Single Packer Fluid Collection with Expandable Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual packer configurations used for isolating wellbore regions are limited by mechanical stresses and restricted expansion ratios, which hinder the collection of formation fluids and impose constraints on drawdown pressure differentials.
Innovation Solution
A single packer system with a central expandable sealing element and inflatable bladder, allowing for larger expansion ratios and higher drawdown pressure differentials, while reducing stress on the packer tool mandrel, facilitates the collection of formation fluids through multiple windows or drains connected to separate flowlines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual packer configuration is used to isolate wellbore regions, then fluid collection capability is provided, but mechanical stresses increase and expansion ratio is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate packers into a single integrated packer structure that provides both isolation and fluid collection functions. The single packer includes an outer casing with an expandable sealing element that can isolate wellbore regions, while internal components (inner mandrel, flow tubes, collectors) enable fluid collection without requiring a second packer, thereby reducing mechanical stress while maintaining functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dual packer configuration is used to isolate wellbore regions, then fluid collection is enabled, but expansion ratio is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The single packer is segmented into functional zones: an outer casing for structural support, an expandable sealing element for isolation, and an internal collection system with flow tubes and collectors. This segmentation allows the sealing element to expand independently to achieve higher expansion ratios without being constrained by the mechanical limitations of a dual-packer configuration.
3Productivity
If drawdown pressure differential is increased in dual packer configuration, then fluid collection efficiency improves, but mechanical stress on packer tool mandrel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inner mandrel as an intermediary component between the outer casing and the fluid collection system. This inner mandrel structure distributes and supports the mechanical loads from drawdown pressure differentials, reducing the stress on the packer tool mandrel while maintaining the ability to apply high drawdown pressures for efficient fluid collection.
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 collection of formation fluids with larger expansion ratios and higher drawdown pressures, even in weak formations, by reducing mechanical stresses and supporting the formation effectively, allowing for focused sampling across multiple intervals.
Implementation Method 1
an inner, inflatable bladder selectively expandable by fluid delivered through an inner mandrel to form a seal across an expansion zone with a surrounding wellbore wall
Implementation Method 2
higher drawdown pressure differentials, while reducing stress on the packer tool mandrel, facilitates the collection of formation fluids through multiple windows or drains connected to separate flowlines
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer (26) having at least one drain (50) located within the single packer. The single packer is designed with an outer layer (40) that expands to create a seal with a surrounding wellbore wall. The drain is located in the outer layer between its axial ends for collecting formation fluid which is routed from the drain to an axial end of the outer layer via a fluid flow passage (54). Mechanical fittings (46) are mounted at the axial ends of the outer layer, and at least one of the mechanical fittings comprises one or more flow members (84) coupled to the flow passage to direct the collected fluid from the packer. The one or more flow members are designed to move in a manner that freely allows radial expansion and contraction of the outer layer.