Slip-on Hydraulic Packer Modular Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional annular packers for downhole tubulars are complex, expensive, and require a large inventory due to fixed lengths and configurations, leading to potential downtime when a specific packer is not available on site.
Innovation Solution
A slip-on hydraulic packer system with a piston selectively movable within a cylinder, utilizing a sealing element and biasing member, and retaining elements that can be connected to a tubular using snap rings or set screws, allowing for on-site assembly and hydraulic pressure activation to set the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional annular packers are manufactured with fixed length and configuration, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates requiring large inventory
Solution Approach 1:
The packer is divided into modular components including a body section, piston assembly, sealing element, and retention members that can be selectively assembled. This segmentation allows different combinations to be created for various applications without manufacturing entirely different packers, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The packer design incorporates universal features such as standardized threading, interchangeable retention members (snap rings, set screws), and adjustable piston assemblies that can accommodate different tubular sizes and applications. This multi-functionality allows a single base design to serve multiple purposes, reducing inventory needs while maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional packers use complex manufacturing processes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases leading to higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the packer into standardized modules (body, piston, sealing element, retention members), each component can be manufactured independently with controlled precision using simpler processes, then assembled. This reduces overall device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining dimensional accuracy through modular tolerancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs simple, easily manufactured retention members like snap rings and set screws that can be quickly produced and replaced if needed. These inexpensive components reduce the need for complex, expensive manufacturing processes while maintaining adequate precision for the application.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional packers require pre-manufacturing and inventory storage, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to ordering and manufacturing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are designed to be pre-assembled into complete packer units that can be stored in a compact, standardized format. This preliminary assembly of modular units eliminates the need for complex field manufacturing while maintaining precision, significantly reducing downtime compared to ordering custom packers.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal modular platform allows the same basic components to be configured for different applications, reducing the total inventory needed while ensuring the right packer can be quickly assembled or selected. This universality eliminates ordering delays for specialized packers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional packers require pup joints for spacing, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packer incorporates an adjustable piston assembly that can be positioned at different locations along the body section, providing dynamic spacing adjustment without requiring fixed pup joints. This dynamic positioning capability achieves spacing flexibility while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating separate joint components.
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 quick and cost-effective on-site assembly and deployment of annular seals, reducing inventory needs and minimizing downtime by allowing customization and rapid installation of seals in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
A predetermined hydraulic pressure moves the piston within the cylinder towards the stop member to compress the biasing member and set the sealing element
Implementation Method 2
a biasing member connected between a stop member and the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A slip-on hydraulic packer system and method. The packer system includes a tubular, a packer assembly that includes a piston moveable within a cylinder, a sealing element connected to the piston, and a biasing member connected between a stop member and the piston. Retaining elements selectively connect the packer system to an exterior surface of the tubular. A predetermined amount of hydraulic pressure may be applied to move the piston moving the sealing element from an unset position to a set position. The retaining elements may be snap rings and/or set screws that engage a profile on the tubular. Hydraulic pressure may be applied from an interior of the tubular through a port in the tubular or from an exterior of the tubular through a port in the cylinder. The predetermined amount of hydraulic pressure may shear an element or burst a member before moving the piston.