Single Packer Sealing Layer for Wellbore Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packer systems for isolating wellbore regions often require dual packers, which are more complex and prone to failure, whereas a single packer capable of larger expansion ratios and higher drawdown pressures is needed for efficient fluid collection, especially in weak formations.
Innovation Solution
A single packer system with expansion rings and an irregular sealing layer, featuring an outer flexible skin made of elastic material, allows for larger expansion ratios and higher drawdown pressures, reducing stress on the mandrel and enabling focused sampling through separate drains and flow lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dual packer system is used to isolate wellbore regions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate packers into a single packer system. The single packer includes an expandable element with a sealing layer that can isolate multiple wellbore regions simultaneously, eliminating the need for dual packer systems while maintaining isolation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing layer is divided into multiple discrete sealing elements arranged along the expandable element. Each sealing element can independently contact the wellbore wall to create seals at different locations, enabling a single packer to perform the isolation function of multiple packers.
2Device complexity
If a single packer is used to isolate wellbore regions, then device complexity is reduced, but expansion ratio and drawdown pressure capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing layer transitions from a two-dimensional surface to a three-dimensional structure with radial and axial extensions. The discrete sealing elements can expand radially outward to contact the wellbore wall and extend axially to cover multiple regions, significantly increasing the effective sealing area and pressure capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The packer system combines multiple materials with complementary properties: the expandable element provides structural support and expansion capability, while the elastomeric sealing layer provides flexible sealing contact. This composite structure enables the single packer to achieve both high expansion ratios and pressure resistance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sealing layer is uniformly-surface and cylindrical, then manufacturing is simplified, but fluid performance and sampling efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing layer transitions from uniform quality to non-uniform local quality with discrete sealing elements positioned at specific locations. Each sealing element is optimized for its local function of contacting the wellbore wall and preventing fluid leakage, while gaps between elements allow for targeted fluid sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous sealing layer is segmented into discrete sealing elements spaced along the expandable element. This segmentation creates localized sealing zones that improve fluid performance by preventing leakage at specific points while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction.
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 single packer system facilitates efficient fluid collection with larger expansion ratios and higher drawdown pressures, reducing stress on the mandrel and enabling effective sampling in weak formations, while maintaining a simplified structure for various well environments.
Implementation Method 1
an outer flexible skin made of elastic material, allows for larger expansion ratios
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and/or a method collects formation fluids using a single packer with expansion rings and/or an irregular sealing layer. The packer may have an expansion ring extending around an outer circumference. The expansion ring may seal a portion of a wellbore to sample fluid from a formation. An irregular sealing layer may facilitate leaking between drains of the packer. The irregular sealing layer may have grooves through which fluid may flow. The irregular sealing layer may be composed of fibers and/or plastic.