Swellable Packer Embedding Reinforcement for Universal Base Pipe
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swellable packer construction methods require multiple configurations for different base pipe requirements, increasing manufacturing, inventory, and distribution costs, and reducing convenience.
Innovation Solution
A swellable packer construction that embeds a reinforcement material within the seal material, allowing a single seal assembly to be used on various base pipe configurations, providing enhanced rigidity and ease of installation by swelling in response to well fluid contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple base pipe configurations are manufactured for different situations, then different tensile strengths and threaded connections are achieved, but manufacturing cost, inventory cost, and distribution cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal seal assembly that can be used with multiple different base pipe configurations. The seal assembly includes a swellable seal element with a reinforcement member that can accommodate various tensile strength requirements and threaded connections without requiring separate packer constructions for each configuration, thereby reducing manufacturing, inventory, and distribution costs while maintaining adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If swellable seal material is used without reinforcement, then the seal material can conform to irregular well surfaces, but the seal assembly lacks sufficient rigidity for installation on base pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines swellable seal material with a reinforcement member to create a composite seal assembly. The reinforcement member provides the necessary rigidity and structural support for installation on base pipe, while the swellable seal material maintains its ability to conform to irregular well surfaces. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between needing rigidity for installation and conformability for sealing.
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 approach eliminates the need for multiple packer configurations, reduces costs, and enhances sealing performance by providing a rigid and adaptable seal assembly suitable for various wellsite applications.
Implementation Method 1
The seal material is swellable in response to contact with well fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A swellable packer construction. A method of forming an annular barrier in a well includes the steps of: embedding a reinforcement material within a swellable seal material to form a seal assembly; and swelling the seal material by contacting the seal material with well fluid. A method of constructing a well packer includes the steps of: embedding a reinforcement material in a swellable seal material to form a seal assembly; and then installing the seal assembly on a base pipe. A swellable packer construction comprises a seal assembly including a swellable seal material having a reinforcement material embedded therein, the seal material being cylindrical shaped and disposed both external and internal relative to the reinforcement material, and the seal material being swellable in response to contact with well fluid.