Subsea Stripper Packer Wear Compensation via Sliding Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea wellsite operations face challenges in effectively sealing tubulars due to wear and pressure imbalances, which can lead to inefficient fluid containment and require frequent packer replacements.
Innovation Solution
A stripper packer assembly with an extendable housing, a sliding window, and a piston system that allows for selective movement and pressure balancing, enabling sealing and wear detection, and modular configuration for varying lengths and pressure equalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a packer is used to seal the tubular, then fluid containment is achieved, but wear occurs leading to sealing failure and requiring frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The packer incorporates a sliding window that can move axially within the housing to compensate for wear. As the packer wears over time, the sliding window automatically shifts position to maintain the sealing interface with the tubular, thereby extending service life while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes sensors that detect the position of the sliding window and provide feedback about wear conditions. This enables monitoring of packer condition and prediction of when replacement is needed, improving reliability through proactive maintenance
2Reliability
If pressure is applied to activate the packer, then sealing is achieved, but pressure imbalances occur causing operational inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The packer is divided into functional segments including the sliding window, piston, and sealing elements. This segmentation allows independent movement of the sliding window to balance pressure while the piston maintains the sealing force, resolving pressure imbalance issues
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding window acts as an intermediary element between the pressure source and the sealing interface. It moves to equalize pressure distribution across the sealing surfaces, preventing pressure imbalances that would otherwise reduce sealing effectiveness
3Reliability
If traditional packers are used, then sealing is provided, but frequent replacement is required increasing maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic sliding window mechanism automatically compensates for wear, allowing the packer to maintain sealing function throughout its service life without requiring frequent replacement. This extends operational intervals between maintenance activities
Solution Approach 2:
The packer is designed to self-adjust through the sliding window's automatic movement in response to wear and pressure conditions. This self-compensating mechanism reduces the frequency of maintenance interventions and improves operational efficiency
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 solution provides reliable sealing, detects wear, and allows for automatic adjustment and replacement of packers, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance needs in subsea operations.
Implementation Method 1
movable with the piston in response to pressure whereby the packer is sealable with the tubing
Implementation Method 2
The packer is positionable within the extendable housing and sealingly engageable with the tubular
Data Source
AI summary
A stripper packer for sealing a tubular of a wellsite is provided. The stripper packer includes an extendable housing, a packer, and a sliding window. The extendable housing has a passage therethrough to receive the tubular, and includes a piston operatively connectable between an upper and a lower portion of the extendable housing for selective movement therebetween. The packer is positionable within the extendable housing and sealingly engageable with the tubular. The sliding window is slidably positionable in the passage of the extendable housing and engageable with the packer. The sliding window is movable with the piston in response to pressure whereby the packer is sealable with the tubing.