Swelling Elastomer Attachment for Wellbore String Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing wellbore string components, such as casing and liners, face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and cost-effectiveness, particularly in deviated wellbores, where traditional attachment methods like crimping, welding, and setscrews can compromise casing integrity and are not cost-effective for downhole use.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a swellable elastomer positioned between the wellbore string device and the liner tubular, which swells upon activation by an agent like water or hydrocarbons to securely attach devices like centralizers, wear bands, or torque rings to the tubular, ensuring secure positioning without compromising casing integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional attachment methods (crimping, welding, setscrews) are used to secure wellbore string devices, then the devices can be attached to the liner string, but the casing integrity is compromised and the methods are not cost-effective for downhole use
Solution Approach 1:
A swellable elastomer is introduced as an intermediary material between the wellbore string device and the liner string. This elastomer swells upon contact with activating agents (water, hydrocarbons, or drilling mud), creating an expanding mass that secures the device without requiring welding, crimping, or setscrews that would compromise casing integrity. The elastomer acts as a mediator that provides secure attachment while maintaining the structural integrity of the casing.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer undergoes a parameter change in volume when exposed to activating agents. The material transitions from a compressed or dry state to an expanded state, increasing its volume to securely engage the wellbore string device with the liner string. This parameter change enables the elastomer to provide sufficient holding force without compromising the casing, while the material can be easily applied and activated downhole where it is needed.
2Reliability
If devices are mounted onto the casing to act as bearing surfaces, then contact with the borehole wall is accommodated, but the devices must be cost-effective since they remain downhole and are not recovered
Solution Approach 1:
The swellable elastomer is designed as a disposable, non-recoverable component that is applied downhole and remains there to provide bearing surface functionality. Since the elastomer is inexpensive and can be easily applied without complex attachment mechanisms, it represents a cost-effective solution for downhole applications where the device cannot be recovered. The material provides sufficient functionality for its intended purpose while minimizing cost.
3Reliability
If the elastomer is activated to swell and engage the device to the tubular, then secure positioning is achieved, but the elastomer must maintain mechanical properties to withstand drilling forces and environments
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer's mechanical properties are optimized to change in response to activation. When the elastomer is activated by water, hydrocarbons, or drilling mud, it swells to provide secure positioning of the device. The material is formulated to develop sufficient mechanical strength and rigidity when swollen to withstand drilling forces and environmental stresses, while maintaining elasticity to accommodate the expansion process and continue providing secure engagement throughout the drilling operation.
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 method provides a cost-effective and structurally sound attachment of wellbore string devices, allowing for secure positioning and reduced wear, as the swellable elastomer expands to fill the gap between the device and the tubular, maintaining mechanical properties suitable for withstanding drilling forces and environments.
Implementation Method 1
the swelling elastomer being capable of swelling upon activation by an activating agent
Implementation Method 2
the swelling elastomer being activated to swell to engage the wellbore string device to the wellbore liner tubular
Data Source
AI summary
A method for securing a wellbore string device to a wellbore liner tubular employs a swelling elastomer to frictionally grip a gap between the wellbore string device and the liner tubular. The swelling elastomer is positioned between the wellbore string device and the wellbore liner tubular, then activated to cause it to swell to engage the wellbore string device with the wellbore liner tubular. The wellbore string device may be a centralizer, a wear band or a torque ring.