Stripper Packer Coupling Assembly Torque Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stripper packers in well drilling equipment wear out quickly due to frequent movement and high pressures, leading to seal failure and the need for frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A stripper packer coupling assembly with a capture mechanism that provides a reliable, selectively detachable connection between the packer and drilling head equipment, using coupling protrusions and a capture mechanism to form a seal and reduce torque loading on the seal element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stripper packer is frequently moved and subjected to high pressures during drilling operations, then effective sealing is achieved, but the seal element wears out quickly and fails
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into separate components: a coupling member with capture protrusions and a capture mechanism with capture members. This segmentation allows the seal element to be independently replaced from the coupling assembly, extending the service life of the seal while maintaining reliable sealing during operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture members are designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the coupling assembly to dynamically adapt to operational conditions. This dynamic capability enables easy maintenance and replacement of wear-prone components while maintaining effective sealing under high pressure and frequent movement.
2Reliability
If a stripper packer is frequently replaced due to wear, then sealing performance is maintained, but maintenance time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is segmented from the coupling assembly, allowing it to be replaced independently. This modular design enables quick maintenance by replacing only the worn seal element rather than the entire assembly, reducing maintenance time while maintaining sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The design facilitates easy discarding of the worn seal element and recovery/reuse of the coupling assembly. The capture mechanism allows the coupling members to be quickly detached and reused, while only the consumable seal element is replaced, minimizing maintenance time and material waste.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a stripper packer is subjected to frequent upward and downward movement of tubulars, then operational flexibility is achieved, but wear and torque loading on the seal element increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coupling assembly into separate coupling members and capture mechanisms, the design isolates the seal element from the high-torque loading conditions. The seal element can move freely with the tubulars while the coupling assembly absorbs the torque loads, protecting the seal from excessive wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members and capture mechanisms act as intermediaries between the seal element and the external tubular movement. This intermediary structure allows operational flexibility through free movement of the seal while mediating the torque loads away from the seal element, reducing wear and extending service life.
Data Source
AI summary
A stripper packer coupling assembly can include a packer operable to receive a tubular therethrough and form a seal about the tubular. The packer can comprise a plurality of coupling protrusions, each having a coupling head defining a first capture interface. Additionally, the stripper packer coupling assembly can include a capture mechanism. The capture mechanism can comprise a guide member having a plurality of guide openings, each operable to receive one of the plurality of coupling heads therein. The capture mechanism can also comprise a plurality of capture members, each defining a second capture interface. Capture members can be operably coupled to one another such that they are simultaneously movable relative to the guide member and the coupling protrusions between a capture position and a release position. In the release position, the capture members can facilitate passage of the coupling heads through the guide openings. In the capture position, the first and second capture interface surfaces engage to mechanically interfere with passage of the coupling heads through the guide openings.