slips securely bite into the surrounding wellbore surface, e.g. casing surface.