Shearable Lock Mechanism for Storm Packer Anchor Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mechanically activated packers, such as storm packers, face issues with stuck lock segments that require time-consuming and costly milling operations to retrieve, posing risks and inefficiencies in offshore drilling operations.

Innovation Solution

A downhole tool with a lock ring featuring circumferentially-offset segments that separate under a radially-outward force, equipped with shear elements to decouple inner and outer lock segment portions upon application of a predetermined force, allowing for easy retrieval by shearing the segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If permanent or temporary reversible lock segments are used in mechanically activated packers, then the packer can be set and unset, but the lock segments may become stuck requiring milling and fishing equipment for retrieval

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveretrievabilityVSAvoidstuck lock segments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock ring is divided into multiple circumferentially-offset segments that can separate from one another under radially-outward force. This segmentation allows individual segments to be released and retrieved independently, preventing the entire lock mechanism from becoming stuck and requiring costly milling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shear elements are designed to be extractable through the segments, allowing retrieval tools to access and remove the lock segments from the wellbore. This extraction capability enables direct removal of stuck components without milling the entire packer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If lock segments are made to be retrievable, then retrieval is possible, but the mechanism becomes more complex with additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveretrievabilityVSAvoidlock ring structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shear elements are nested within the lock ring segments, extending radially through the segment walls. This nested configuration allows the shear elements to be integrated into the segment structure rather than adding separate external components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining retrievability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The segments combine multiple functions: they provide the locking engagement through internal threads, contain the shear elements for controlled release, and serve as the retrieval target. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed in the lock mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of repair

If milling is used to retrieve stuck packers, then retrieval is achieved, but it is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacker retrievalVSAvoidretrieval time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shear elements are pre-positioned within the lock ring segments at predetermined locations. Before any retrieval operation, the path for tool access and segment removal is already established, eliminating the need for time-consuming milling operations to create access paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shear elements are designed as sacrificial components that can be sheared off to release the segments. Rather than attempting to undo complex threaded connections under stuck conditions, the design allows for simple shear-off release, significantly reducing retrieval time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 efficient and cost-effective retrieval of stuck packers by decoupling segments without the need for milling, reducing downtime and operational risks.

Implementation Method 1

The shear elements are configured to shear in response to a predetermined force to decouple the inner lock segment portion from the outer lock segment portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Data Source

PatentUS12460494B2Shearable lock mechanism for storm packer anchor

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 FRANKS INT

AI summary

A downhole tool includes an inner mandrel including external threads. The downhole tool also includes a lock ring positioned around the inner mandrel. The lock ring includes a plurality of segments that are circumferentially-offset from one another. Each segment includes an inner lock segment portion including internal threads that are configured to engage the external threads of the inner mandrel. Each segment also includes an outer lock segment portion that is positioned radially-outward from the inner lock segment portion. Each segment also includes a plurality of shear elements extending at least partially radially-through the inner lock segment portion and the outer lock segment portion to couple the inner lock segment portion and the outer lock segment portion together. The shear elements are configured to shear in response to a predetermined force to decouple the inner lock segment portion from the outer lock segment portion.