Slotted Roll-Out Ring for Wellbore Grip and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore sealing and gripping technologies, such as those using slips and elastomers or solid metal tubes, are unreliable due to potential material extrusion or mechanical integrity loss, limiting their ability to maintain a seal and grip in horizontal wellbores.
Innovation Solution
A roll-out apparatus with a load ring that expands by bending, featuring a slot system to grip and seal against the wellbore wall, utilizing an energizing ring to enlarge the outer circumference and create a secure engagement without stretching, and optionally incorporating textured surfaces or additional components for enhanced friction and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomers are used to grip and seal in the wellbore, then sealing capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to material extrusion and loss of sealing ability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the elastomer-based mechanical sealing system with a rolling mechanism that uses controlled deformation of a solid structure. Instead of relying on elastomer compression and friction, the invention uses a rolling element that deforms the wellbore wall or itself to create a mechanical interlock and seal, eliminating the reliability issues of elastomer extrusion and degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and deformation parameters of the sealing element. Rather than using elastomers that rely on elastic deformation, the patent employs a solid rolling element that undergoes controlled plastic or elastic deformation during the rolling process, transitioning from a compact state to an expanded state that creates gripping and sealing forces against the wellbore wall
2Reliability
If solid metal tubes are stretched to grip and seal, then gripping capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to loss of mechanical integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static stretched metal tube concept into a dynamic rolling mechanism. The rolling element progressively deforms the wellbore wall or itself through controlled rolling motion, creating gripping forces incrementally rather than through a single stretching action. This dynamic process allows for controlled deformation that maintains structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the solid metal tube into a rolling element with specific geometric features that enable progressive deformation. The rolling element may include slots, protrusions, or segmented structure that allows controlled deformation while maintaining overall structural integrity, distributing the stress throughout the element rather than concentrating it in a single stretched tube
3Reliability
If materials are stretched to expand the apparatus, then gripping and sealing capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to material degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the stretching mechanism with a rolling mechanism that uses controlled deformation through rotational motion. Instead of applying tensile forces that stretch and potentially degrade materials, the invention uses compressive and shear forces during rolling that are better suited to maintaining material structural stability while achieving the same gripping and sealing effects
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 roll-out apparatus provides reliable sealing and gripping in wellbores, allowing for effective fluid diversion and tool installation, with low leak rates and enhanced friction through materials like silicon carbide particles or composite structures.
Implementation Method 1
The load ring is enlarged by bending, to provide gripping and/or sealing to the inner surface of the subterranean well
Implementation Method 2
The outer surface of the load ring may include a textured surface configured to engage and grip the inner surface of the subterranean well
Data Source
AI summary
A roll-out apparatus, method, and system is disclosed for deployment in a subterranean well at a setting location. The roll-out apparatus, method, and system includes a load ring and an energizing ring. The load ring may include an outer surface having an outer circumference and a slot extending through the entire wall thickness that follows a circuitous path from a front face to a back face of the load ring. The energizing ring includes an outer surface configured to contact an inner surface of the load ring to enlarge the outer circumference of the load ring in a radial direction. This causes the outer surface of the load ring to seal to an inner surface of the subterranean well at the setting location.