Spring-Loaded Locking Sealing Mechanism for Borehole Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well drilling and production systems face challenges in securely deploying and sealing electric submersible pumping systems within boreholes, leading to inefficiencies in fluid extraction and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded locking sealing mechanism (SLLSM) is coupled with the pumping system, comprising an anchoring section and a sealing section, which is actuated into engagement with the borehole tubing to secure and seal the system, allowing for efficient fluid production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pumping system is deployed into a borehole without a locking sealing mechanism, then deployment is simpler, but fluid leakage and recirculation occur reducing production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The locking sealing mechanism is divided into distinct functional sections: an anchoring section with expandable anchors for securing to the borehole wall, and a sealing section with packing elements for preventing fluid leakage. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A running tool serves as an intermediary device that facilitates the deployment and actuation of the locking sealing mechanism. The running tool transmits actuation forces from the surface to set the anchors and sealing elements at depth, enabling reliable sealing without requiring complex direct surface control mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the pumping system is deployed without proper anchoring, then deployment time is reduced, but fluid recirculation and hydrostatic compression increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking sealing mechanism is pre-configured with spring-loaded anchors and sealing elements that automatically engage and seal when actuated during deployment. This preliminary preparation ensures that anchoring and sealing actions are performed quickly and reliably, minimizing deployment time while preventing fluid recirculation and maintaining high production efficiency.
3Reliability
If a spring-loaded locking sealing mechanism is used, then sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded anchors and sealing elements are designed to self-actuate upon deployment. The stored elastic energy in the springs automatically drives the anchoring and sealing actions without requiring continuous external control, thereby improving deployment reliability while limiting the need for complex control systems.
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 SLLSM ensures reliable deployment and sealing of the pumping system, preventing fluid recirculation and hydrostatic compression, thereby enhancing production efficiency and integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A locking and sealing mechanism, e.g. a spring-loaded locking sealing mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates deployment and operation of a pumping system, e.g. an electric submersible pumping system, in a borehole. A locking and sealing mechanism, e.g. a spring-loaded locking sealing mechanism, may be coupled with the pumping system and comprises an anchoring section along with a sealing section. The locking sealing mechanism may be constructed for deployment with the pumping system via a running tool. Once in position downhole, the anchoring section and the sealing section may be actuated into sealing engagement with the interior surface of a surrounding tubing. At this stage, production of a desired fluid may be accomplished by operating the pumping system.