High Pressure Swellable Packer With Backup Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole swellable packers face challenges in providing reliable and adjustable sealing in wellbores, as they often require specific fluid activation and can be prone to premature activation or interference with wellbore surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A packer design featuring a tubular mandrel with a swellable elastomeric body and a backup mechanism, where the elastomeric body is positioned partially around the mandrel and secured with end caps, allowing for adjustable sealing and activation by oil- or water-based fluids, and featuring a backup mechanism for metal-to-metal engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastomeric body is positioned to cover the entire outer surface of the backup mechanism, then sealing reliability is improved, but interference with wellbore surfaces and premature activation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric body is positioned to cover only specific portions of the backup mechanism's outer surface rather than the entire surface. This localized coverage provides sealing at critical interfaces while leaving other areas exposed to prevent interference with wellbore surfaces and reduce premature activation risk.
2Ease of manufacture
If the packer uses fixed activation fluid type, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different wellbore conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The packer is designed with elastomeric materials and structural features that can respond to multiple types of activation fluids (oil-based or water-based). The backup mechanism and elastomeric body configuration allow the same packer design to function effectively with different fluid types, providing universal applicability across various wellbore conditions without requiring manufacturing variants.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the elastomeric body is fully secured to the mandrel, then structural stability is improved, but operational flexibility and adjustable sealing decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The packer structure is divided into segmented components including the mandrel, elastomeric body, and backup mechanism that can interact independently. The elastomeric body is positioned between the mandrel and backup mechanism, allowing relative movement and expansion while maintaining overall structural stability. This segmentation enables adjustable sealing through the interaction of discrete components rather than requiring full rigid securing.
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 design enables reliable and adjustable sealing in wellbores, allowing for automatic activation based on fluid type and reducing interference with wellbore surfaces, enhancing zonal isolation and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
swellable elastomeric body... to seal the inside of the wellbore or a downhole tubular that rely on elastomers to expand and form an annular seal when immersed in certain wellbore fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A packer includes a tubular mandrel. The packer includes a first end cap, the first end cap coupled to the mandrel. The packer includes a backup mechanism coupled to the first end cap. The packer includes a swellable elastomeric body positioned about the mandrel abutting the first end cap. The swellable elastomeric body is positioned at least partially between the mandrel and the backup mechanism. The swellable elastomeric body is positioned to not cover the entire outer surface of the backup mechanism.