Stepped Mandrel Packer for Tight Annular Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compression packers struggle to achieve a proper seal in tight annular spaces between outer and inner casings in the oil and gas industry, due to the limited thickness of the packer element which prevents effective sealing.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a packer mandrel with a stepped outer surface and a setting sleeve with a stepped inner surface, allowing for a thicker packer element that can provide a competent seal, even in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional packer design with a single stepped down portion is used, then the tool can be deployed in standard casing, but the packer element thickness becomes insufficient to generate a proper seal in tight annular spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is divided into multiple stepped down portions with different outer diameters, creating distinct zones. The packer element is positioned on the reduced outer diameter portion while the setting sleeve operates on an intermediate outer diameter portion, allowing the packer element to achieve sufficient thickness for reliable sealing in tight annular spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an additional dimensional parameter by creating multiple stepped down portions at different diameters along the mandrel. This multi-dimensional configuration allows independent optimization of the packer element thickness and setting sleeve operation space, resolving the contradiction between seal reliability and available space
2Area of stationary object
If the packer element is made thinner to fit in tight annular spaces, then the tool can be deployed in narrow spaces, but the packer element cannot generate a competent seal
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is segmented into multiple zones with different diameters. The packer element is positioned on a reduced diameter portion, allowing it to maintain sufficient thickness for sealing while the overall tool profile remains compact enough for tight annular spaces
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the mandrel have different diameters tailored to specific functions. The reduced outer diameter portion provides localized space for the packer element to achieve adequate thickness, while other portions accommodate the setting sleeve and drive mechanism
3Reliability
If the mandrel outer diameter is reduced to allow thicker packer elements, then the packer element thickness increases for better sealing, but the setting sleeve cannot be properly deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is segmented into multiple stepped down portions. The setting sleeve is designed to operate on the intermediate outer diameter portion, while the packer element is positioned on the reduced outer diameter portion. This segmentation allows both components to be properly deployed without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses multiple dimensional levels (different diameters) to accommodate different components. The setting sleeve operates at one diameter level while the packer element is positioned at a reduced diameter level, allowing both to function properly simultaneously
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
This configuration enables the packer element to achieve a reliable seal by maintaining sufficient thickness, effectively addressing the challenge of sealing in narrow annular spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a compression packer
Data Source
AI summary
A packer for use in a well has a packer mandrel with a stepped outer surface defining first, second and third progressively smaller outer diameters. The third outer diameter is a reduced outer diameter portion. A setting sleeve with a stepped inner surface defining first and second inner diameters is engaged with and slidable on the second and third outer diameters on the outer surface of the packer mandrel. A packer element is disposed about the reduced outer diameter portion of the packer mandrel and the setting is sleeve movable from a first position to a second position on the packer mandrel.