Slip Wicker Segment Release Mechanism for Anchor Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor systems in the resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries often experience tensile failure and get stuck during retrieval, leading to inefficiencies and downtime due to the resistance from slips when trying to collapse away from the tubular structure.
Innovation Solution
A slip design featuring a wicker segment that transitions from an immovable to a movable condition upon tensile loading, allowing it to disengage from the radially outward structure by increasing space between the cap and the slip head, reducing resistance during retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional slips are used in anchor systems, then the anchor can be securely set in the tubular structure, but the slips experience tensile failure and resistance during retrieval causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The slip is divided into multiple independent segments including a head section, body section, and wicker segment. The wicker segment can be independently released from the head section, allowing the slip to collapse and detach from the tubular structure without tensile failure. This segmentation enables the anchor to be retrieved by pulling only the head section while the wicker segment freely detaches, eliminating the time loss associated with traditional slip failure.
2Reliability
If traditional slips are used in anchor systems, then the anchor can be securely set in the tubular structure, but the slips get stuck during retrieval due to resistance from the tubular structure
Solution Approach 1:
The slip design incorporates a dynamic release mechanism where the wicker segment transitions from a constrained state during setting to a free state during retrieval. The wicker segment is initially held in place by a retention mechanism that allows it to engage the tubular structure for secure setting. During retrieval, when tensile load is applied to the head section, the retention mechanism releases, allowing the wicker segment to move freely and collapse away from the tubular structure, eliminating sticking and making retrieval easy.
3Ease of operation
If the wicker segment is made movable during retrieval, then resistance during retrieval is reduced, but the segment must be securely retained during setting
Solution Approach 1:
A retention mechanism acts as an intermediary between the wicker segment and the head section. This mechanism includes a retention feature on the head section that engages with a corresponding feature on the wicker segment during setting, securely holding the segment in place. During retrieval, when tensile load is applied, the retention mechanism disengages, allowing the wicker segment to move freely. The intermediary mechanism provides a simple yet effective way to transition the wicker segment from a constrained to a free state without complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A slip includes a slip body made up of a slip tail, a slip mid-section, and a slip head. A wicker segment is receivable in a recess of the slip head, the segment having a first condition where the segment is immovable relative to the head and a second condition where the segment is movable relative to the head. A method for retrieving a tool having slips, includes loading the slip in tension, releasing a wicker segment of the slip, allowing the segment to move from a first condition to a second condition and disengaging the segment from a radially outward structure. A borehole system includes a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string in the borehole, and a slip having a releasable wicker segment disposed within or as a part of the string.