Slip Insert Concave Surface for Downhole Tool Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional downhole tool slips with inserts fail to securely anchor tools within wellbores, leading to movement during operations due to inadequate engagement with the casing.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of slip inserts with a concave surface and an edge formed between intersecting two-dimensional planar surfaces, which are secured to the downhole tool's tapered surfaces, providing enhanced gripping action by increasing the contact area with the casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional inserts with planar surfaces are used, then the insert structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the gripping action is insufficient and the downhole tool moves during operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring performanceVSAvoidinsert structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is designed with a concave surface that is curved rather than planar. This concave surface engages with the casing wall more effectively, distributing the gripping force and preventing tool movement. The curved geometry allows the insert to conform to the casing interior, improving the securing performance while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If conventional inserts are pressed into the casing, then the insert engages the casing wall, but the contact area is insufficient and the tool can still move

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping actionVSAvoidcontact area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The concave surface of the insert provides a curved contact interface with the casing wall, increasing the effective contact area compared to planar inserts. This curved geometry allows for better distribution of contact forces and improved gripping action, preventing tool movement during operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If the insert edge impinges the casing, then the downhole tool is secured into position, but the securing performance is less than desired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring performanceVSAvoidgripping force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The concave surface geometry modifies the force distribution between the insert and casing. Instead of concentrated impingement at a sharp edge, the curved surface distributes the gripping force more effectively, increasing the overall securing performance and preventing tool movement during operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11193347B2Slip insert for tool retention
Publication Date: 2021.12.07 PETROQUIP ENERGY SERVICES LLC
  • US11193347B2 patent drawing
  • US11193347B2 patent drawing
  • US11193347B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A slip insert is provided. The slip insert may include a concave surface formed therein. An edge can be formed between a first two-dimensional planer surface and the concave surface. The slip insert may include an edge formed between an intersection of a first two-dimensional planer surface and a second two-dimensional planer surface extending form the concave surface.